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Jyotish Shastra - A Fundamental Discussion
By Dharm Narayan Sharma (DN) and Rajdeep Pandit
Human beings are inherently curious creatures, and the desire to know the future has been a part of human nature for ages. People want to validate the truth behind every aspect of the world and celestial elements and want to understand where astrology stands in their lives based on their experiences. Generally, it is believed that astrology provides information or predictions about the past, present, and future, and humans are more interested in it because they perceive some invisible force in nature that influences their lives.
According to Guru Shri K.N. Rao, astrology is the light of life, and it is a rule, custom, method, code, discipline, system, or way to operate the vehicle of life. Jyotish Shastra showcases practicality and serves as a bridge (a bridge between the material and the spiritual) that determines the strategy of the past, the policy of the present, and the inspiration for the future. The primary goal of astrology is to bring forth all the knowledge of the world, both internal and external. Compared to other limbs of the Vedas, it is considered the eye or the pure vision of the Vedas.
Astrology has two objectives: practical and transcendental. Its main purpose is to make it clear that the influence of planets is not limited to humans alone; it affects all living beings.The foundation of Indian culture is the Vedas, and our knowledge emanates from them. The Vedas have six limbs: 1. Shiksha (Phonetics) 2. Kalpa (Rituals) 3. Vyakarana (Grammar) 4. Nirukta (Etymology) 5. Chandas (Metrics) 6. Jyotish (Astrology).
The major contributors to Jyotish Shastra are Brahma, Atri, Vashishtha, Manu, Paulisha, Romaka, Marichi, Angira, Vyasa, Narada, Shaunaka, Bhrigu, Chyavana, Yavan, Garga, Kashyapa, Gemini, and Parashara.The study and practice of Jyotish Shastra have a distinct style that sets it apart from other sciences. While the knowledge of the future can also be attained through meditation and Samadhi by realized saints, Jyotish Shastra provides direct and organized knowledge. The fundamental principle of astrology is calculation based on the movements of celestial bodies.
In the Indian perspective, Jyotish Shastra is considered to be the science that provides knowledge about every element of the Earth, space, and the subterranean world. The Indian philosophy perceives the Earth's surface as the present, the subterranean world as the past, and space as the future.Astrology accepts as a principle that all planets revolve around the Sun within the solar system, moving through 12 zodiac signs. The foundation of the science of astrology is the solar system, and its essence and the primary sun itself is the sun.
This scripture is based on the divisions made by the sages in the following sections:
01. Siddhanta (Mathematics)
02. Samhita
03. Hora (Natal Astrology)
In the field of astrology, the first section is Siddhanta (Mathematics), which describes lunar months, solar months, planetary movements (direct, retrograde, fast, slow), and details about the classes of months, extra months, and deficit months, as well as the description of years, etc.The second section is Samhita, which means collection and compilation. It combines both theoretical and predictive aspects. It provides extensive knowledge about planetary movements in the constellations, planetary wars, mundane astrology, Tajika astrology, eclipses, and auspicious times, among other things.
The third section is Hora (Natal Astrology), which deals with the calculation of happiness, sorrow, inauspiciousness, auspiciousness, the horoscope, past, present, and future results. It also includes the analysis of planetary aspects, strengths and weaknesses, friends and enemies, and the examination of the twelve houses. It covers aspects like sign categories, degrees, and divisions, Ashtakavarga, Kundali creation, child prediction, dasha-antardasha, transits, yogas for wealth, and Nabhasa yoga.
In Indian culture, the Sun, Moon, and planets are given equal importance. The lunar month is considered primary for months, the solar calculation is accepted for the year, and the weekdays are determined by planetary influences. This harmonization is possible only through astrology.Western scholars have generally placed the origin of Indian astrology around the 5th century, while the foundational principles of astrology were established more than five thousand years ago. Texts like the Ramayana and Mahabharata provide direct evidence of its ancient existence. These texts not only contain astronomical and astrological terms but also describe their practical applications, which are evident in modern astrology.
Indian astrology has had a deep influence on both Western and Eastern civilizations. People used to believe in astrology as a means of understanding the celestial bodies and their reflection on Earth, both in terms of time and space.Astrology is deeply connected with other sciences and arts. Vastu Shastra is closely related to astrology, as well as Samudrika Shastra, palmistry, rituals, omenology, question astrology, Nakshatra astrology, travel astrology, psychology, and many others. Astrology provides a foundation for these branches of knowledge.
Astrology primarily deals with two subjects: time and results. It provides knowledge of various time elements like years, months, dates, weekdays, constellations, yoga, and karana, which are essential in predicting events in one's life.At the time of a person's birth, the positions of the celestial bodies in the sky, especially the planets and constellations, cast their shadow on the individual's life. This shadow, known as the birth chart or Kundali, consists of 12 houses, with 9 planets, 27 constellations, and unmanifested planets arranged systematically. The topmost house is considered the first, and it proceeds in order until the twelfth house. While the fields may vary, the fundamentals remain the same. The birth chart reveals all aspects of an individual's life, including past and future.
Calculations in astrology consider the concept of Kaal Purusha (Time Personified), where the Aries sign is taken as the first sign, representing the head, and Pisces as the twelfth sign, representing the feet.This glorious science is not merely about predicting the future or past events; it also guides individuals in their actions and defines various types of karma: Kriyaman (current actions), Sanchit (accumulated actions), and Prarabdha (destined actions). These distinctions will be explained in detail in subsequent articles.
Maharishi Parashara is revered as the father of astrology, and he laid down certain guidelines for an astrologer. An astrologer should be peaceful, humble, pure at heart, avoid criticism, and be eloquent in speech. In the modern era, these qualities are the basic education for a psychologist.Maharishi Parashara's works, such as Parashara Hora Shastra, Laghu Parashari, Madhya Parashari, and Kriya Parashari, are highly regarded in the field of astrology. In cases of disputes or differences in astrology, the sutras (verses) of Hora Shastra are considered universally authoritative, and this scripture also has provisions for resolving disputes.
Among the most famous astrological texts are Manasagari, Saravali, Brihat Jataka, Jatakabharana, Chamatkara Chintamani, Jyotish Kalpadruma, Jatakalamkara, Jatak Tatva, and Hora Shastra. In this tradition, the works of Varahamihira, Prithuyasha, Kalyana Varma, Keshava, Ganesh, Vaidyanath, Dundi Raj, Jeevanath, Balabhadra, and Shri K.N. Rao are considered authentic and reliable, and their sutras are accepted with respect and credibility.
In addition to these, the works of Goswami Tulsidas, such as Ramagya Prashna and those of Kalidasa like Uttara and Purva Kalamrita, are unique in their approach to astrology.Throughout history, many gurus and scholars have preserved and expanded this knowledge. They have contributed to new sutras and have protected this divine science from being misused or falling into the wrong hands. Unfortunately, some traditionalists have restricted the knowledge to a select few, limiting its dissemination. However, astrology holds immense potential, scientific truths, and purity, which cannot be fully explained even through scientific methods.
Astrology is not just about fate; it also inspires individuals to act. It categorizes karma into three types: Kriyaman (current actions), Sanchit (accumulated actions), and Prarabdha (destined actions). These categories will be elaborated upon in future articles.
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