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Home , Badarayana, Bhaga, Chyavana, Electional astrology, Garga (sage), Halayudha

Research Paper

Volume : 3 | Issue : 4 | AprilAstrology 2014 • ISSN No 2277 - 8179 KEYWORDS : Indian , , Origin and Development of Jyotisha Sastra Pitamaha, , Vasishta, , Par- asara, Kasyapa, , , Mareechi, Manu, Angeerasa

Sundarjee Reserch Scholar-Astrology, Dept. & Astrovedic Studies, PRIST University,Thanjavur,Tamilnadu 613403.

ABSTRACT There are in the heavens several bodies which appear to shed their light directly on this Earth; and also some others which, having no light of themselves, serve to reflect that of the Soorya , and thereby become visible to our organs of sight. The former are termed Sthira (Fixed ), because they appear to retain the same situation or to be fixed in the same place; but the later, being observed to wander, are termed . The number and distance of the stars are so extensive. In this article the origin and development of Indian astrology and the names of famous astronomers, sages and insighters of our great Indian astrologers as well as their work for the development of astrology is given.

Introduction Lunar months. In Taittireeya , the 6 seasons are de- scribed. The details of planets as gods, solar and lunar eclipses are available in .

of ancient spiritual teachers regarding the facts of life. Hindu philosophers,Vedic Astrology sages, reflects went theinto understandinggreat intricacies and to explain experience God. - - tary factors and the environment, but also by the state of our ence of a Divine Being. The Supreme Intelligence takes care of Astrologysolar system sees at mankindthe moment as being of birth. not The only planets influenced are regarded by heredi as everyThey explainindividual that and world puts is him evolving under under those thecircumstances benevolent which influ basic life-forces, the tools we live by as well as the basis of our very substance. These planetary forces take on different forms, the individual. Vedic Astrology believes in the spiritual nature of depending on their zodiacal position and on the way they relate man,are best and suited guides for him his in growth. realizing This his gives true faith self. and confidence to to one another. The aspects formed between the planets de- scribe these relationships, the positions of the planets in rela- It helps him realize that each is learning his lessons, which tion to the place of birth tell us of their expression in the spheres he can only learn under those circumstances. Thus, he comes to of life depicted by the astrological houses. By interpreting the know that astrological prediction comes true because the soul roles of these planets and their qualities (the elements, signs is guided by Higher Beings, planets and the belief that, never and houses) and creating a synthesis, astrology is able to pre- go wrong. sent a complete and comprehensive picture of the person and his potential, based on the natal . The oldest available book on Astrology is ‘Rigjyothisha’, written by Lagadha. In this book, there are 5 types of described, There are in the heavens several bodies which appear to shed along with the ruling deities. The two Ayanas (parts) of the their light directly on this Earth; and also some others which, are also mentioned, along with their starting stars. Precision of are explained. And the 27 stars are also given in this , and thereby become visible to our organs of sight. The former book. arehaving termed no light Sthira of themselves,Nakshatra (Fixed serve Stars),to reflect because that of they the appearSoorya There are 18 pioneers in Astrology, who contributed to its de- the later, being observed to wander, are termed Planets. The velopment. They are: 1. Surya, 2. Pitamaha, 3. Vyasa, Vasishta, numberto retain andthe samedistance situation of the orstars to beare fixed so extensive. in the same In thisplace; chap but- 5. Atri, 6. Parasara, 7. Kasyapa, 8. Narada, 9. Garga, 10. Mareechi, ter we study the origin and development of Indian and world as- 11.Manu, 12.Angeerasa, 13.Lomasa, 1 Poulisa, 15., trology. This chapter also dealt with the famous astronomers of 16.Yavana, 17. , and 18. Saunaka. Each of the above sages world and sages and insighters of our great Indian astrologers has one Siddhantha to each name to their credit. as well as their work for the development of astrology.

