Fwd: Sidhantas in astrology-An enquiry tru history of Jyothisha

April 25, 2009

, " sunil nair "

<astro_tellerkerala wrote:

Sidhantas in astrology --(Astrologia Mathematics: Mathematical

astronomy and mathematical astrology)

Written by Sunil Nair

Astrologia means Jyotisastra which includes both astronomy and

astrology. Similarly the word Siddhanta refers to the mathematical part

of astrologia which includes both mathematical astronomy and

mathematical astrology.

Here I would discuss about various Sidhantas in astrologia without going

in much technical details (due to my inability for such a detailed

analysis, but still) trying to find answer to the questions raised by

many.

So bear with me if anything is wrong in concept and it is against what

Rishis taught us, but I invite learned members opinions, suggestions and

even explanation what it may be true than what I know or thought to be

true. I am basing myself only Kerala texts. This is because the

astrology I learned and use mainly belong to Kerala tradition. Kerala

was able to preserve many astrologia texts due to two contrasting

reasons such as –

1) due to its geographical specialty of isolation and same time

interacted

2) Since it interacted with all races in world and even retained

the purity irrespective of being host to all religions in world.

The uniqueness of Kerala astrological wisdom and the knowledge it

preserved is evident from texts like, Like Dasadhyayi , Kaikulanagara

hora, Prashna Anushtana Padhati, Prashna Marga, Uparatna sikha a

commentary by Punnasseri Nambi for Prashna Maarga etc – to name a

few.

Mathematical part of astrological astronomy

Ancient astrological science is divided into 3 Skanthas (heads; major

branches) and further into 6 Angas (limbs; sub branches). The 3 Skanthas

are Ganita, Samhita and hora. Rishis who wrote about all this is

considered as Jyotisha acharyas (teachers of astrologia).

Ancient sages classified this great Sastra of astrologia into 6 Angas

(sub-branches or parts). The definition of the word `sastra' is

`sasyate ithi sastra' meaning `the one which advices'.

Thus sastra means `authentic ancient advice'. The 6 sub-branches

of astrology are Jataka (horoscopy), Gola (spherical astronomy), Nimitta

(omens), Prasna (horary astrology), Muhurta (electional astrology) and

Ganita (mathematical part of astrologia).

Let us see how these sub-branches or parts get integrated into the

main branches or heads.

1) Ganita skanta is composed of Gola (spherical astronomy) and

Ganita (calculation)

2) Hora skanta is composed of Horoscopy, Prasna, Muhurta, and some

part of Nimitta

3) Samhita skanta is composed of elaborate discussion of Nimitta.

It a also deals with the varying fortunes of people (of a nation, group

or particular geographical location etc ) – in this context it is

also known by the name Medini astrologia or Mundane astrology, Changes

in weather, Growth-diseases-treatment-cure of animals and plants, Nature

and shapes of meteors-shooting stars etc, and in short all wonderful

natural phenomena. Samhita is a `collection' of everything

related to astrologia that is not dealt within Ganita and Hora skanta.

Majority of acharyas accept and deals with this classification in this

way itself. The six Angas can be described as follows -

1) Jataka - deals with predictions to be made on the basis of

rising sign at the time of birth and the related planetary position

2) Gola - deals with planetary system, their nature, peculiarities

and in short spherical astronomy.

3) Nimitta –deals with temporary omens (Tatkala Lakshana)

– mainly omens obtaining at a particular time, omens related to body

language, events and so on.

4) Prasna - forecasting methods based upon the questions raised by

a qurrent

5) Muhurta – selection of auspicious time for success in

religious /spiritual, social, secular, material or in short any

undertaking.

6) Ganita (astrologia mathematics) - mathematical astronomy or

mathematical astrology. `Sidhantas' are astrologia texts that

deal with Ganita Skanta of astrologia.

Ganita: Astrologia Mathematics

As per Prasna Marga, the efficient astrologer should be well versed in

10 kinds of calculations such as calculation of - Kali Dina (Kali era

date calculations), mean position of planets, true position of planets,

solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, planetary fights (Graha Yudha), Lunar

conjunctions (samagama), combustion (Maudhya), Heliacal risings and

setting of various planets. Thus we can infer the difference of approach

between the modern mathematics and astrologia mathematics (i.e. Ganita

skanta) – there are numerous ideas present in astrologia mathematics

that are not present or used, or considered unscientific by modern

astronomy. In modern astronomy there is no retrogression, combustions

etc but in the astrologia mathematical context the calculation of the

same is unavoidable since it is much useful and required for the

astrology. There are numerous texts available which deal with one or the

other section of Ganita branch. To name a few - Surya Siddhanta

,Siddhanta Siromany, Siddhanta Tatva Vivekam, Graha Laghavam,

Leelavathi, Pancha Sidhantika, Aryabhatiya are all examples of Ganita

texts.

