Escolar Documentos
Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
Indian Astrology
(A collection of astrological articles)
By Sreenath OG
(email: sreesog@yahoo.com)
A few words
Table of Contents
Part - 1
1. Base of Astrolgy ..................................................................03
2. Outline of Holistic subjects .................................................07
3. Arsha School of Astrology ..................................................09
4. Jain School of Astrology .....................................................14
5. Yavana School of Astrology ................................................17
6. Astrology in Kularnava Tantra ............................................20
7. Tantric Astrology and Dattatreya Mahatantra ......................25
Part - 2
11. Sign and House are the same ............................................37
12. Divisions such as Trimsamsa ............................................39
13. Year Length ......................................................................42
14. Origin of the word Jyotisha ..............................................44
15. Astrology in Epic period ...................................................45
16. Nakshatra Chakra .............................................................46
17. A Secret Exposed .............................................................48
18. Bhava nasa karo Jeeva? ...................................................53
19. How to predict with Navamsa .........................................56
20. Vasya Signs .....................................................................59
21. Marriage Compatibility .....................................................62
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
Part -I
Base of Astrology
Vedic astrology is a subject originated in Vedas. It is a branch
of knowledge, ancient as Vedas. Astrology is composed of 3
Skandhas (main branches), such as Sidhantha (Astronomy and
Maths), Samhitha (Omens) and Hora (Horoscope-Horary and
Muhoortha).
Astrology was also called Kalavidhana Sastha (Ancient advice about Time and its divisions). To determine the nature of time
(past-present and future), to find out how the flow of time impacts
humans and other animals and plants, and their life containing
pleasures and pains, is the aim of this branch of knowledge. It is
the root purpose of Astrology.
Time is the cause for everything that is good and bad (pleasure
or pain) in life. Time is the cause of all movements. Even thought
is a time bound (It is also a movement). Even thought cannot break
away form the boundaries caused by time, your past present and
experience. To predict the happenings (incidents) of life, we should
study time. But we cannot see, touch, or hear time, but can know
and comprehend it with our mind and analyze it. This is possible
only because we can observe movements. It is by watching movements that the concept of time originates in our mind. The movements on Earth (The flying of birds, fall of withered leaves, the
flowering of plants etc), the sunrise and sunset, the waxing and
waning of moon, if you watch in detail (even the subtleties in
cosmic movements) the movements of planets - every thing shows
us the existence of time. Time is the cause of movements. It is the
cause for the movement of Earth, Moon and Planets. It is the cause
for life and death of plants, animals, and humans, it is the cause of
all our worldly conditions - birth, marriage, accident, disease, death,
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
All these classifications are there or not - the time will prevail.
Existing always there - beyond... Yes, all the classifications are
wrong. But human brain cannot live without them. That is why it
is said that every branch of study is nothing but attempts to comprehend the incomprehensible and complete world with fragmented classifications.
In a fragmented mirror the reflected world would also be fragmented. It is the fundamental limitation of human brain or mind.
That is why it is said, the eternal truth is realized only in a mindless state. The Vedic verse that says, where the mind turns back
with the unreachable words (etho vacha nivarthanthe aprapya
manasa saha) - that is truth also points in this direction. Due to all
this we cannot but accept the fundamental error of trying to comprehend the non-fragmented existence (world), with the fragmented
mind. Cant we at least avoid the second error, i.e. trying to limit
astrology into some predefined boxes such as science or art? Cant
we avoid such arguments as whether astrology is art or science?
Try to comprehend astrology in its true theoretical foundation. View
science as science and art as art, dont mix-up all. Like humanity
is a quality of man neither limited by class-creed-color-religioncast etc, astrology cannot be limited within the classifications such
as science or art.
When I see the efforts of people to classify astrology into predefined moulds such as science or art, I am just feeling compassionate, because even these classifications are unscientific and nonsystematic. A relevant doubt is, how to classify all the subjects
under human study. The thought process of human mind can be
broadly classified into two - 1) Analytical 2) Wholistic. The astrologer refers to this duality using the words ooha-apoha,
mathematicians uses the words Differentiation -Integration, and
others uses the technical term Analytical approach-Wholistic approach. What ever be the terms used they point to the fundamental
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
difference in the thinking approach. These are two different thinking methods. Most of the braches of knowledge we have today is
the product of one of these approaches.
Science is the product of analytical approach. We used to say
that science tries to study everything by dividing it into smaller
and smaller parts. Science has its own method (based on analytical approach) called Scientific method. Data collection, concept
formation, analysis, verification are part of it. A theory is the final
output. These theories may later herald as the true mirrors or knowledge (laws), or based on new data input refined or discarded. Thus
science is a continuous search for truth. Starting from small laws
that controls our daily life, unstopping it searches for a single law
that comprehends everything and describes the whole world. Some
theories that are refined further and further become stronger rationally and experimentally, and heralded as laws, that becomes the
foundation of science and promotes further study. Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology etc are all branches of science. Maths even
though does not follow the scientific method, has a systematic
foundation and is a product of analytical approach. Fact to generalization is the prime motto of analytical approach. But wholistic
study method is an entirely different one.
The wholistic approach also had given raise to many branches
of knowledge. Let us start from the most common example - i.e.
Psychology. Psychology says that all the mental diseases (which
may have even physical symptoms) are caused by unhealthiness
of mind. In other words Psychology finds its foundation in the
concept called Mind. If we knew all about the processes in brain,
nervous system, and the chemical reactions in brain and body this
concept of mind will not be necessary. We feel the Mind because
of the combined and coordinated function of all these. Even though
we cannot find Mind by subdividing the body in to its minutest
parts (i.e. by physical analysis) nobody will say that psychology is
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
a useless subject. By using the classifications such as conscious subconscious -unconscious, id-ego-superego (or the Indian classical division chitt-budhi-ahankara), we believe that psychology
leads us towards truth. All the branches of knowledge that originates from wholistic method use one or more non-provable concepts as its foundation, which are accepted based on their usefulness. Psychology is no exception to that. The ancient Indians used
the word Sasthra (ancient advice) to indicate such branches of
study. Psychology that speaks about Mind, Ayurveda that speaks
about Tridosha (Vatha, Pitha and Kapha), Homeopathy and
Naturopath that speaks about Vital force, Astrology that speaks
about Planets and Signs (Rasis) all are the product of wholistic
approach. In this sense subjects such as Psychology, Ayurveda,
Homeopathy, Naturopathy, Astrology etc does not come under
the broad classification called Science. Still we know that nobody
will dare to say that Psychology, Ayurveda etc are useless. In the
view of ancient people sasthras leads us to truth, they helps us to
comprehend truth more clearly, they helps us to know truth that
are useful for our existence. Astrology that depends on wholistic
approach is no exception to this. In this study method called
wholistic approach, firstly to cover all our ignorance about the
details of something and to help the further study, some basic concepts are formulated. This hypothetical foundation becomes a
springboard for further study. Here also psychology can be taken
as a suitable example. When we know 100% about the processes
and behavior of brain and body, when we understands which
chemical reactions leads to each thought and emotion, when we
could clearly state how and where memory is encoded (with its
minutest details), when we attain the ability to control all these
using chemical and physical mechanisms (machine driven or otherwise) we could discard the concept of mind and psychology.
Till then psychology will exist, no matter how ever the scientists
express their reaction to it. Similarly when we understands how
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
the rhythm of time impacts the living organisms and their life incidents (100% i.e. to its minutest details) astrology will also be discarded. Till then whatever opposing arguments originate, this
branch of knowledge will prevail.
Even those who accept that Psychology Ayurveda Homeopathy etc are wholistic methods, tend to reject astrology. Why? They
ask - How can you say that astrology is based on a fundamental
concept like Mind, Tridosha or Vital force used by other branches
of wholistic approach? Can you consider Sun Moon and Planets
as concepts? Signs (Rasis) such as Aries, Taurus are the divisions
of sky - how can they be concepts? All who sincerely study the
ancient Vedic astrology knows the answers to such questions. I
will explain.
Think that we collect the common characteristics or life incidents of children born, when the sun is in some particular sign.
Instead of considering these characteristics as that of time, they
are projected to sun. Sun is considered the significator of all such
characteristics. Later when the sun in the same sign, if a child is
born, we predict that, that child will have those predefined (precollected) characteristics. It is a sort of give and take policy. The
technique of projecting the characteristics those are not of sun to
sun, and later taking them back from sun. Here the sun becomes
not the sun that we see with our naked eyes. Sun becomes a concept. This sun is the god Siva, father, gold, soul, courage, success,
light, king, govt. service, light, forest, peak, hill... and so many
other things. Sun is man, middle-aged, bald, and the significator
of diseases due to heat. All these ideas are formed thus. Not only
the Sun, Moon and the Planets becomes concepts in this way.
What ever is called significators in astrology, they are all concepts
(Hypothetical constructs to mould the truth). Yes, in astrology Planets, Houses and Signs are called significators. Therefore Signs,
Houses and Planets are the basic concepts used in wholistic study
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
method called astrology. Apart from this some other basic concepts that are used by Vedic culture such as Panchabootha (EarthWater-Fire-Air-Sky), Triguna (Sathwa-Rajas-Thamas) etc are also
well utilized in astrology.
Of the two approaches such as Analytical approach and
Wholistic approach, Astrology and Ayurveda is closer to wholistic
approach. As these two methods (Analytical and Wholistic) are
fundamental to the thought process itself, why should they compete each other? Why should the branches of study that are part of
wholistic approach try fruitlessly to become part of science (a product of analytical approach)? Even physics should resort to the use
of concepts such as stress, strain, force, time etc. Ayurveda cannot
stand away from the fact that the use of its methods should cure
the patient. The world we see is composed of both facts and concepts (matter and mind). Because of all this, the analytical approach
that takes facts as the starting point and the wholistic approach
that takes concepts at the starting point should ultimately meet and
help each other to the ultimate fulfillment of human knowledge.
They are like yin and yang, the opposing counter parts of one and
the same thing. As both of them are the foundation of thought
process itself - one defeating the other is impossible.
Dont think that even this classification such as Analytical and
Wholistic is complete. Dont ever think that you can bring all the
subjects under the sun into this classification. As I told earlier, all
the classifications are nothing but the creations of human mind.
The truth would remain outside all classifications. In this case also
it is true. (Just think of bringing subjects such as art and history
into this classification. You will see what I mean!!) A Vedic astrologer should be ready to approach astrology with such realizations, because astrology is part of a wholistic approach to study
the rhythm of time and make probabilistic predications.
Hope I have succeeded in conveying the idea that I had.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
planets)
In Vastu Sastra
Purusha = Vastu Purusha (Built space + Energy)
Prakriti = Vastu (3 dimensional space including as land and
environment)
In Ayurveda
3) Rules
The Rules can be divided into two Laws and Principles. Well
tested, well founded, unchangeable rules with a mathematical precession are termed Laws. And the flexible and simple rules that
are used to describe, modify, expand and apply the Laws can be
termed principles. Laws are nothing but, well accepted principles.
Let us understand them in the light of astrology.
The universe around us ( for the people living in earth) is spherical in shape. We can use the ecliptic to represent the circular horizontal plane in it and the celestial poles represents the other two
directions up and below that sphere. But this spherical representation causes problems, since it is difficult to project the 8 directions
correctly in it, and it is difficult to draw. Therefore in astrology the
spherical circular shape of the zodiac is represented as a square.
Yes, as you know it is the Rasi chakra (The Zodiac), as popularly
known to us, starting from the first point of Aries and Aswini stellar division. (Reasons for fixing this point as the first point and
dividing the ecliptic into 30 deg and 13 deg 20 min divisions etc is
the stuff for another discussion, involving lot of mathematics.
Chandrahari has done it in an excellent way in his book Hindu
Zodiac)
Other similar/fundamental concepts in astrology are : (ii) Kala
Purusha (iii) Prakriti-Purusha (iv) Signs (v)Planets (vi) Houses
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
(i) Laws
Rituals that is associated with implementation etc. For example(i) Rituals (Actions) associated with Prasna such as determination
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
of Arudha.(ii) Rituals associated with worshiping of the signs, planets etc.(iii) Remedial rituals associated with etc
In this short essay I have tried to categorize the content dealt
with in any holistic subject taking astrology as an example. Yes,
the categorization of subject matter into- Philosophy, Concepts,
Rules, Rituals is important in any holistic subject. This fundamental classification should be considered, and any subject should be
weighed against this, so as to ascertain whether it is holistic or not.
If it is a holistic subject, then it will fit into this categorization and
also will not obey the path of scientific method
Any comments on this regard are welcome. I also request others to weigh other subjects such as Yoga, Vastu, Naturopathy, Psychology, Ayurveda etc as per these structural norms.
nator of this system when the text itself tries to emphasis the importance of Vedic (Nigama) knowledge as well? In the whole of
Vedic literature or in the epics we can not see the Rasi chakra but
only the Nakshatra chakra. In the whole of Vedic literature we can
see only the Tropical solar and lunar months, but not the Sidereal
Solar months like Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus) etc. The Vedic
(Nigama) system of astrology was fully based on Tropical Months
and (fixed) Sidereal Nakshatra system. But the Tantric (Agama)
system of astrology was fully based on (fixed) Sidereal Solar
Months and (fixed) Sidereal Nakshatra system. The Tantrics used
the fixed framework of Rasi + Nakshatra to study the sky. For
them the point 120 deg away from fiducial star Moola (Mahakala,
the path of pritr Yana) was very important since it represented the
point where the 7 planet conjunction occurred (Meshadi). Ra-Si
chakra was their symbolic Yogic body of Kalapurusha. The
Kalatantra the Tantrics cherished was a result of a mix of Yogic
experience and the Mahakala who himself is the universe - the
rhythm of universe becoming one with that of human body. The
Suras (Vedic followers) and Asuras (Tantrics) fought for long! Over
theoretical issues, importance of Yaga and Yoga, Tropical and Sidereal Calendar systems, importance of Nakshatra and Rasi, No
temples or Temples, Architecture methods that should be followed
and many more. A merge of the two was the only possible outcome of this struggle, which eventually happened, even after the
strong opposition from puritans. As far as astrology is concerned
there emerged a uniting stream of thought, that merged the concepts of both (Agama and Nigama) and that was Arsha (Sanatana)
School of astrology. It was an adaptation of Tantric knowledge by
Vedic followers rather than the Tantric adopting the Vedic stream.