1. Indian Astrology is the outer wheel from where the radiation from differ-

Astrology links the planets and stars with gods. Gods are repre- sentativesent celestial of bodies certain is types received, of energies. filtered The and entire sent to Zodiac Earth. chart Indian is divided into 12 signs, starting from , , , Can- cer, , , , , , , , and . There are 4 things to be done in a human life: Dhar- Jyotisha from India is the most time-tested and oldest system of ma (righteous path), (wealth), Kaama (Desire), and Mok- Astrology in the world. The Sanskrit word “Jyotisha” (ja-yo- - teesh) means “science of light.” In Western countries, it is called sented by the 12 houses of the Zodiac. The hidden meaning is: Vedic Astrology, which refers to Indian or . The sha (Unification of soul with God). These are one by one repre origin of Jyotisha is from the , the scriptures of . his desires. At the same time he must be desirous of reaching A man should follow righteous path to achieve wealth and fulfill that come to us from the greater universe. The potentiality to achieve this is represented step wise by the Jyotisha is the science of understanding the subtle influences Zodiac.God, and find ways to finally become one with the super soul. Vedas are the oldest literature and compendium of multitude of Knowledge. The traces back to Vedic times, 2.Indian Astrologers lakhs of years ago from now. Astrology can be divided broadly In India, Astrology was taught in Guru kula system where the as (Calculation part) and Phalita Bhaga (Pre- master spoke directly to the students. While this system had dictive part). In Rigveda, the year is divided into 12 months, the many advantages, one main drawback was that information was special 13th month called extra month correlates the Solar and rarely recorded. The Master taught the secrets of Astrology only to the best students. Some of the important knowledge was lost

IJSR - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH 23 Research Paper foreverVolume as : 3 it | cameIssue : down4 | April from 2014 Master • ISSN Noto the2277 student. - 8179 Ganita Skandha deals with Gola and Ganita. Skandha deals with horoscopy, Praśna, Muhurta and a part of Nimitta. Sage Garga, Viddha Garga, Asite, Aryabhatta the math- Skandha deals elaborately with Nimitta. Samhita also deals with the ematical genius, Sage Brighu the author of Brighu Sutram, varying fortunes of the people, changes in weather and progress of Brihaspati(Guru), Badarayana, , Kashyappa, Manu, the animal kingdom. It sketches also the nature and shape of mete- Manitha, Maharshi Parasara, Satyacharya, , Bat- ors, shooting stars and all the wonderful natural phenomena.” (Pras- totpala, the commentator on Brihat Jataka, Prithyuyasa son of namarga 1.5-8.) Varahamihira, Vaidyanatha Dikshitar the author of Jataka Pari- jata, the author of Uttarakalamrita, Mahadeva the au- 4 The six Angas of Vedic Astrology thor of Jataka Tatwa, and many others contributed to this vast body of knowledge.

Maharshi , Sage Patañjali, Sage Paanini , Katyayana, Aryabatta , Varahamihira, Bhaskara, , Shridhara, Virase- na, Jayadeva, , , II, , The six Angas of Vedic Astrology are the following: Bhaskara (1114-1185), , Mahadeva and Kalidasa were given many authentic treatise for the development of Indian 1. Ganita: Mathematical calculations connected with the astrology. movement and positions of the planets within the Zodiac. 2. Gola: Spherical , resulting from the spherical 3.Origin and description of Indian Astrology shape of the planets and their movements around their axes and orbits. 3. Jataka: Radical Astrology, or analysis of the birth chart, which includes all the general rules of horoscope reading.

time and place of putting a question before the astrologer. 5. Praśna: Muhurta: Query Analysis Astrology of favourable or analysis and of unfavourable charts erected moments for the to begin any activity. 6. Nimitta: Reading of omens, bodily signs, behavior or humans, animals and natural phenomena.