Ganita is other wise known as Tantra skanta (note the use of word tantra

here). It also shows where all this concepts may have been originated.

Other wise too astrology is generally known as Agamic or Agama sastra

like Temple tantra (worship), Vastu Tantra (architecture) and alike.

Tantra means `technique' with a practical usefulness. It is this

that makes Ganita, Astrology, Vastu, Temple worship etc all Tantra. It

is a system to be learned and applied (used, practiced), not just

something for theoretical discussion without any practical usefulness.

It is the practical usefulness that makes every tantra (technique)

valuable and respectable. The same is true with this ancient branch of

Tantric knowledge called astrologia as well.

Coming back to our subject of discussion, i.e. Ganita, an astrologer is

expected to be thoroughly conversant with the methods of calculating

eclipses, planetary longitudes, heliacal rising and setting of planets

and all other phenomena specified by astrological texts. Kali Dina is

the number of days passed from the beginning of the Kali Yuga to the

epoch in question. The mean position of planets is the position which it

would have attained at a uniform rate of motion and the corrections to

be applied in respect of the eccentricity of the orbit are not

considered. The mean longitude is reckoned on the assumption that the

orbits of planets are concentric circles. Because of the orbits are

elliptical and not circular further equations or corrections called

beeja corrections are later on applied to the mean position to get the

true longitude. Two planets are said to be in fight or Graha Yuddha when

they are in conjunction and the distance between them is less than one

degree. All planets except sun and moon (also Rahu and Ketu) can enter

into war. The conjuring planet is the one with less longitude. The

heliacal rising and setting (astodaya; asta and udaya; setting and

rising) occur when they are at certain distance from Sun. Chandra

samagama (conjunction with Moon) and eclipses involve more elaborate

calculations.

So from what we discussed we can already infer that the difference

between astronomical phenomenon in modern context and astrologia

mathematics discussed in Sidhantas are different in calculations and

approach. In reality there do not exists any eclipses, combustion,

retrogression, or many other phenomena discussed in astrologia texts.

Actually astrologia mathematical texts approach this subject from a

different angle – the deal with what we see, observe, experience as

seen from earth. Know and understand this point clearly.

Some words on Charlatans

Astrologia mathematics (Ganita skanta and Siddhantic texts) may speak

about the 8 directions, rising and setting of sun, the horizon,

ecliptic, combustion of planets, retrograde and numerous other things

that actually does not `exist' but we only `feel' as we

observe it from earth. Even though the ancient sages knew well that Sun

was the center of solar system, there calculations were well grounded

and was given `as observed from earth' – erroneously terming

it as `geo centric' is nothing but ignorance. Of course even the

modern astronomers refer to and use the terms such as ecliptic, horizon

etc since they know and value the benefit of this approach. It is only

those who lack the basic understanding and context only argue that since

- `directions does not exist', `sun does not rise and

set', `combustion is not possible', `planets does not

fight', `planets do not go backwards' etc and that due to

all this the whole astrologia mathematics and understanding is bogus and

useless.

So what to say about some people (like AKK or Sanat) assuming scientific

temper and attacking astrology saying that it is unscientific even

without knowing even the basic concepts properly still claiming that I

was into astrology for 35 yrs or 50 yrs etc and so on. These corrupted

minds use what little they know as an opportunity to bring down Hindu

pride and knowledge and prepare a ground for proselyte and converting

Hindus by injecting inferiority complex by giving color of science or

religion to their baseless and erroneous approach and arguments. They

act as if they are protector of religion or gods as if they stand for

truth – while in truth they are into their missionary mission of

destruction of ancient Indian knowledge branches such as astrologia. In

their mind they accept western thoughts or ideology. Or even goes to the

extent of mimicking that they stand for the Vedas and argue that `it

is not in Vedas and so cannot be accepted' etc. Neither they have

any regard for Veda nor for astrologia. They know well that Vedas are

not meant for astrological purpose, but they are not bothered, because

saving neither Veda nor astrologia is their intention – but only

distorting even the little ancient wisdom available to us. With this

purpose they start useless endless discussions and put in whatever they

feels fit in for their secret agendas into one single mould. So they may

equate Purusha with kalapurusha, Aswa with Aswati Nakshatra, Nakshatra

with star, Rasi with constellation and may use any similar words usually

`out of context'. The reality is that they are yet to understand

the real meanings and context of those words or its application in

Sanskrit or in Astrologia, since they lack even the proper tradition

based education of this great subject astrologia (Jyotisastra).