In this struggle many great Tantric gurus and there concepts were
left out to mention some, Bhrigu, Agastya, Ravana, Nandi, Kaka
Bhusunda and the like. But their knowledge too survived to an
extend as we would see later when we try to have and underAll rights reserved Sreenadh OG
10
11
are available today but not Maya Hora. Chandra Hari is deriving
the concept of True Ayanamsa and the mathematical foundation
of Rasi-Nakshatra division based on this text (Surya Sidhanta)
only. If this text was not available, it would have been an impossibility to judge the true mathematical foundations of Rasi chakra
and the astronomical concepts and methods cherished by the ancient scholars and Rishis. It is erroneously considered by many
that Maya is an astronomer of Yavana Kula and the student of
Yavaneswara. But as evident from classics, Maya is a student
of Surya Kula and the student of the great guru Surya Deva.
But still there is a possibility that he may have some connection
outside India, judged from the fact that he was called Yavana by
some. He was a follower of Asura (Tantric) tradition and not Vedic.
Remember that he was well known as Asura Silpi (Architect of
Asuras) It may be this non-Vedic foundation of the knowledge
cherished by Maya that might have caused the trouble, of misjudging him as Yavana by later day scholers.
Atri
This is a very good and large text, many slokas of which are
available even today. The available slokas from this text helps us
very much in rebuilding the literary history of ancient Indian astrology especially of the Arsha (Sanatana) school of astrology.
This is a text written as advised to Sounaka Rishi by Soma
(Mo). Here one thing we should remember is that in that era no
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
12
Brihaspati
13
more.
Bhattolpala
14
15
This essentially means that by the time of Garga many astrological texts existed, probably closely related to Rishi names. The
Rishi kulas were like universities, were every enlightened new
master would be known by the name of the originator of the kula.
It is similar to the Sankaracharya tradition of today where every
new person coming in charge would be termed Sankaracharya.
Similar was the case with all Rishi kulas like, Garga, Vasishta,
Kousika, Atri, Chyevana, Agastya, Parasara etc. The head guru
was like the chancellor of the university, and his designation was
the name of the originator of the Kula. We should remember this
fact while learning the knowledge taught by Rishi Paramparas.
Otherwise we may confuse many individuals who held the same
designation as one and the same person. (For e.g. Parasara Kula
was another such tradition)
Garga wrote books on all the 3 branches of astrology, namely,
Sidhanta, Samhita and Hora. That means the 3 popular texts written by Rishi Garga are Garga Sidhanta, Garga Hora and Garga
Samhita. Many slokas from Garga hora and Garga Samhita is available but not anything from Garga Sidhanta. In Hridyapadha, Brihat
Samhita etc we could see many quotes form Garga Hora and
Garga Samhita. There are many more ancient texts that quote from
these age old texts by Garga Rishi. All the texts written by Garga
Rishi are in Sanskrit language. Garga Samhita is said to be available even today in some manuscript libraries. The language of this
text (Garga Samhita) is a mix of Prakrit and Sanskrit.
Astrology texts not only by Garga, but Gargi and Gargya are
also available. These names either indicate other acharyas of Garga
Kula, or the son of Garaga, and the sons son of Garga. Many
texts which ascribe their authorship to Garga, Gargi and Gargya
are available (e.g. Garga Jataka) but it seems that we can not be
sure about the authenticity of these texts.
Garga Rishi was also known as Jainarshi (Jain Rishi), indiAll rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
16
17
Durga dev who wrote astrological texts like Ardha Kand and
Rishta Samuchaya, Mallishena who wrote Aya sadbhava, Ballala
sena who wrote the Samhita text called Adbhuta sagar etc are
the followers of Jain school of astrology. Actually this list is very
long and you can have a list of it from the text Bharateeya Joytish
by Nemichandra Sastri. The text Adbhuta Sagar demands special mention, because this text is a collection of slokas by great
ancient acharyas such as, Garga, Vridha Garga, Mihira, Parasara,
Devala, Vasanta raja, Kasyapa, Yevaneswara, Mayoora chitra,
Rishiputra, Brahma gupta, Maha balabhadra, Poulisa, Surya (Surya
sidhanta), Vishnu Chandra and the like. It contains more than 4000
slokas. Existence of texts like this also means that the whole astrological knowledge taught by the Rishis is not yet totally lost, and
if someone is willing to selectively collect Rishi slokas from such
texts, and present it before all in a systematic manner, the original
stream of ancient Indian astrology can be restored. One thing I
should mention here is that, there were many astrologers who followed the Jain religion. But it may not be necessary that all of
them were the followers of Jain school of astrology. This truth
also should be kept in mind while trying to study the astrological
system of thought taught by the Jain school of astrology. The ancient language Prakrit is a vast store house of ancient astrological
knowledge and ancient Rishi hora slokas. It is another treasure
house where too we should concentrate our search upon.
Ref: 1) Bharateeya Jyotish by Nemichandra Sastri
2) Bharateeya Jyotisha Sastretihas by Acharya Lokamani
Dahal
This article is very long by now itself and therefore I conclude.
Hope this might have stirred your interest in Jain school of astrology, and would provide clues and guidance for further study.
Someone in ancient past brought some new knowledge of astrology to India. It was even before the period of Parasara (1400
BC), and this great scholar gets mentioned by Parasara, Narada,
Kasyapa and many more. He must have been an astonishing store
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
18
19
took this concept, and applied maths to it! The result was 1800
Nabhasa yogas, out of which hundreds of them were astronomical impossibilities!! Here we see the type of interaction and the
reason for respect or disrespect.
In the Arsha system of Parasara started mixing the concepts
of Yavana, and many of his new concepts as well. Due to this he
was also not considered as a true follower of Arsha stream, and
was even called Yavana at times, even though he was not Yavana.
What ever that be, Parasara is also honored among the 18 great
gurus of Astrology. We should remember that, Yavana, Romaka,
Poulisa, Lomasa & Parasara schools may not be part of the true
(Arsha/Sanatana) stream of astrology. But there was a lot of give
and take, and they where also honored among the 18 like the Rishis
of Arsha stream Brahma, Vasishta, Kousika, Atri, Manu,
Mareechi, Angira, Vyasa, Sounaka, Kasyapa, Chyevava, Garga,
Brihaspati etc. We should remember the other reputed scholars
like Bhrigu (Sukra), Agastya, Suka, Soma, Skanda, Daksha,
Surya etc as well. May be this classification itself is not that correct, since every Rishi Kula may have their uniqueness in the system of astrology taught and followed. [We shouldnt forget the
fact that different teachers teach even the same subject differently,
and therefore slight differences are always a possibility]
Unlike the ancient Rishis, Mihira also started mixing Arsha
School of astrology with thoughts and ideas borrowed from Yavana
School, even though he never introduced hundreds of new ideas
like Parasara. Even though Mihira was a great teacher this has
became a big cause for confusion in later years. Parasara was a
Rishi, Mihira a scholar and there is no comparison, but both of
them borrowed ideas from Yavana school and thus the original
school and system fell back to the back side of memory, and logic
and foundations an almost lost memory.
This is the brief history of astrology. A problem originated due
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
He too was an Indian king, well versed in Sanskrit, and a follower of Yavana school of astrology. A great text with the name
Meenaraja Hora (Vridha Yavana Hora) is available. It too is a very
good text.
Maya
20
& Jain school of ancient Indian astrology. The now extinct prediction schemes of Vedic school and Tantric school also needs mention, from which everything seems to have originated. (Call them
Vedic and Non- Vedic or Nigama and Agama origin of everything
if you want).
In this article I had tried to give a brief idea about the Yavana
school of astrology and its books and masters, as far as I know.
History is not always simple it always hides something far beneath hiding even the sources for retrieving them. I hope this article may help you in getting a glimpse of the almost forgotten
history of Yavana school of astrology.
21
It is concerned with method, with technique not with principles at all. The word tantra means technique, the method, the
path. So it is not philosophical note this. It is not concerned with
intellectual problems and inquiries. It is not concerned with the
why of things, it is concerned with how; not with what is truth,
but how the truth can be attained.
The core concept in Kularnava Tantra is -
suktas as well and has an aura of Vedic ritualistic in it. You can
find many examples for the same in texts like Kularnava Tantra.
Possibly it is caused by the uninvited entering of Vedic priests into
the Agama patha. Vamamarga (Vama patha = Vamachara = Left
path) is the pure branch of Agama and is purely outside the Vedic
realm. The Agama path is purely outside the Nigama (=Vedic)
path. The Parasurama Kalpa sutra clearly states that -
ixjh ni REx&
- { E{j
- Ehixj
E Hi |HE =Si
E(+)E xv& Eivi**
hvES xh M S
- Ehixj
- Mi ixj
The Agama path (Kaula Path = Tantric Path) has got two
branches - Vama (Left) and Dakshina (Right). The text Kularnava
Tantra appreciates the Kaulachara (The Path of Kaula) and in that
itself the Dakshina Patha (Right Path; also known as Samayachara).
Actually Vamachara (Left path) is the original and pure Agama
path. The Dakshinachara (Right path) mixes the Vedic slokas into
it to an extend. Unlike the pure Vamachara it combines the Vedic
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
22
istence? Science asks, How this existence? The moment you ask
the question, how?, method, technique, become important. Theories become meaningless; experience becomes the center. In the
context of astrology also this statement is valid. We trust in astrology not because of its thousand theories - but because of our experience; Our experience that it can reflect truth; Our experience
that the time, the rhythm of the universe can greatly influence us;
our experience that we are one with the world; our experience that
the universe reflect s itself even in the minute.
Even though not part of the main body of knowledge,
Kularnava Tantra deals with, it mentions and speaks about, astrology here and there in bits and pieces - of course this is normal and
expected since Astrology too is nothing but an Agama Sastra; A
branch of study that has its foundations in Agama (Tantra). As we
know it is from the experience of oneness of human being with
the universe around him that the branch of astrology originated, as
evident from the fact that the Zodiac as we comprehend it is composed of 21600 minute and the human day is composed of 21600
breaths. They rhythm is one and the same - inside and outside.
Kularnava Tantra mentions Astrology, as present and practiced
in ancient India, while dealing with the selection of Mantra that
are proper for a Sadhaka (one who practices Tantric worship). I
am not interested in explaining and elaborating those slokas to
clarify the various situations where the co-relating of alphabets
with Signs and Nakshatras dealt here in can be used. I am quoting
and describing the meaning of those slokas here in brief to show
that Nirayana astrology as we practice today is (and was) an integral part of Agama Sastra; and also that the subject is dealt with in
many Agama texts.
Nakshatra Chakra, Kulakula Chakra etc are used for the selection
of Mantra that will give good results for the Sadhaka (the one who
practices the path of Tantra). As stated earlier, in this article I am
not interested in explaining how to use the same for selection of
Mantra that is proper for practice for the individual. Here I am
only interested in quoting those slokas and giving their brief meaning just to show that Kularnava Tantra and Tantric texts as a whole
considered Nirayana Astrology as an integral part of Agama Sastra.
Nakshatra Chakra and Alphabets
The following sloka describes how to correlate Nakshatra chakra
with the alphabets so that the same can be used for the selection of
proper Mantra.
|{ {] | pp& E
E { {]& |& JPni& |
h& Gi xi i iMi in**
- Ehixj
[Starting from Aswini in order to write the following number of
alphabets in each Nakshatra (starting from the first alphabet in
Sanskrit). Pra = 2; Pa = 1; Lo = 3; Bha = 4; Pa = 1; Tu = 1; Pra =
2; Ya = 1; Ru = 2; Dra = 2; Ya = 1; Adri = 2; Ru = 2; Ru = 2; Ka
= 1; Ram = 2; Lo = 3; Ka = 1; Lo = 3; Pa = 1; Pa = 1; Tu = 1; Pra
= 2; Ya = 1; Kha = 2; Lo = 3; Gho = 4] We get the following table
as per this rule.
+x
h
EkE
h
M
+p
{x
+ +
<
< = >
@ @
B
B
+ +
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
23
{
+
v
{ Mx =k Mx i
Sj
i
J
+xv
V`
{f
=kf
h
vx`
i
{ p{n =k p{n i
-
E
J M
P R
S
U V
Z \
] `
b
f h
i l n
v
x {
(I)
I + +&
This completes the table with 51 alphabets. [Do Sanskrit alphabets have a Tantric origin? The number 51 is considered sacred in Tantra due to several reasons. This question wont be dealt
within this article, but provides clear scope for further study]
As per another available Tantric reference describing the same,
Ksha should be ascribed to Uttara Proashtapada and there for the
same is shown with in brackets in the above list. The relevant
sloka is given below-
Vx {n {i I |i& vE v&
j {j\S Vxnx {x& {x&**
- Ehixj
[Starting from Birth star the names of 9 Nakshatras are - 1. Janma
(Body), 2. Sampat (Wealth), 3.Vipat (Danger), 4. Kshema (Prosperity), 5. Pratyari (Enemy), 6. Sadhaka (Gain), 7. Vadha (Death),
8. Mitra (Friend), 9. Parma Mitra (Dearest Friend). These names
will repeat for other Nakshtras twice in order to complete the count
of 27 Nakshatras]
Thus it becomes clear that this is the prime mode of association
of Nakshatras with the natives life while using Nakshatra Chakra
for prediction!
Rasi Chakra and Alphabets
The following sloka states how to correlate Rasi chakra with
the alphabets so that the same can be used for the selection of
proper Mantra.
