Title of the of the paper :-

Origin and development of Jyotisha Sastra

Name of the author (1)

Sundarjee

Designation :

Research Scholar Astrology,

Postal Address

Dept. Sanskrit & |Astrovedic

Studies,
PRI|ST University
Thanjavur 613403.

Type of the Article :

Research review paper

Origin and development of Jyotisha Sastra

By Sundarjee MA(Astrology)
Research Scholar-Astrology, Dept.Sanskrit & Astrovedic Studies, PRIST
University,Thanjavur,Tamilnadu 613403.

Abstract:- There are in the heavens several bodies which appear to shed their light
directly on this Earth; and also some others which, having no light of themselves, serve to
reflect that of the Soorya , and thereby become visible to our organs of sight. The former are
termed Sthira Nakshatra (Fixed Stars), because they appear to retain the same situation or to
be fixed in the same place; but the later, being observed to wander, are termed Planets. The
number and distance of the stars are so extensive. In this article the origin and development
of Indian astrology and the names of famous astronomers, sages and insighters of our great
Indian astrologers as well as their work for the development of astrology is given.

Keywords:-Indian Astrology, Surya, Pitamaha,

Vyasa, Vasishta, Atri, Parasara,

Kasyapa, . Narada, Garga, Mareechi, Manu, Angeerasa,Lomasa, Poulisa,Chyavana,Yavana,
Bhrigu, and Saunaka. Maharshi Jaimini, Sage Patajali, Sage Paanini , Rishi Katyayana,
Aryabatta , Varahamihira, Bhaskara, Lalla, Shridhara, Virasena, Jayadeva, Halayudha,
Mahavira, Aryabhata II, Brahmadeva, Bhaskara (1114-1185), Sripati, Mahadeva and
Kalidasa

Introduction

Astrology sees mankind as being not only influenced by hereditary factors and the
environment, but also by the state of our solar system at the moment of birth. The planets are
regarded as basic life-forces, the tools we live by as well as the basis of our very substance.
These planetary forces take on different forms, depending on their zodiacal position and on
the way they relate to one another. The aspects formed between the planets describe these
relationships, the positions of the planets in relation to the place of birth tell us of their
expression in the spheres of life depicted by the astrological houses. By interpreting the roles
of these planets and their qualities (the elements, signs and houses) and creating a synthesis,
astrology is able to present a complete and comprehensive picture of the person and his
potential, based on the natal horoscope.
There are in the heavens several bodies which appear to shed their light directly on this
Earth; and also some others which, having no light of themselves, serve to reflect that of the
Soorya , and thereby become visible to our organs of sight. The former are termed Sthira
Nakshatra (Fixed Stars), because they appear to retain the same situation or to be fixed in the
same place; but the later, being observed to wander, are termed Planets. The number and
distance of the stars are so extensive. In this chapter we study the origin and development of
Indian and world astrology. This chapter also dealt with the famous astronomers of world and
sages and insighters of our great Indian astrologers as well as their work for the development
of astrology.

1. Indian Astrology

Jyotisha from India is the most time-tested and oldest system of Astrology in the world. The
Sanskrit word "Jyotisha" (ja-yo-teesh) means "science of light." In Western countries, it is
called Vedic Astrology, which refers to Indian or Hindu Astrology. The origin of Jyotisha is
from the Vedas, the scriptures of Hindus. Jyotisha is the science of understanding the subtle
influences that come to us from the greater universe.