Harihara also mentions that Vedic Astrology can be divided into bphs 1.3 Paramamsa and Phala. Astronomical calculations come under “Once upon a time, offering his obeisance’s to all knowing sage (proof) as they deal basically with asrophysical char- Parasara and with folded hands, Maitreya asked him: O vener- acteristics of the planets. This is still important for a Jyotisha, able, Astrology, the supreme limb of the Vedas, has three divi- because these calculations will lie in the foundation of the as- sions, viz. Hora, Ganita and Samhita. Even amongst the said trological interpretations. The astronomical interpretations three divisions, Hora is still far excellent. I desire to know of its themselves come under Phala (fruits) as they actually delineate glorious aspects from you. Kindly relate them to me.” the fruits of the native’s , or activities performed in his previous lifetime. These are the introductory slokas of the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, the great classic of Vedic Astrology authored by Mahari- 5. Difference between Indian Vedic Astrology and Western shi Parasara. The Shisya (student) of the Maharishi, Mitreya ri- Astrology:- shi describes Jyotisha or Vedic Astrology as eye as the supreme Vedic and share a common heritage of 12 limb of the Vedas. Originally there is one Veda, which is said to Zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, , Leo, Virgo, Libra, have emanated from the breath of Lord Mahavishnu, and was Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces), and sev- later divided into four branches by Maharshi Vedavyasa for en planets (Surya, , , Sukra, Kuja, Guru and Sani), easier comprehension. The four branches are the Rik, Sama, which they describe in a similar manner. Vedic Astrology also Yajush and Atharva Vedas, which contain the hyms or mantras considers Chandra’s North and South nodes prominently. They are called Rahu and Kethu. The outer planets Uranus, Neptune The auxiliary knowledge necessary for the proper performance and Pluto are not part of classical Vedic Astrology. But Vedic and ofrecited the Vedic by the rituals four priests is given preforming in the six acorollaries Yajña (vedic of thesacrifice). Vedas Western Astrology differ in several ways. The Vedic system is called . They are mentioned by Parijata Harihara in his more complicated, with many different types of charts and cal- as follows: culations to consider but very easy to understand.

“The Vedas have six limbs, viz. Jyotisha, , , Siksha, and Chanda. For the Vedas, the six important limbs, points are calculated with reference to a person’s, or events, viz. the feet, the face, the hands, the eyes, the nose, and the ears birthIn Jyotisha, data. Based the positions on this information of the planets the andVedic other astrologer significant cal- are represented by Chanda, Vyakarana, Kalpa, Jyotisha, Siksha culates about 100 charts and tables. It is the job of the Vedic and Nirukta respectively. As Astrology is the eye of the Vedas, it astrologer to study them simultaneously and derive useful in- is given the pride of place. No person possessing all the organs formation based on the rules of interpretation created by an- intact but without eyesight can have individuality.” (Prasnamar- cient sages. Both systems use the same twelve houses and inter- ga.10-12.) pret them similarly (though with variations). The Vedic system makes the the same beginning of the , while Western Therefore, although Astrology is a subordinate part of Vedic Astrology makes the cusp the middle of the house. This causes knowledge, it still ocuppies a very preeminent position, because half the planetary positions in the Vedic chart to move forward with its help one can foresee the results of his actions. Maitreya to the next house relative to the Western chart. also mentions the three branches of Astrology, namely Hora, Ganita and Samhita, which are also elaborated upon by Harihara Vedic Astrology uses an additional 27-fold division of the Zo- as follows: diac called Nakshatra (constellations). Personality traits are read more through the birth (Nakshatra of Chandra ) than “Ancient astrological science is divided into three Skandhas or by Surya’s sign. Nakshatra positions of planets are examined in six Vedangas. The three Skandhas are Ganita, Samhita and Hora. the birth chart as well. The use of Nakshatra is very important - in Vedic Astrology, much more than with Zodiac signs. Vedic dangas, viz. Jataka, Gola, Nimitta, Prasna, Muhurta and Ganita. Astrology uses a system of planetary periods called Dasa, The Sages have classified the great science of Astrology into six Ve 24 IJSR - INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH Research Paper