M J h i
Gh ni h& Ex n& i**
- Ehixj
[Starting from Aries in order to write the following number of
alphabets in each sign (starting from the first alphabet in Sanskrit).
Ba = 4; Lam = 3; Gau = 3; Ram = 2; Khu = 2; So = 4; Nam = 5;
Sa = 4; Me = 4; So = 5; Bha = 4. The remaining alphabets starting
from Sa should be written in Virgo]. We get the following table
as per this rule.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
24
lx
EE
Ex
i
SE
vx
E
E
x
(Co-born), 4. Bandhu (Relatives), 5.Putra (Children), 6.Satru (Enemies), 7.Kalatra (Wife), 8.Maranam (Death), 9.Dharma (Righteous path), 10.Karma (Job), 11.Aya (Income) and 12. Vyaya (Expense)]
+ + < <
= > @
@
B B
+ +
+ +& ()
E J M v R
S U V Z \
] ` b f h
i l n v x
{
(I)
Note that the above quote is clear proof also for the fact that
Signs itself should be considered as Houses. As per ancient Indian
astrology, the various house calculation techniques (such as Sripati
method, Placidas division etc) does not have any meaning. The
signs itself should be considered as houses; with the only difference that the signs are always counted from Aries, where as houses
are counted from Lagna.
[Qn: The above sloka uses KTPY notation for numbers. When
did KTPY system originated? This question wont be dealt within
this article, but provides clear scope for further study]
As per another available Tantric reference describing the same,
Ksha should be ascribed to Meena (Pisces) and there for the same
is shown with in brackets in the above list. The relevant sloka is
given below-
Mx vx ixv{jjEjE&
h vE pn &**
- Ehixj
25
* Nakshatra Chakra and Rasi Chakra are both independent systems complete in themselves - Nakshatra Chakra uses Nakshatra
Lagna as starting point, and Rasi Chakra uses Lagna as starting
point! The system of using Nakshatra Chakra in this way is almost completely lost to us; But this is the system visible in Vedas,
Epics and Puranas. A dedicated individual might be able to reconstruct this system from the available rudiments after a detailed study
of the same. This too provides a clear scope for further study. In
ancient texts the use of Nakshatra Lagna is clearly visible, as clearly
stated in texts like Sukra Neeti and Surya Pranjapti. The uses of
Nirayana Rasi Chakra (starting with Nirayana Mesha Sign) as an
independent system, is well popular as we all know and practice
today.
This article is just the continuation of my effort to shed some
light on the Astrology present in Tantric texts, which I have started
with an article about the astrological statements contained in
Dattatreya Maha Tantra. Such glimpses clearly indicate that Astrology is an Agama Sastra and also that the Agama (Tantric) tradition was well versed in astrology, and also that they always followed the Nirayana system. Unlike Nigama tradition of Vedas,
which used Tropical Zodiac, combined with Fixed Nakshatra system, Agama (Tantric) tradition used the Nirayana Zodiac with the
common starting point of Meshadi (starting point of Aries) and
Aswinyadi (starting point of Aswini Nakshatra) as the point of
reference; as the starting point of Zodiac as we know it today.
Note_1: Kaul ji (Avatar Krishnan Kaul) at times blindly argues
that the Tantras contains no astrology without ever even studying them with an inquisitive perspective. As the name indicates
Kaul ji is a person born in Tantric tradition of Kashmir. But currently he is after Vedic Tropical zodiac and the restoration of Vedic
calendar based on his beliefs about the same. I think that as he
discards the fixed Nakshatra Chakra proposed by Vedas his beAll rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
liefs do not tally with even the Vedic tradition. I hope that this
article may inspire him to look back into the Agama tradition to
which he himself belongs, and come up with positive or negative
responses (after a detailed study) which may further strengthen
our knowledge about the same.
Note_2: As I always used to say, it is rather than the subject
and slokas, the consciousness that looks into it and the new inner
light in which things can be viewed is more important in generating clarity of vision. Let the words Know what is before you,
then the things hidden from you will become revealed to you be
our motto in our search and reconstruction of near lost elegance of
ancient indian astrology.
26
the praise "gem in the head" usually goes to KalaTantra - Astrology, Astronomy and the related mathematics. Because ofthis even
the other name "Siromani" of Dattatreya Mahatantra,indicates
that Kala Tantra (Astrology) is one of the subject matterof the
text. But that part of the text is lost, and is not availableanymore.
There is one more point that proves this argument. Dattatreyagives
a list of chapters that are present in Dattatreya Mahatantra atthe
beginning chapter of the text. Here 18 chapters are mentioned,but
only the subjects mentioned in 9 chapters is available in theprinted
text. Chapters 1,9,12,13,14, 15,16,17,18 (Total 9 chapters)seems
to be missing. This also proves that the available text ofDattatreya
Mahatantra is an incomplete one.
If we agree up to this the
question rises, "Is it VedangaAstrology that Dattatreya wanted to
learn from lord Siva?" No! As hewanted to learn medicine (Kala
Mantra) that could be made use forworships aimed at purpose
such as Shadkarma etc, he might haverequested to teach astrology (Kala Tantra) that could be made use inShadkarma etc. Listen to his request to lord Siva-"In this world many types of talismans, manta, tantric worships are present. Many such are described
in Agama, Purana, Veda and Damara, and in many other texts as
well. Please advice the knowledge of Kala Tantra that would help
to utilize all that knowledge (on Yentra, Mantra etc) in the right
method for fulfilling the intentions" This is what Dattatreya requests. As said earlier knowledge about medicine (Kala Mantra)
and Astrology (Kala Tantra) that would be of help is Shadkarma
etc is the subject matter of Dattatreya Mahatantra. This knowledge lies scattered in Agama, Purana, Veda, Damara etc. Dattatreya
is requesting lord Siva to collect all these knowledge and give
advice/teach him the same 'in the right/correct method'. Agamas
are Siva Tantric texts - old as Vedas. The word Purana here indicates 18 Puranas and the Sub Puranas. The word Veda here indicates the 4 Vedas and the allied literature called Brahmana,
Aaranyaka, Upanishad etc as well. They are also known as
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
27
Nigama. But for Tantric devotees the word Nigama indicates Devi
Tantra. So the statement 'Agamokta' should be taken as indicative
of both Siva Tantra (Agama) and Devi Tantra (Nigama) texts.
Another branch of Tantra is Vishnava Tantra. Damaras are also
texts on Devi Tantra. That is, the request of Dattatreya to lord Siva
is to collect and systematically present and teach him the vast
knowledge on Kala Tantra and Kala Mantra which is beneficial
for the purpose of Shadkarma etc, clarifying the right method.
This sloka indicates that Tantric astrology was in a corrupted
state at the time of Dattatreya, and even for this great Maharshi it
was very difficult to separate the right and wrong statements from
the pile. The sloka also indicates that even in that remote past Vedas
and Puranas borrowed the knowledge of astrology and medicine
from Tantrics and incorporated it in those texts! We can feel the
pain of the Rishi when he see that this pure ancient secret knowledge is becoming lost knowledge for the Siva devotees. He wants
it to be the heritage of Siva Tantrics. Listen to these words - "This
great knowledge (on astrology and medicine) - which saves one
who devotes himself to this subject, secret, difficult to get even for
davas, first told by lord Siva, shines like a gem in the head all
secret knowledge branches - should be taught only to a person
who is the true devotee of the Guru. This knowledge should not
be imparted to persons who does not believe in acharyas, tradition
and the purity of knowledge. One should teach this pure knowledge to an individual who is strong willed and is a devotee of lord
Siva alone. The statement, "Astrology is originated from lord Siva"
(Tavagre kathitahyesha) asks for special attention. Even in the
period of Prasnamarga (16th century) this truth was appreciated.
Even today traditional astrologers read horoscope, or cast prasna
after bowing to that lord of lords Maheswara (Siva). This is the
reason for the importance of Dakshinamoorti (lord Siva in the form
of Guru, God of knowledge) in Astrology. Lord Siva is the ultimate Guru and originator of astrologic knowledge as per Tantric
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
tradition. Here I would like to mention a curious fact. If we consider the concept about the originator of astrology as per different
schools of astrology, we will find that - Vedic School - lord Brahma
(Tropical/Sayana); Tantric School - lord Siva (Sidereal/Nirayana);
Arsha School - lord Skanda (Sidereal/Nirayana); Jain School lord Brahma (Sidereal/Nirayana). This is curious! This difference
in concept about the originator of astrology, probably indicates
that, these are all different schools of thought in astrology, which
probably originated and existed in the same era. Is it not so? Since
the basic concepts (Such as Rasi and Nakshatra) where the same,
they might have got intermixed in a later stage. It is also possible
that, all these basic concepts such as Rasi and Nakshatra was originally borrowed from some other civilization which existed before
all these cultures, such as the Sindhu-Saraswati civilization. Only
an in-depth study and new evidences could prove whether any
amount of truth is present in this guess or not. In this essay I started
by discussing the astrological content in the available slokas of
Dattatreya Mahatantra - and so let us go back to that. Most of the
slokas after this discuss how medicines could be utilized for
Shadkarma (Kala Mantra) etc. Lord Siva tells Dattatreya -Now I
will speak about Kala Mantra which is beneficial for the upliftment
of th individual. This secret knowledge (on medicine) which is
beneficial even in this kali yuga, I will teach you, putting aside the
knowledge of astrology. Because - (For the benefit with medicine) it is not essential to consider Tithi, Nakshatra, Vreta, Day,
Pooja, Japa, Homa etc. Even the determination of an auspicious
muhoorta is not essential. Merely applying the medicine that suits
well for the well being of mind and body serves the purpose. By
the use of it the disease gets cured. (Medicines are invaluable, and
their effect mysterious. Because of this I will explain to you, how
to use these medicines in Shadkarma worships). With this advice
lord Siva starts to speak about Kala Mantra (Medicine). Since those
slokas are not related to astrology, I am not discussing them here.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
28
29
Vedha and Graha Vedha in the planetary context? What are the
rules to be observed while predicting with this type Vedha concept?
(5) Transit or Gochara
This Gochara-Vedha system of prediction can be used for prediction every month (Mase mase vicharayet) says Dattatreya. Did
he meant to say that Transit should be considered for the determination of death time? If so why he avoided mentioning the transit
prediction for Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu?
(6) Vedha and Tantric Astrology
Probably Sripati who lived in 10th century AD, is the
personwho introduced the concept of Vedha in astrology. But
here we encounter a similar concept in Dattatreya Mahatantra as
well! What should we observe from it? Should we think that
Dattatreya Tantra originated after Sripati of 10th century AD? Or
should we think that Sripati borrowed the concept of Vedha from
Tantric astrology especially from Dattatreya Tantra?
No. I don't have answers to such doubts. If we want to find
answers to the above or similar questions, an in-depth study of the
astrology mentioned in Tantric texts (Tantric Astrology) is a must.
For simplifying the study of ancient astrology, we can classify
them into several categories:(i) Astrology in Sindhu-Sarasvati period (Sindhu-SarasvatiAstrology)
(ii) Astrology mentioned Vedas and allied literature (Vedic Astrology)
(iii) Astrology mentioned Epics (Epic Astrology)
(iv) Astrology mentioned in Puranas (Puranic Astrology)
(v) Astrology mentioned in Tantric texts (Tantric Astrology) All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
30
before the all, for the benefit of posterity! And Enjoy the fun of
learning!
Fig. 1
Female
(Anti-clockwise)
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
31
ship is known as Chakra (Wheel = Circle!). Yes, as the word indicates, it is actually a circle or wheel represented in square shape
similar to the zodiac circle which even though a square we usually
represent as a square for
convenience of drawing. Actually
it is nothing but the Zodiac itself! How can we say so? What is the
proof? The answer is - Do you ever noticed the Agama (Tantric)
directions given to draw swastika? If not, here it is. For Male swastika -
the ancient Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization followed the Agama tradition; which once spanned throughout the world; It is the same
Asura/Agama tradition - which created the Nirayana astrology;
feeling the rhythmic oneness of the universe within themselves!
The original name of Harappa is Meluhha. Even though the
Kalibengan Vedic people who lived on the Indian side of Sarasvati
started calling them Mlechhas (Meluhas = Meluhans = People of
Meluha), initially with equal respect and later with contempt for
not following the Vedic (=Brahmanic) path; the Agama tradition
was spread throughout India; Siva and Sakti and the Tantric symbol of Zodiac never lost its relevance; and it was the path followed
by the true seekers of the ultimate; and is in use still today. Be
proud to be the followers of such a tradition - and be proud that
we are the students of a great branch of Agama Sastra that is
Nirayana Astrology. Dont you wonder - The Vedic tradition gave
more value to the Tropical Year and months and the fixed frame
of reference provided by Nakshatra divisions; but still the Agama
tradition of Niryana astrology which consider the fixed from work
of Meshadi (starting from Aries) signs survived and is the most
popular system in India even today. Yes, the same is the case with
the culture and gods of India - the Nigama (Vedic) tradition is an
almost forgotten past; but the Agama tradition is the reality in current practice throughout India! If you dont believe look at the
gods - Siva, Sakti (Devi, Chadika, Kali, Durga), Naga (Snake
worship; Kundalini Pooja) etc; and also at the popularity of
Nirayana Zodiacal astrology. Do you find the Vedic gods Indra,
Mitra, Varuna any where? Even after the epics and puranas how
many temples for later day Vishnava cult gods of Brahmins such
as Rama and Krishna can you find in India? Alas! Even the Vedic
gods had to resort to the temple worship of later day Agama tradition to preserve their existence! You could easily see that the Vedic
culture got submerged here in India by the original Agama tradition! Only the trace remains in the form of Vedic literature - but
yes it is much valuable; since the Agama tradition never succeeded
to that extend in preserving the scriptures.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
32
Note 1: I think now you know the answer to the question, What
Swastika symbolize?. Yes, it is a holistic symbol with utmost relevance.