Vedas are the oldest literature and compendium of multitude of Knowledge. The history of
Astrology traces back to Vedic times, lakhs of years ago from now. Astrology can be divided
broadly as Siddhanta Bhaga (Calculation part) and Phalita Bhaga (Predictive part). In
Rigveda, the year is divided into 12 months, the special 13th month called extra month
correlates the Solar and Lunar months. In Taittireeya Brahmana, the 6 seasons are described.
The details of planets as gods, solar and lunar eclipses are available in Rigveda.
Vedic Astrology reflects the understanding and experience of ancient spiritual teachers
regarding the facts of life. Hindu philosophers, sages, went into great intricacies to explain
God. They explain that world is evolving under the benevolent influence of a Divine Being.
The Supreme Intelligence takes care of every individual and puts him under those
circumstances which are best suited for his growth. This gives faith and confidence to the
individual. Vedic Astrology believes in the spiritual nature of man, and guides him in
realizing his true self.
It helps him realize that each soul is learning his lessons, which he can only learn under those
circumstances. Thus, he comes to know that astrological prediction comes true because the
soul is guided by Higher Beings, planets and the belief that, never go wrong.
The oldest available book on Astrology is Rigjyothisha, written by Lagadha. In this book,
there are 5 types of years described, along with the ruling deities. The two Ayanas (parts) of
the year are also mentioned, along with their starting stars. Precision of equinoxes are
explained. And the 27 stars are also given in this book.
There are 18 pioneers in Astrology, who contributed to its development. They are: 1. Surya,
2. Pitamaha, 3. Vyasa, Vasishta, 5. Atri, 6. Parasara, 7. Kasyapa, 8. Narada, 9. Garga, 10.
Mareechi, 11.Manu, 12.Angeerasa, 13.Lomasa, 1 Poulisa, 15.Chyavana, 16.Yavana, 17.
Bhrigu, and 18. Saunaka. Each of the above sages has one Siddhantha to each name to their
credit.
Zodiac is the outer wheel from where the radiation from different celestial bodies is received,
filtered and sent to Earth. Indian Astrology links the planets and stars with gods. Gods are
representatives of certain types of energies. The entire Zodiac chart is divided into 12 signs,
starting from Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius,
Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. There are 4 things to be done in a human life: Dharma
(righteous path), Artha (wealth), Kaama (Desire), and Moksha (Unification of soul with
God). These are one by one represented by the 12 houses of the Zodiac. The hidden meaning
is: A man should follow righteous path to achieve wealth and fulfill his desires. At the same
time he must be desirous of reaching God, and find ways to finally become one with the
super soul. The potentiality to achieve this is represented step wise by the Zodiac.
2.Indian Astrologers
In India, Astrology was taught in Guru kula system where the master spoke directly to the
students. While this system had many advantages, one main drawback was that information
was rarely recorded. The Master taught the secrets of Astrology only to the best students.
Some of the important knowledge was lost forever as it came down from Master to the
student.

Sage Garga, Viddha Garga, Asite, Aryabhatta the mathematical genius, Sage Brighu the
author of Brighu Sutram, Brihaspati(Guru), Badarayana, Kapila, Kashyappa, Manu,
Manitha, Maharshi Parasara, Satyacharya, Varahamihira, Battotpala, the commentator on
Brihat Jataka, Prithyuyasa son of Varahamihira, Vaidyanatha Dikshitar the author of Jataka
Parijata, Kalidasa the author of Uttarakalamrita, Mahadeva the author of Jataka Tatwa, and
many others contributed to this vast body of knowledge.
Maharshi Jaimini, Sage Patajali, Sage Paanini , Rishi Katyayana, Aryabatta , Varahamihira,
Bhaskara, Lalla, Shridhara, Virasena, Jayadeva, Halayudha, Mahavira, Aryabhata II,
Brahmadeva, Bhaskara (1114-1185), Sripati, Mahadeva and Kalidasa were given many
authentic treatise for the development of Indian astrology.
3.Origin and description of Indian Astrology

bphs 1.3
"Once upon a time, offering his obeisances to all knowing sage Parasara and with folded
hands, Maitreya asked him: O venerable, Astrology, the supreme limb of the Vedas, has three
divisions, viz. Hora, Ganita and Samhita. Even amongst the said three divisions, Hora is still
far excellent. I desire to know of its glorious aspects from you. Kindly relate them to me."
These are the introductory slokas of the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, the great classic of
Vedic Astrology authored by Maharishi Parasara. The Shisya (student) of the Maharishi,
Mitreya rishi describes Jyotisha or Vedic Astrology as eye as the supreme limb of the Vedas.
Originally there is one Veda, which is said to have emanated from the breath of Lord
Mahavishnu, and was later divided into four branches by Maharshi Vedavyasa for easier
comprehension. The four branches are the Rik, Sama, Yajush and Atharva Vedas, which
contain the hyms or mantras recited by the four priests preforming a Yaja (vedic sacrifice).
The auxiliary knowledge necessary for the proper performance of the Vedic rituals is given in
the six corollaries of the Vedas called Vedangas. They are mentioned by Parijata Harihara in
his Prasna Marga as follows:
The Vedas have six limbs, viz. Jyotisha, Kalpa, Nirukta, Siksha, Vyakarana and Chanda. For
the Vedas, the six important limbs, viz. the feet, the face, the hands, the eyes, the nose, and
the ears are represented by Chanda, Vyakarana, Kalpa, Jyotisha, Siksha and Nirukta
respectively. As Astrology is the eye of the Vedas, it is given the pride of place. No person
possessing all the organs intact but without eyesight can have individuality."
(Prasnamarga.10-12.)
Therefore, although Astrology is a subordinate part of Vedic knowledge, it still ocuppies a
very preeminent position, because with its help one can foresee the results of his actions.