This author or no astrologer is against any particular religions,

regions, people, technology, science etc. Every knowledge should be used

for " loka kalyana, sarva jana sukhaya , hitaya " (For the well

being of the people, for the happiness of everyone, for the benefit of

everyone). So an astrologer can use all modern facilities and knowledge

branches and even astronomical calculations which are available with

advancement in technology and use it for astrological purpose - even

though attackers engage us into fight to answer why we are using it.

They are using the same modern knowledge read from here and there to

destruct Hindu dharmic knowledge branches, while wearing a protective

mask of acting as if they are trying to protect Hindu dharma.

Sidhantas: how realistic are they?

The history of Hindu astronomy makes reference to 18 Sidhantas viz

-Surya, Pitamaha (Brahma ), Vyasa, Vasishta, Atri, Parasara, Kasyapa,

Narada, Garga, Marichi, Manu, Angiras, Lomasa (Romaka?), Paulisa,

Yavana, Chyavana, Brigu and Saunaka. This is the opinion of many

acharyas including Mihira. The list may slightly with some sages

including the some names and omitting some other name. Out of these 18

acharyas, and the Siddhantic texts their unique astrologia traditions

provide, it seems that there were only 5 names to have merited the

admiration of Varahamihira or it is also possible that all other

Sidhantas got lost by the time of Varaha Mihira.

Varahamihira in his Pancha Sidhantika (which is a summary of 5

Sidhantas) clearly says Siddhanta made by Paulisa (Paulisa Siddhanta) is

accurate, near to it stands the Siddhanta of Romaka (Romaka Siddhanta),

but more accurate is the Surya (Surya Siddhanta), and Paitamaha (Brahma;

Paitamaha Siddhanta) and Vasishta (Vasishta Siddhanta) are not accurate

(means become obsolete by the time of Varahamihira itself).

Here I take opportunity to answer 2 sections of people. One, those like

Vinay Jha, who is spreading word that the Saura Paksha is accurate and

we should use it `without any change'. The truth is - it is

always good to test its efficiency like what Varahamihira did.

Varahamihira himself tells us that in the absence of proper updating, in

the changing times many Sidhantas became obsolete. The inherent advice

to us is that – we should test the efficiency and accuracy of the

Siddhanta or astrologia mathematical system we use.

Second, to dharma Pravarthaka's (Hindu religious propagators), who in

the name of protecting Hindu dharma, is actually abusing acharyas. They

usually take only what they want from these quotations, and is spreading

lies that everything we got is from Greek,Chaldean, Babylon or even

European places! Where as they either forget or is close eyed towards

the fact that Varahamihira also mentioned about Vasishta and Brhama

Sidhantas and said that they are not working properly now. Does it not

show its antiquity? Is it not clear that `since with time Sidhantas

become obsolete and demands revision' that `Brahma Siddhanta and

Vasishta Siddhanta are much older than the other available siddhantas of

that time'? Other wise what is the meaning of Varahamihira saying

that those calculations are not at par with present day planetary

phenomenon since no further improvements has been made by successive

generation of scholars?

They don't have any proof to support their claims from respective

cultures. Here in this list of 5 Sidhantas it clearly and separately

mentions Yavana and Surya Sidhantas, which clearly indicate that they

does not borrow anything from each other. But still these people

enthusiastically claim that Indian astrological knowledge came from

other cultures such as Greek or Rome! This reveals their real aim, and

also that that these people are only interested in distorting facts and

twisting everything.

Thus the above statements also prove the Saura paksha orthodoxy claims

such as that of Vinay Jha also don't hold water since here as it is

clear that Varahamihira is speaking about physical phenomenon than

treating the astrologia calculation as some divine phenomenon. Astrology

was not a religion for him but a subject of practical usefulness. If

astrology is something that has got existence only on spiritual and

divine plane alone, then what is the need for so many Sidhantas from

different school of thoughts (Rishi Kulas)? (Rishi kulas: Rishi Kulas

ashrams or centre of learning where each Rishi with the Kula originators

designation was the head of it). Why Varahamihira and many later

scholars tried to improve it? Why they even said that only a few

Sidhantas are available now and that even out of the few available only

some is working and that out of the whole Surya Siddhanta is superior to

other Sidhantas? Is it not true that - all these point out that all

Sidhantas need updating (Sidhantas should be updated on time) by

individuals with dedicated time and scholarly pursuits?