Note 2: The Vedic tradition borrowed much from the earlier
Agama tradition; proofs are many for the same in Vedas. The current Archeological evidences too point to the same direction.
33
34
Tajik Astrology
Tajiki is the language that present in Tajikistan and Uzbekistan
in previous USSR. This language comes under the Indo-Iranian
language family, which is a branch of Indo-European language
family. Languages like Persian, Kurdish, Baloochi, Dardik, Armenian etc are also part of Indo-Iranian language family in which
Tajiki is also present.
The primordial form of Persian language is the one used in
Persia and Armenia in Arcadian ruling period. The books of
Zaratushtra (BC. 1500) are written in such old Persian known as
Sent Avaste. The middle age pertain is known by the name Pahlavi.
The script of this language is also different. Later when the Arabs
conquered Iran, the Arabic language greatly influenced Persia and
the modern Persian language (AD 9th century) originated.
That means, much knowledge transfer happened via the path:
Tajikistan Armenia Iran India. Or in other words via the
language path: Old Tajiki Old Armenian Sent Avaste (Old
Persian) Pahlavi (Middle age Persian) Persian (Modern Persian) Arabic Indian Languages.
One of the knowledge branches, which got transferred through
this path, is a particular form of astrology. It is the ancient astrology prevalent in Tajikistan, Armenia and Uzbekistan which reached
through Iran (Through Persian and Arabic) that later became popular as Tajik Astrology. It is astonishing to note that the system
still preserved its old roots of origin even after this much transfer
and transformations. Thus Tajik Astrology means the system of
astrology originated in Tajikistan.
It was with Mohammed Ghazni who entered India in 10th century, that this system of astrology reached Kashmir, and then later
with the spreading of Arabs in India, spread throughout North
India. In India the meaning of the word Tajik transferred to refer
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
l J h xMx h l
iui nM jh Vi vx li**
- n MVi
[Like the crest of peacock, like the gem stone in the head of cobra,
astrology is the crown of the vedic knowledge branches]
Thus it is clear that both Ancient Vedic Indians (Suras or Devas)
and the Ancient non-vedic Asura empire (which ruled Iran, Armenia, Uzbekistan and Tajikistan) which worshiped Ahur Mazda
(Asura medha = Asura wisdom) in the period of ancient Zoroastrian religion (BC 1500) considered astrology as the crown among
the knowledge branches. It is one of the rudimentary branches of
this ancient non-vedic astrology that was popular in Tajikistan,
which is available to us now in the name Tajik Astrology.
In AD 1544 an indian scholar with the name Neelakandha translated this system of astrology from Arabic to Sanskrit. This
Neelakandha is the son of an astrologer named Ananta (Ananta
Daivajna) and is the grand son of the famous astrologer Rama
(Rama Daivajna) who wrote the text Muhurta Chinatamani. The
son of Neelakandha named Govinda, later wrote a famous commentary called Peeyoosha dhara for Muhurta Chintamani and a
commentary known as Rasala for Neelakandhas text on Tajik
system of astrology. The text written by Neelakandha on Tajik
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
35
to Iran via Armenia and from their through the Arabs to India,
even though some part of the inherent knowledge got preserved,
the naming conventions used and words used changed and modified elaborately. Many words, especially those used to denote various yogas, used in current Tajik system of astrology, such as the
following seems to denote that the origin or acceptance of words
from Arabic than from its original source or origin.
1. Ikkabali (lucky)
2. Indu vara (destruction or loss)
3. Itthasala (mutual aspect)
4. Eesarapha (separation)
5. Naks
6. Yamaya
7. Manavoo
8. Kabbul (acceptance)
9. Jauri Kabbul
10. Khallasar (Empty)
11. Radrim (waste)
12. Duphali kuddhe (normal)
13. Duddhodha divir (self support)
14. Tambir (benefic)
15. Kuddh (Powerful)
16. Duraph (weak)
Actually many of the yogas mentioned in this system are popular in ancient Indian astrology from age old period itself. As an
example, I will take the first of these 16 yogas, named Ikkabali
36
and elaborate.
The yoga named Ikkabali is formed when all the planets are
1. In Kendras
2. In Panaphara
3. In Apoklima
[There is an argument regarding whether the words Kendara,
Panaphara, Apoklima etc are of Greek origin or not. This I
wont touch here, because it is another big controversial subject in
itself]
Tajik Neelakandhi is tells us that If all the planets are in Kendra,
Panaphara or Apoklima the yoga named Ikkabali is formed and
the native would be very lucky. This is a general statement. The
ancient Indian astrology, deal with these 3 conditions seperatly
and gives them seprate names and provides some unique details.
Let us see what are the named given by the sages for these yogas
considering these 3 conditions seperatly.
As per indian astrology
[If all planets (both benefics and malefics) are in Kendra (1-4-710) then it is known as Kamala Yoga. If they are in signs other
than Kendra (i.e. Panaphara and Apoklima) it is known as Vapi
Yoga] From this it is clear that * If all planets are in Kendra (1-4-7-10), it is Kamala Yoga.
* If all planets are in Panaphara (2-5-8-11) it is Vapi Yoga.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
JiEiiJMhS {n
{ ixlJ xvEz ni**
- iViE
[If Kamala yoga (Padma Yoga) is present, the native would be,
famous (very popular), he will lead a happiest life with a multitude of virtuous qualities. If Vapi yoga is present, the native would
be, healthy (having a body without diseases, enjoying all kinds of
bodily pleasures), and wealthy. But he wont donate anything to
others (means he wont help others much with his wealth or property)]
It is clear that the combination is mentioned in Brihat Jataka,
but how can we be sure that these combinations are mentioned by
the great sages who lived before Varaha Mihira? Even though
Mihira tells us that he had created his text only by abbreviating or
brewing the essence of ancient Rihi Horas, is there any proof available to argue that the same is or might have been dealt with in
those ancient Rishi horas as well? Yes there is! Kausika hora provides the results for Kamala yoga as follows -
+iJi& {i n SiJE
+nMhx{z& { xvEi**
- E E (t{l)
37
Part -II
Sign and House are the same
We may think that Sign are House are different, because there
are so many methods - such as one put forward by Sreepathi (10th
century), Krishnamoorthi, 30 Degree equal division etc. Now what
was the opinion of ancient Rishis on this subject? Have they
considered Sign and House differently - except from the fact that
Signs starts from Aris and Houses starts from the Ascendant? Let
us go through some of the available refferences.
Parasara
38
difference that Signs are counted from Aris while the Houses are
counted from Ascendant.
Therefore it becomes clear that even at the period of 6th century
AD, Signs and Houses are considered the same. It was people
like Sreepathi (10th century) who made all the confusion by
interpreting Sign and House as two different entities, and by
providing new techniques of the calculation of Houses. (And just
look - in what a mess we are!! There are 5 or more methods for
calculating house!! In which we should depend on?! I dont want
to go into the detail)
Even after all this happened there were learned scholars who
never let away the correct system - and if you are not convinced
read Krishneeyam and Saravali.
Krishneeyam
39
There should be a systematic method for the mixing of the characteristics of signs (Rasis) without which minute analysis is impossible. Thus came about the Dwadesa rasi varga system.
Sphugidhvaja Hora (An old classic on astrology of AD 250)
states that -
i un l
Exi **
Which means - signs have 12 vargas. The characteristics of
each division (varga) of sign differ due to the inter-mixing of the
qualities and characteristics of other signs.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
{k u i n G i**
Which means - the hora division circles the zodiac 2 times,
starting from the sign Aris.
Putting it mathematically, we get Hora = Sputa x 2
i.e. if we multiply the longitude (planetary longitude or the
nirayana longitude of any degree) by 2 we get the hora sputa.
Thus first half of Aris would have the characteristics of Aris itself,
while the second half will have the characteristics of both Aris and
Taurus. For Taurus, the first half of it will have the characteristics
of Taurus and Gemini, and the second will have the characteristics of Taurus and Cancer. It goes on like this.
This system is true for all Rasi vargas. For example, while discussing Drekkana, Parasara states that -
{k j i n G i**
Which mathematically means Drekkana sputa = sputa x 3
Thus from Aris: - the first Drekkana will have the characteristics of Aris, while the second is a mixture of Aris and Taurus, and
the third Drekkana will have the mixed characteristics of Aris and
Gemini. For Taurus: - The first Drekkana will have the mixed
characteristics of Taurus and Cancer, the second of Taurus and
Leo, and the third of Taurus and Virgo. It goes on like this.
Now is it a generalized system, which could be used for all
Rasi vargas? Yes, it is!! Because in Saravali (another classic text
of astrology), we could see the statement All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
40
Mxnx {i Y Mn M Mhi
+]niH v n{i M&**
Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupitor, Satern, Satern, Jupitor are the lords
of Signs and Vargas, starting from Aries in order.
EV M v M RM +E{jS
xn Miv<{ xEx S**
Which means - the palents Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun,
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
But you should also remember that, if a clear method for mathematically asserting the exactness of birth time is not present, there
is no point in using higher rasi vargas. Because if there is an error
of 4 minutes in birth time Trimsamsa will change, and if there is an
error of 2 minutes Shodasamsa will change. (Remember also the
controversy - What exactly is the birth-time? How to rectify it
mathematically if there is an error of say, more than 10 minutes?)
Understand clearly that while considering the divisions of signs,
Parasara, Kalyanavarma, Krishnacharya, Sphugidhvaja etc all
emphesis the point that, for mixing the charecteristics of signs, the
only method to be followed is Rasi vargas. The genral formula
would be Varga = sputa x multiple
If we follow this system, not only we can get a clear understanding about the load of varga, but also the method for predection
while using such multiples. This statement is especially true for
Dwadesa rasi vargas.
So much about the first system of Divisions. Now let us discuss the other system of divisions - namely Shadvarga system.
2) Shadvargadhipa system
41
Now let us come back to the question why the name Trimsamsa
means 1/30th (i.e. 1 degree) of a sign while lords are counted for
different sets of degrees?
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
The reason for this might be that the older of the two systems is
the Rasi varga system (especially Dwadesa rasi varga system),
and the names used in it were latter adopted to the Shadvargadhipa
system.
Note the fact that in the Shadvargadhipa system, Horadhipa
and Trimsamsadhipa does not even use the rasi lords. Even for the
other vargas in this system the rasi lords might have been selected,
just for the sake of convenience. For example see the fact that if
you multiply Drekkana sputa with 3 it does not fall in to the correct rasi, the lord of which you can select as the Drekkanadhipa.
The same is true for Dwadesamsadhipa. Only in the case of
Kshethradhipa and Navamsadhipa, the lords of Rasi varga and
Shadvarga coincide. This system, which uses vargadhipa for prediction, does not even provide a method to derive the lords of
higher varga divisions. It becomes clear that out of the 2 systems,
it is the most unsystematic one. Therefore better go back to the
clear Dwadesa rasi varga system and try to make use of it in the
predictions and derivation of higher rasi vargas.
Another question that comes to mind is that why the meaning 1
Deg is dropped and the meaning (at least) 5 Deg is taken for
Trimsamsa division? The only reason I could point to is that - by
the time Shadvargadhipa system became popular the clear method
for fixing the birth time should have been lost, and to minimize the
error possibility instead of 1 Deg division 5 Deg (at least) divisions are taken. (So that allowable error in birth time leaps from 4
minutes to 20 minutes).
If there is other possible explanations for the question on
Trimsamsa put forward by the curious learners such as Why
Trimsamsa lords are for 5-6-7-8 degrees while the name suggest
that, one Trimsamsa should be equal to 1/30 th of a sign (i.e. 1
Degree), please let me know.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
42
Year Length
There is a wide spread confusion among astrologers about the
year length to be followed in calculating Dasa, especially Vimsottari
dasa that is most widely in use. None seem to be sure about the
opinion of the ancient sages on the same. This article is an effort to
bring some clarity on this issue.
Year Lengths
Several type of year lengths were in use from far ancient past.
A list of some of them is given below.
Savana Year = 360 days [This seems to be the average of Lunar and luni-solar year. i.e. (354+366)/2 = 360 days] Many civilizations seems to accept 360 days as year length including Vedic
Indian and Maya civilizations. There could be other logic as well
behind this year length.
Normal solar Year (Soura Year) = 365.2425 days [The time
taken by sun to reach the degree from where it started]
Solar longitude based Year = 360 degree
Nakshatra Year = 27 x 12 = 324 days
Lunar Year = 29.5 x 12 = 354 days
Luni-Solar Year = 366 days [The time taken by moon to conjunct with sun again after a complete cycle]
Jupiter year = 361 days [The average time taken by Jupiter to
cover a sign. Jupiter takes 12 Years to cover the whole zodiac]
+q MS |SkG il
xx Ek& jh{{x**
- MM
[For longevity calculation (Dasa), repentance (Prayaschitta),
Fireworship (Yaga/Homa, Satra) etc should be done as per Sayana
Year] Following the same, Bhattolpala says-
B { Vx xMh
EikklxIjSUn iEE Ei il nxiq&
E& ii& +Mn H**
- ]]{
[After calculating Day, Nakshatra, Tithi etc, based on Savana Year
system the Maha Dasa, Antar Dasa, Paryantar Dasa etc should be
calculated]
It is clear that both Gargi and Bhattolpala advice the use of
Savana Year (360 days) for the calculation of Dasa. There is a
saying-
xx Sx i xi I{&
- ViEh
[Those who would like to have well being should accept the words
of sages (and follow the same)]
Astrology is an Agama Sastra (Ancient Tantirc advice). The
advices of sages are of maximum importance in it. If we accept
this, it becomes clear that for Dasa calculations we should use the
360 day year length.