Maitreya also mentions the three branches of Astrology, namely Hora, Ganita and Samhita,
which are also elaborated upon by Harihara as follows:
"Ancient astrological science is divided into three Skandhas or six Vedangas. The three
Skandhas are Ganita, Samhita and Hora. Sages have classified the great science of Astrology
into six Vedangas, viz. Jataka, Gola, Nimitta, Prasna, Muhurta and Ganita.
Ganita Skandha deals with Gola and Ganita. Hora Skandha deals with horoscopy, Prana,
Muhurta and a part of Nimitta. Samhita Skandha deals elaborately with Nimitta. Samhita also
deals with the varying fortunes of the people, changes in weather and progress of the animal
kingdom. It sketches also the nature and shape of meteors, shooting stars and all the
wonderful natural phenomena." (Prasnamarga 1.5-8.)
4 The six Angas of Vedic Astrology

The six Angas of Vedic Astrology are the following:

1. Ganita: Mathematical calculations connected with the movement and positions of the planets
within the Zodiac.
2. Gola: Spherical astronomy, resulting from the spherical shape of the planets and their
movements around their axes and orbits.
3. Jataka: Radical Astrology, or analysis of the birth chart, which includes all the general rules of
horoscope reading.
Prana: Query Astrology or analysis of charts erected for the time and place of putting a question
before the astrologer.
5. Muhurta: Analysis of favourable and unfavourable moments to begin any activity.
6. Nimitta: Reading of omens, bodily signs, behavior or humans, animals and natural phenomena.
Harihara also mentions that Vedic Astrology can be divided into Paramamsa and Phala.
Astronomical calculations come under Pramanas (proof) as they deal basically with
asrophysical characteristics of the planets. This is still important for a Jyotisha, because these
calculations will lie in the foundation of the astrological interpretations. The astronomical
interpretations themselves come under Phala (fruits) as they actually delineate the fruits of
the natives karma, or activities performed in his previous lifetime.
5. Difference between Indian Vedic Astrology and Western Astrology:Vedic and Western Astrology share a common heritage of 12 Zodiac signs (Aries, Taurus,
Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces),
and seven planets (Surya, Chandra, Budha, Sukra, Kuja, Guru and Sani), which they describe
in a similar manner. Vedic Astrology also considers Chandras North and South nodes
prominently. They are called Rahu and Kethu. The outer planets Uranus, Neptune and Pluto
are not part of classical Vedic Astrology. But Vedic and Western Astrology differ in several
ways. The Vedic system is more complicated, with many different types of charts and
calculations to consider but very easy to understand.

In Jyotisha, the positions of the planets and other significant points are calculated with
reference to a person's, or events, birth data. Based on this information the Vedic astrologer
calculates about 100 charts and tables. It is the job of the Vedic astrologer to study them
simultaneously and derive useful information based on the rules of interpretation created by
ancient sages. Both systems use the same twelve houses and interpret them similarly (though
with variations). The Vedic system makes the cusp the same beginning of the house, while
Western Astrology makes the cusp the middle of the house. This causes half the planetary
positions in the Vedic chart to move forward to the next house relative to the Western chart.
Vedic Astrology uses an additional 27-fold division of the Zodiac called Nakshatra
(constellations). Personality traits are read more through the birth star (Nakshatra of
Chandra ) than by Suryas sign. Nakshatra positions of planets are examined in the birth chart
as well. The use of Nakshatra is very important in Vedic Astrology, much more than with
Zodiac signs. Vedic Astrology uses a system of planetary periods called Dasa, The Major
Period of various planets. Most important is Vimshottari Dasa, a 120-year-long cycle of
planetary positions based on the birth Nakshatra, stars. With the help of this Dasa, The major
Period system a Vedic astrologer can predict future events accurately. However, Western
Astrology does not have the Dasa system, with predictive capabilities as Vedic Astrology
does. There are five main uses of Vedic Astrology: 1. Kama - family and relationship issues
like marriage compatibility, timing of children and domestic happiness; 2. Artha - help with
finances, business and investments; 3. Dharma - determination of career and vocation;
Moksha - guidance in the spiritual life and cosmic and self-knowledge; and 5. Arogya physical and mental health. But these moral values do not have any importance in Western
Astrology.
6.List of Indian Astrological classics/ Treatises on Nativity
Skanda Hora or Jyotishmati
(God Brahma)
Brihat Prajapatya
(Daksha Prajapati)
Vasishta Hora
(Sage Vasishta)
Garga Hora
(Sage Garga)
Kousika Hora
(Sage Viswamitra)
Sounaka Hora
(Sage Sounaka)
Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram
(Sage Parasara)
Jaimini Sutram
(Sage Jaimini)
Brigu Sutram
(Sage Brigu)
Vedanga Jyotish
(Lagadha)
Yavaneswara Hora or Yavanajataka( Sage Yavaneswara)
Sphujudwaja Hora
(King Sphujidwaja)
MeenarajaHora or Vridha Yavana Hora (King Meenaraja)
Saravali
(Kalyana Verma)
Brihat Jatakam
(Varahamihira)
Phala deepika
(Mantreswara)
Hora Saram
(Prithu Yasas)
Sarvartha Chintamani
(Venkatesa Daivajna)
Hora Ratna
(Acharya Balabhadra)
Jataka Parijatam
(Vaidyanatha Deekshita)
Chamatkara Chintamani
(Bhatta Narayana)
Kashyapa Hora
(Sage Kasyapa)

