astro A Tantric Astrology - Dettatreya Mahatantra

[Guest guest]

Respected Sreenadh

 

though I still need to grasp all the data,

it is a great piece of information.

Members would never get this while they are on JR forums...

 

Pl keep us teaching

regards

Student

 

-

" Sreenadh " <sreesog

 

Thursday, April 27, 2006 3:10 PM

Tantric Astrology - Dettatreya

Mahatantra

 

 

> Dear All,

> The following article is a study on the small amount of Astrology

> delt within Dattatreya Mahatantra.

> ===================================================================

> Tantric Astrology - Dettatreya Mahatantra

> =========================================

> The available text on Dattatreya Maha Tantra is a small text

> containing 15 chapters and 160 slokas. This text is also known

> as " Siromani " , meaning " gem in the head'. The text is structured as a

> dialogue between lord Parameswara (lord Siva) & Dattatreya Maharshi.

> Kala Tantra (Astrology) and Kala Mantra (Medicine) are the 2 subjects

> dealt with in. These are 2 knowledge streams the tantrics (tantric

> disciples) learned with attention.

> Kala Mantra is the branch of Tantra that deals with the use of

> medicine related to the tantric worship for the secret purpose of

> Killing others, attracting others, making people enemy to each other,

> make people leave their native place, Magic, de-poisoning, re-

> establishing sexual ability etc. Yes, it is a secret branch of study

> and you will encounter thousands of superstitions and stupidities as

> well in such texts, along with gem like knowledge bits.

> Kala Tantra (Astrology) is the branch of Tantra that deals

> with the study of time for the purpose of knowing about the past-

> present-future, time of death etc. Of these two (Kala Tantra and Kala

> Mantra), Kala Mantra is the subject dealt with in the available part

> of Dattatreya Mahatantra - the description of how to use medicine in

> worship along with mantras for the purpose of Shadkarma (Marana,

> Mohana, Uchadana, Sthambhana, Vidveshana, Akarshana) etc. But we can

> also find some small description about Kala Tantra (Astrology) as

> well, here and there in this text.

> [use of medicine in worship seems to be a superstition. But

> hundreds of medicinal plants are mentioned in such slokas, which I

> think should have served some secret purpose in the hands of true

> guru and sishya of Tantric culture. Tantra is a secret discipline,

> and so who could say what would have been the real purpose and use of

> these medicines mentioned - even though in the text it is stated that

> it is used for the worship like Homa etc]

> Since Dattatreya Mahatantra speaks about Kala Mantra and Kala

> Tantra, we could guess that only one part of this text that deals

> mainly with Kala Mantra is available to us and the other part that

> deals with Kala Tantra might have been lost, in the turbulent flow of

> time.

> Listen to the request of Maharshi Dattatreya to lord Siva -

> " Approaching lord Siva, the lord of all lords, the divine, the well

> wisher of all worlds, savior of devotees, whose adobe is Kailasa,

> humbly, with folded hands, Dattatreya asked: Oh lord, for the benefit

> of the devotees please give advice to us about Kala Mantra "

> In the same style Dattatreya might have learned Kala Tantra

> (Astrology) as well from lord Siva (Maheswara). That is why we could

> find Kala Tantra (Astrology) as well, here and there in this text.

> Only because Dattatreya mentions astrology here and there in

> this text, can be conclude like this? No. It is not the lone reason

> for this conclusion. As mentioned earlier, " Siromani " (gem in the

> head) is another name for this text. Which branch of study is praised

> as " gem in the head " by the saints? Listen to this sloka in Vedanga

> Jyotisha-

> " Like the crest of peacock, like the gem stone in the head

> of a cobra, Astrology is at the head of all Vedanga sastras (like a

> gem) "

> Yes, the praise " gem in the head " usually goes to Kala

> Tantra - Astrology, Astronomy and the related mathematics. Because of

> this even the other name " Siromani " of Dattatreya Mahatantra,

> indicates that Kala Tantra (Astrology) is one of the subject matter

> of the text. But that part of the text is lost, and is not available

> anymore.

> There is one more point that proves this argument. Dattatreya

> gives a list of chapters that are present in Dattatreya Mahatantra at

> the beginning chapter of the text. Here 18 chapters are mentioned,

> but only the subjects mentioned in 9 chapters is available in the

> printed text. Chapters 1,9,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 (Total 9 chapters)

> seems to be missing. This also proves that the available text of

> Dattatreya Mahatantra is an incomplete one.