But there could be an opposing argument. Gargi and Bhattolpala
speaks about using Savana Year of 360 days, while discussing
Pinda Dasa. How can we be sure that the same is the case with
Vimsottari Dasa? But this argument will not stand, because even
though Gargi and Bhattolpala does not discuss Vimsottari Dasa,
they never discards it as well. Bhattolpala was well aware of
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
43
Parasara system. He refers to to Parasara with respect in the commentary on Brihat Jataka. This indicates that he was well aware of
Vimsottari Desa system as well. More over the same issue of year
length is applicable to Kalachakra Dasa as well. Apart from Savana
year neither Gargi nor Bhattolpala suggests no year lengths for
Dasa calculation. Thus it becomes clear that as per their opinion,
for all Dasa systems the year length of 360 days should be used.
If this is not enough, Dumdi Raja in Jatakabharana tells us-
44
Kala Tantra, Kala vidhana sastra, Jyotisastra are better than the
word Jyothisha I would say.
The Origin of the word Jotisha
45
motion when we consider the planetary movements in solar system. Same is the case with Fixed areas in sky - Nakshatras.
Similar to the concepts of relativity, movements etc brought
into picture by the statement of Vinita ji - I would just like pose a
puzzle. As per Newton, the force or attraction between two bodies is proportional to their mass and the distance between them.
You know it right? I am just twisting the contextThe force of attraction one body exerts on another depends on
the mass of the other body and the distance between them! This
means that the first body should KNOW the mass of the other
body and the distance between them before hand!! And gravitation depends on that! How an inert body can KNOW the existence of the other body - is it that Newton wants to say that every
body has a Mind within?! :) Now may be you could see, how
things could be misinterpreted, when taken out of context, or out
of the framework where they are supposed to be used. In Science
they use the word System to denote the framework with in which
each concept is valid. Same is true for the concepts used in any
holistic subject. Yes, I suggest, dive deep into the subject and understand the importance of the concept System or Frame work
used both in Scientific and Holistic study methods.
Again during our conversation Vinita ji said I came across an interesting link regarding how the 0 point in
the zodiac would determine the extent to which there is equal division of the signs (and the nakshatras?). Intuitively, it is difficult to
think of how each nakshatra could be placed EXACTLY at a distance of 13 deg 20 min from the other, just as it is difficult to imagine that all the constellations/signs of the zodiac can be contained
EXACTLY within 30 degrees.
My answer was as follows. Signs and Nakshatras are mathematical divisions of the ecliptic, and in the current developmental
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
46
Nakshatra Charka
In Vedic civilization mainly used the Nakshatra Chakra for astrological prediction. The same can be observed in epics as well.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
Now the question is What is this system? And how they used it?
Let me try to answer it as per my limited knowledge. First we
should accept the following points.
Originally Nakshatra division was related to path of Moon,
and in that unequal division, the 28 Nakshatra scheme was used.
But later for mathematical clarity the Nakshatra divisions were
associated with ecliptic (movement of earth/sun). Thus came the
definition of Nakshatra as 1/27 th of the ecliptic, which is equal to
13 deg 20 min. Since Nakshatra Chakra is an equal division of the
ecliptic only 27 Nakshatras are important in this system. The concept of Degree-minute was present, as evident from the
Mahabharata sloka bit KashtaH kala muhoortascha diva
ratristhatha lavaH. Here, Kala = Minute. Bhaga = Degree (This
is not mentioned in the sloka)
The 28 Nakshatra scheme, that is associated with the path of
moon, will not be discussed here. (Due to the fluctuations in the
path of Moon this system can not give correct results for long).
The 27 Nakshatra scheme (as told in Titireeya Samhita) is closer
to the system we follow today. This is the reason for neglecting
the 28 Nakshatra scheme in this study.
The movement of equinox through Nakshatras was observed
in Vedic period. This was possible if a fixed frame of Reference of
Nakshatra Chakra was in use. That means the Nakshatra Chakra
used in Vedic period was not Tropical but Sidereal in nature.
Thus, Nakshatra Chakra is the fixed frame of reference based
on which the movements of planets were studied.
The Sidereal Year was also in use and many other year systems as well. The use of Sidereal year is clearly indicated by the
Titireeya Brahmana sloka bit Nakshtrani Savatsarasya Pratishta,
meaning, The year is calculated based on Nakshatras (fixed stellar divisions).
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
47
Satabhishak - Moon
Ugram (Fierce) Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashada, Purva
Bhadrapada, Bharani, Magha Mars
Misram (Mixed) Visakha , Krittika - Mercury
Kshipram (Fast) Hasta, Aswani, Pushya - Jupitor
Mridu (Soft) Mrigaseersha, Ravati, Chitra, Anuradha- Venus
Teekshnam (Sharp) Moola, Jyeshta, Ardra, Aslesha- Saturn
This classification was used to understand the nature of
Nakshatra
and the people born in them.
5) Nakshatra Purusha
Just like the Kalapurusha (Rasi purusha) concept related to Rasis,
Nakshatra purusha concept was in use. (Ref. Mahabharata) We
may be able to find many more classifications if we are willing to
search the allied Vedic literature. I think the above is sufficient to
have a start.
4-fold prediction system
The Nakshatra Chakra, Planets including Ra and Ke, BeneficMalefic classification of planets, Exaltation and debilitation of planets (in Nakshatra Chakra), eclipsing of Sun and Moon, Retrograde
of planets The ephemeris components such as Nakshatra-TithiVara-Karana- Nityayoga, waxing and waning of Moon all these
were considered to make elaborate prediction. If we look at the
epics we could find that a 4-fold system was in use. That means,
predictions were given for1) Nakshatra Lagna (Ascendant star)
2) Placement of Planets in Nakshatras
48
This might have been in use some what similar to the Bhava system.
It is not certain, whether the Drishti of Plants was considered in
that period or not. If it was, then Drishti should have meant, Drishti
between plants in opposite Nakshatras. An elaborate study will
reveal the intricacies of this 4-fold system of Nakshatra based prediction system that was in use. An elaborate study of the Nakshatra
Chakra (27 Nakshatra scheme) based prediction system used in
Vedic literature and Epics calls for a detailed study. Hope that before the system is lost someone will come forward to collect, arrange, explore and elaborate this original system of Nakshatra based
prediction.
I started this article by thinking of writing a very long article
based on the same, but is seems that my fuel is over, as far as this
subject is concerned :) Now I know that it needs a lot more study
in my part, to write good long articles on subjects like, ancient
system of Nakshatra Chakra based prediction etc. :) Hope you
will pardon my ignorance.
A Secret Exposed
In Prasnamarga it is said that if a person with true inquisitiveness is approaching an astrologer, then the astrologer should tell
him about problem he is facing and should suggest the appropriate solution. But how? How should we (astrologers) know, what
the qurent is thinking about, if he is presenting the query by himself? In places like Kerala, usually a person approaches an astrologer and just says : I want to cast a prasna. !!!! And it becomes the responsibility of the astrologer to decipher:
1) What the prasna is about?
2) What is the possible solution for the problem faced by the
qurent?
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
49
In Prasnamarga it is said that if a person with true inquisitiveness is approaching an astrologer, then the astrologer should tell
him about problem he is facing and should suggest the appropriate solution. But how? Let us see, how the traditional astrologer
are approaching this question, by making use of a Varaha Hora
sloka. Which sloka is that? I will quote it for you.
Kandaka Kendra Chatushtaya samjcha
Saptama Lagna Chaturdha Khabhanam
Teshu yedheshu hithabhi baladya
Keeta narambu chara pasavascha
Meaning, Kandaka, Kendra, Chatushtaya are respectively
names for 7th,1st and 4th Houses. Of them Reptail signs, Human
signs and Water signs, and quadruped sign are strong in order.
i.e. In 7th House = Reptail Sign is strong.
In 1st House = Human Sign is strong.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
50
lem is just with the situation. If not the inability (financial or otherwise) of the qurent is also causing the situation to become worse!
Does it mean that all prasna indicates bad things only? No! It is
not like that. When presna Aruda (or Lagna) is Aries and if there is
no problem with 4th and if there is a well placed planet in 10th
then the query is related to 10th, about a positive subject, such as
a promotion in job or the like! Similarly if there is no problem with
10th and if there is a well placed planet in 4th (e.g Mo) then he is
thinking of constructing a new house or the like for sure!! (i.e.
something that the 4th house and the planet placed in it signify)
Yes, I have explained the example situation by taking Aries as
Lagna (at the time of query). Now if Taurus is Lagna/Arudha at
the time of query, then what? Yes you know the answer. ;) The
sign that becomes strong is the 7th house, since it is a retail
sign. (Retail signs are strong in 7th) - So the query could be about
marriage or a marital problem. The that should become strong
(or the natural tendency of the Taurus lagna) is 10th house. (Taurus in a quadruped sign) - so he should better concentrate on work.
Does he do so? or is it causing the current problem? Locate what
the qurent wants to ask about (could be either good or bad situations) basing your thinking on these lines. It is easy to locate combined with the additional clues the planetary placement gives
us!!
I think atleast to some of us the idea is clear by now. The traditional astrologers try to logically locate the prime problem/thought
of the qurent by using both these principles. If both of them leads
them to the same conclusion, then usually they wont allow the
qurent to speak, and tell his problem on his face, and thus catching
him in absolute surprise!! Once this happens then it becomes a
very easy task for the astrologer since, after that what ever he says
would be accepted by the qurent by not even without a question!
The good astrologers take it as a positive tool to give good guidAll rights reserved Sreenadh OG
51
ance and counseling to the qurent and direct him in the right path.
Bad astrologers - humm....You know what that do.... Yes, that is
why it is said that astrology is a double edged sward. It can be
used to guide the qurent to the right path, or to make him believe
and first and then destroy him/cheat him totally, by giving wrong
guidance! Yes, I agree, all knowledge is similar - good in the hands
of good people, and bad in the hands of bad people.
Ok. That were some side thoughts - back to astrology. Experiment with the above principle.
Lesson to remember : Some slokas that seems simple hides
ample secrets within!! And it demands hard efforts form the part
of us to bring them out.
I would just like to add some more info. About the sloka taken
from Varaha hora. That concept of Human sign becoming strong
in Lagna, Water sign in 4th, Retail sign in 7th and Quadruped sign
in 10th is not a new idea introduced by Mihira. The Garga Hora
sloka stating the same is also available. Garga was a famous sage
of the Jaina Parampara, and might have lived in the time of Skanda
himself, since may ideas mentioned by Skanda by others, found
its place in Garga Hora. Skanda is the author of first book on
astrology, known as Skanda hora (many slokas of which is still
available). Skanda hora is also called Jyotishmati Upanishad. Most
of the Rishi horas like Brihat Prajapatya, Vasishta Hora, Kousika
Hora, Sounaka Hora etc are based on Skanda Hora. All these texts
are already lost though many slokas and references about these
texts are available in many medieval astrological classics. Varaha
Mihira might have collected the above mentioned idea, possibly
from Garga or Skanda. The Garga kula provided many texts and
gurus (Garga, Gargi, Gargya, Rishiputra etc), like the Arsha stream
(Skanda, Daksha, Vasishta, Viswamitra, Sounaka etc) that followed
the ideas put forward by Skanda.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
52
53
The shape ascribed to the signs are symbolic. The saints wanted
those signs to indicate several significance for which the sign stands
for and that is why that particular symbol/shape is ascribed to that
sign. I will explain. For example take Libra. The symbol is of a
man sitting with a balance in his hand weighing something, in a
market place. So for sure, Libra represents a town, humans, measuring instruments, food that is eatable for humans, road, crowd,
logically correct arguments, interest in maths, business men,
learned, luxury, love for good life etc etc. See how clear it is! The
same is the situation with other symbols.
Significance and its classification
too dont have a well classified elaborate list, which makes everything clear and lists out everything in the world. ;) We are waiting
for better lists on all these from you. ;)
Ohm Sahanavavtu.Sahanou bhunaktuSaha veeryam
karavavahai
54
this sloka.
Now let us see what Garga hora says about the placement of Ju
in 7th
Gauri suroopam sphuta pankajakshim sitaH subharkshe
subhadrishtiyuktaH
chirayusham Bhagyayutam naram cha kuryad gurur
darpakavasavasi
Meaning, If Ju is in 7th placed in good sign with the benefic
aspects then, his wife would be young, beautiful, with beautiful
eyes, fair skin. If Ju is in 7th then he would have longevity, luck,
and he would be handsome like Kamadeva (the god of sex). Look
at the statement darpakavasavasi (handsome with good sex urge
like the god of sex) in this sloka.
From the above due to Dwi tri samvada bhaval (since 2 or 3
arguments indicate the same) I conclude that Ju in 7th cause an
increase in sexual urge of the native.
If 7th lord is in its own house then the native would be good
natured and handsome and will have many abilities.
The following two statements substantiate this
Saptamage saptamape paramayuH preetivatsalaH purushaH
Nirmala seela sametastejaswee jayate satatam
Says Vridha Yavana. Meaning, If the 7th lord is in 7th house
then the native would have longevity, compaction, good nature,
smartness and brightness.
This applies to Ju in 7th in its own house as well, as said by
Kasyapa Rishi - Ati guna Jurou jaya dunastite Says Kasyapa
Hora. Meaning, if Ju is in its own house in 7th then, he would
have many capabilities (and would be handsome).
But alas! Even though the native have good sexual urge and
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
55
56
Saravali says Now I will say the lagna navamsa phala for
signs starting from Aries. With lagna navamsa we should know
the color, shape and lakshana (nature of the native & significance
of the amsa). The same method could be applied to Chandra
navamsa and the navamsa of all other planets This sloka indicates that All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
57
indicated by the sign in which navamsa falls and the lord of it.
