Astrology is surely not a magical spell of God. It is the science of how the Sun, Moon, and Planets interact and how these interactions affect us. It was considered as Gods Geometrical calculation at the time of birth. After innumerable years of learning, we have gained this precious knowledge of Astrology. The Philosophist may believe Karma creates cosmic changes which eventually decides our destiny. However, Astrology is not a philosophical theory. It is a systematic calculation based upon the planetary positions from the center of the Earth. Graphical representation and interpretation of this are called Horoscopes. Therefore, Astrology is an amalgamation of Science and Mathematics.
Vedic Astrology
Indian astrology is universally known as Vedic Astrology. Although there is no specific time of its origin, pieces of evidence can be seen in our Vedas and Vedanga. The Vedanga means the limb of the Vedas; it has six disciplines of Hinduism connected to Vedas. Our Vedic Astrology is one of the disciplines of Vedanga. Therefore Astrology is said to be the eye of Vedas. The Sanskrit term for Astrology is Jyotishawhich means Light, from heavenly bodies. Some Scholars believe that Vedic astrology may have interacted with Greek astrology at some point. Early Vedic astrology study was based upon the movements of astronomical bodies. It was more about the science of timekeeping, maintaining calendars and predicting auspicious times for Vedic rituals. They would maintain records of the celestial positions in Almanac and accordingly predict auspicious time.
Our Vedic Astrology focuses on the Planets, Stars and their relationship to the Horizon, unlike the western Sun Sign astrology. I read something quite fascinating about Jyotisha that:
Jyotisha can be translated as the science of light or the wisdom of heavens. Astrology is about light! When there is no light there is no life.
Rajgurus of the Kingdom
In ancient times only Kings were fortunate to have Astrologers to consult for all important decisions. Did you know that the youngest of Pandavas Sahadeva, was a great astrologer?
Recently on the internet, I came across one very interesting story about Sahadeva and Shri Krishna. And for some of you, this may be a new tale from Mahabharata.
Duryodhana and Sahadeva
Just before the Mahabharata War Duryodhan wanted to know an auspicious (time) to perform puja and to start the war. When he asked Dronacharya, to his surprise he suggested Sahadev's name. Duryodhana was told Sahadev was a very good astrologer and he always spoke the truth. The next Morning Duryodhana asked Sahadeva to tell an appropriate time for the puja and to start the war. He asked Sahadeva to give the time which would ensure Kauravas victory. Sahadeva after some calculations said that the following (New Moon) was an auspicious time to perform the Puja and to commence the war, as that would surely give Duryodhana the desired victory.
Then who rectified it?
When Shri Krishna came to know about Sahadevas advice, he immediately started thinking of a solution. Shri Krishna knew if the war would start on Amavasya Kauravas were sure to win. The next day Shri Krishna decided to perform Tarpanam puja or oblations to their forefathers. Yudhishtra was surprised to know, as this Puja is performed on Amavasya day and it was not Amavasya day. When the Puja started all the Gods were also confused including Sun and Moon God. Both Sun and Moon God came to Shri Krishna and told him it is not the right day to perform Tarpan Puja. Krishna said it is not Amavasya till the time they both are apart. But now that the two appeared together before him, they were conjunct and so Amavasya has started. Subsequently, Kauravas, assuming that it was an Amavasya day, declared war. Thus, Shri Krishna managed to avert the victory of Kauravas by creating a situation opposite to what Sahadeva had suggested to them.
Astrology from epic stories to present times
Many such stories are being carried in different parts of India at different points in time. They reflect the involvement and role of Astrologers in our Vedic rituals. In our Vedas and Epics Vedic Astrology has been expressed as mysticism and divinity. Later on, it was developed as a science of reading planetary movement and alignment during the birth of any individual. And these readings can help us to identify any negative Yogas or Doshas in Kundali. Few important Doshas that should be taken care of :
Manglik Dosha Kal Sarp Dosha Pitr Dosha Nazar Dosha
Primarily, such predictions can help solve many problems in life. Through Karma Correction and Vedic Rituals it can mitigate the malefic effects of negative Yogas. Sun's immense power and remedial effects have been described in detail in our Vedanga. Sun is called the Sarvati Sakshi Bhutam which means he is the witness to everything happening around him.
Surya God Sun enlightens our life with knowledge and removes all the darkness. A person can obtain wealth, prosperity, fame, fearlessness, success and spiritual upliftment.
Askganesha suggests chanting the following 3 Surya Mantras every morning.
- Namah Suryaya Shantaya Sarvaroga Nivaarine || Ayu rarogya maisvairyam dehi devah jagatpate||
The Mantra means, O! Lord Surya, ruler of the universe, you are the remover of all diseases, the repository of peace. I bow to you and please bless your devotees with long life, health, and wealth.
- Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryay Namah||
It implies that I salute the Great Sun God for his Divine grace
Aadhitya Hrudhaya Punyam Sarva Sathru Vinaasanam ||
Jayaavaham Jabe nithyam Akshayam Paramam Shivam ||
Invoking the Sun God by this mantra makes one fearless. The negative thoughts of ego, anger, greed, desire, and treachery are also cleansed from his mind.
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