> If we agree up to this the question rises, " Is it Vedanga

> Astrology that Dattatreya wanted to learn from lord Siva? " No! As he

> wanted to learn medicine (Kala Mantra) that could be made use for

> worships aimed at purpose such as Shadkarma etc, he might have

> requested to teach astrology (Kala Tantra) that could be made use in

> Shadkarma etc. Listen to his request to lord Siva-

> " In this word many types of talismans, manta, tantric

> worships are present. Many such are described in Agama, Purana, Veda

> and Damara, and in many other texts as well. Please advice the

> knowledge of Kala Tantra that would help to utilize all that

> knowledge (on Yentra, Mantra etc) 'in the right method' for

> fulfilling the intentions " This is what Dattatreya requests.

> As said earlier knowledge about medicine (Kala Mantra) and

> Astrology (Kala Tantra) that would be of help is Shadkarma etc is the

> subject matter of Dattatreya Mahatantra. This knowledge lies

> scattered in Agama, Purana, Veda, Damara etc. Dattatreya is

> requesting lord Siva to collect all these knowledge and give

> advice/teach him the same 'in the right/correct method'.

> Agamas are Siva Tantric texts - old as Vedas. The word Purana

> here indicates 18 Puranas and the Sub Puranas. The word Veda here

> indicates the 4 Vedas and the allied literature called Brahmana,

> Aaranyaka, Upanishad etc as well. They are also known as Nigama. But

> for Tantric devotees the word Nigama indicates Devi Tantra. So the

> statement 'Agamokta' should be taken as indicative of both Siva

> Tantra (Agama) and Devi Tantra (Nigama) texts. Another branch of

> Tantra is Vishnava Tantra. Damaras are also texts on Devi Tantra.

> That is, the request of Dattatreya to lord Siva is to collect and

> systematically present and teach him the vast knowledge on Kala

> Tantra and Kala Mantra which is beneficial for the purpose of

> Shadkarma etc, clarifying the right method.

> This sloka indicates that Tantric astrology was in a

> corrupted state at the time of Dattatreya, and even for this great

> Maharshi it was very difficult to separate the right and wrong

> statements from the pile. The sloka also indicates that even in that

> remote past Vedas and Puranas borrowed the knowledge of astrology and

> medicine from Tantrics and incorporated it in those texts!

> We can feel the pain of the Rishi when he see that this pure

> ancient secret knowledge is becoming lost knowledge for the Siva

> devotees. He wants it to be the heritage of Siva Tantrics. Listen to

> these words -

> " This great knowledge (on astrology and medicine) - which

> saves one who devotes himself to this subject, secret, difficult to

> get even for davas, first told by lord Siva, shines like a gem in the

> head all secret knowledge branches - should be taught only to a

> person who is the true devotee of the Guru. This knowledge should not

> be imparted to persons who does not believe in acharyas, tradition

> and the purity of knowledge. One should teach this pure knowledge to

> an individual who is strong willed and is a devotee of lord Siva

> alone "

> The statement, " Astrology is originated from lord Siva "

> (Tavagre kathitahyesha) asks for special attention. Even in the

> period of Prasnamarga (16th century) this truth was appreciated. Even

> today traditional astrologers read horoscope, or cast prasna after

> bowing to that lord of lords Maheswara (Siva). This is the reason for

> the importance of Dakshinamoorti (lord Siva in the form of Guru, God

> of knowledge) in Astrology. Lord Siva is the ultimate Guru and

> originator of astrologic knowledge as per Tantric tradition.

> Here I would like to mention a curious fact. If we consider

> the concept about the originator of astrology as per different

> schools of astrology, we will find that -

> Vedic School - lord Brahma (Tropical/Sayana)

> Tantric School - lord Siva (Sidereal/Nirayana)

> Arsha School - lord Skanda (Sidereal/Nirayana)

> Jayne School - lord Brahma (Sidereal/Nirayana)

> This is curious! This difference in concept about the originator of

> astrology, probably indicates that, these are all different schools

> of thought in astrology, which probably originated and existed in the

> same era. Is it not so? Since the basic concepts (Such as Rasi and

> Nakshatra) where the same, they might have got intermixed in a later

> stage. It is also possible that, all these basic concepts such as

> Rasi and Nakshatra was originally borrowed from some other

> civilization which existed before all these cultures, such as the

> Sindhu-Saraswati civilization. Only an in-depth study and new

> evidences could prove whether any amount of truth is present in this

> guess or not.