The house (from natal lagna) in which the navamsa falls. For
example if the amsa of the 2nd lord is in 12th, assets and bank
balance etc can be predicted. Also if we want to speak about expense then in which items the money would be spend would be
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
The traditional astrologers use the Asraya rasi phala (prediction for placement of planets) told for planets in natal chart in
navamsa as well. [No. Dont think of navamsa chart. I am speaking about navamsa super imposed on natal chart and not about
navamsa chart] But there are 2 other cute methods for place-planet
prediction using navamsa.
i) Considering the House lord (House = Sign)
Saravali says Without considering the lordship of houses, we
can not move even a single step forward in prediction. Shadvarga
phalaprekash says If the navamsa of Su is in the house of Su
itself then, he would be wealthy and live a good life. But he would
like quarrelling with others, taking the wrong methods and approaches and the like. He will have many diseases as well. Similarly prediction for all the other planets are also given.
ii) Navamsaka sign based prediction
Sphujidwaja hora says Navamsaka in Aries sign (any planet
placed in navamsa allotted for Aries sign) indicates, land, gold etc
if Ma is strong. Navamsaka in Tarus sign indicates, quadrupeds,
women, wealthy people etc. For example, in a presena if Su
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
58
Predictions are given considering the Navamsaka house (starting from natal lagna) in the horoscope. For example, Mihira says
Koujamsesthe Sourina vyadhi yoni, meaning if the navamsa
of Ma falls in 7th (from natal lagna) then she will have some disease related to sexual organs. Brihal prajapatyam says
Aste jeevamsake tatra bhargavena nireekshite
Ya jata tam vijaneehi yoni manojchakanwitam
Meaning, if the navamsa of Ju falls in 7th from natal lagna
and the Drishti of Ve falls in 7th then she will have beautiful hip
and sexual organs Spot the fact that, since 7th house and planets
are considered it is a House-Planet prediction.
[VI] Stana-Bhava (Place-House)
59
Vasya Signs
As per astrological classics, for:
Aries - Leo and Scorpio
Taurus - Cancer and Libra
Gemini - Virgo
Cancer - Scorpio and Sagittarius
Leo - Libra
Virgo - Gemini and Pisces
Libra - Virgo and Capricorn
Scorpio - Cancer
Sagittarius - Pisces
Capricorn - Aquarius and Aries
Aquarius - Aries
Pisces - Capricorn
are Vasya signs.
What is the logic behind this concept? Let us try to understand.
For Aries, Leo and Scorpio are Vasya Signs. Why?
Leo - the lord of Leo gets exalted in Aries.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
60
Gemini - Rule (2) applies. Gemini and Virgo are ruled by the
same planet Me. Pisces - Rule (3) applies. Lord of Virgo Me gets
debilitated in Piaces.
For Libra, Virgo and Capricorn are Vasya signs. Why?
61
different signs. As you know there are some Nakshatra based rules
as well to do the same. It is due to the existance of these many
authentic rules, which gives prime importance to different factors
that, we consider all of them in the marriage compatibility (along
with other rules to validate the future incidents in life) and come to
a conclusion almost in a statistical manner!! Yes, I agree, it is not
the statistics but the understanding of the astrologer about the future events in store for the couple is more important. But the well
founded rules like Vasya really needs consideration, and should
be appreciated. :)
The period of influence for any YOGA in horoscope is determined by DASA and supporting GOCHARA. YOGA could be 1)
Sign based, 2) Bhava based, 3) Planet based, 4) Sign-Bhava based,
5) Sign-Planet based, 6) Bhava-Planet based, or 7)Sign-BhavaPlanet based. You can rephrace the above terminology based on
Nakshatra as well.
The nature of the sign is further clarified based on the following or similar concepts which fundamentally depends on the underlying concepts noted as point -1. They are:
1) Rasyadhipatya
2) Exaltation-Debilitation
3) Human-Watery-Reptail-Quadrapad etc
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
62
Point -3
Actually concepts noted under points 2 and 3, which are fundamentally based on the primary concepts or in turn on the secondary concepts needs to be pondered more, logically, so as to
bringout the essential logic used by Rishis in designing them.
Point -4
All of these are not YOGAS since the YOGA concept came
into existance only in the horoscope. But here (in Vasya etc) we
are actually speaking about the nature of the sign, rather than the
horoscope itself!! I think the point is clear at least to an extend,
and expects more inputs from the leaned members.
Marriage compatibility
(A conversation with Arjun ji)
Arjun ji:
Dinam, ganam, mahendram, dheergham, yoni, rasi,
rasyadhipati, vasyam, rajju, vedha or dosham, gothram,
nakshatram, pakshi, bhootam and others are all listed for measuring each parameter of compatibility required in any relation between two individuals. to add to these, manglik dosham, kaalasarpa
dosham, grahana dosham, Besides various modern man researched
or invented doshams are all there. unfortunately, the various measuring tools mentioned in various medieval classics have some
inherent contradictions.
Me:
I feel that it is unsystematic (i.e. non-classified) view of the
concepts presented, is causing us the trouble in understanding the
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
63
64
Yes, yes, all this is necessary, and I agree completely. But would
like to add that, we should add it up to the above (systematic understanding of the system put forward by the Acharyas)for the
best results.
to Vata-Pita-Kapha in Ayurveda and Vital force in naturopathy) and that is why significance is assigned to these 4 categories
only. :) I think you will support this view which helps us much, in
understanding the logical system called astrology, and understanding it as a system that fits into holistic approach.
Arjun ji:
Over and above, we have astrology derived from hindu mythology. While according to mythology we treat planets including
satellite moon as gods and worship their personalities, astronomy
and science paints them as balls of some mass. while the science
says how moon waxes and wanes, all puranas says how moon
was cursed with kshaya roga due to his neglecting of his 27 wives,
how the modern man percieves these contradictions - to see stars
as wives and planets as husbands or just balls of some light.
Me:
Here also the problem is with understanding the views of ancient Rishis in there own light, I mean the system provided by
they themselves. I will explain:
In there holistic approach to subjects under study, the ancient
Rishis from the period of Vedas itself, uses approaches such as1) Adhi-Bhowtika
2) Adhi-Daivika etc.
Ascribing human nature or thinking that a divine god/goddess
with a particular shape/body/qualities is present within each and
every material (They left nothing! It was a system of study!) is a
method utilized by the saints in study!! But, yes, I should agree
that, this lead to too many misunderstandings and confusions. But
should also understand that, this system of study is beautifully utilized in astrology which negates this disqualification ascribed to
it. Just see how beautifully we can picturise things, when we seeAll rights reserved Sreenadh OG
65
mostly fail to see what others think and feel since he/she is too
much immersed in his own thoughts and emotions. Ta is a quadruped sign. This indicates that the native spend his/her childhood
in a good house in a village in kingly manner. Agriculture, servants (helpers 3rd house), good amount of land property for relatives, etc will be part of memory. The native
Sign Lord = Venus.
Aries - as Ram
Taurus - as Ox etc as well!!
It is better to have a closer look at the logical systems used by
the Rishis, such as Adhi-Bhowtika, Adhi-Daivika etc and also to
have a closer look at the holistic system of study, before jumping
into conclusions.
It is easy to ascribe/accept everything as part of mythology, but
I would add that, it does not help much in understanding the systematic approach of our ancient seers. Understanding the system
they followed, in their own terms, is what we lacked till date, and
better than late to save our ancient knowledge in good shape, let
us try to do that.
PS: It is the bigger picture, and the exact understanding of outlines of the subject under scrutiny is of importance in any study.
That makes our work simpler.
Tarus Lagna
Shape = Bull.
A good and beautiful body, almost a narcissist, care too much
for the bodily and mental well being of oneself, selfish, good high,
muscle body, healthy physique, beautiful walking style, likes vegetarian food than non-veg, strong thighs and bulky bottom, kind,
helping nature, takes too much responsibilities, feels that life is
burdened with too much responsibilities, takes life too seriously,
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
66
Mo owns 12th house from 4th (signifies mother). The 4th lord
exalted in 12th house from Lagna. The significator of mother Mo
gets exalted in Lagna. All these together indicates that, the hard
life lead by the mother of the native will have a high impact on the
memories and nature of the native. The native wont get much
love neither from mother (4th house owned by a fire planet), nor
from father (9th house owned by another malefic). He/She would
be more affectionate towards the mother, and will think that the
suffering to the mother is mostly caused by the father, even though
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
67
life, even though the native will return to his native place later, and
would have strong ties there.
Unsatisfied married life, and early death of husband/wife than
the native, as indicated by the lordship of 12th for the 7th lord.
Long life (longevity) as indicated by the lordship of 8th house
for Ju, and amrita graha.
The planet that can give maximum positive effect and happiness Me (children and knowledge)
68
69
70
I think, all these shows how even stories becomes Nimittas for
good knowledge sharing.
Chaya Jyotish
In ancient_indian_astrology yahoo group, one of the members
pointed to a narration about the experience of Vargeese Kuryan
(as narrated in one of his books) on Chaya Jyotish. The auther
said that, even though Vargees Kuryan was intially relectent to
belive in the predictions given by the astrologer, he was wonder
struck by the accuracy of the system.
<SNIP>
After Medoras brother got his shadow read, they persuded
me to do the same. So as not to appear a spoilsport and also for
some fun I stood in the sun with the jyotishi measured my shadow.
Shuffling through the bunch of parchment-like leaves, and finding what he was looking for, he read out: You have no faith.
</SNIP>
We were all wondering what this Chaya Jyotish is! The name
was new to us. While disussing about this, another member astrologer of the group jagannathan ji pointed out - Possibly the
lagnam is arrived at by measuring the chaaya. I suggested we
will look for more slokas (apart from the Chaya purusha
lakshanam mentioned by Mihira) related to this method, so as to
reach a defenit conclution about the subject and its method.
Yesterday I bought a book on Hanuman Jyothish, a collection of some locally popular astrological systems which traditionally gets associated with the Tantric systems related to Hanuman.
Most of them are simple predictions using charts or chakras. The
text I bought does not seemed to be authentic and didnt gave the
original sources clearly. (It is compiled by one Pramod Sagar
and published by Manoj Packet Books) In one of its chapters, I
found some slokas related to omen interpretation related to crows.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
71
72
73
What is Drishti?
270 deg = 50 %
300 deg = 25 %
But as you could understand, calculating Drishti for ALL DEGREES becomes relevant only when we accept the unequal
house division system (Bhava system) proposed by Sripati himself!! Because then only the GRADUAL increment or decrement
of a planets influence in a single house itself comes into consideration! But as we know already, the ancient Saints considered House
and Sign as the same. And therefore no unequal house division
system was prevalent as per ancient Indian astrology, but only
equal signs/houses of 30 deg each.
Another pitfall this view leads into is Associating Drishti with
angles. This concept leads to the view that Drishti is nothing but
relative angles between planets. If this was the basic concept then
the saints could have arranged the Partial Drishti in the following
way 90 deg = 25 %
120 deg = 50 %
150 deg = 75 %
180 deg = 100 %
240 deg = 75 %
270 deg = 50 %
300 deg = 25 %
Which makes calculation easy, because then we could use the
simple formula,
(100/180) x Angle = Drishti %
But this not possible, since NO CLASSICS by saints support
neither this view, nor the concept of unequal house division.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
74
6th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - Nil
7th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - (Full)
8th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 3/4
9th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 1/2
10th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - 1/4
11th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - Nil
12th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - Nil
Or in other words
All planets have Drishti towards 1st Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 100 %
1st Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - (Full)
2nd Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - 0 %
2nd Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - Nil
3rd Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 50 %
3rd Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 1/2
4th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 75 %
4th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 3/4
5th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 50 %
5th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 1/2
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
6th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 0 %
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
75
7th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 100 %
of Parasara Hora, i.e. 1400 BC], many have even abused Parasara
as Yevana! So -
8th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 75 %
9th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are posited in - 50 %
10th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - 25 %
11th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - 0 %
12th Sign from the sign (completely) from the sign they are
posited in - 0 %
If you feel that this concept of Saints about partial Drishti is
primitive and incomplete, then I would boldly say that, we should
accept their concept AS IS till we understand the original astrological system proposed by them, completely. We have NO
RIGHT to pour water into the system they proposed without clearly
understanding the system proposed by them. I reject Sripati (his
corrupting of the original system) also in the same spirit. One more
point we should remember - The saints of Arsha School (Skanda,
Vasishta, Viswamitra etc), Garga School (Garga, Rishiputra etc)
NEVER proposed any Partial Drishti system! They have only
talked about Full Drishti (towards 7th House) and Special
Drishti (of Ma, Sa and Ju) only and NOT about Partial Drishti!
It is the Yavana School (Yevanewara, Meenaraja, Sphujidhwaja
etc) that proposed partial Drishti. Probably it is from Yevanewara
that Parasara borrowed this concept of Partial Drishti. Since
Parasara borrowed many concepts from Yavaneswara [An Indian
(Afghanistan?) guru of an astrological school of thought who lived
far before Alexanders invasion to India and before the period
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
2) If you are strong willed and a real puritan then, discard the
concept of partial drishti itself, since the Arsha School and the
Garga School never propose such a thing!!
But I wont suggest you to do the second thing, since we also
respect the views of Yevanewara and Parasara as well. Moreover
Krishneeyam and Saravali also talk about Partial Drishti (probably following Parasara). Saravali even goes to the extend of proposing some Rajayoga based on Partial Drishti in slokas like
Vrishe Sasi lagnagataH supoorno... and EkaH sweche subhaH
syachubha gaganagaH... etc. So I wont suggest discarding the
Partial Drishti concept, but for sure we should discard the corrupting ideas put forward by Sripati, with the malicious intention
of giving a strong hold to his unequal house division system.
I donfind any statement in support of considering Rasi and
Bhava as seperate entities in texts before 10th century. But I do
find statements that supports considering Rasi and Bhava as one
and the same entities, with the only difference that Rasis statrs
from Aries, and Bhavas starts from Lagna. (This subject is already
dealt in detail in one of the earlier articles)
Qn:
Do the special aspects of 4,8 for mars and 3,10 for saturn and
5,9 for jupiter have any logic behind them. if so, why venus, mercury, sun and moon do not have these special aspects.