Let us come back to Prasna Marga. Prasna Marga is a condensed

compilation of 100s of texts. It made obsolete many ancient texts

because of its own popularity. Many books mentioned in it is not

available now. Prashnamarga belongs to 14th century AD while Pancha

Siddhantika of Varaha Mihira belongs to 6th century AD). Prasna Marga

gives a different opinion than Varahamihira (may be due to the

mathematical contribution of Kerala and in text it was discussing

various popular opinions prevalent in Kerala than its author's

opinions). It says Brahma Siddhanta is accurate, Romaka is more accurate

but Surya Siddhanta is most accurate the last two (Vasishta and Paulisa)

are archaic in nature. Also not to mention the Arya bhata, Bhaskara,

Brahma Gupta and the like; the mathematical astronomers and their

Siddhantic texts, which too contributed for Ganita skanta (astrologia

mathematics). I think and assume that, this all point to the very fact

that, all these Sidhantas are discussing about seeing actual position

(physical position) of planets – i.e. Suryadi Navagrahas (9

planets). It is more clear when they discuss about eclipses (with some

non mathematical imaginary position I think it is not calculable as it

is a visible reality). The Eclipse behavior, visibility, sparsha

(touching, approaching) and moksha (leaving, separating) periods and

its duration, techniques to calculate it, time of eclipse happening etc

– all these doesn't make sense if the astrological Sidhantas

like Surya Siddhanta is not speaking about real physical planets. So all

these point to the fact that, they are all talking about real planetary

positions – the Drik Siddhanta Sputa. If not (would Vinay Jha is

true) even the so called beeja corrections are not required. This is not

the case, all the above points together clearly shows that Vinay's

arguments and approach (of considering Surya Siddhanta based planetary

positions only as spiritual unrelated to reality than physical reality)

are totally wrong.

The later day contribution of Aryabhata's followers is known as

Parahita (means acceptable or liked by others - or it also means that it

is acceptable to all people from far places too). It was widely used in

computing ephemeris and birth charts and even calculating eclipses and

all other astrological purposes. Again during later days, it is again

found that even those calculations are differing from actual positions

and Shri Parameshwara acharya (parameswaran nampoothiri) in 14th century

(much before modern reminiscence in Europe) made some corrections after

55yrs research and hard work of astronomical observations, refined

further all those calculations. The system he introduced came to be

known as " Drik Ganita " (actual Planetary positions `as

observed'). He also published one text called Grahana mandanam which

explains the calculation method to arrive at correct planetary position

of sun and moon at eclipses and its timing etc. His work is otherwise

also knows Drik Siddhanta and its mathematical calculation is known as

Drik Ganita (termed `thiru ganita' in south in general).

He explicitly tells us that he discussed only deviations happened in

previous Sidhantas and knowledge of previous Sidhantas is a must and

necessary. He requested all scholars to use this as an auxiliary only

to those Sidhantas (such as Parahita system). H says -

Viknjaya cha laghu thantram

drishtwa Golasya samstitheem Bahusa

ganakanam santhosha pradam

maya grahana mandanam kriyathe

(4th sloka in first chapter --grahana mandanam)

So I think we should use the actual positions of planets and hence using

modern nautical almanacs is also recommended for astrologers as I

don't think in future anyone will devote their time for this kind of

calculations, if it is already available with the help of modern tools.

The only thing we should use and stick to is the predictive principles

laid down by ancient sages.

[i am asking forgiveness for mistakes committed by me in this article

– if any. This is a wide subject is beyond my capacity and caliber.

But still I tried an investigation from my side and invites scholarly

opinion of other learned scholars and students. I invite all astrologers

who has different opinions than me in group and I hope they may join and

contribute for this discussions]

--- End forwarded message ---

April 25, 2009

Reply to Mr Sunil Nair's inroads into Siddhantic Jyotisha :

It is amusing to read Mr Sunil Nair. Here, I am pointing at some glaring

mistakes in his statements ensuing from his lack of knowledge of those very

texts on which he comment.