> In this essay I started by discussing the astrological

> content in the available slokas of Dattatreya Mahatantra - and so let

> us go back to that. Most of the slokas after this discuss how

> medicines could be utilized for Shadkarma (Kala Mantra) etc. Lord

> Siva tells Dattatreya -

> " Now I will speak about Kala Mantra which is beneficial for

> the upliftment of th individual. This secret knowledge (on medicine)

> which is beneficial even in this kali yuga, I will teach you, putting

> aside the knowledge of astrology "

> Because -

> " (For the benefit with medicine) It is not essential to

> consider Tithi, Nakshatra, Vreta, Day, Pooja, Japa, Homa etc. Even

> the determination of an auspicious muhoorta is not essential. Merely

> applying the medicine that suits well for the well being of mind and

> body serves the purpose. By the use of it the disease gets cured.

> (Medicines are invaluable, and their effect mysterious. Because of

> this I will explain to you, how to use these medicines in Shadkarma

> worships) "

> With this advice lord Siva starts to speak about Kala Mantra

> (Medicine). Since those slokas are not related to astrology, I am not

> discussing them here. If anyone is interested bye and read the

> printed text of Dattatreya Mahatantra to know more about that.

> But the last chapter of the available printed text (chapter

> 15) deals with Kala Tantra (Astrology). The determination of the time

> of death is the subject discussed. Siva said:

> " Oh, Maha yogi, Dattatreya Mahamune, for the benefit of human

> beings I will tell to you about death time determination. Listen "

>

> Dwadesa dala chakrastham Mrityukalam cha veekshitam

> Chaitradi masa sankhayani likhyante dwadese dale

> Meshadi rasaya sthapya suryadi likhyate grahaH

> Janma riksha janma rasim veekshante mrityukarake

> Surya vedhe manastapam budha soukhyam pravartate

> Yatrayam teertha jeeve cha chandre stri sukha sambadaH

> Bhrigu vedhe rajya labhaH mase mase vicharayete

> (Dattatreya Mahatantra)

> " From the Rasichakra with 12 petals, we can have an idea bout the

> time of death. For that first write the numbers of months starting

> from the month of Chaitra in each petal. In each of the petal place

> signs starting from Aries. Now, as per current planetary position

> write down the names of Grahas such as Sun, Moon etc in the Rasi

> chakra. If the Mrityu Karaka Graha (Saturn?) aspects (Drishti) the

> Lagna (Lagna star?) or Moon sign then it is death time. If Vedha is

> present, then for sun - sadness, for Mercury - happiness, for

> Jupiter - pilgrimage, for Moon - happiness from sexual acts with

> women, for Venus - gain of land results. This type of prediction can

> be done every month "

> Some interprets that the Sripati's system of Gochara-Vedha is

> mentioned here (?!). They also argue that if Nakshatra Vedha and Rasi

> Vedha is present at the same time then for sure it is time for Kala

> Mrityu (Ultimate/Sure chance of death) (?!)

> But this sloka was a real problem to me and I just got

> confused. Why? I will explain.

> (1) Mention of months starting from Chitra

> ---------

> Why it is said that after drawing the Rasi chakra we should

> write down the numbers corresponding to the months starting from

> Chaitra in each square of the Rasi chakra? Did he mean to say that -

> Chaitra = Mesha (Aries)

> Visakha = Vrishabha (Taurus) etc ?

> If so does it mean that the starting point of Aries should be

> calculated, taking Chitra star as a reference? That is, as if the

> point 180 deg away from Chitra star is the starting point of Aries or

> the like?

> (2) Mrityu Karaka Graha

> -----------------------

> Is Saturn mentioned with the word Mrityu Karaka? If so, the

> wordings " Janma riksha janma rasim veekshante sanaischare " , directly

> mentioning Saturn would have been enough. Then why the author chose

> to omit directly mentioning Saturn and instead used the word Mritru

> Karaka (Significator of death) ?

> If not only Saturn but also other planets should be

> considered, then what other house lords and planets we should

> consider?

> (3) Riksha - Nakshatra or sign

> ------------------------------

> The word Riksha has got 2 meanings - Nakshatra and sign. With

> the word Janma Riksha Dattatreya Maharshi is mentioning Lagna

> Nakshatra, Lagna sign, Moon Nakshatra or Moon sign? If we think that

> here the word Riksha represents both Nakshatra and Sign, then is it

> that we should consider both Nakshatra Vedha and Rasi Vedha for death

> time determination? How to calculate Nakshatra Vedha and Rasi Vedha

> in planetary context?

> (4) Vedha and the related prediction

> ---

> Here if Vedha is present for beneficial planets, then it is

> said that results also would be beneficial!! This is contradictory to

> the Vedha concept of Sripati. As per Tantric astrology how many types

> of Vedha is present? How to calculate Nakshatra Vedha, Rasi Vedha and

> Graha Vedha in the planetary context? What are the rules to be

> observed while predicting with this type Vedha concept?