Major Period of various planets. Most important is Vimshottari MuhurtarnavaVolume : 3 | Issue : 4 | April 2014 • ISSN No 2277 - 8179 Dasa, a 120-year-long cycle of planetary positions based on the Muhurta Bhaskara birth Nakshatra, stars. With the help of this Dasa, The major MuhurtaChintamani Period system a Vedic astrologer can predict future events ac- curately. However, Western Astrology does not have the Dasa MuhurtaChudamani system, with predictive capabilities as Vedic Astrology does. Muhurta Darpaanam Muhurta Deepakam and relationship issues like marriage compatibility, timing of There are five main uses of Vedic Astrology: 1. - family Muhurta Deepika business and investments; 3. - determination of career Muhurta Ganpati andchildren vocation; and domestic -happiness; guidance in 2. the Artha spiritual - help life with and finances, cosmic Muhurta Kalpadrum and self-knowledge; and 5. Arogya - physical and mental health. Muhurta Maala But these moral values do not have any importance in Western Astrology. Muhurta Manjari Muhurta Martanda 6.List of Indian Astrological classics/ Treatises on Nativity Muhurta Muktaavali Skanda Hora or Jyotishmati (God ) Muhurta Prakash Brihat Prajapatya ( ) Muhurta Padavi Vasishta Hora (Sage Vasishta) Muhurta Saagar Garga Hora (Sage Garga) Kousika Hora (Sage Viswamitra) Muhurta Sangraha Sounaka Hora (Sage Sounaka) Muhurta Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram (Sage Parasara) Muhurta Tattvapradeep Jaimini Sutram (Sage Jaimini) Muhurtaarnava Brigu Sutram (Sage Brigu) Muktaavali Jyotish (Lagadha) Narpatijacharyaaswarodaya Yavaneswara Hora or Yavanajataka( Sage Yavaneswara) Sphujudwaja Hora (King Sphujidwaja) Naaradeeya MeenarajaHora or Vridha Yavana Hora (King Meenaraja) Nibandha Chudamani Saravali (Kalyana Verma) Poorva Kaalamrit Brihat Jatakam (Varahamihira) Rajmartanda Phala deepika (Mantreswara) Ratana Koosham Hora Saram ( Yasas) (Venkatesa Daivajna) Ratanmaala Hora Ratna (Acharya Balabhadra) Sakujaaaram Jataka Parijatam (Vaidyanatha Deekshita) Swarodayam Chamatkara Chintamani (Bhatta Narayana) Vaivaha Pradeepam Hora (Sage Kasyapa) Vivaha Kautuhalam Poorva Kalamritam (Ganaka Kalidasa) Uttara Kalamritam (Ganaka Kalidasa) Vivaha Patalam Suka Nadi (Sage Suka) Vivaha Pradeepam Keralam or Chandra Kala Nadi (Achyuta) Vivaha Saaram Tajaka Neelakanthi (Neelakantha) Vivaha Vrindavanam Prasna Margam (Panakkattu Sankaran Nambootiri) Vyvahaarochchyam Daivajna (Varahamihira) Yatra Vyavaharsaaram 7. Treatises on Indian Electional/Muhurtha Astrology Adbhuta Sagaara 8. List of Indian Astrologic : treatises on mundane, portents, omens, meteorology etc. Brihannarada BrahKuja hi Samhita Brihatdaivygyaranjan Brihaspati Samhita Brihatjyotisaara Brihat Samhita Daivygyamanoranjana Parasara Samhita Daivygyamanohar Grantha Garga Samhita Ganaka Mandana Rishiputra Samhita Giana Manjari Guru Samhita Hindu Kashyapa Samhita Jaganmohana Grantha Lomasha Samhita Jyotiprakasha Maanava Samhita Jyotirnibandha Naagarjuna Samhita Jyotisha Ratana Narada Samhita Jyotishsaara Shakalya Samhita Jyotisha Chintamani Samaasa Samhita Samhita Pradeepa Jyotirvidabharnama Samhita Sidhhanta Kaala Khanda Samhita Kaal Nirnaya Deepika Surya Samhita Kaal Prakashika Vaikhaanasa Samhita Madhaveeyam VasistaSamhita

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9.ListVolume of : 3 Indian| Issue : 4 Astrologic| April 2014 • SiddhanthasISSN No 2277 - 8179: treatises on mundane, portents, omens, meteorology etc. Name of the Siddhantha Author Ancient Surya Sidhata () Brahma Sidhanta (God Brahma) Lomasa Sidhanta (Sage Lomasa) Poulisa Sidhanta (Sage Poulisa) Pitamaha Sidhanta (God Brahma) Vasishta Sidhata (Sage Vasishta) Vridha Vasishta Sidhanta (Sage Vridha Vasishta) Garga Sidhanta (Sage Garga) Parasara Sidhanta (Sage Parasara) Pancha Sidhantika (Varaha Mihira) Modern Surya Sidhanta (Aryabhata II)

Conclusion: The knowledge of history and origin is essential for understanding of any subject. Here we saw the Indian astrol- ogy and its development in this short article.

REFERENCE An Introduction to Astrology by Zadkiel, www.Wikipedia.org, History of world Astrology by Nick Campion, History of Astrology by Derak Parker,. Kudumbajotidam by Lifco

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