Ans:
I dont know. May be the rational for this is present in lost part
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
76
of the Rishi horas. The only thing I know is that all the different
schools of astrological thought such as Arsha school, Jain school,
Yavana School support the concept of special drishti. I will supply
the available quotes below:
Triteeye dasame souriH jeevastad trikonage
Chaturasram dharasoonuH kalatre nikhila grahaH
Poornam pasyanti sarvatra prayaschanti phalam tatha
(Surya hora)
This is a text of the Arsha school. Although similar sloka is not
available from the other slokas we can see that Skanda Hora, Brihay
prajapatya, Vasishta hora, Kousika hora and Sounaka hora also
supports the concept of Special Drishti (Ma to 4th and 8th, Ju to
5th and 9th, Sa to 3rd and 10th) These are all texts of the Arsha
school. Now considering the Jain school of thought
Duschitkagan souristrikonastan brihaspatiH
Chaturthashtamagan bhoumaH seshaH saptama samstitan
Bhavanti veekshane nityam uktadhika phala grahaH
(Gargi hora)
This is a text of Jain school of thought. Including Garga and
Rishiputra all the Rishis of this school as well support the concept
of special drishti as evident from the above sloka. Now coming to
Yavana school of thought
Phalam visesham pravadamyathato
Bhoumasay poornam chaturasrabhe syat
Phalam cha jeevasya tatha trikonam
Poornam saneH syad dasame triteeye
(Yevaneswara Hora)
The scholars like Yevanacharya, Meenaraja, Sphujidhwaja etc
of this stream of thought also fully support the concept of special
drishti.
Being the students of ancient Indian astrological system, we
are trying to understand this ancient system without violating the
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
77
indicates middle portion of legs. let us make it short Sa = 3rd and 10th = Throat (Sound - Air) and Legs.
Ma = 4th and 8th = Chest and Sexual organs (Courage and
Kama)
Ju = 5th and 9th = Belly and Thigh
So it is the Kalapurusha concept and the significance of body
parts is there behind.
Logic -2 (Not perfect)
The special drishti is - Charanabhi vridhita, one by fourth!
12/4 = 3. Meaning it increase by 3 signs in the order Ravija
Amaredhya Rudira pare cha (Varaha hora), i.e Sa, Ju, Ma, others.
Count 3 from Lagna = 3rd hous = Sa.
Count 3 from 3rd house = 5th house = ju
Count 3 from 5th house = 7th house = Ma and others.
Count 3 from 7th house = 9th house = Ju
Count 3 from 9th house = 11th house(!) = Sa ?
[Here the logic fails and I stopped. :)) ]
Logic -3 (Not perfect)
Let us do some maths 3+10 = 13 ; 13-12 = 1 ; Lagna
4+8 = 12 ; 12th house
5+9 = 14 ; 14-12 = 2 ; 2nd house
Ju is the karaka for 2nd house. Any connection? ;)
Logic -4
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
Sa is karaka for 10th, Ju for 9th etc. So the Drishti may have
something to do with (fixed) Bhava karakatwa assigned to planets
as well. But yes, it could be one of the reasons.
Special Complete Drishti is supported by NO Rishi horas
of the Arsha Kula! They have approved only that, ALL PLANETS have 1/4th Drishti in 3rd and 10 house
1/2 Drishti in 5th and 9th
3/4th Drishti in 4th and 8th
The concept of Special complete Drishti is a concept by Jain
school of astrology, and is first given in Gargi hora. Even Varaha
mihira indicates that it is not his concept but of others!! In the
sloka Tri dasa trikona.......kila veekshanedhika, He says that it
is an openion of kila, some others (not mihira)! But yes, as you
know Laghu parasari supports this concept of Special complete
drishti. (But now the question comes Laghu parasari is by Parasara
or some body else?) Ok, what ever that be, we can accept that
Gargi and Parasara approves the concept of special Drishtis, and
it is extensively in use now a days as well. :)
In ancient_indian_astrology@yahoogroups.com,
panditarjun2004 <panditarjun2004@... wrote:
dear sreenadh ji
Thanks for listing various logics which give new dimensions. I
personally believe the following logic: as per NASA, the order of
the planets is as follows:
SUN
MERCURY
VENUS
EARTH (MOON)
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
78
============
MARS
JUPITER
SATURN
We find Mars, Jupiter and Saturn which are on the other side of
earth are assigned special aspects either due to their farthest from
sun or some technical scientific reason. i am not a scientist but
believe there is some deeper meaning in this structure which correlates to the special aspects of these three planets.
Please throw more light from this angle or correct me if i am
wrong.
with best wishes
pandit arjun
Kunda Multiplication method can be used for Birth time rectification. The word Kunda originated from Paralper system (Assigning numbers to Alphabets) of Kerala. In which Ka=1 and Nda
=8. When alphabets are used to write numbers, digits should be
written in reverse order. (Sankhayanam Vamatho gathi). Therefore, Kunda = 81. What is the importance of this number? 81 = 9
x 9. It shows the Navamsa-Navamsa. (It is better to use the word
Navamsa-Navamsa/Nava-Navamsa to refer to Kunda. As the word
Kunda has got a Kerala regional origin, and as it just notates a
number, I am not supportive to Chandraharis idea of relating
Kunda to Kundalini) The questions to be answered are:
Apara =A+Pa+ra. As per kapadayadi notation it would be 0-12. Writing in revese order (the standered method for kapadayadi),
it becomes 210. 210/30 = 7. All the planets have full drishti in 7th
Method
79
The Navamsa-Navamsa (Kunda) takes 18 min to make a complete revolution of the zodiac. As we are considering the trinestars, to cover 9 stars it takes 18/3 = 6 min. Therefore, the maximum correction we can attain by using this method is half of 6
min. i.e. (plus or minus) 3 min.
If we stick to the preposition that birth-star should come in the
trine-star of Kunda-sputa (Longitude of Navamsa-Navamsa), one
or two ideas comes to our notice. They are1) No two birth can take place within an interval of 6 min. In
other words, in the case of twins, there would be 6 min. difference
between the birth times. (Only in the case of Siamese twins this
law should be violated)
2) As the methods for sex determination from horoscopes are
given in authentic texts (we can determine whether the child is
boy or girl from birth-time/horoscope itself), it means that, Siamese
twins should be either both boys or both girls. No Siamese twins
with one of them boy and other girl would occur. (As it is a fact
we know, it could be taken as a fact for the worth fullness of
Navamsa-Navamsa theory)
Such strong assertions pointed to by this method should be tested
scientifically. If found false, we should drop this method, and search
for more reliable/authentic/rational methods.
In Haris words, It all points to a rhythmic correlation between
the revolution of earth (Asc) and the movement of Moon (birthstar). As the whole astrology is concerned with the inter-connectedness of the rhythm of the universe with human/mundane
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
80
Some of the limitations of this method are 1) It only helps for (plus or minus) 3 min. correction in birthtime. So if there is an error of more than 3 minutes, Kunda multiplication method won't be of any use.
2) Authentic texts such as Skanda hora (by god Subrahmanya),
Brihath prajapathyam (by Deksha prajapathi), Sounaka hora,
Presna-rethnam, Presnamarga etc postulates the Varga
chathushtaya theory for birth-time rectification. The Vargachathushtaya (4 Vargas) include a) Navamsa (Asc x 9)
b) Navamsa-Navamsa (Asc x 81)
c) Dwadesamsa (Asc x 12)
d) Navamsa-Dwadesamsa (Asc x 108)
According to this theory, of the above 4 vargas, the trine-star of
two or more should coincide with birth-star. The Skanda-hora statement Dridam dwi bahu samvadath sarvam vidhi dwijothama
If two or more methods point to the fact that the birth-time is
correct, then accept that as the correct time, is supportive of this.
Navamsa-Navamsa (Kunda) is just one of these methods.
Conclusion
If you are using JHora software, you will see that separate options for Nava(msa)-Navamsa and Kunda are given. The longitudes arrived at by both are different, and both of them does not
seem to be correct. It seems that PVRs understanding of Kunda
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
PART - III
True Ayanamsa
(A review of the views of chandra-hari as depicted in his book
Rasichakram published in Malyalam)
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
81
Introduction
I have tried my level best to compile his ideas in a systematic manner, keeping the continuity of the mathematical concept
and the thought process involved. The mathematical portion of
the ideas introduced by Chandra-Hari about the ayanamsa inherent in Surya-sidhantha and his ideas about the Rasi-chakra division is depicted.
[This also indicates that the year length used in oldsuryasidhantha is little different. The year-length considered in oldsuryasidhantha is 365.25875 days. The why of it would be explained in Rationale 4]
Using the above method we can also prove that 25758 nirayana
years is equal to 25759 sayana years.
82
(8586 years)
(Modern Value)
Sun 8586
revolutions
85860 86546880
114784
1147840
1157023263
45650 46015614
35649 356498
87.97136
Jupiter
724
4331.675
Satern
291
87.969389
7238
4332.5888
Equinox
87.969256
7296284
4332.8144
2915
87.9692559
4332.589
2938110
6795.430
Vernal
Kritha-yuga
359350528
years
Tretha-yuga
years
(27d07h43m11.55s)
4565
years
(27d07h43m11.6s)
Mars
revolutions
Thus we see that, yuga numbers could actually mean precession seconds. Therefore, now we could say,
revolutions
1200
6793.9582
6793.46934
6793.469
[He depends on the story that the birth of Brahma was in Rohini
Nakshathra. Rohini was also praised as Prajapathi, i.e. Brahma, in
Vedas]
12000
(0.333...)
432,000||
4653263
432,000,0||
(3360)
432,000,0|| x 1008
40|
Therefore, Zero Ayanamsa years (elapsed) = 460 40| x
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
83
(8586/1200) = 3339
= (Y-238) x (1200/8586)
= (Y-238)/71.55
Degrees.
Here another striking similarity attracts our attention. The
Number of human heartbeat per minute is 71 or 72. It might
be possible that 71.55 is the actual value of the heartbeat for a
person. If so, we could also prove that the rhythm of the universe and the biological clock in humans are mutually related.
The biological clock, circadian rhythm etc comes into consideration. Thus the author points out.
Example for calculating ayanamsa for any year: Hari Ayanamsa (1995) = (1995 - 238)/71.55 =
24.55625437
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
Basic Rationale 4:
(i) Zodiac is considered and presented as a mathematical
model in old-suryasidhantha, trying to comprehend the perfect
rhythm of the universe.
(ii) Even though the creator of Surya-sidhantha (i.e.
Mayan), knew about the actual vernal equinox at Kali-yugadi (i.e.
460 40||), Kali-yugadi-Ayanamsa was considered as 600 (in Suryasidhantha), for the perfection of this mathematical model.
According to the precession considered in old-suryasidhantha:
Precessional Cycle = 21600 years (instead of 25758 years)
If we relate this to yuga years 432000 (Kali-yuga) = 21600 x 20
4,320,000 (Maha-yuga) = 21600 x 200
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
84
As Surya-sidhantha takes 4320000 as Maha-yuga the Precessional Cycle (i.e. for 3600) becomes 21600 years. Thus it necessitates vernal equinox to be at 600 in the beginning of KaliYuga (instead of 460 40|). If you compare with the actual data, you
may feel that it is an error. But in reality it is precious mathematical
model. The Precessional Cycle is a Mathematical model put forward by the creator of Surya-sidhantha. What was the need of
such a model? It was to relate the yugadi mesha-sankranthi with
the new moon day that all these mathematical exercise was done.
For this, the mesha-sankranthi at the beginning of yuga, was considered to happen, 9 days and 37 nadis before (90 37|). For that
only nirayana year with length 365.25875 was chosen. It was not
because that he doesnt know the actual nirayana year length. The
actual precession according to Surya sidhantha was 50||.
How can we know that the year length used in Suryasidhantha is 365.25875 days? According to Old-Suryasidhantha
The Average Number of days in a Maha-Yuga =
1577917800 days
One Maha-yuga means = 4,320,000 years
Therefore Year-Length = 1577917800/4320000 =
365.25875 days
This calculation is approved by almost everybody, including the calendar reform committee headed by Saha.
[Really I couldnt figure out how he got that the actual precession considered by Surya-sidhantha is 50||. There might be a sufficient reason. But I dont know what it is]
All this means that first stellar division (first star) is Jyeshta
that falls between the line joining the hypothetical Equinox line of
old-Suryasidhantha (the line joining 600 Vernal equinox and 2400
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
85
fiducial star Moola) and the line joining the actual Equinox line at
Yugadi (line joining 460 40| and 2260 40|). The first rasi division
is (sign - Cancer) falls between the line joining the hypothetical
Sayana Rahu-Sikhi (line joining 3000 Sayana-Sikhi/planetary
conjunction point and 1200 Sayana Rahu) and the hypothetical
Ecliptic (line joining 3300 and 1500) of Old-Suryasidhantha. Thus
forms the Zodiac with stars 130 20| each and Signs with 300 each.
Why Hari Jumped to Thanthra and Proposes that Zodiac is
Thanthric?
When the thoughts of Chandra-Hari traveled up to this,
and bombarded with these concepts such as Mooladhara RahuSikhi Chakram and Rhythm of the universe (music of the stars or
biological clock - what ever you name it), some other striking similarities came to his mind. Some examples would be: (i) Moola is the base of zodiac division - Mooladhara is the
base point from where yoga starts.
(ii) Horoscope is also called Kundalini - In yoga also Kundalini
(serpent power) is important.
(iii) Rahu-Sikhi (Serpents - Kalasarpa) is the underlying factor
of Rasichakra - Kundalini in yoga is also symbolized as serpent.
(iv) Kalapurusha is a concept in astrology - Sankhya and Yoga
also speak about purusha.
(v) The universe is Rhythmic - The human body is also in
rhythm with universe. [This needs further clarification. Prana means
4 seconds. According to yoga and upanishads one day of a human
body means 21600 prana. 3600 x 60 = 21600|. Also consider the
above said importance of the number 71.55]
All these similarities prompt him to dive deep into concepts such as Tanthra/Yoga and Circadian-rhythm/Biological-clock
etc.