> (5) Transit or Gochara

> ----------------------

> This Gochara-Vedha system of prediction can be used for

> prediction every month (Mase mase vicharayet) says Dattatreya. Did he

> meant to say that Transit should be considered for the determination

> of death time? If so why he avoided mentioning the transit prediction

> for Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu?

> (6) Vedha and Tantric Astrology

> -------------------------------

> Probably Sripati who lived in 10th century AD, is the person

> who introduced the concept of Vedha in astrology. But here we

> encounter a similar concept in Dattatreya Mahatantra as well! What

> should we observe from it? Should we think that Dattatreya Tantra

> originated after Sripati of 10th century AD? Or should we think that

> Sripati borrowed the concept of Vedha from Tantric astrology

> especially from Dattatreya Tantra?

> No. I don't have answers to such doubts. If we want to find

> answers to the above or similar questions, an in-depth study of the

> astrology mentioned in Tantric texts (Tantric Astrology) is a must.

> For simplifying the study of ancient astrology, we can

> classify them into several categories:-

> (i) Astrology in Sindhu-Saraswati period (Sindhu-Saraswati

> Astrology)

> (ii) Astrology mentioned Vedas and allied literature (Vedic

> Astrology)

> (iii) Astrology mentioned Epics (Epic Astrology)

> (iv) Astrology mentioned in Puranas (Puranic Astrology)

> (v) Astrology mentioned in Tantric texts (Tantric Astrology) - It

> is the biggest treasure, thousands of unexplored texts (and a whole

> secret tradition) waiting for us!

> [Chandra Hari is specially interested in Tantric Astrology and the

> Sidhantic astronomy]

> (vi) Astrology of Arsha school which is scattered in various

> ancient astrological texts. This is a well accepted stream in Indian

> astrology starting with Skanda Hora, Brihal Prajapatyam, Vasishta

> Hora, Kousika Hora etc. The acharyas in this school are great Rishis

> like Skanda, Daksha, Vasishta, Kousika, Sounaka etc, and the

> authentic Sidhantic text 'Surya Sidhanta'. (Arsha Astrology)

> [i am specially interested in this stream of thought]

> (vii) Astrology of Jayne school which is scattered in various

> ancient astrological texts. This is a well accepted stream in Indian

> astrology starting with Garga Hora, Surya Prajchapti etc. The

> acharyas in this school are Garga, Rishputra etc. (Jayne Astrology)

> [Yes, of course there are other streams of thought as well like

> Yavana and Parasara. But books on that them is not yet lost

> completely, and that is why I am not including them here on the above

> list]

> There is not even a single authentic text available that tries to

> explore the depths of any of the categories mentioned above! There is

> a vast area available for research! They are requesting to

> us, " please, please, come forward and reveal the knowledge we

> preserved for you... " All this ancient knowledge on astrology are

> still behind the dark curtain of half forgotten, unexplored literary

> history. This vast knowledge is praying to us, " Tamasoma

> Jyotirgamaya... " . Yes, there is a large amount of work pending, and

> is seeking our immediate attention. All these knowledge is meditating

> there inside the dark cave and is ready to shower their secrets

> before the true seekers of knowledge. Those who are truly inquisitive

> can start their search from here. Let us begin our search for the

> hidden treasures of astrological knowledge. Enjoy! It is child's play-

> and the vast treasure house waiting for us, to be explored! Let us

> begin search and present the valuables we find, before the all, for

> the benefit of posterity! And Enjoy the fun of learning!

> ===================================================================

> PS: I personally request Chandra Hari ji to come forward and give an

> introduction to us on Tantric Astrology. Hopes that he will share his

> knowledge and ideas on this subject with us.

> Love,

> Sreenadh

>

>

>

>

>

>

 

[Guest guest]

{Om Namo Narayanaya}

 

Dear Sreenadh ji,

True, it is like finding invaluable treasure of the deep without

even diving into it. I do not know if my poor brain can accomodate

it all- even at several go's.

God Bless You,

Nalini

{Om Namah Shivaya Namah Mallikarjunaya}

 

, " jyotish "

<jyotish.bh wrote:

>

> Respected Sreenadh

>

> though I still need to grasp all the data,

> it is a great piece of information.

> Members would never get this while they are on JR forums...