He says : <<< " Prasna Marga gives a different opinion than Varahamihira (may be

due to the mathematical contribution of Kerala and in text it was discussing

various popular opinions prevalent in Kerala than its author's opinions). It

says Brahma Siddhanta is accurate, Romaka is more accurate but Surya Siddhanta

is most accurate the last two (Vasishta and Paulisa) are archaic in nature. " >>>

Mr Nair never read even one page of Varaha Mihira's Panch-siddhaantika, that is

why he says so. The above statement is a verbatim copy of what Varaha Mihira

wrote in the initial page of Panch-siddhaantika, and Mr Nair imagines Varaha

Mihira said something different !! If Prasna Marga used some ideas of Varaha

Mihira , how those very ideas became alienated from Varaha Mihira !!!

Without reading the siddhanta grantha of Varaha Mihira, Mr Nair says :

" " Varahamihira saying that those calculations are not at par with present day

planetary phenomenon " . Varaha Mihira never said so. He said Suryasiddhanta is

most clear among all siddhantas, and made no attempt to change it. Mr Nair makes

another wrong statement : " Why Varahamihira ... tried to improve it ? " He should

show the verse in which Varaha Mihira made such alleged attempts.

While warring with some wrong headed calendar reformers, Mr Nair makes another

wrong statement : " Yavana and Surya Sidhantas, which clearly indicate that they

does not borrow anything from each other. " Ptolemy's Almagest and

Suryasiddhanta have same basic framework, on account of which many Western

scholars say Suryasiddhanta was based upon Almagest. But even Burgess accepts

that Suryasiddhanta lacks some improvements which Ptolemy brought about due to

physical observation, eg second inequality in Moon's equation, which all Indian

siddhantas lacked till modern age. Hence, if Suryasiddhanta is more primitive,

it must be older than Almagest and not vice versa. Mr Nair should read Almagest,

Suryasiddhanta , Panchsiddhantika, etc, before making careless statements on

public forums.

Mr Nair does not know that Burgess was the first commentator of Suryasiddhanta

who considered beeja-samskaara not to be a part of Suryasiddhanta. All previous

experts of Suryasiddhanta accepted beeja-samskaara in Suryasiddhanta, which is

indicated in verse-9 of chapter-1 ( This verse cannot be interpreted as updating

basic theory, but as updating beeja corrections. There were 22 shlokas of beeja

samskaara which were updated from time to time and were appended in the last

portion of the text. Burgess removed those verses) , and whose proof is the long

tradition of Suryasiddhantic panchangas made from Suryasiddhantic Makaranda

Tables of 1478 AD ; Diwakara Bhatta even expalined the values of beeja

samskaaras used in earlier Suryasiddhantic tables. Mr Nair believes in Burgess

in saying that " so called beeja corrections are not required " . Suryasiddhantic

tradition required beeja-samskaara from earliest times, be it Panchsiddhantika

of Varaha Mihira or

Siamese Tables (preserved in France) based on 7th century AD Suryasiddhantic

tables or Makaranda Tables of 1478 AD.

Mr Nair has no interest in testing the validity of Saurapaksha. He told me that

he will test Kundalee only after everyone else accepts it. This biased attitude

is based upon a psychological mindset which declares : " Vinay's arguments and

approach (of considering Surya Siddhanta based planetary positions only as

spiritual unrelated to reality than physical reality) are totally wrong.

Mind the words " only as spiritual unrelated to reality " ! He means " spiritual "

is " unrelated to reality " , and reality is merely " physical reality " . Although

these materialists are younger to me, I never address them, including Mr Nair,

with first names, as Mr Nair is doing. I left AIA due to abusive behaviour of Mr

Nair's team, and he has started the same again here. Decency in personal

behaviour is a part of spiritualism which is " unreal " to Mr Nair. Adherence to

Truth and honesty is also related to spiritualism , which is not needed in

making false statements like : " Varahamihira himself tells us that in the

absence of proper updating, in the changing times many Sidhantas became

obsolete. " Where did Varahamihira say so ? Cite the verse from his

siddhantika. Mr Nair has no right to impose his own ideas on Varahamihira.

There is no cure for prejudice , but there are many cures for false propaganda,

which I will continue to apply. I myself believed in the reality of physical

things, till I tested Suryasiddhanta without a bias. I know Mr Nair is basically

a good person, but what he needs is some impartiality, which cannot be purchased

in market and should be acquired through some tapasyaa.

