Review Article International Ayurvedic Medical Journal ISSN:2320 5091

ASTROLOGICAL ASPECTS IN AYURVEDA Dr. Rashmi Tiwari1 Dr. Nitesh Gupta2 1MD (Ayu.), Associate professor, Dept of Agadtantra Government Ayurveda College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India 2MD (Ayu.) Associate professor, Dept of Kriya Sharir, Shri Gulabkubarba Ayurveda College Gujarat Ayurveda University, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India ABSTRACT Both Ayurveda, the science of life and Jyotish Shastra, the science of correlation of heavenly bodied with the human existence, are ancient Indian Sciences. They are known as Vedic sciences, which have developed and recorded in the most ancient scriptures of Indian tradition. Owing to this factor alone, both these sciences are greatly intertwined with each other, and often one of them corroborates or even supplements the other. In fact the correla- tion is found to a much subtler extent in the Indian cosmic science that it is today popular all worlds by its name, Yoga. Just as yoga strives to achieve oneness between the internal consti- tution of a person with the natures that surrounds it, both Ayurveda and Astrology strives to equate humans with the factors that surround them. For this reason, several Ay- urvedicvaidhyas have looked upon astrology as a supplement to their prescriptions, and sev- eral astrologists have tried to rectify planetary maladies with the help of Ayurveda. Keywords: Ayurveda, astrology

INTRODUCTION The evolution and development of When Ayurvedic texts were being utilitarian science was based on the deep composed, disease was regarded as an evil human desire for a solution to his somatic visitation, which prevented the individual and psychic hurdles. From time to time from attaining self realization. To free new fields were invented to get rid of such someone from disease was to enable that hurdles. Ayurveda and astrology are such person to follow a truly spiritual path, lib- two branches of ancient Indian science erated from constraints of the physical which were developed in a view to help body. A body afflicted by disease resulted people to solve their various issues related in a spirit tied down by worldly concerns to health and life. Ayurveda shares a & unable to soar. Only those who enjoyed unique relation with this science of stars. both good physical & mental health could And in good olden days when Ayurveda attain enlightenment. was the only healing system, the eminent Astrology can be defined as the vaidyaswere also good astrologers. Also, science of correlations of astronomical the two sciences share various similarities facts with terrestrial events, and demon- as both have their roots in the ancient strates the Vedic understanding of the uni- Vedictradition [1]. versal interconnections and interdepend-