>

> Pl keep us teaching

> regards

> Student

>

> -

> " Sreenadh " <sreesog

>

> Thursday, April 27, 2006 3:10 PM

> Tantric Astrology - Dettatreya

> Mahatantra

>

>

> > Dear All,

> > The following article is a study on the small amount of

Astrology

> > delt within Dattatreya Mahatantra.

> >

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

> > Tantric Astrology - Dettatreya Mahatantra

> > =========================================

> > The available text on Dattatreya Maha Tantra is a small text

> > containing 15 chapters and 160 slokas. This text is also known

> > as " Siromani " , meaning " gem in the head'. The text is structured

as a

> > dialogue between lord Parameswara (lord Siva) & Dattatreya

Maharshi.

> > Kala Tantra (Astrology) and Kala Mantra (Medicine) are the 2

subjects

> > dealt with in. These are 2 knowledge streams the tantrics

(tantric

> > disciples) learned with attention.

> > Kala Mantra is the branch of Tantra that deals with the use of

> > medicine related to the tantric worship for the secret purpose of

> > Killing others, attracting others, making people enemy to each

other,

> > make people leave their native place, Magic, de-poisoning, re-

> > establishing sexual ability etc. Yes, it is a secret branch of

study

> > and you will encounter thousands of superstitions and

stupidities as

> > well in such texts, along with gem like knowledge bits.

> > Kala Tantra (Astrology) is the branch of Tantra that deals

> > with the study of time for the purpose of knowing about the past-

> > present-future, time of death etc. Of these two (Kala Tantra and

Kala

> > Mantra), Kala Mantra is the subject dealt with in the available

part

> > of Dattatreya Mahatantra - the description of how to use

medicine in

> > worship along with mantras for the purpose of Shadkarma (Marana,

> > Mohana, Uchadana, Sthambhana, Vidveshana, Akarshana) etc. But we

can

> > also find some small description about Kala Tantra (Astrology) as

> > well, here and there in this text.

> > [use of medicine in worship seems to be a superstition. But

> > hundreds of medicinal plants are mentioned in such slokas, which

I

> > think should have served some secret purpose in the hands of true

> > guru and sishya of Tantric culture. Tantra is a secret

discipline,

> > and so who could say what would have been the real purpose and

use of

> > these medicines mentioned - even though in the text it is stated

that

> > it is used for the worship like Homa etc]

> > Since Dattatreya Mahatantra speaks about Kala Mantra and Kala

> > Tantra, we could guess that only one part of this text that

deals

> > mainly with Kala Mantra is available to us and the other part

that

> > deals with Kala Tantra might have been lost, in the turbulent

flow of

> > time.

> > Listen to the request of Maharshi Dattatreya to lord Siva -

> > " Approaching lord Siva, the lord of all lords, the divine, the

well

> > wisher of all worlds, savior of devotees, whose adobe is

Kailasa,

> > humbly, with folded hands, Dattatreya asked: Oh lord, for the

benefit

> > of the devotees please give advice to us about Kala Mantra "

> > In the same style Dattatreya might have learned Kala Tantra

> > (Astrology) as well from lord Siva (Maheswara). That is why we

could

> > find Kala Tantra (Astrology) as well, here and there in this

text.

> > Only because Dattatreya mentions astrology here and there in

> > this text, can be conclude like this? No. It is not the lone

reason

> > for this conclusion. As mentioned earlier, " Siromani " (gem in the

> > head) is another name for this text. Which branch of study is

praised

> > as " gem in the head " by the saints? Listen to this sloka in

Vedanga

> > Jyotisha-

> > " Like the crest of peacock, like the gem stone in the head

> > of a cobra, Astrology is at the head of all Vedanga sastras

(like a

> > gem) "

> > Yes, the praise " gem in the head " usually goes to Kala

> > Tantra - Astrology, Astronomy and the related mathematics.

Because of

> > this even the other name " Siromani " of Dattatreya Mahatantra,

> > indicates that Kala Tantra (Astrology) is one of the subject

matter

> > of the text. But that part of the text is lost, and is not

available

> > anymore.

> > There is one more point that proves this argument. Dattatreya

> > gives a list of chapters that are present in Dattatreya

Mahatantra at

> > the beginning chapter of the text. Here 18 chapters are

mentioned,

> > but only the subjects mentioned in 9 chapters is available in the

> > printed text. Chapters 1,9,12,13,14,15,16,17,18 (Total 9

chapters)

> > seems to be missing. This also proves that the available text of

> > Dattatreya Mahatantra is an incomplete one.

> > If we agree up to this the question rises, " Is it Vedanga

> > Astrology that Dattatreya wanted to learn from lord Siva? " No!