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
86
ing picture clarifies this point. (This picture is taken from ChandraHaris book Rasi-chakram). Now we could see that:Seersha Circle (Sahasra seersha purusha) = Prime merid-
ian
Patha Circle (Sahasrapath) = Nodal Circle
Introduction
87
Basic concepts
In his book Rasichakram itself Hari has given sufficient evidence for the following two concepts. Therefore in the book Hindu
Zodiac, he jumps to the next issue to be solved, i.e. Fixing of the
Zero ayanamsa year, in which anomalies pops up. The Basic concepts are -
1) Moola is the fiducial star used for zodiac division, and stellar
division. The starting point of Aris is 1200 away from the fiducial
star Moola.
88
N
3339
That means, the sidereal and tropical longitudes of sun coincided at the expiry of Kali 3339.
AD.238
i.e., The sun reaches the zero point after 60d - 55d 17gh = 4 days
43 ghaties, corresponding to the Ahargana for the mean equinox
of AD.238 (23rd March, Friday) that marked the coincidence of
sidereal and tropical zodiacs.
(365.258756 - 365.24219)
= 3600 - 600+ N (Y
= 300 0 + 3623
=
300 0
89
Even though the treatises like Aryabhateeya (Kalakriyapadaverse 11) declares Chaitra-sukla-prethipada (Chaitradi) as the beginning of the year and the greater divisions of time such as Yuga,
Kalpa etc., neither of the Sidhantic epochs, say of Suryasidhantha
or Aryabhateeya satisfied this stipulation. It must be remembered
here that even Vedanga-Jyotisa had a computational epoch beginning from Sukla-pratipada that coincided with the winter solstice.
Obviously when the year beginning had a shift to the vernal equinox it must have taken place at a coincidence of the vernal equinox with the Chaitra-sukla-prethipada. In the absence of such a
tradition there was no reason for the Sidhantic astronomers to ascribe a beginning for the year and Yugadi with the Chaitra-suklaprethipada. It is apparent that the intricacy may be because of the
redactions undergone by the Sidhantic treatises around AD.500 in
which the original epoch of Sidhantic astronomy might have got
obliterated.
On examining the luni-solar configuration of the vernal equinoxes around AD.233, the following astronomical data strikes our
attention. The vernal equinox of AD.231 precisely satisfied all the
aforementioned astronomical factors that would have truly characterized the original Sidhantic epoch and year beginning with
Chaitra-sukla-prethipada.
Epoch: 21 March 231AD, Monday 15 30 UT (2033 Ujjain
LMT), Vernal Equinox coincided with Chaitra-sukla-prethipada.
JD [TDT]: 1805510.22908. Moola (-Scorpi) precisely had a longitude of 2390 58| 2400 from the vernal equinox. New moon
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
90
It is apparent from equation (2) that the mean tropical sun coincided with vernal equinox of K3623 for the solar year-length of
365.25875 days. As a result of the continued use of this extra-long
sidereal year the zero point had a progressive movement towards
east by 0.00239 days per year. Could it be the cause of error in
calculation?
[The precession of equinox is approximately 50|| per year. But
there is continuous change in precession speed. According to
modern science precession speed of AD.285 is 49.9049 and of
AD.2100 is 50.3132. It means that there is a change of 0.0222226||
in 100 years. Could it be cause?]
Earlier it was said that - There is another point to be considered which will be revealed later. It will be discussed here. The
eastward progress of the Sidhantic zero point touched the point
opposite Chithra (or vernal equinox of AD.285), only towards the
end of 19th century i.e., near about AD.1885. The Sidhantic
panchangas (ephemeris) of this period (for e.g. Vakya-panchanga
that prevailed over South India) therefore had their zero point falling opposite Chithra by accident and consequently the modern
astronomical tropical longitude of sun and the corresponding
Sidhantic sidereal value had the difference equal to an ayanamsa
based on Chithras opposite point.
At this point I think it wont be irrelevant to present a statement
Hari made in a letter to me. When you dont know about the
secular variation rate of precession, accept what others say? For
ayanamsa how you are concerned about the year AD.231 or
AD.238. Do you know that Chithra-paksha is no longer based on
AD.285? AD.285 is the value of zero year based on the astroAll rights reserved Sreenadh OG
91
92
to adequately support each and every one of his sentences or arguments by quoting appropriate authorities.
me, but when thou gatherest me, then gatherest thou thyself.
[Epiphanius, Panarion,26.3.1]
It is said that once you catch the tail of a tiger you cannot leave
it!! I would elaborate. It revealed to Chandrahari that there are
some fundamental mathematical concepts behind the Nirayana
zodiac. (He started studying the subject). Then there came the
necessity of refining those mathematical concepts (Again through
study of the connected subjects became a necessity). Now comes
the stage of giving empirical proof for the trustworthiness of his
mathematical theory on Ayanamsa. (The study continues - and he
always comes out with some fruitful results!)
This man is a true learner. A truth seeker!... Let this man continue his studies... This is the research path by which astrology
may get accepted as a science one day. So encourage this person
and say - Go on...thousands are behind you...
PART - IV
About the Gospel of Eve
I happen to read something about the Gospel of Eve (form
GnosticGospels Yahoo group). The Gospel of Eve is known only
from one or two short quotations from the words of Epiphanius
(310/20 - 402), bishop of Salamis*. He tells us that certain Gnostic sects used it. As per Epiphanius, these are the words of Jesus
as collected by Mary (probably Magdalene). As per this sect,
Jesus himself was the first teacher of the ritualistic practices and
techniques they followed. The quotations are as followsI stood upon a high mountain and saw a tall man, and another of short stature, and heard something like the sound of thunder and went nearer in order to hear. Then he spoke to me and
said: I am thou and thou art I, and wherever thou art, there am I,
and I am sown in all things; and whence thou wilt, thou gatherest
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
93
to till date. The experience is the same. But the description, expressing it in words may differ as per the articulation capabilities
of the individuals. Vistaram Vastu saktita elaboration depends
on the capabilities and knowledge of the individuals.
I loved and was greatly impressed by the above quote, and
therefore thought to share it with you all. One more observation of
Epiphanius attracted my attention. He says that details of theology
(which depends on the knowledge of non-experienced people) of
these Gnostic sects varied from one sub-sect to another. As per the
sect that used the Gospel of Eve- In outline the material world
was ruled by an evil archon or intermediate deity. The bodily
flesh belonged to this archon, and would not be raised up. The
info that attracted my attention is the word archon which is still
used in south Indian Dravidian languages which means King. It
is spelled archon or arachan and finds its root in the Sanskrit word
Rajan (King). This suddenly makes sense, and helps us in deciphering the observation of Epiphanius. So the translated meaning
of the above words would be The material world was and is,
ruled by an Evil** King or Government. Our body and worldly
actions belonged to, controlled by, ruled by, them. We are forced
to obey them. The Government or any other moralistic law giver
(e.g. religious authorities) is the immediate ruler. But worshipping
or obeying such materialistic rules and laws and the ethics framed
by them or the rituals will not help us in spiritual upliftment. The
laws of spiritual upliftment are entirely different and comes from
within. The law of the divine is entirely different and is beyond
the classifications such as good or evil.
[Seek not the law in your scriptures, for the law is life, whereas
the scripture is dead. I tell you truly, Moses received not his laws
from God in writing, but through the living word. The law is living word of living God to living prophets for living men. In everything that is life is the law written. You find it in the grass, in the
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
94
own, would be there fore sure. As per his own description, when
the people of this sect, in which man and women were free, and
equally participated in the worship of the divine, invited Epiphanius
to participate in their rituals Epiphanius prayed to God, resisted
the women, and freed himself from the sect. He then reported them
to the bishops, who drove eighty of them from the city. So he
was the destroyer of this sect, (into which Jesus himself belonged)
rather than a supporter of it.
** Let it be King, Government, religious authorities; people
after power is without exception, evil.
The accounts and texts related to Gospel of Eve are from:
Wilhelm Schneemelcher, New Testament Apocrypha, James
Clarke & Co-Westminster/John Knox Press, Cambridge and Louisville, 1990, and Philip Amidon, The Panarion of St Epiphanius,
Oxford University Press, 1990.
The accounts and texts related to Gospel of Pease are from:
The Original Hebrew and Aramaic Texts. Translated and edited
by EDMOND BORDEAUX SZEKELY MCMLXXXI. INTERNATIONAL BIOGENIC SOCIETY, 1981.
i**
(E h, +vEhb, M 109, E 33-34)
[How could my father do the big mistake of appointing you as the
Minister - I have great disregard for his intelligence. Your intelligence is not in the right direction (You are mad!) - You have adopted
the path that is against the Vedas. You are a non-believer and miles
away from the path of Dharma. (I hate you and doubt the intelligence of the King, my father, who appointed you as Minister)
Like a thief should be punished, in the same way, Buddha, who
does not believe in gods, should be punished. (He is also a Thief
and Nonbeliever). To those non-believers, to whom the king is
able to give punishment, the same (cruel) punishment like the one
given to a thief should be given. But if that non-believer is outside
the reach (country, control and ability to punish) of that king then
the learned ones should never talk to him]
Thieves were usually Jailed, Chained, Amputated or Killed
using various cruel methods - Manusmriti, Chapter 8, Sloka 310.
Rama is mentioning that the same treatment should be given to
Buddha! Or in other words is he is threatening Jabali (a Buddhist
monk) that the same treatment would be given to him (similar to
the treatment that should be given to all Buddhist monks)! Look at
the fanatic nature reflected in that statement! Rama says that if that
Buddha or Buddhist is outside the reach of the King, the learned
one (the king) should never even talk to him! He does not have
any logical answers to their questions, but wants to silence them
by killing! Why Rama becomes this much violent? What did Jabali
told him? Jabali was simply trying to advice Rama for his own
good -
v P i i r xlE*
|Ei x ri{x&**
E& E { xv& E{ E ExSi*
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
95
BE Vi VxiE B xi**
ixi {i Si VVi x&*
=k B Y xi ESr ESi**
l Oxi MSUx x& ESn i*
=iV S i |i`i{(+)x**
B xh {i i M *
+j EEil VVxi xj VVx&**
(E h, +vEhb, M 108, E 3-6)
[Dear Rama why do you talk meaningless things? How came you
think in the wrong direction? You are a well-educated person and
therefore you shouldnt think like the uneducated, uncultured villagers. The sages with enlightened intelligence shouldnt talk like
this! In this world who is the relative? What anyone has to gain?
Everybody takes birth alone and dies alone. If someone become
attached to others thinking that it is my father, it is my mother,
these are my relatives etc, he is like a mad person with an unbalanced intelligence. Because here in this world nobody belongs to
none; none is the relative of anybody else (everybody is alone,
and spirituality is the path one should travel alone). Like an individual going from one village to other spends a night in a lodge,
and the next day leaving that place resumes his journey, all these
belongings such as mother, father, house, property etc are all temporary. Dear Rama, the knowledgeable ones do not become attached to all these things. (you too shouldnt get attached to all
these worldly things)]
After advising Rama in the words of a truly intelligent and enlightened one, Jabali says-
xi {iii E r i*
|iI i ini` {I {`i& E&**
(E h, +vEhb, M 108, E 17)
[Oh! Intelligent one! Think with your own intelligence, which
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG, sreesog@yahoo.com
other world is there except this world we see and live? (No hell or
heaven exists). In the current situation what ever you find apt for
the moment do it (Live in the moment; Here and Now!)] Then he
proceeds to advice Rama that as Bharata requests accept the
rulership of Ayodhya - there is nothing wrong in it.
But Alas! Those words were falling on deaf ears! It was the
retort of Rama to these words we were reading in the beginning of
this article! Jabali must have felt that there is no use talking to this
fool; there is no use talking to one who cant see the reflection of
divine in his on inner self, and who is just after bookish ethics and
after gaining public respect. Rama was trying to make a deposit
(bank balance of Punya) in heaven through Yenjas and obeying
and worshiping the words of caste brahmins! He believed heaven
exists and following the rituals and books help him reach there,
and gain public respect! Jabali was practical and keen enough to
save his own head from being cut down with the following words
and end the conversation-
x xiEx Sx x xiE(+) x S xi
ESi*
I E {xiE(+) E {x xiE&
(E h, +vEhb, M 109, E 38)
[I am not an atheistic, nor did I told the words of atheists. It is not
my opinion that the other worlds do not exist. Seeing the (current)
situation, I have became a Theist, and in future when the situation
arises I can again become an Atheist]
See how tactfully he jokes at the ignorance and lack of understanding of Rama!
The same attitude of Rama is evident when he kills Vali with
an arrow hiding some where, when discards Seeta in forest just to
keep his own public respect etc. The same attitude get reflected
when he kills Sambhuka, the sudra sage, after asking him Are
All rights reserved Sreenadh OG
96
97
- Kakusth - Kanmashapad - Sankhan - Sudarsan - Agnivarn Seekhrag - Maru - Prasusruv - Ambareesh - Nabhag - Aj - Dasaradh
- Rama.
A bit description of some people in this lineage is given below:
Vishnu - God Vishnu (indicating Vishnava Cult)
Manu - The author of Manusmriti
Trisanku - Lost the kingdom and became a Chandala (Swapacha
= Dog eater)
Asita - The author of Asita Hora, an astrological treteise mentioned in plenty by many including Mihira. Asita does not have
any children.
This hymn is found both in Rig and Yajur Veda. Recite this
hymn and feel the eternal bliss within and outside.
+Mx S i&* Mn* n * +i* +i h**
|h i&* |h n* n * +i* +i h**
SI i&* SIn* n * +i* +i h**
Sxp x i&* x n* n * +i* +i h**
n j i&* i n* n * +i* +i h**
+{ i i&* i& n* n * +i* +i h**
{l i&* & n* n * +i* +i h**
+vx{i i&* x n* n * +i*
+i h**
<xp i&* n* n * +i* +i h**
{Vx vxi&* v n* n * +i* +i h**
(+ln&, Vn&)
For those who cant read sanskrit, the same is given below in
english alphababtes -
98