-VJ

========= ============= =========

________________________________

sunil nair <astro_tellerkerala

Saturday, April 25, 2009 2:27:56 PM

Fwd: Sidhantas in astrology-An enquiry tru history of Jyothisha

ancient_indian_ astrology, " sunil nair "

<astro_tellerkerala wrote:

Sidhantas in astrology --(Astrologia Mathematics: Mathematical

astronomy and mathematical astrology)

Written by Sunil Nair

Astrologia means Jyotisastra which includes both astronomy and

astrology. Similarly the word Siddhanta refers to the mathematical part

of astrologia which includes both mathematical astronomy and

mathematical astrology.

Here I would discuss about various Sidhantas in astrologia without going

in much technical details (due to my inability for such a detailed

analysis, but still) trying to find answer to the questions raised by

many.

So bear with me if anything is wrong in concept and it is against what

Rishis taught us, but I invite learned members opinions, suggestions and

even explanation what it may be true than what I know or thought to be

true. I am basing myself only Kerala texts. This is because the

astrology I learned and use mainly belong to Kerala tradition. Kerala

was able to preserve many astrologia texts due to two contrasting

reasons such as â€“

1) due to its geographical specialty of isolation and same time

interacted

2) Since it interacted with all races in world and even retained

the purity irrespective of being host to all religions in world.

The uniqueness of Kerala astrological wisdom and the knowledge it

preserved is evident from texts like, Like Dasadhyayi , Kaikulanagara

hora, Prashna Anushtana Padhati, Prashna Marga, Uparatna sikha a

commentary by Punnasseri Nambi for Prashna Maarga etc â€“ to name a

few.

Mathematical part of astrological astronomy

Ancient astrological science is divided into 3 Skanthas (heads; major

branches) and further into 6 Angas (limbs; sub branches). The 3 Skanthas

are Ganita, Samhita and hora. Rishis who wrote about all this is

considered as Jyotisha acharyas (teachers of astrologia).

Ancient sages classified this great Sastra of astrologia into 6 Angas

(sub-branches or parts). The definition of the word `sastra' is

`sasyate ithi sastra' meaning `the one which advices'.

Thus sastra means `authentic ancient advice'. The 6 sub-branches

of astrology are Jataka (horoscopy), Gola (spherical astronomy), Nimitta

(omens), Prasna (horary astrology), Muhurta (electional astrology) and

Ganita (mathematical part of astrologia).

Let us see how these sub-branches or parts get integrated into the

main branches or heads.

1) Ganita skanta is composed of Gola (spherical astronomy) and

Ganita (calculation)

2) Hora skanta is composed of Horoscopy, Prasna, Muhurta, and some

part of Nimitta

3) Samhita skanta is composed of elaborate discussion of Nimitta.

It a also deals with the varying fortunes of people (of a nation, group

or particular geographical location etc ) â€“ in this context it is

also known by the name Medini astrologia or Mundane astrology, Changes

in weather, Growth-diseases- treatment- cure of animals and plants, Nature

and shapes of meteors-shooting stars etc, and in short all wonderful

natural phenomena. Samhita is a `collection' of everything

related to astrologia that is not dealt within Ganita and Hora skanta.

Majority of acharyas accept and deals with this classification in this

way itself.. The six Angas can be described as follows -

1) Jataka - deals with predictions to be made on the basis of

rising sign at the time of birth and the related planetary position

2) Gola - deals with planetary system, their nature, peculiarities

and in short spherical astronomy.

3) Nimitta â€“deals with temporary omens (Tatkala Lakshana)

â€“ mainly omens obtaining at a particular time, omens related to body

language, events and so on.

4) Prasna - forecasting methods based upon the questions raised by

a qurrent

5) Muhurta â€“ selection of auspicious time for success in

religious /spiritual, social, secular, material or in short any

undertaking.

6) Ganita (astrologia mathematics) - mathematical astronomy or

mathematical astrology. `Sidhantas' are astrologia texts that

deal with Ganita Skanta of astrologia.

Ganita: Astrologia Mathematics

As per Prasna Marga, the efficient astrologer should be well versed in

10 kinds of calculations such as calculation of - Kali Dina (Kali era

date calculations) , mean position of planets, true position of planets,

solar eclipses, lunar eclipses, planetary fights (Graha Yudha), Lunar

conjunctions (samagama), combustion (Maudhya), Heliacal risings and

setting of various planets. Thus we can infer the difference of approach

between the modern mathematics and astrologia mathematics (i.e. Ganita

skanta) â€“ there are numerous ideas present in astrologia mathematics