As he

> > wanted to learn medicine (Kala Mantra) that could be made use for

> > worships aimed at purpose such as Shadkarma etc, he might have

> > requested to teach astrology (Kala Tantra) that could be made

use in

> > Shadkarma etc. Listen to his request to lord Siva-

> > " In this word many types of talismans, manta, tantric

> > worships are present. Many such are described in Agama, Purana,

Veda

> > and Damara, and in many other texts as well. Please advice the

> > knowledge of Kala Tantra that would help to utilize all that

> > knowledge (on Yentra, Mantra etc) 'in the right method' for

> > fulfilling the intentions " This is what Dattatreya requests.

> > As said earlier knowledge about medicine (Kala Mantra) and

> > Astrology (Kala Tantra) that would be of help is Shadkarma etc

is the

> > subject matter of Dattatreya Mahatantra. This knowledge lies

> > scattered in Agama, Purana, Veda, Damara etc. Dattatreya is

> > requesting lord Siva to collect all these knowledge and give

> > advice/teach him the same 'in the right/correct method'.

> > Agamas are Siva Tantric texts - old as Vedas. The word Purana

> > here indicates 18 Puranas and the Sub Puranas. The word Veda here

> > indicates the 4 Vedas and the allied literature called Brahmana,

> > Aaranyaka, Upanishad etc as well. They are also known as Nigama.

But

> > for Tantric devotees the word Nigama indicates Devi Tantra. So

the

> > statement 'Agamokta' should be taken as indicative of both Siva

> > Tantra (Agama) and Devi Tantra (Nigama) texts. Another branch of

> > Tantra is Vishnava Tantra. Damaras are also texts on Devi Tantra.

> > That is, the request of Dattatreya to lord Siva is to collect and

> > systematically present and teach him the vast knowledge on Kala

> > Tantra and Kala Mantra which is beneficial for the purpose of

> > Shadkarma etc, clarifying the right method.

> > This sloka indicates that Tantric astrology was in a

> > corrupted state at the time of Dattatreya, and even for this

great

> > Maharshi it was very difficult to separate the right and wrong

> > statements from the pile. The sloka also indicates that even in

that

> > remote past Vedas and Puranas borrowed the knowledge of

astrology and

> > medicine from Tantrics and incorporated it in those texts!

> > We can feel the pain of the Rishi when he see that this pure

> > ancient secret knowledge is becoming lost knowledge for the Siva

> > devotees. He wants it to be the heritage of Siva Tantrics.

Listen to

> > these words -

> > " This great knowledge (on astrology and medicine) - which

> > saves one who devotes himself to this subject, secret, difficult

to

> > get even for davas, first told by lord Siva, shines like a gem

in the

> > head all secret knowledge branches - should be taught only to a

> > person who is the true devotee of the Guru. This knowledge

should not

> > be imparted to persons who does not believe in acharyas,

tradition

> > and the purity of knowledge. One should teach this pure

knowledge to

> > an individual who is strong willed and is a devotee of lord Siva

> > alone "

> > The statement, " Astrology is originated from lord Siva "

> > (Tavagre kathitahyesha) asks for special attention. Even in the

> > period of Prasnamarga (16th century) this truth was appreciated.

Even

> > today traditional astrologers read horoscope, or cast prasna

after

> > bowing to that lord of lords Maheswara (Siva). This is the

reason for

> > the importance of Dakshinamoorti (lord Siva in the form of Guru,

God

> > of knowledge) in Astrology. Lord Siva is the ultimate Guru and

> > originator of astrologic knowledge as per Tantric tradition.

> > Here I would like to mention a curious fact. If we consider

> > the concept about the originator of astrology as per different

> > schools of astrology, we will find that -

> > Vedic School - lord Brahma (Tropical/Sayana)

> > Tantric School - lord Siva (Sidereal/Nirayana)

> > Arsha School - lord Skanda (Sidereal/Nirayana)

> > Jayne School - lord Brahma (Sidereal/Nirayana)

> > This is curious! This difference in concept about the originator

of

> > astrology, probably indicates that, these are all different

schools

> > of thought in astrology, which probably originated and existed

in the

> > same era. Is it not so? Since the basic concepts (Such as Rasi

and

> > Nakshatra) where the same, they might have got intermixed in a

later

> > stage. It is also possible that, all these basic concepts such as

> > Rasi and Nakshatra was originally borrowed from some other

> > civilization which existed before all these cultures, such as the

> > Sindhu-Saraswati civilization. Only an in-depth study and new

> > evidences could prove whether any amount of truth is present in

this

> > guess or not.