Poorva Kalamritam
(Ganaka Kalidasa)
Uttara Kalamritam
(Ganaka Kalidasa)
Suka Nadi
(Sage Suka)
Deva Keralam or Chandra Kala Nadi (Achyuta)
Tajaka Neelakanthi
(Neelakantha)
Prasna Margam
(Panakkattu Sankaran Nambootiri)
Daivajna Vallabha
(Varahamihira)
7. Treatises on Indian Electional/Muhurtha Astrology
Adbhuta Sagaara
Brihannarada
Brihatdaivygyaranjan
Brihatjyotisaara
Daivygyamanoranjana
Daivygyamanohar Grantha
Ganaka Mandana
Giana Manjari
Hindu Electional Astrology
Jaganmohana Grantha
Jyotiprakasha
Jyotirnibandha
Jyotisha Ratana
Jyotishsaara
Jyotisha Chintamani
Jyotirvidabharnama
Kaala Khanda
Kaal Nirnaya Deepika
Kaal Prakashika
Madhaveeyam
Muhurtarnava
Muhurta Bhaskara
MuhurtaChintamani
MuhurtaChudamani
Muhurta Darpaanam
Muhurta Deepakam
Muhurta Deepika
Muhurta Ganpati
Muhurta Kalpadrum
Muhurta Maala
Muhurta Manjari
Muhurta Martanda
Muhurta Muktaavali
Muhurta Prakash
Muhurta Padavi
Muhurta Saagar
Muhurta Sangraha

Muhurta Tattva
Muhurta Tattvapradeep
Muhurtaarnava
Muktaavali
Narpatijacharyaaswarodaya
Naaradeeya
Nibandha Chudamani
Poorva Kaalamrit
Rajmartanda
Ratana Koosham
Ratanmaala
Sakujaaaram
Shiva Swarodayam
Vaivaha Pradeepam
Vivaha Kautuhalam
Vivaha Patalam
Vivaha Pradeepam
Vivaha Saaram
Vivaha Vrindavanam
Vyvahaarochchyam
Yoga Yatra
Vyavaharsaaram
8. List of Indian Astrologic Samhitas: treatises on mundane, portents, omens,
meteorology etc.
BrahKuja hi Samhita
Brihaspati Samhita
Brihat Samhita
Parasara Samhita
Garga Samhita
Rishiputra Samhita
Guru Samhita
Kashyapa Samhita
Lomasha Samhita
Maanava Samhita
Naagarjuna Samhita
Narada Samhita
Shakalya Samhita
Samaasa Samhita
Samhita Pradeepa
Samhita Sidhhanta
Satya Samhita
Surya Samhita
Vaikhaanasa Samhita
VasistaSamhita

9.List of Indian Astrologic Siddhanthas : treatises on mundane, portents, omens,

meteorology etc.
Name of the Siddhantha
Ancient Surya Sidhata
Brahma Sidhanta
Lomasa Sidhanta
Poulisa Sidhanta
Pitamaha Sidhanta
Vasishta Sidhata
Vridha Vasishta Sidhanta
Garga Sidhanta
Parasara Sidhanta
Pancha Sidhantika
Modern Surya Sidhanta

Author
(Maya)
(God Brahma)
(Sage Lomasa)
(Sage Poulisa)
(God Brahma)
(Sage Vasishta)
(Sage Vridha Vasishta)
(Sage Garga)
(Sage Parasara)
(Varaha Mihira)
(Aryabhata II)

Conclusion: The knowledge of history and origin is essential for understanding of any
subject. Here we saw the Indian astrology and its development in this short article.
Reference:An Introduction to Astrology by William Lilly Zadkiel, www.Wikipedia.org,
History of world Astrology by Nick Campion, History of Astrology by Derak Parker,.
Kudumbajotidam by Lifco
Subham bhooyath