Dr.Bhawaan BRV Tatavarthy
[Ref: Call for Papers and Participation in a Seminar titled “Restoration of Traditional Knowledge Systems and Reforming the Educational System.” – This is an attempt to focus on some of the fundamental ideas based on which scientific postulates are formulated, experimented and proved or disproved. It has the intricacy of Mathematics, fascination of Physics, and the effect of Psychiatry. We need to look out for all learned and intellectuals to supplement their knowledge to derive a new strategy for research and to pass on our ANCIENT TRADITIONS to the coming generations.]
Astrology is born with history. The existence of the entire earth is based on Sun. Sun, heavenly Gods and stars are all the causes of rains. To show the gratitude, it is customary to perform YAGNAS. On receipts of crops, performance of Yagnas gives the HAVISSM to these bodies. Vedas provoke “Yagna Karmas”. The time for performing Yagnas is also determined in the Vedas. Astrology indicates the method of identifying auspicious time. In this way Astrology became a Vedanga as a time indicatory science. It took a prominent position of size among all the Vedangas like that of human science.
Food is essential for all living beings. The production of food depends on rains. Seasons are causes for rain. Seasons depend on Sun. So, the rains, winter like seasons came into existence since that time. Astrology reflects the routine activities of human beings with a time sense – “Prakruthi Dharma.”
In Vedas plenty of Astrological aspects like “Samvatsara kala” (year), Chandra masa (Lunar month), Surya masa (Solar month), days allocated, months, seasons (ritu), ayans, years, yugas, planetary orbits with its details and stars equinoxes were clarified.
Vedas are primitives of all the world literature. Western Scholars have expressed various opinions. Weber opined that “Age long of Vedas”. Max Muller researched “Vedas to be 1200BC”. Mc Donald reexamined “Vedas to be 1500 BC, Witney – 2000 BC, Brenhauter – 200BC. Geological researchers, ancient ‘ARYAVARTHA’ had four boundaries. Before the evaporation of these four seas the ‘Rigveda” came into existence, that shows, astrology exists for more than one lakh years as per ‘Siddhantha’.
“BHARATEEYA JYOTHISHA” of Dr. Nemi Chandra Sastry gives the following division of time:
Period before to 10,000 BC — Andhakara (Dark) Kala
10,000BC to 500 BC — Udaya (Rising) Kala
500 BC to 500 AD — Adi (Ancient) Kala
501 AD to 1000 AD — Poorva Madhya Kala
1001 AD to 1600 AD — Uttara Madhya Kala
1601 AD up to now — Adhunik (Modern) Kala
The creation, the growth of living beings in it, movements, different shapes, natures, energy for motion are factors to be known for utility of man kind. The knowledge of science takes place from deep thinking and in constant search for the cause of his ever acts and thoughts behind it.
After observing all these, the primitive man concentrated to enjoy the happiness, finding DIK (direction) DESA (place) KALA (time). Gradually life style changed. From food knowledge, medical knowledge, moral science to reduce conflicts among each other to Spiritual science to achieve the importance to get happy and prosperous life. He moved out as per time to collect food. He experienced the happiness, sorrows and illness. To remove illness and keep sound health he invented to use herbs as medicine, and also spiritual path for more enlightenment.
Since time immemorial, Saints recognized the effects of planetary forces on human beings and included them in the Vedas as they could visualize these planets and their effects through ‘Yogadristi’ (Vision). The various aspects of time and determination, astrology took prominent place.
‘Veda’ means a science worth to be known. Vedas are not meant for astrological aspects. They were told whenever there was an occasion. On examining Vedas it is understood that astrology was mingled with the routine schedules of mankind. In Vedas, plenty of astrological aspects were explained along with various other Dharma Sastras.
We find in Vedic culture, areas of study, progress and expression that are as relevant as today for human advancement as they were thousands of years ago. India and its Vedic culture have contributed much to the world such as its music, astronomy, holistic medicine, and mathematical system.