> > In this essay I started by discussing the astrological

> > content in the available slokas of Dattatreya Mahatantra - and

so let

> > us go back to that. Most of the slokas after this discuss how

> > medicines could be utilized for Shadkarma (Kala Mantra) etc. Lord

> > Siva tells Dattatreya -

> > " Now I will speak about Kala Mantra which is beneficial for

> > the upliftment of th individual. This secret knowledge (on

medicine)

> > which is beneficial even in this kali yuga, I will teach you,

putting

> > aside the knowledge of astrology "

> > Because -

> > " (For the benefit with medicine) It is not essential to

> > consider Tithi, Nakshatra, Vreta, Day, Pooja, Japa, Homa etc.

Even

> > the determination of an auspicious muhoorta is not essential.

Merely

> > applying the medicine that suits well for the well being of mind

and

> > body serves the purpose. By the use of it the disease gets cured.

> > (Medicines are invaluable, and their effect mysterious. Because

of

> > this I will explain to you, how to use these medicines in

Shadkarma

> > worships) "

> > With this advice lord Siva starts to speak about Kala Mantra

> > (Medicine). Since those slokas are not related to astrology, I

am not

> > discussing them here. If anyone is interested bye and read the

> > printed text of Dattatreya Mahatantra to know more about that.

> > But the last chapter of the available printed text (chapter

> > 15) deals with Kala Tantra (Astrology). The determination of the

time

> > of death is the subject discussed. Siva said:

> > " Oh, Maha yogi, Dattatreya Mahamune, for the benefit of human

> > beings I will tell to you about death time determination. Listen "

> >

> > Dwadesa dala chakrastham Mrityukalam cha veekshitam

> > Chaitradi masa sankhayani likhyante dwadese dale

> > Meshadi rasaya sthapya suryadi likhyate grahaH

> > Janma riksha janma rasim veekshante mrityukarake

> > Surya vedhe manastapam budha soukhyam pravartate

> > Yatrayam teertha jeeve cha chandre stri sukha sambadaH

> > Bhrigu vedhe rajya labhaH mase mase vicharayete

> > (Dattatreya Mahatantra)

> > " From the Rasichakra with 12 petals, we can have an idea bout the

> > time of death. For that first write the numbers of months

starting

> > from the month of Chaitra in each petal. In each of the petal

place

> > signs starting from Aries. Now, as per current planetary position

> > write down the names of Grahas such as Sun, Moon etc in the Rasi

> > chakra. If the Mrityu Karaka Graha (Saturn?) aspects (Drishti)

the

> > Lagna (Lagna star?) or Moon sign then it is death time. If Vedha

is

> > present, then for sun - sadness, for Mercury - happiness, for

> > Jupiter - pilgrimage, for Moon - happiness from sexual acts with

> > women, for Venus - gain of land results. This type of prediction

can

> > be done every month "

> > Some interprets that the Sripati's system of Gochara-Vedha is

> > mentioned here (?!). They also argue that if Nakshatra Vedha and

Rasi

> > Vedha is present at the same time then for sure it is time for

Kala

> > Mrityu (Ultimate/Sure chance of death) (?!)

> > But this sloka was a real problem to me and I just got

> > confused. Why? I will explain.

> > (1) Mention of months starting from Chitra

> > ---------

> > Why it is said that after drawing the Rasi chakra we should

> > write down the numbers corresponding to the months starting from

> > Chaitra in each square of the Rasi chakra? Did he mean to say

that -

> > Chaitra = Mesha (Aries)

> > Visakha = Vrishabha (Taurus) etc ?

> > If so does it mean that the starting point of Aries should be

> > calculated, taking Chitra star as a reference? That is, as if the

> > point 180 deg away from Chitra star is the starting point of

Aries or

> > the like?

> > (2) Mrityu Karaka Graha

> > -----------------------

> > Is Saturn mentioned with the word Mrityu Karaka? If so, the

> > wordings " Janma riksha janma rasim veekshante sanaischare " ,

directly

> > mentioning Saturn would have been enough. Then why the author

chose

> > to omit directly mentioning Saturn and instead used the word

Mritru

> > Karaka (Significator of death) ?

> > If not only Saturn but also other planets should be

> > considered, then what other house lords and planets we should

> > consider?

> > (3) Riksha - Nakshatra or sign

> > ------------------------------

> > The word Riksha has got 2 meanings - Nakshatra and sign. With

> > the word Janma Riksha Dattatreya Maharshi is mentioning Lagna

> > Nakshatra, Lagna sign, Moon Nakshatra or Moon sign? If we think

that

> > here the word Riksha represents both Nakshatra and Sign, then is

it

> > that we should consider both Nakshatra Vedha and Rasi Vedha for

death

> > time determination? How to calculate Nakshatra Vedha and Rasi

Vedha

> > in planetary context?