How to cite this URL: Dr. Rashmi Tiwari Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Astrological Aspects In Ayurveda. International Ayurvedic medical Journal {online} 2016 {cited 2016 July} Available from: http://www.iamj.in/posts/images/upload/314_3148.pdf Dr. Rashmi Tiwari Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Astrological Aspects In Ayurveda ence of all phenomenons, that microcosm proper understanding of the scriptures. It and macrocosm are but reflections of one has cognizing influence of the truth of life another. Just as mathematics is the orga- and self knowledge. It acts as a mirror to nizing principle of science when dealing an individual without which one may not with inanimate matter, so also astrology is know how to approach life most effec- the organizing principle which deals with tively. It is also called the ‘Science of life and its significance in relation to all Time’. Time is the source power that rules living bodies the planets are seen as reflec- the universe. All things originate through tors or transmitters of light and solar en- the procession of time. Hence, Vedic as- ergy. The solar and planetary rays, like trology constitutes the science that maps radio waves, affect biological and psycho- the structure of time. Astrology is consid- logical processes. The rays of influence are ered divine knowledge that is pure, su- unseen vibrations that are not perceptible preme, secret and exalted. to the physical eye. As the saying goes ‘Rome was not built in The field of Astrology a day’, the science of astrology did not Astrology is an ancient school of thought evolve in a single day. Over 10,000 years that believes in a correlation of movement ago the ancient sages, in their super con- of celestial bodies with events on earth. It scious state, cognized that there is energy is considered to be a divine knowledge of in the planets, and they sent out different nature which consists of study of positions rays at different angles which bear influ- of stars and the movements of the planets ence on everything , animate and in ani- which govern all the events of the world. mate on other planets. Through their sensi- The Sanskrit term for astrology is tized intuition and repeated observations Jyotishasashtra. The word ‘Jyotish’ liter- these highly evolved souls were able to ally means the knowledge of light. The find out the different characteristics in derivation of this word from its syllables is borne in the planets and also discovered also interesting to know. The different syl- that each rules a distinctive part of the hu- lables of the word Jyotish stand for the fol- man mind or body. It was also found that lowing [2]:- particular groups of stars known asnaksha- Ja +Ya – water or birth tras or constellations have different char- O – and ,Ta – earth or stars., Ish – knowl- acteristics, and that modulate the influence edgeable of planets. According to astrology, the Hence, the entire word could sum up as primordial bodies – the Sun and the Moon knowledge of water and birth in relation to – existed long before humans evolved. stars or earth. In other way, it means the Hence they are the best witnesses to each influence of light over all the things and and every change that occurred on the occurrences on the earth. In Indian scrip- earth. The physical sciences only deal with tures, Jyotishasashtra is one of the six dis- contemporaneous changes, but ciplines required for the proper under- Jyotishasashtra is a rich science that goes standing of Vedas, which are known as much into the past to make its studies Vedangas. Vedic astrology is a branch of more relevant. Vedas which is called as the ‘eye of the Medical Astrology Vedas’. Thus it can be seen how astrology Medical astrology is one of the main has been given a prime position along with branches of astrology and is a very impor- the other disciplines in order to get a tant pillar of Ayurveda. It includes reme- 3144 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 10; October- 2016 Dr. Rashmi Tiwari Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Astrological Aspects In Ayurveda dial measures for harmonizing planetary The underlying principle in Ayurveda influences on both body and mind; it is the is the conviction that all human ailments most practical science as well. It includes and sufferings are caused principally by the entire astrology of healing. It is not the malevolent influences of planets, their only helpful for ordinary diseases but also astral positions and transitions. If mars, has means for diagnosis and treatment of Saturn and moon are not well placed in the diseases, which are not curable by the birth chart, the person has to suffer serious usual medical methods. It gives us a better and chronic ailments in his life. Saturn is picture and methodology for dealing with associated with the winter season and often diseases that come from internal causes. inflicts serious problems on the senior citi- Astrology has been used for medical pur- zens. Ketu, the dragon’s tail or south lunar poses since the time of the Chaldean priest node creates a variety of maladies in old physicians of 2000-1000 BC and was used age. by those who founded and inspired our Very interestingly, ancient modern society of today. Hippocrates Indian Ayurveda suggests and recommends (460-377 BC), considered to be the father a sound knowledge of astrology for under- of modern medicine and the source of the standing maladies and their cure. Ayurveda Hippocratic oath all medical doctors underscores the fact that diseases can ef- pledge themselves to, was an accom- fectively be cured by neutralizing the in- plished astrologer[2]. He has been quoted fluence of malicious planets on human life. as saying that a physician without the Astrologically, the twelve zo- knowledge of astrology had better call diac signs (raasis), each representing a himself a fool rather than a physician. And human part, have a tremendous influence Nicholas Culpepper, the famous herbalist on our mind and body and play a vital role who laid the foundations for herbal medi- in causing human ailments. The following cine stated that treatment without the use chart shows which zodiac sign represent of astrology is like ‘a lamp without oil’. which part of human body. Table no:1. Zodiac sign and its corresponding body parts [3]. Sl no. Zodiac sign (raasi) Bodily correspondence

