Saravali (Vol I) by Manoj Kumar

(Sanskrit shlokas are in corrupted texts – perhaps for font settings – good for english text only; Distorted tables at few places)

Astrology is a very ancient and profound science. One can never fully study this science. It is not only a material science; but rather, it is a science having a religious and spiritual base. It is therefore, imperative that an astrologer be of a pious nature and with a spiritual base. Astrology is an empirical science based on observations and experience. Astrology is described as a sub-chapter of the Vedas, and is also referred to as the science of time measurement. The Vedas have six sub-chapters and has given connotations of a human body as below: Vyakaran Siksha Kalp Chhanda Nirukta Jyotish Mouth Nose Speech Legs Ears Eyes

Thus, astrology is described as the eyes of Vedas, or “Vedachakshu”, a very important part of the body. Astrology is mainly divided into three sections: 1 . Mathematics (Siddhanta): This consists of the study of stars (nakshatra), astrological mathematics, casting of horoscopes, etc. 2. Samhita – General or holistic astrology: This consists of auspicious occasions (muhurats), effect of the planets on the collective populace, etc. e.g earthquake, floods, accidents, etc. 3. Prediction (Hora): This consists of the effect of star; and planets on individual lives. e.g. study of horoscope.
vi ::: Saravali-Vol.-I
Oriental (Eastern) Astrology In the ancient times, predictions and muhurtas were based on stars rather than zodiac signs. The Rigveda does show a mention of stars (nakshatras) to determine muhurtas. An example of this is the story Prajapati. King Prajapati’s daughter was married to Som. After their marriage, Som took his cows home on the auspicious Magha nakshatra, while his wife Arjuni come home in the Purva Phalguni Nakshatra. Thus it is evident that no reference of rashis or zodiac terminologies were in vogue in ancient times. In the Atharva Veda, 162 verses are dedicated to astrology. It mentions tithis like Nanda, Bhadra, Jaya, Rikta, Poorna etc. of the lunar day i.e. Tithis. In the Shruti Purana, study of astrology was further expanded. Even in the Ramayana, one sees the mention of nakshatra-based predictions. However, at this juncture, Rama’s planetary based horoscope (rashi-based) showed that he would be king since his horoscope had exalted planets in the centre houses. Thus, it can be safely said that zodiac-based astrology was being followed since Ramayana period and thereafter. Now, let us acquaint ourselves briefly with the three astrological sections mentioned earlier. 1. Siddhanta (Mathematical part): Under this Varahamihir is considered as the prime astrologer. In the Hindu calendar year 485, Varahamihir first published ‘Brihat Samhita’. A commentary on this volume by Bhatotkal was also published in the same year. In the year 550, Brahmagun published ‘Brahma Siddhant’, Lilawati by year 875, Aryabhatt wrote ‘Siddhanta Shiromani. This has followed by a treatise known as Lilavati by Bhaskaracharya in 1124, and ‘Grahalaghav’ in 1500 by Ganesh Daivajna. On this was based the planetary-based almanac (Panchang), and all other almanacs of today. During the British rule, scholars like K. L. Chhatre, Krishnashastri Godbole and later, Dhundirajshastri Date,
vii ::: Preface
Latkar, Rajendekar, etc. did their best to make astrology easier to understand through their almanacs and have a mass following today. Writers like Navathe, Pradhan, Raje, V. D. Bhat, M. D. Bhat, Waikar, Soman, etc. also have made a substantial contributions towards the efforts in this section. The Siddantha section deals mostly with the mathematical part of astrology. 2. Samhita: As mentioned earlier, this deals with muhurats and other earthly effects. Given below are some of the writers who wrote on muhurtas, i.e. auspicious periods for performing various rituals in life. Hindu calendar year 961 – `Ratnamala’ by Shripati; 964 – ‘Ratnamartand’ by Bhoj; 1493 – ‘Muhurtamartand’ by Narayan; 1522 – ‘Muhurtachintamani’ by Rambhat 3. Hora Shastra Predictions : This means the effect of planets on human beings.

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