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Gunaakar's disciple was Kaalakaachaarya (599-527 BC - 72 yrs)
Kaalakaachaarya (599-527 BC = 72 yrs) disciple was Kumaaril Bhatt (557-493 BC = 64 yrs)

Gunaakar, the author of "Horaa Makarand", was a Jain sage, and Kaalakaachaarya was his student. Kaalakaachaarya is the one who caused the spread of Ramal System of astrology. Their period is believed to be the 1st century BC. If so, then how can Gunaakar imitate Varaah Mihir? Because Varaah Mihir is supposed to be in Vikramaaditya's period - 6th century AD. Either Mihir's period was before 1st century BC or Gunakar and Kaalakaachaaryaa might have lived after 6th century.

The following is the ending section of "Horaa Makarand" which speaks about his tradition, village, father, and Horaa Makarand. This helps us to locate that period of Gunaakar is 11th century AD. This is the translation of the last 4 Shlok of Horaa Makarand (by courtesy of Sreenadh, Sep 19, 2012, in JR Group)   ----

1. --"In the town of Kharjura, which is the only Tilakak (forehead ornament) of Avantee, Shree Naaraayan was born in the Gotra of Kaundinya, in a house which is a playground of virtues. That excellent Braahman was very fond of learning and he took the Shraut Vidhi (Yagya and all) in Kali Yug to the same height where it was in Krit Yug."
2. --"From him, who is like an ocean containing gems of pure virtues, like a Moon was born the Ganak Shree Shreepati. The rays of whose (knowledge) are drunk day and night by men with intelligent minds, who are like Chakor, using their ears as beaks."
3. --"After Shree Brahmgupt, Aaryabhatt, Ulpal, Varaah and Lalla, ascended to heaven, then (he) seeing (the goddess of) speech being without any support (of texts), composed a text, which is like an abode for (the goddess of) speech (or composed a text named Vaanee Vilaas - Vasa)."
4. --"Seeing the three worlds brightly light by the moon-rays of its fame, the astounded men devoted to (learning), who are like female Chakor birds devoted to moonlight, drink its nectar. By his son, Gunaakar, a Ganak, who is like a Moon, has been composed this Jaatak named "Horaa Makarand", for the happiness of Jyotirvid (knower of astrology)."
--"Whatever has not been mentioned here out of lack of knowledge or whatever has been said wrongly out of less intelligence, the learned men themselves strive to make it devoid of defects."
(The second half of the Shlok is erroneous and is unintelligible)

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