1 Aries (Mesha) Head 2 Taurus (Rishabha) Neck, throat and face 3 Gemini (Mithun) Upper arms and chest 4 Cancer (Karkataka) Elbows and heart 5 Leo (Simha) Belly 6 Virgo (Kanya) Hand and waist 7 Libra (Tula) Urinary organs 8 Scorpio (Vrischika) Sexual organs 9 Sagittarius (Dhanus) Thighs 10 Capricorn (Makara) Knees 11 Aquarius (Kumbha) Legs, ankles etc 12 Pisces (Meena) Toes and feet The planets and constellations that are part planets and the doshas they primarily of Vedic astrology also embody the quali- manifest [4]: ties of the doshas. Here is a listing of the VATA 3145 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 10; October- 2016 Dr. Rashmi Tiwari Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Astrological Aspects In Ayurveda Element: air effort). What is done during the past life is Signs : Gemini, Virgo, Libra, Capricorn, known as daiva where the effect is pre de- Aquarius termined and what is done during the ex- Planets: Mercury, Saturn, Venus (secon- isting life is known as purushakara, where dary), Rahu the effect is based upon the human effort. PITTA Predetermined span of life represent the Element: fire strength or weakness of the actions of the Signs : Aries, Leo, Sagittarius, Scorpio past as well as the present life. Even Planets : Mars, the Sun, Jupiter (secon- though the actions of the previous life are dary), Ketu. no more present in the existing life, still KAPHA their effects manifest themselves in this Element: earth and water life and the nature of these effects deter- Signs : Taurus, Cancer, Pisces mines the actual span. A weak daiva (ac- Planets: Moon, Venus (primary), Jupiter tions of the previous life) get subdued by a (primary), Saturn (secondary) strong purushkara (action during the pre- Astrologers say that there are two forces, sent life) and vice versa. The daiva may be daiva and purushakara[5], i.e. fate and in- conducive to long life. But if it is weak dividual energy. The individual energy can and the individual resorts to unwholesome modify and even frustrate fate. Moreover, diets etc. strong enough to cause his death, the stars often indicate several fate possi- the latter dominates the result and the indi- bilities, for example, one may die in mid vidual dies. When in spite of suitable age, but sometimes through determination treatment one dies, then the conclusion one can overcome that and can live to a drawn is that his death was pre determined predictable old age. Thus astrology does by daiva. That is why it is said that the ef- not say that events must and should hap- fects of good and bad actions last for thou- pen, but it gives the benefice and malefic sands of years. The time of manifestation tendencies which can be directed or modi- of the effects of such action is however fied through conscious effort. The horo- conditioned by the availability of the con- scope shows man’s character and tem- genial atmosphere. One more important perament. Though it may show that he belief of jyotishasashtra is that the human could become a criminal, it does not mean being not an isolated entity; but he has the he is fated to become so. What it means is links to both the past and the future. In that he is just the sort of person, who will short, jyotishasashtra believes very have criminal tendencies, but they can be strongly in karma theory and in punar- checked by proper care and training. Addi- janma, i.e. reincarnation. Whatever human tionally, if emotional and financial chal- being achieves in his present life is the re- lenges are indicated in any particular year, sult of the deeds of previous birth(s)[5]. one can certainly meet the crisis better if Ayurveda also accepts punarjanma- one knows that it might occur. siddhanta. Many examples have been cited Carakacharya[6] also describes about daiva in this context. A new born child sucks and purushakara in the context of describ- without any previous training. This is due ing about the span of life. The rationality to the knowledge attained in purvajanma. of life span of individuals depends upon Again in the nidana of kushta and switra, the strength or otherwise of both the daiva it is clearly stated that it may be due to the (pre determined) and purushakara (human bad deeds of the person, if not in this life, 3146 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 10; October- 2016 Dr. Rashmi Tiwari Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Astrological Aspects In Ayurveda in poorvajanma. And in such conditions when a particular activity has to be started daivavyapasrayachikitsa is opted for.[7] and such time related information. Exact Also in this ancient science Pushy- calculation and knowledge of the facts and anahshatra[6] is selected for collecting figure through horoscope can help physi- herbs, preparation of medicines or even cian not only in dealing with the patients’ administration of medicines. In the proce- present aliments but also future diseases. dures mentioned for pumsavana karma, Synergetic correlation of Ayurveda and nasya with the decoction of laksha- Astrology give a unique combination for manamoola is advised to do on the Pushy- absolute solution for each and every prob- anakshatra. The mention of baalagra- lem of life. Both Ayurveda and Astrology harogas and bhootonmada suggests the have established a way of life in India belief in astrology.As far as astrology and since time immemorial. Highly advanced modern science is concerned, the conven- knowledge related to Astrology on medi- tional medical experts have always looked cine is preserved in Indian Holy scriptures upon jyotishasashtra as a baseless and er- and transmitted from generation to genera- ratic of science; they have not even ac- tion. Although both Astrology and medi- corded jyotishasashtra to be called as a cine were developed as a part of religion in science. Just as medical science deals with ancient India, astrological principles re- diseases and their treatments, astrology lated to prevention, health care and relief also investigates a correlation of heavenly from illness were applied as rituals (reli- bodies with the diseases afflicting people. gious ceremonies). An astrologer gives Therefore astrology cannot be made light guidance for taking medicines at suitable of and denounced as a mere superstition. time for the best remedy of ailments. Even Dr Kallman of the psychiatric institute of the medicinal herbs were collected and New York has stated that,’ Every being used at appropriate times for their efficacy. has a clock set at the moment of his/her Astrology and Ayurveda are inseparable in birth which predetermines illnesses and human life. accidents’[8]. Though this kind of state- In today’s perspective, there is a need to ments might seem quite fanciful and diffi- establish a scientific background for these cult to digest, a careful understanding of two ancient sciences of India so that their what jyotishasashtra implies would lead to principles can be adopted by modern soci- a much clearer perspective. ety without any doubts. CONCLUSION REFERENCES The astounding knowledge of the ancient 1. Agnives C.R., Dr.Unnikrishnan P. Dr., Indian stages of the influence of the stars George M.J. Dr. (Editors) - (2002), on the human life and activities, both be- Toxicology, Ayurvedic Perspective, 1st nign and malignant, has proved beyond edition, Published by Dept. of doubt that joys and sorrows, infirmity and Agadatantra, Vaidyaratnam P.S. Varier good health, good fortune and misfortune Ayurveda College, Kottakkal are all guided and influenced by the plan- 2. http://Ayurveda4all.weebly.com/astrolo ets and their positions. Astrology does tell gy--Ayurveda.html many more things than just the positions of 3. Menon Manjusha, (2008) “An Analyti- the celestial bodies at the time of person’s cal study on Mortality in snake bite birth. It also tells at what time what medi- with reference to Damshasthana, De- cine must be taken to have the best effects, sha, Vara, Tithi, Nakshatra and Pak- 3147 www.iamj.in IAMJ: Volume 4; Issue 10; October- 2016 Dr. Rashmi Tiwari Dr. Nitesh Gupta: Astrological Aspects In Ayurveda sha”Department of AgadatantraVaid- yaratnam. P.S.Varier Ayurveda Col- lege,Kottakkal, Kerala. 4. http://www.dirah.org/Ayurveda.htm 5. VarahamihiraBrihatJatak by Prof. P.S. Sastri e-book vedic books.net 6. Caraka (2003), Caraka Samhita Vol I, By R.K Sharma, Bhagavan Dash-2nd Edition, Choukhambha Sanskrit Series Office, Varanasi. 7. Sushruta (2005) Susruthasamhita with English translation of text &dalhana’s commentary-Vol III, 3rd Edition, ChaukhambhaVisvabharati, Oriental Publishers and Distributors. 8. Das Tapan (2009) Why Astrology is Science: Five Good Reasons, iUni- verse publication NewYork p67

CORRESPONDING AUTHOR Dr. Rashmi Tiwari MD (Ayu.), Associate professor, Dept of Agadtantra Government Ayurveda College, Vadodara, Gujarat, India Email: [email protected]

Source of Support: Nil Conflict of Interest: None Declared

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