> > (4) Vedha and the related prediction

> > ---

> > Here if Vedha is present for beneficial planets, then it is

> > said that results also would be beneficial!! This is

contradictory to

> > the Vedha concept of Sripati. As per Tantric astrology how many

types

> > of Vedha is present? How to calculate Nakshatra Vedha, Rasi

Vedha and

> > Graha Vedha in the planetary context? What are the rules to be

> > observed while predicting with this type Vedha concept?

> > (5) Transit or Gochara

> > ----------------------

> > This Gochara-Vedha system of prediction can be used for

> > prediction every month (Mase mase vicharayet) says Dattatreya.

Did he

> > meant to say that Transit should be considered for the

determination

> > of death time? If so why he avoided mentioning the transit

prediction

> > for Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu?

> > (6) Vedha and Tantric Astrology

> > -------------------------------

> > Probably Sripati who lived in 10th century AD, is the person

> > who introduced the concept of Vedha in astrology. But here we

> > encounter a similar concept in Dattatreya Mahatantra as well!

What

> > should we observe from it? Should we think that Dattatreya Tantra

> > originated after Sripati of 10th century AD? Or should we think

that

> > Sripati borrowed the concept of Vedha from Tantric astrology

> > especially from Dattatreya Tantra?

> > No. I don't have answers to such doubts. If we want to find

> > answers to the above or similar questions, an in-depth study of

the

> > astrology mentioned in Tantric texts (Tantric Astrology) is a

must.

> > For simplifying the study of ancient astrology, we can

> > classify them into several categories:-

> > (i) Astrology in Sindhu-Saraswati period (Sindhu-Saraswati

> > Astrology)

> > (ii) Astrology mentioned Vedas and allied literature (Vedic

> > Astrology)

> > (iii) Astrology mentioned Epics (Epic Astrology)

> > (iv) Astrology mentioned in Puranas (Puranic Astrology)

> > (v) Astrology mentioned in Tantric texts (Tantric Astrology) - It

> > is the biggest treasure, thousands of unexplored texts (and a

whole

> > secret tradition) waiting for us!

> > [Chandra Hari is specially interested in Tantric Astrology and

the

> > Sidhantic astronomy]

> > (vi) Astrology of Arsha school which is scattered in various

> > ancient astrological texts. This is a well accepted stream in

Indian

> > astrology starting with Skanda Hora, Brihal Prajapatyam, Vasishta

> > Hora, Kousika Hora etc. The acharyas in this school are great

Rishis

> > like Skanda, Daksha, Vasishta, Kousika, Sounaka etc, and the

> > authentic Sidhantic text 'Surya Sidhanta'. (Arsha Astrology)

> > [i am specially interested in this stream of thought]

> > (vii) Astrology of Jayne school which is scattered in various

> > ancient astrological texts. This is a well accepted stream in

Indian

> > astrology starting with Garga Hora, Surya Prajchapti etc. The

> > acharyas in this school are Garga, Rishputra etc. (Jayne

Astrology)

> > [Yes, of course there are other streams of thought as well like

> > Yavana and Parasara. But books on that them is not yet lost

> > completely, and that is why I am not including them here on the

above

> > list]

> > There is not even a single authentic text available that tries to

> > explore the depths of any of the categories mentioned above!

There is

> > a vast area available for research! They are requesting to

> > us, " please, please, come forward and reveal the knowledge we

> > preserved for you... " All this ancient knowledge on astrology are

> > still behind the dark curtain of half forgotten, unexplored

literary

> > history. This vast knowledge is praying to us, " Tamasoma

> > Jyotirgamaya... " . Yes, there is a large amount of work pending,

and

> > is seeking our immediate attention. All these knowledge is

meditating

> > there inside the dark cave and is ready to shower their secrets

> > before the true seekers of knowledge. Those who are truly

inquisitive

> > can start their search from here. Let us begin our search for the

> > hidden treasures of astrological knowledge. Enjoy! It is child's

play-

> > and the vast treasure house waiting for us, to be explored! Let

us

> > begin search and present the valuables we find, before the all,

for

> > the benefit of posterity! And Enjoy the fun of learning!

> >

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

> > PS: I personally request Chandra Hari ji to come forward and

give an

> > introduction to us on Tantric Astrology. Hopes that he will

share his

> > knowledge and ideas on this subject with us.

> > Love,

> > Sreenadh

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >