Sometimes, again, the names of the five Hindu deities already mentioned will be
found similarly arranged, in which case they appear to refer to the divisions of
the day, described above under the name of Katika Lima. Besides this class of
magic squares, however, there are other kinds which present irregularities, and
are not so easily explainable. Some of these violate the fundamental rule of the
magic square, which insists that each square shall have an equal number of small
squares running each way, and that this number shall be an odd one.
Others exhibit the right number of small squares (3 × 3 or 5 × 5 or 7 × 7), but
instead of a subdivision into sub-groups, have merely an arrangement of
alternative emblems, such as a bud and a full-blown flower, or the like.
An analysis of the squares whose figures are given in the illustrations shows that
the order of the colours, deities, and planets is by no means always the same.
Thus, in the matter of the order of the five colours, we have:—
In Plate 26, Fig. 1,
1–5 brown (? red).
6–10 yellow.
11–15white.
16–20black.
21–25white.
and in another figure,
1–5 white.
6–10 black (red is substituted by mistake in No. 9).
11–15red.
16–20blue (17 is made black by mistake).
21–25yellow.And in the matter of the order of the Five Deities we find:—
In Plate 26, Fig. 1, and in another figure,
1–5 Brahma (Brahma). 1–5 Bĕsri (S’ri).
6–10 Bisnu (Vishnu). 6–10 Kala.
11– Maswara (Maheswara). 11– Maswara