In Vedangas:
Sikha/Sikshna [Phonetics]: The ways of pronunciation of ‘Varnas’ ‘swaras’. It further deals with the pronunciation of “Udatta, Anudatta, Swanita, Harswa, Deergha and Pluta” of Veda mantras. 30 scripts are available of this subjects at yagnavalkya siksha. Paninneeya siksha are prominent.
Vyakarnam [Grammar]: This knowledge helps getting command over the language, pronunciation etc., ‘Panini’ is the famous book on vyakarnam.
Chandas [Metre]: The beauty of a sentence or sloka in the literature is possible through proper usage of ‘varna, laya’ etc. Nirukaam/nirukta [Etimilogy] deals with the various aspects. ‘Mantrartha Devatas’, usage of various phonic sounds of a word in appropriate place.
Astrology: Astro [jyothi] means light, and light rays are naturally emanated from Sun. Since time, sun and moon, stars planets etc., were recognized as sources of light and other types of energy.
Kalpa: “Shrouta Sutras, Griha Sutras, and Sulbha Sutras “are termed as Kalpa.
Veda called ‘Shriti. In the daily life a human being has to follow some principles deals ‘Shrouta Sutras’. The details of principles that ‘Family life, wife and husband relations’ must follow given in Griha sutras. Performing the ‘yagna’, Size of ‘yagna kundali’ and related things is in ‘Sulbha Sutras’.
As such Astrology initially started as a special science among Vedangas and took prominence in day-to-day activities in human beings. Astrology is treated as ‘Eye of Vedapurusha’.
Rigi Jyothisha written by ‘Lagada’ is the initial book on Astrology, which belongs to 500BC. [36 karkas are available]. At later period of Rigi jyothisha, Yajusha Jyothisha with 49 slokas deals with ‘Kala Parva’ knowledge. In Veda Jyothisha only Sun, Moon transits are explained. Remaining planets are not available.
Atharva Jyothisha pertains to predictive Astrology of 162 stanzas in 14 chapters. It is a form of discussion of Pitamaha and Kasyapa, explains the division of time, furious stars [roudra nakshitras], Mild stars [soumya nakshtras], Karma Yoga nakshitras and Karana nakishitras.
According to ancient Indian history, people often died of simple ailments. The Rishis aimed to eradicate it, acquired knowledge, which was codified as Ayurveda.
As such, Astrology and Ayurveda are two limbs of Vedic Sciences just like the branches of same tree. Many astrologers in India practiced Ayurveda and many Ayurveda doctors are Astrologers. Ayurveda is primarily based on the concept that the planets and their movements are intimately connected with human body and mind. Astrology determines the basic physical constitution of human beings and also gives an indication which planet affects which part of the body. Ayurveda gives cure, by utilizing varies herbs, roots, metals, and extracts for this purpose. So the relationships between planets and tree herbs etc. should be known and also the effects of planets on human minds should be understood.
Astrology and Ayurveda have got many things in common and both believe in the fundamentals of Vedic science and the planetary influence on living beings. Ayurveda believes that ailments are a natural process and their cures are by nature only. It has mainly three aspects AETOLOGY [the science of the causes of disease] SYMPTOLOGY [the study and interpretation of symptoms] MEDICATION [the ways and means of curing diseases]. The system aims at understanding the eternal truths of the human body, mind and spirit and seeks permanent cure.
Sounds are provoking varies mental abilities of human beings like head-ache, irritation and also pleasure. The sounds by animals, birds are not uniform in the nature. The ‘swaras’ taking in the form of ‘Ragas’, while research it reveals that ‘Ragas’ born due to positive aspects of the planets are curing the disease, which are caused by evil effects of the same planet. The planetary ‘varnas’ and the ‘sangeeta [music] ‘varnas’ are comparable.
Planets Varnas Colors
Ravi [Sun] Ga Gold color
Moon Ma White with yellow tint
Mars Ri Red
Mercury Sa Green
Jupiter Da Yellow
Venus Ni Multi-color
Saturn Sa Black
The relation between colors and swaras, colors and Planets are thoroughly studied and they are used for curing the diseases. Among swaras ‘Hindola’ – for love, ‘Deepaka raga’ – for kindness, Megha raga – Dareness, Bhairva raga – peace, etc., are being used and the scientists experimentally derived those utilities in experience also. One cannot conduct any experiments in the lab with regard to planets.
In the evaluation of Indian astrology, Astro-Mathematics in 476 AD invented mathematics by ‘ARYABHATTA’ and ‘BHASKAR’ are very popular even today. ‘Zero’ is their findings.
In ‘ARYABHATEEYA’, there are four main chapters namely ‘Geetika pada’ ‘Ganita pada’ ‘Kalakriya pada’ and ‘Gola Pada’.
Aryabhatta created some technical symbols, for ‘each alphabet’ there is an indication of each number.
A = 1
I = 100
U = 100 = 10,000
Ru = 100 = 10, 00,000
Iu = 100 = 100,000,000
E = 100 = 10,000,000,000
Ai = 100 = 1,000,000,000,000
O = 100 = 100,000,000,000,000
Au = 100 = 10,000,000,000,000,000
Ka = 1 Ta = 11 Pa = 21 Sha = 80
Kha = 2 Tha = 12 Pha = 22 Ksa = 90
Ga = 3 Da = 13 Ba = 23 Ha = 100
Gha = 4 Dha = 14 Bha = 24
Nya = 5 Na = 15 Ma = 25
Cha = 6 ta = 16 Ya = 30
Chha = 7 tha = 17 Ra = 40
Ja = 8 da = 18 La = 50
Jha = 9 dha = 19 Va = 60
Ni = 10 na = 20 Sa = 70
The total rotation of the Sun presented as Khu, Yu, Ghr, means Khu,Yu, Ghr if it deco defied that Sun’s rotation are 4,320,000 years.
In Ganita Pada : It consists of 33 stanzas. He explained the numbers, which are increased in 10.
Eka = 1
Dasa = 10
Sata = 100
Sahasra = 1000
Koti = 10,000,000
Arbuda = 100,000,000
Vrinde = 1,000,000,000
Remaining stanzas explained Square, Cube, Square Root, Cube Root, Vargas, Kshetra, Ghana phala, Kshetra phala of triangles, cone, circle, and its kshetraphala gola ghana phala etc., Circles, radius, circumferences were given.
Before introduction of Indian Astrology, Western Scientists thought that ‘Sine’ was first introduced by ‘Albarooni’ of Arab country. But after observing this “Aryabhateeyam’ westerns changed their mind and accepted that Indians have this theory in 4th and 5th centuries itself. The theory of ‘Pythagoras’ is explained in ‘Sulbha’ sutras. Many countries support this statement.
Kalakriya Pada: There are 25 stanzas, stating time measurement indicated for months, days, Nadi, Kshetra vibhaga is similar to kala vibhaga where divisions of ‘lipta, vilipta, tatparas’ all given this.
Gola pada: There are 50 stanzas, indicated the sun movements, starting point from Aries to Virgo moves to North and from Libra to Pisces towards South. He explained minimum distance of Sun to the remaining Planets [4th stanza]. The Earth and remaining half part in opposite direction to Sun [5th stanza] like this he explained various aspect including when the person travels on the boat, the trees and other objects on the land appear to the moving opposite direction due to rotation of Earth. Among the ancient astronomers, Aryabhatt was first to accept to Earth rotation theory [11th stanza]. North and South poles, Astro mathematics and calculations of Sun and Moon, Eclipses are indicated.
The greatness of Aryabhatta in the field of astronomy is spread in Arab Countries in 8th and 9th centuries, Almansoor, Almam made it popular. In 360 AD ‘Dayophantas’ and other Greek mathematics scholars had very little knowledge of Geometry compared to ‘Aryabhatta’ who is calculated many unknown results in the field of Geometry.
In the Indian astro-mathematical history ‘Aryabhatta II’ in 950 AD, he wrote ‘Mahasiddhanta’. It is a book on astrology. It contains 18 Chapters namely ‘Adhikaras’ 625 stanzas having the meter of ‘Arya’, specified the ancient astro-mathematics information very clearly and widely given. He also analyzed the calculation of ‘Chaturbhuja’
Other well noted Astro – Mathemations are ‘BHASKARA II and I. Bhaskara I wrote 2 books namely ‘Mahabhasaskareeya and Lagubhaskareeya’ which are available. Another book ‘Aryabatta tantra bhashya’ is not available. He belongs to 629 AD.
Bhaskara II wrote two books ‘Siddhanta Siromani and Karanakutoohala’. Siddhanta Siromani having 4 parts those are “Leelavathi’ [Patiganitha], ‘Beejaganita’, ‘Ganitadhyaya’ and ‘Goladhyaya’. ‘Measurements’ given in the chapters were followed by Indians and other countries also. Further he gave adding, deductions, multiplications, divisions, square, square root, cube, and cube root in details. In “Triprasna vasana’ he explained methods to sun rise, and day etc., Moon is situated below the ‘Pitrudevatas’. While giving the details about eclipses, he supported mythological view of ‘Rahu’ is the cause for this. In ‘Brihatsamhita Varahamihara also told the same with slight changes.
In ‘Yantradhyaya’ many details about ‘machines’ and calculation of the planetary planes. He told that the ‘mind’ [Buddhi] is the good machine of all, and ‘Gola’, ‘Nadeevalaya’, ‘Yashti’, ‘Shanku’, ‘Ghati’, ‘Chakra’, ‘Chapa’, ‘Turya’, and ‘Phalaka’ are nine machines and their details given.
Evolution of astrology in western countries: Astrological researchers are continuing in all places of the world wherever light is found. Firstly, their researches started by astro-materials in the sky. When they say one theory, it may turns to another theory in a new way.
‘Ptolemy’ [ancient yavana writer] is the first person among western famous astrologists. He wrote an astrology book ‘Tetro Biblos’ in four volumes. Alen Leo is famous for modern astrology.
Mespatomea: There are two rivers as the home for the ancient civilization namely ‘Tigris and Euphretis’. This country is combined with ‘Asseerians and Babiloneans’ in 607 BC They preserved their observations on mud-plates. Their Ephemeris is depending on the new-moon day.
Ezypt: Known for ancient civilization in 4000-3000 BC. It seems Greeks [yavanas] learnt geometry here. They prepared their Ephemeris depend on rise of Sirius star.
China: The Chinese people made astronomical studies from 4000 BC calculating the eclipse and in 2608 BC built a planetarium to correct the mistakes in Ephemeris. In China and Veda of India their researches made number studies constellations.
Greeks: The famous Greek scientists and their astronomy and astrological researchers are ‘Pteleez’ 640 BC, ‘Pythogrous’ 550 BC, ‘Eudaxus’ 400 BC, ‘Aristorcus’ 275 BC, ‘Eratosyneez’ 230 BC, ‘Apaloneas’, 200 BC, ‘Hiporcus’ 150 BC.
(i) Astronomy, (ii) Almanac, (iii) Astrology, (iv) Horary, (v) Omens; the five branches together become astrology. A mathematical calculation of planets and influences on human life is called astrology and their overall influence becomes ‘Samhita’. It got recognition as separate branches in the sciences of astrology. The methods mentioned in astrology for proper performance of various religious functions in the day-to-day life are ‘Samhita’. It is an encyclopedia. The study of earthquakes, exploration of earth, investigations in determining directions, atmosphere, orbit etc., were clearly enumerated.
It is essential to conduct research on various topics in Astrology / Samhita on the original rules contained in the old texts for the benefit of the society.
Meteorological Observations:
The investigations into the atmosphere are a special item under Samhita. The total amounts of rainfall during the year and instant rains and their knowledge have been already famous. The transitions of the Sun in various constellations have been treated as Kaartes of those particular constellations. The rainfall, its volume is made known through the available proverbs of villagers. It shows that the knowledge of samhitas already existed with the villagers. A careful study of these subjects combined with day-to-day practical knowledge gives fruitful results. By this we can be able to take precautionary measures which will be more advantageous to farmers.
Astro-meteorology is a science dealing with laws governing atmospheric conditions and rainfall, storms and cyclones, etc., which are most important for mankind. The hypothesis of the ancient astrologers is that star and planetary power are transmitted to earth without attenuation or with distance and mass. Scientists could not assimilate, understand and imagine such a hypothesis, since it is not amenable for verification through their laboratories. Gravitational waves because of magnetic disturbances are electrical disturbances, so that SUNSPOTS synchronized with sudden and violent electric currents in the earth, are synchronized with oscillations in the atmosphere. Since atmospheric pressures synchronizes with rain, wind storms and earthquakes; the ebbs and tides of gravitational waves of universe control the solar system and the solar system is controlled by sun. Sun absorbs star and planet power, transmits it to the moon and is reflected back to the earth. So, sun is the transmitter and moon is the reflector. The most important planet which induces a cyclone is the moon who gives finishing touch in timing the depressions, cyclones etc.
Usefulness of ALMANAC:
The kalayadyabdas [number of years passed on from commencement of kali yuga] are useful to count the long duration belonging to the apices. At present the historical events are counted with reference to ‘Huna saka’ [Christian era]. Prior to the introduction by the British people in our country, the time was counted with reference to ‘Salivahana saka’. ‘Hijari’ is a saka of Mohammedans.
The Almanac consists of ‘Tithi’ [lunar day], ‘Vara’ [week-day], ‘Nakshtra’ [star], ‘Yoga’ [combined effect of the Sun and Moon], and ‘Karana [half part of a lunar day].
Almanac can show the time of sunrise and sunset of the day, lunar month, ritu cycles, festivals, muhurtas for doing auspicious functions, intricate details of quantum of rainfall along with the stage of growth of agricultural yield with effects of transits of the sun, diseases, digits of gains and loses, rajayoga and avamanam [Kandaya phalas] in that particular year with reference to the birth star. Inauspicious muhurtams ‘Moudhya’ [Jupiter and Venus combustion with Sun] periods and ‘Subha Muhurtams to perform functions etc. Apart to this, the procedure of formation of ‘Nava Nayakas and analysis of their results and the effects of the planets influencing the conditions of the country, rain fall of the year and its suitable types of crops to be taken up in the agriculture operations can be thought over.
Birth is common to all living beings. Just like human beings animals also had handsome and beautiful body occurs. The prominent animals like, cow, dog, horse, elephant etc occupy unique importance in animal palmistry. The influence of the animals do good or bad reflects to the owner. More and more details about animal palmistry are in the works of Samhita to distinguish auspicious and inauspicious signs of the animals.
To conclude from the above truths and facts, Indian scholars proved a theory not only in Indian traditional ways but also in modern theory of mathematics through astrology defiantly, enable to know all day-to-day human life activity in related with planetary movements. Not only that, the Vedic science of astrology explains insight of knowledge of botany, zoology, metrology, psychology, medical [ayurveda] field. Hence, it is appropriate to say that ASTROLOGY IS PROMINENT AND PRIMITIVE OF ALL THE SCIENCES.
Email: bhawaanbrv@gmail.com
References:
•1. ‘Fundamental of Astrology’ of SPT University, Hyderabad, India.
•2. ‘Astrology History’ of SPT University, Hyderabad, India
•3. ‘Samhithas’ of SPT University, Hyderabad, India
About the Author:
Dr. Bhawaan has been awarded Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy in Astrology by Interamerican University of Humanistic Studies (U.S.A.) and is a member of Astrological Association (U.K.) and International Vedic Federation (U.S.A.). An Astrological consultant and Specialist in Muhurtam, Medical Astrology (Research Project), Compatibility of Horoscopes and predictive Astrology. He is also the President of Hyderabad Chapter of International Federation of Astrology & Spiritual Sciences and Secretary of Hyderabad Science Association.
