123 DIVISION OF TIME.

6. The Natives of Malayala have adopted the astronomical system of the Brahmins with regard to the measurement of time; but as this is taught in their Sanscrit Books, and written in the Malayalim character, specimens of which will be given here, the Student is referred to that source for full information on this interesting but complicated subject. It will be sufficient for ordinary purposes to confine these observations to a general explanation of the native method of dividing time, and of their astronomical and astrological terms; an acquaintance with which, will be found of great assistance to any one wishing to make himself acceptable to the people, or who may be desirous of becoming thoroughly acquainted with their language and customs.
മാസെനസ്യാദഹൊരാത്രഃപൈത്രൊവൎഷെണദൈവതഃദിവ്യൈൎവൎഷസഹസ്രൈൎദ്വാദശഭിൎദ്ദൈവതംയുഗം.ദൈവെയുഗസഹസ്രെദ്വെബ്രാഹ്മഃകല്പൌതുതൌനൃണാം.
The following is a translation of these Sanscrit lines:—
ഒരു മാസം കൊണ്ട പിതൃക്കൾക്ക ഒരു പകലും രാവും ഭവിക്കും.
One month makes a day and night of the spirits of departed men.
ഒരു വൎഷം കൊണ്ട ദെവകൾക്ക ഒരു പകലും രാവും.
A year makes a day and night of the gods.
ദെവകളുടെ പന്തീരായിരം സംവത്സരം കൊണ്ട ഒരു ദൈവയുഗം
12,000 years of the gods, make an age of the gods.
ദൈവയുഗം രണ്ടായിരം കൊണ്ട ബ്രഹ്മമാകുന്ന പകലും രാവും അവ തന്നെ മനുഷ്യൎക്ക രണ്ട കല്പങ്ങളാകുന്നു.
2,000 ages of the gods, make a day and night of Bramum, these are two Culpas of men.