1) Introduction
1.1) Different styles of Indian Astrology
1) Introduction
1.1) Different styles of Indian Astrology
The practice of Indian astrology is believed to be the oldest and the only science that gazes into one’s future. There are various types of astrology, which are used to get an insight into a person’s life. Few predictions depend upon arithmetic calculations, few depend upon intuitive powers and few depend upon the theory of randomness.
Indian astrology can be broadly classified into the following systems –
a)Parashara style
b)Jamini style
c)Nadi astrology
d)Prasna
e)Chakras
a) Parashara style is used by 90% of the astrologers in India. The dasa in this method is based upon nakshatra and the aspects of the planets. This technique is easy to understand and the calculations involved are very simple. The results are so consistent that many Western astrologers are astounded at the accuracy of the predictions. Most of the classical texts are based on this style.
b) Most modern astrologers use the Jamini style. This system uses rasi dasa and also the aspects of rasi for calculations. This is unique because the planetary aspects are not taken into consideration. Each dasa is used for a specific topic, for example Navamsha dasa is used for marriage and Shula dasa is used for death. The most famous book that explains this method is Jamini Sutras. Of course there are many commentaries written by B.V. Raman and by Sanjay Ruth on Jamini style.
c) Nadi Astrologers use a combination of palm leaves, thumb imprint and Parashara style of astrology for predictions. This unique method is one of the most famous methods. In this, the astrologer first takes the thumb imprint and then casts the horoscope. It is scientifically claimed that each person has unique nadi, and hence a unique life pattern. Most of the nadi readers are from Tamil Nadu. North Indians use Brigu Samitha, a similar method like nadi.
The ‘Bhrigu Samhita’ is a treatise on Jyotish (Vedic astrology) compiled by ‘Maharishi Bhrigu’ during Vedic period. Although the available evidence suggests that this was compiled over a period of time by the various Sisya (Students in the lineage) of Maharishi Bhrigu. Symbolically, all creation begins from Venus which represents Semen, the seed of all creation. That is why the beginning or the seed of this vast knowledge was sown by Maharishi Bhrigu the father of Sukracharya (Venus). Jyotish is considered the Fifth Veda compiled during the Treta Yuga. (The first four are the Rig, Yajur, Sama and Atharva Veda which are Sruti ‘s having been heard by the Maharishi’s from the mouth of Lord Brahma). Maharishi Bhrigu compiled about 5 lakh horoscopes and recorded the life details and events of the persons along with their ages. This formed the database for further research and study. This study culminated in the birth of the science (Shastra) of determining the quality of time (Hora) and is the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra.
However, the compilation of the horoscopes seems to have continued for some time and these compilations are now found in the form of records in palm leaf manuscripts all over India. Often we find the principles of horary astrology, horoscopy and other branches of Vedic astrology being used therein to explain the events that have happened or are likely to come by. The primary database is based on the Rasi Chart (12 signs) and the ten variables of Navagraha and Lagna (i.e. Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu & Lagna). The total permutations/ possible horoscope charts that can be drawn with this is about 45 Million[1]. It is believed that about 5 lakh horoscopes (half million only) are available in the Bhrigu Samhita spread all over. Let us examine some of the claims in the light of this knowledge: –
Claim1: That these predictions consisted of Past, Present and Future of any native who was born in this earth.
This is a rather tall claim as the number of horoscopes available is only half million against the total possibility of 45 million. The claim is not true and can be a marketing gimmick.
Claim 2. That there is only ONE original Bhrigu pundit stationed in Hoshiyarpur, India and that the rest are frauds.
Thus none of the pundits have access to the entire database of 5 lakh horoscopes and each claims to have the original Bhrigu Samhita whereas others are frauds. Whereas their claim of having a miniscule portion of the Bhrigu Samhita is true, their claim of others as frauds is incorrect as this Samhita was spread all over India and Hoshiyarpur is but one town.
We can also draw the following inferences from this: –
- Infer#1: That the Bhrigu Samhita, as the name implies is a compilation (Samhita) of horoscopes that was started by Maharishi Bhrigu and was carried out by his Sisya (disciples/ students).
- Infer#2: That the Bhrigu Samhita formed the database for further research and study that led to the creation of the Nadi literature (determination of Principles and rules forming the paradigm of Jyotish) and then the Shastra (Scientific body of knowledge).
- Infer#3: That the Maharishi’s were well aware of advanced statistical methods for determination of rules and principles from databases. Perhaps these methods of Vedic Mathematics were far more advanced than what is available today.
The Cause of the Bhrigu Samhita
In the days of yore, although the Brahmin community was well versed in the four Veda and Purana, economic prosperity always deluded them. It was believed that their adoration of Goddess Saraswati alone and ignoring of Goddess Mahalaksmi was the cause of this poverty. To alleviate this suffering and poverty, Maharishi Bhrigu the strong and determined was advised to start worshipping Goddess Lakshmi. Thereafter Maharishi Bhrigu embarked on a long Tapasya[2] (penance) of appeasing the rich Goddess of good fortune and corn (Lakshmi). The resplendent and most beautiful Mahalaksmi appeared before Maharishi Bhrigu and guided him to start the occult science of Vedic Astrology and determine the methods to know the Past, Present and Future. She blessed that this knowledge if utilized by the Brahmins would surely remove their poverty and would also crown them with respect and admiration. There is no doubt that this penance of Maharishi Bhrigu has helped the greatest of Jyotish authors from time immemorial and savants like Kalidas (Uttar Kalamrita). Parasara, Varahmihira etc, must have benefited substantially from this seed of Jyotish.
History
Invading marauders and the Mughals led to the dispersion of the custodians of these Bhrigu manuscripts all over India. A large number of them was captured by them and taken away as booty. It is likely that this may have led to the beginning of the study of Astrology in the Arab world as some of the practices and methods like progression resemble the rudimentary teachings in the Manu Smriti. The single greatest loss occurred with the destruction of the Nalanda University.
Caution
The latest trend of preparing fake manuscripts in various parts of India is a sad development. Little do these people realise the kind of permanent damage they are doing to the authenticity of the Bhrigu’s works.
[1] 12 (Sun) X 12 (Moon) X 12 (Mars) X 3 (Merc) X 12 (Jup) X 5 (Venus) X 12 (Sat) X 12 (Rahu) X 1 (Ketu) X 12 (Lag) = 44,789,760 or say 45 Million. The values for Mercury is 3 as it can only be one sign behind, ahead or with the Sun. The same for Venus is 5 as it can be two signs behind, ahead or with the sun. Ketu is 1 as it is fixed opposite to Rahu.
[2] Since the Tapasya or penance was done by the determined Maharishi Bhrigu, Tapaswi Yoga is caused by the influence of Venus (also called Bhargava or the child of Bhrigu) on the Navamsa Lagna. This Venus should also be influenced by Saturn (deprivation/poverty) and Ketu (Spirituality/ emancipation and in this case emancipation from poverty).
d) Kerala prasna is a style of astrology invented and used predominantly in Kerala. There is another method called deva prasna ,which is mostly used for temples and deities to predict about the temple and its happenings.
There are other two kinds of prasna – Thamboola Prasna and Chollie Prasna. The Choolie prasna or seashells are used for fixing the ascendant. Once the ascendant is fixed, the chart is chalked and analysed for predictions. In thamboola prasna the astrological parameters are converted into betel leaves, and then questions are asked.
e) Chakras are available in North India that represents Ram Chakras, Surya KalanalChakras, Chandra Kalanal Chakras. These Chakras are diagrams drawn on different materials. The different points of Chakras are attributed to the planets or to the nakshatra, and their aspects read. Based on the readings predictions are made. Normally in this method only one or two question are asked. The Chakras are kept in puja. The most famous chakras are Rama and Seetha Chakras.
Each system has its own advantages. People believe in the system that which fascinates him/her the most. There always remains a debate about which system leads to perfect predictions. This depends on the practice, meditation level and natural inclination, and also the client’s destiny in which he or she can be helped. Finally it all depends upon the user’s karma for accuracy.
Ref:
- lessons by Shri P.V.R. Narasimha Rao, Sri Jagannath Centre
http://vedicastro.home.comcast
- Article:Medical Astrology I by Anshu Sood http://www.srath.com/index.htm
- Article Trimsamsa D-30 Chart by Shri Sanjay Rath http://www.srath.com/index.htm
- Article by Sarajit Poddar on Gemstone.
- Article on Medical Palmistry http://www.aarogya.com/Compleme
ntary/medpalm/index.asp - Article on Gems Therapy Healing Power; From The Ayurveda Encyclopedia http://hinduism.about.com
/library/weekly/extra/bl -gemshp.htm
1) Explore different styles of Indian astrology – By K B Gopalakrishnan
http://sify.com/lifestyle
9) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki