Geography and the Origin of Nirayana Indian Astrology

February 11, 2008

- Written by Sreenadh OG

Whether the Nirayana system of

Indian astrology originated within India or outside? This has been

debated for long. We know for sure that the in Tropical astronomy and astrology

and Stellar astrology india has a long tradition going back to the texts such

as Vedas, Vedic literature (Brahmanas, Upanishads, Aranyakas and so on), the

Vedanga Jyotisha texts (Rig Jyotisha, Yajur Jyotisha, Adharva Jyotisha) and to

the mention of the same in Sulba sutras. The glimpse of the same tradition

mixed with Nirayana astrology we find in Epics and Puranas as well. Even though

the extensive use of Muhurta, the various divisions of time (such as 5 year

Yugas, Muhurtas, Tithi, Nakshatra, Solar-Lunar-Jupiter years etc), and the

extensive use of Nakshatra chakra is found in all these literature, the origins

of Nirayana system which bases itself on Signs such as Mesha, Vrishabha etc

cannot be traced to the same – even though it seems clear that both the systems

got mixed into one by the time of Puranas, and the texts like Vridha Vasishta

samhita with possibly originated around 2nd century AD. From a study

of Vedic literature, it becomes clear that the Tropical system and the fixed

Stellar zodiac (Nakshatra Chakra) was well popular in India from far back as BC

3000 – and the system even though never seems to have never developed into a

full-fledged Natal astrological chart reading system was well popular even up

to 2nd and 3rd century AD.

2nd and 3rd

centuries are unique in the history of India because it is the time when the

original Brahmi script that was popular in India to write Sanskrit got

extensively replaced by the newly originated Devanagari script and many old

texts got modified or re-written to project the brahmanic upper hand under the

guidance of Sunga brahmanic priests who came into power in North India after

the Maurya Period (which preferred the Jain and Buddhist religions) and before

the Gupta Period (which preferred the Hindu Vaishnava cults). In this period

the old Yajna based Vedic religion which preferred nature worship got revived

and came into the clenches of brahmanic priests who made it a tool for living

and earning money than a way of living in contrast to the vedic past.

Before the advent of Maurya empire

in BC 4th century, the star of Vedic religion was already set – and

history of both religions and kingdoms before this period not known with

certainty – due to the lack of solid literary references and archeological

evidence. But certainly the far past Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization (in which

Tantra, Yoga and god Siva worshiped as Pasupati was well known); the

Zoroastrian Ahur-Mazda worship; the Parthian kingdom; the later day Cythian

Kingdom; the Greek attack by Alexander; the earlier connections of

Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization with Babylonia-Mesopotamia-Egypt et etc through

merchandise etc; the various small Gujarat, Kashmir and South Indian kingdoms

clans and their culture all might have all contributed to the knowledge enhancements

much. And this knowledge whether it be of Sindhu-Sarasvati, Zoroastrian,

Parthian, Cythian, Saiva, Jain, Buddhist, Naga cults, Gujarat clans (Abheera,

Yadava etc) seems to be in sharp contrast to that of Vedic or brahmanic

knowledge and tradition. A cute fact

about India's history seems to be the fact that – even though it is the mix of

all these cultures and the temple worship which prevailed and won the popular

trust in India (which can be termed Agama or Tantric religion), possibly due to

the power of Sanskrit combined with the effective Devanagari script it is the

Vedic literature and Brahmanic literature that survived over the natal

literature other traditions.

Nirayana astrology as we

practice it today is one of the contributions of these other than Brahmanic

(i.e. Non-vedic) cults and traditions. But this is a vague statement and

won't be appreciated if not supported by solid evidence – especially in

presence of the age-old propaganda caused by cast brahmins and priests who from

the vedic past onwards tried to corrupt and destroy the `other than their

own' literature, and promote the brahmanic upper hand over the common mass

to make a living out of psychologically controlling them through false

propaganda. Some states such as Kashmir, Gujarat, Orissa and South India as a

whole seems to have helped the non-brahmanic, non-vedic cults in preserving

their identity and knowledge to a great extend, even though by accepting the

power Sanskrit in their hard efforts to survive through the turmoil. The preservation

of Nirayana astrology is indebted a lot to these geographical locations for its

survival. In this article I am trying to present the contribution of these

states and the lack of contribution of North India (or better Middle and

north-east India - covering states such as MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi,

Himachal Pradesh and North eastern states etc) to the preservation of Nirayana

astrology by pointing to the old literary texts available and geographical

native place of its authors. This should

not be treated as something `against' the brahmins or the major north Indian

states, but the point made is related to the truth clarified based on facts

that – the major north indian states and the caste brahmins where in favor of

the Tropical astrology and to the use of fixed Nakshatra chakra alone, while

the border states (such as Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajastan and Orissa) and the South

Indian states as a whole preserved the Nirayana system of astrology – both

deserve their credit for what they did. Competition, turmoil and re-writing and

modifying of history and books was something that everybody did – to project

the history in favor of them – throughout the past; and there is no point in

denying this fact. With these base ideas in mind, now let us look at the geographical

locations and the books and the authors of some of the most popular books on

Nirayana astrology.

Gujarat

Gujarat is a state with great

tradition its association with Zourashtrian religion and ancient Iran known from

its name Zourashtra itself. It is the homeland of ancient Naga cults, Yadava

and Abheera traditions etc. Several ancient invaders such as Zoroastrians,

Parthians, Cythians (Saka), and Greeks all made it their homeland and caused

the propagation of knowledge.

Many

books especially of Yavana

School of astrology

originated here. The list includes –Yavana

Jataka by Yavaneswara (text unavailable)Sphujidhwaja

Hora by king Sphujidwaja (available) Meenaraja

hora by Meenaraja (this is also known by the name Vriddha Yavana hora;

available)Srutakeerti

hora by king Srutakeerti (text unavailable)Manasagari

by Haraji (available)Jataka

Tatva by Mahadeva Sankara Sarma is a popular 19th century text

originated in this state. (Mahaveda Sankara sarma lived in Ratlam near Bombay). This text

is mainly an exposition of some of the principles put forward in Jaimini

Sutra and BPHS.

Rajastan

This states

needs special mention since it is the state where Varaha Mihira lived. Avanti

and Ujjain are

names associated with this great scholar. The birthplace of this scholar is in

mystery and there is an effort by some to port him to (argue that he is from)

somewhere out where outside India.

Pancha

Siddhantika, Brihat Jataka, Brihat Samhita etc by Varaha Mihira. Mihira

lived in 6th century in Ujjain,

Rajastan.

Kashmir

This is a state with a great

Tantric tradition – it was the cradle of civilization from the period of

Sindhu-Saraswati civilization on wards. The histories of invasions too are

essentially related to Kashmir.

Lagadha's

Vedanga Jyotisha originated here (But note that this is book related to

Tropical astronomy and astrology of the Vedic school)Bhattolpala

who wrote extensive commentaries on the Brihat Jataka and Brihat Samhita

of Mihira belonged to this stateMuhurta

Chintamani by Rama Daivajna of 16th century and well popular

and authentic commentary on it known as Peeyusha dhara by Sri Govinda

originated in Kashmir. Many members of

this family such as Neelakandh, Govind, Madhava, Ram etc are also well

popular for their contributions to astrology.Neelakandha,

the son the author of Muhurta Chintamani is the author of the well known

text called Tajik Neelakandhi. Tajik system of astrology is a unique

system of astrology that came from Tajikistan

(in Russia) to Kashmir

through the Arab invaders through Parsis (i.e. through Persia, the ancient Parthian kingdom, the

old Iran).

Tajik Neelakandhi is a text of 16th century origin.

Orissa

This state is strongly connected to

the history, evolution and spreading of Jain school of astrology. Note that the

old Kalinga kingdom, which was invaded and conquered by King Asoka, followed

Jain religion; the Jain connection of Orissa goes back even to the Vedic past.

Sage

Garga who lived around BC1400 was a Jain and seems to be from OrissaRishiputra,

the son of Garga, who wrote an extensive treatise on Samhita astrology

(Mundane astrology) – a book that was extensively quoted by Mihira – too

seems to have belonged to this state.Sage

Vriddha Garga who wrote Vriddha Garga Siddhanta (available even now) and

Hora (only fragments available) too belonged to this region.King

Ballalasena of 12th contrary AD who wrote a very informative

treatise called Adbhuta Samhita (available) also belonged to this state.

Andhra Pradesh

This state

should be specially remembered for its contribution to astrology for producing

many unique systems such as Jaimini system (a system ascribed to the mythical

figure sage Jaimini) originated possibly between 14th to 17th

centuries AD, the modified versions of BPHS, and for being a bridge between the

extreme south Kerala astrological traditions and of Orissa astrological

traditions.

Jaimini

Sutra (which extensively uses the KTPY system believed to be originated by

Vararuchi of 4th century AD while he was in Kerala) and the

modified versions of the ancient BPHS seems to have originated in this

state. (The original version of BPHS seems to have nothing to do with

Jaimini sutra style of innovation, but the modified BPHS is an `ancient

book modified' with Jaimini system of astrology inserted into the old

text) – the merit or demerit for the same goes to AP astrologers. [but it

should also be noted that the origin of original BPHS could be some where

near Kashmir – a vague guess based on some vague info and base arguments;

it is this original text on Parashara school of astrology which mixes

Arsha school of astrology with Yavana school of astrology that later got

modified possibly by the AP astrologers, and by now projected as the bible

(!) of Vedic(?) astrology by the insincere livelihood seekers who are

trying their level best to make a living out of this recent `modified

version of astrology'. The current BPHS is a hybrid of `Ancient Astrology'

with the `so called Jaimini system' of AP astrologers – and by now became

the `North Indian astrology' – as propagated by `modern Parasharas and

Maharathis' of Orissa or Andhra origin, but who now project themselves as

god fathers of North Indian astrology! Is it net cast by the clever

Brahmins or by the people of North Indian states who are in search of an ancient

sage (a father figure of astrology?) of North Indian origin or by the

clever brains who know how to play the game and make a living?! Who is the

player and who is the victim – I wonder, and also worry – "what will

happen to the original Vedic astrology, the original and ancient Tropical

astrology and Fixed Nakshatra chakra based result derivation techniques?",

which truly belongs to and owned by North Indian states mentioned above

and Brahmins!] The 10th

century scholar Kalyana varma - the Author of Saravali and the ruler of

Vykharapada kingdom - is believed to be from this state.Sarvartha

Chintamani by Venkata Sarma is a text originated in this state in 14th

century ADJataka

Parijata by Vaidyanadha Deekshita (the son of the above said Venkata Sarma)

is another popular book originated in this state

Maharashtra

This state deserves special attention

because almost the whole of astrology that became popular in North in the

recent centuries owns much to numerous scholars from a single family who migrated

from Golagrama near Pardha Pura in MP to Varanasi.

In the absence of the Nirayana astrological knowledge propagated by this family

after 15th century AD (in 16th and 17th

century), the astrology and astrological books known in North

India might have been near to nil.

The

list of scholars from this family include the 16th and 17th

century scholars such as Nrisimha daivajna (author of Jataka Saradeepa),

Kamalakar Bhatt (author of Nirnaya Sindhu, Siddhanta Tatva vivek etc),

Dundi Raja (author of Jatakabharana), Ganesha Daivajna (author of Graha

Laghava), Rama Krishna (commentator of the text on polynomials by

Bhaskaracharya), Mallari, Viswanadh, Divakar, Nrisimh Daivajna (Soura

Bhashya commentary of Surya Siddhanta, Vasana Vartik etc), Nrisimha

Ganesha Daivajna and so on. It should be noted that the original native

place of all these scholars is Golagrama (astronomical observatory?) near

Partha puri (Pathari) in Maharahstra – a place that was part of the

Salivahana kingdom which Salivahana ruled by keeping Pratishtana as its

capital. (Note that Salivahana followed the Jain religion). Based on

numerous proofs it is believed that after seeing the text and methodology

presented in Jataka Saradeepa, the great scholar Acharya Balabhadra (18th

century) prepared the well popular text Hora Ratna.

Kerala

One of the

unique info about Kerala is that the fragments of numerous ancient texts of

Arsha school of astrology, such as Skanda hora (also known as Jyotishmati

Upanishad), Brihat prajapatya, Saunaka Hora, Kausika Hora, Vasishta Hora etc

are available only from Kerala. The Jain religion seems to have contributed

much to the ancient nirayana astrological tradition of Kerala decipherable from

the fact that Aryabhata the 4th century Jain astronomy scholar

belonged to Kerala. The strong connection of nirayana astrological tradition

with Kerala and especially to Horary system of astrology (i.e. Prashna) can be

easily seem from the fact that Prashna is also know as Kairali (meaning, an

astrological system originated in Kerala).

Vararuchi

the originator of KTPY notation of numbers and the Chandravakyas lived in

Kerala for long (he is believed to be a north Indian scholar who traveled

to south) and he is thought to be a 4th century scholar and is

considered the Father of Kerala School of astrology. Aryabhata

the 5th century scholar (the author of Aryabhateeya) belonged

to Kerala and was a Jain. Some believe that he was a 6th

century scholar. 4th to 17th century

are the golden period of astronomy, astrology and mathematics in Kerala.

Numerous well known texts such as Prashnamarga, Karana Paddhati,

Jatakadesham, Krishneeyam, Dasadhayi, Parahita system of astronomical

calculations, Drigganita system of astronomical calculations, Ganitam

Yuktibhasha etc are all contributions of this period. An extensive study

into the mathematical and astronomical contribution of Keralites during

this period surpassing the knowledge of the whole world about these

subjects by introducing innovative studies in Calculus, Polynomials,

Spherical astronomy and numerous other subjects are gaining popularity and

is attracting global attention now a days.

Tamilnadu

The astrology of Tamilnadu seems to

be indebted to the little known Siddha tradition. This siddhas tradition is

originally either related to the Saiva cults or to the Jain sages. Agastya is the father figure for many

knowledge branches such as astrology, medicine, and Linguistics in this

region.

The

system of Nadi astrology seems to have originated here and well popular

even today. But due to the secret

Siddha traditions the system is not much accessible and not many published

texts available on the same.Pulippani

(may be another name for Vyakhrapadi – a name for Kalyanavarma who wrote

Saravali?) is a well-known figure in medieval Tamil astrology. The

vakyapanchanga popularized by another Vararuchi (other than Kerala

Vararuchi) who lived in 6th century AD is the father figure of

astronomy and Pachanga (Ephemeris) calculations in this region.

Karnataka

It is a South Indian state that seems

to forget its original roots and tradition related to Nirayana astrology. Here

again the root trend is related to the Jain tradition.

The texts by ancient Jain

scholars of astrology such as Kalakacharya (the originator of Ramala

Jyotish), Mahaveeracharya (Jyotisha Patala and Ganita sara samgraha)

became popular in this state. Is it a pointer to the fact that they got

some connection with these states or is it that it only points to the

strong Jain roots of this state?Sridharacharya who wrote texts

like Ganitasar, Jyothirjchana Kalanidhi, Jatak

Tilak etc and many more reputed later astrologers of this stream were the

natives of Karnataka. Bhattavesari (also known as Damanandi acharya) who

wrote the text Aya jchana tilak in Prakrit was a follower of Digambara

Jain religion, and is thought to be a native of Karnataka.

Anyway even though many good

scholars of Nirayana astrology is present in Karnataka, the astrological texts

of Karnatic origin is yet to become popular throughout India.

Some good text of North Indian Origin

It would be wrong in my part if I don't

mention some good books of North Indian (especially Kasi) origin before

concluding this article.

The first to be mentioned among these

would be Horaratna by Acharya Balabhada, an authentic scholar of 18th

century who lived in Kanya Kubja. He is also the author of the text Hayana

Ratna, the commentator of Hora Makaranda, Hora Ratna list numerous ancient

and little known texts like Surya Jataka, Samudra Jataka, Soma Jataka,

Kasyapa Jataka etc. Brihat Daivajya Ranjana is an authentic

text on Muhurta written by Ramadeena Daivajya who lived in Kasi. This

authentic text quotes numerous slokas from ancient texts and is a great

source of knowledge related to Muhura determination and related

principles. Muhurta Ganapati by the son of Vatsa

ravala Harivamsa named Ganapati is a 16th century text

originated in Delhi

at the time of the Mugal king Aurangaseeb's ruling. Even though compared

to Horaratna and Brihat Daivajna Ranjana it cannot be termed as a great

text, then too since it predates those texts the same is mentioned

here.

These above texts itself amply clarifies that in 16th

onwards Nirayana astrology started regaining its lost popularity even in North India. Possibly Nirayana astrology is indebted a

lot to Nrisimha Daivajna's family which migrated from Maharashtra to Varanasi and also to

Acharya Balabhadra and Ramadeena Daivajna for the same.

But even now, the new trends seems to ignore these great scholars who

tried to restore the ancient original stream of astrology in North India and

instead follow the distorted AP version of astrology now a days termed as

`Jaimini System' which forced into (by the distorters) and found its place in

modified BPHS as well. It should be noted that Jaimni system even though not

much old is not at all bad, but unique and good. But what we should be aware is

–

This system is not much old and is

modification on top of principles presented by texts like Uttara kalamrita

by Ganaka Kalidasa. The text has nothing to do with the mythical figure

sage Jaimini but simply a new system (possibly created after 14th

century AD) ascribed to sage Jaimini, and got incorporated in modified

BPHS. There are several good texts like

Jataka Tatva that mentions, uses and elaborates this system.The Jaimini system is totally unique

and different from the Ancient Indian astrological principles and concepts

and so `should not be' mixed with the major stream of Indian astrology. It

is a totally different school of thought like the other unique systems

such as Lal Kitab system, Nadi Astrology, Ramala Jyotish or Tajik system

etc.It is the effort to falsely project the

system as ancient, as told by some so called Sage Jaimini and Parashara,

and the effort to mix various mutually contradicting systems that should

be defended and discarded. If it is the revival of the ancient and

original Nirayana astrological systems and an effort to understand the

same through the words of oldest texts then certainly the so-called

Jaimini system is NOT the path to follow.

Conclusion

In this article I have tried to

show how the origins of ancient Nirayana astrology can be tracked to or

associated with various geographical locations and states within India – and

how and why Nirayana astrology is of non-brahmanic, non-vedic origin and also

how much it is of non-north Indian origin. The prejudiced ones may not

appreciate this truth, but the same could be much knowledge imparting to the

sincere ones. I have tried by level best to base this knowledge on available

info about the original geographical locations of the popular texts – and any

one is free to, and invited to add their understanding to this article by

providing more info about the other popular texts of Ancient Indian Nirayana

astrology.

- 000 -

Note: In the above articles, in between I might have

deviated here and there a bit from the main thread, due to some contextual

references – please pardon the same. If you enjoyed this article and find it

worthy even to a small extend then I am happy.

Love and reards,

Sreenadh

February 12, 2008

Dear Sreenadh ji,

Enjoyed reading your informative & valuable article. Thanks...it is

nice to see that you always share your vast knowledge with others

blessings

Renu

, " Sreenadh "

<sreesog wrote:

>

> Geography and the Origin of Nirayana Indian Astrology

>

> - Written by Sreenadh OG

>

> Whether the Nirayana system of Indian astrology originated within

India

> or outside? This has been debated for long. We know for sure that

the in

> Tropical astronomy and astrology and Stellar astrology india has a

long

> tradition going back to the texts such as Vedas, Vedic literature

> (Brahmanas, Upanishads, Aranyakas and so on), the Vedanga Jyotisha

texts

> (Rig Jyotisha, Yajur Jyotisha, Adharva Jyotisha) and to the

mention of

> the same in Sulba sutras. The glimpse of the same tradition mixed

with

> Nirayana astrology we find in Epics and Puranas as well. Even

though the

> extensive use of Muhurta, the various divisions of time (such as 5

year

> Yugas, Muhurtas, Tithi, Nakshatra, Solar-Lunar-Jupiter years etc),

and

> the extensive use of Nakshatra chakra is found in all these

literature,

> the origins of Nirayana system which bases itself on Signs such as

> Mesha, Vrishabha etc cannot be traced to the same – even though it

> seems clear that both the systems got mixed into one by the time of

> Puranas, and the texts like Vridha Vasishta samhita with possibly

> originated around 2nd century AD. From a study of Vedic

literature, it

> becomes clear that the Tropical system and the fixed Stellar zodiac

> (Nakshatra Chakra) was well popular in India from far back as BC

3000

> – and the system even though never seems to have never developed

> into a full-fledged Natal astrological chart reading system was

well

> popular even up to 2nd and 3rd century AD.

>

> 2nd and 3rd centuries are unique in the history of India because

it is

> the time when the original Brahmi script that was popular in India

to

> write Sanskrit got extensively replaced by the newly originated

> Devanagari script and many old texts got modified or re-written to

> project the brahmanic upper hand under the guidance of Sunga

brahmanic

> priests who came into power in North India after the Maurya Period

> (which preferred the Jain and Buddhist religions) and before the

Gupta

> Period (which preferred the Hindu Vaishnava cults). In this period

the

> old Yajna based Vedic religion which preferred nature worship got

> revived and came into the clenches of brahmanic priests who made

it a

> tool for living and earning money than a way of living in contrast

to

> the vedic past.

>

> Before the advent of Maurya empire in BC 4th century, the star of

Vedic

> religion was already set – and history of both religions and

> kingdoms before this period not known with certainty – due to the

> lack of solid literary references and archeological evidence. But

> certainly the far past Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization (in which

Tantra,

> Yoga and god Siva worshiped as Pasupati was well known); the

Zoroastrian

> Ahur-Mazda worship; the Parthian kingdom; the later day Cythian

Kingdom;

> the Greek attack by Alexander; the earlier connections of

> Sindhu-Sarasvati civilization with Babylonia-Mesopotamia-Egypt et

etc

> through merchandise etc; the various small Gujarat, Kashmir and

South

> Indian kingdoms clans and their culture all might have all

contributed

> to the knowledge enhancements much. And this knowledge whether it

be of

> Sindhu-Sarasvati, Zoroastrian, Parthian, Cythian, Saiva, Jain,

Buddhist,

> Naga cults, Gujarat clans (Abheera, Yadava etc) seems to be in

sharp

> contrast to that of Vedic or brahmanic knowledge and tradition. A

cute

> fact about India's history seems to be the fact that – even

> though it is the mix of all these cultures and the temple worship

which

> prevailed and won the popular trust in India (which can be termed

Agama

> or Tantric religion), possibly due to the power of Sanskrit

combined

> with the effective Devanagari script it is the Vedic literature and

> Brahmanic literature that survived over the natal literature other

> traditions.

>

> Nirayana astrology as we practice it today is one of the

contributions

> of these other than Brahmanic (i.e. Non-vedic) cults and

traditions. But

> this is a vague statement and won't be appreciated if not supported

> by solid evidence – especially in presence of the age-old

propaganda

> caused by cast brahmins and priests who from the vedic past onwards

> tried to corrupt and destroy the `other than their own'

> literature, and promote the brahmanic upper hand over the common

mass to

> make a living out of psychologically controlling them through false

> propaganda. Some states such as Kashmir, Gujarat, Orissa and South

India

> as a whole seems to have helped the non-brahmanic, non-vedic cults

in

> preserving their identity and knowledge to a great extend, even

though

> by accepting the power Sanskrit in their hard efforts to survive

through

> the turmoil. The preservation of Nirayana astrology is indebted a

lot to

> these geographical locations for its survival. In this article I am

> trying to present the contribution of these states and the lack of

> contribution of North India (or better Middle and north-east

India -

> covering states such as MP, UP, Bihar, Haryana, Delhi, Himachal

Pradesh

> and North eastern states etc) to the preservation of Nirayana

astrology

> by pointing to the old literary texts available and geographical

native

> place of its authors. This should not be treated as something

> `against' the brahmins or the major north Indian states, but the

> point made is related to the truth clarified based on facts that –

> the major north indian states and the caste brahmins where in

favor of

> the Tropical astrology and to the use of fixed Nakshatra chakra

alone,

> while the border states (such as Kashmir, Gujarat, Rajastan and

Orissa)

> and the South Indian states as a whole preserved the Nirayana

system of

> astrology – both deserve their credit for what they did.

> Competition, turmoil and re-writing and modifying of history and

books

> was something that everybody did – to project the history in favor

> of them – throughout the past; and there is no point in denying

this

> fact. With these base ideas in mind, now let us look at the

geographical

> locations and the books and the authors of some of the most popular

> books on Nirayana astrology.

> Gujarat

> Gujarat is a state with great tradition its association with

> Zourashtrian religion and ancient Iran known from its name

Zourashtra

> itself. It is the homeland of ancient Naga cults, Yadava and

Abheera

> traditions etc. Several ancient invaders such as Zoroastrians,

> Parthians, Cythians (Saka), and Greeks all made it their homeland

and

> caused the propagation of knowledge.

>

> * Many books especially of Yavana School of

astrology

> originated here. The list includes –

>

> * Yavana Jataka by Yavaneswara (text unavailable)

> * Sphujidhwaja Hora by king Sphujidwaja (available)

> * Meenaraja hora by Meenaraja (this is also known by the

name

> Vriddha Yavana hora; available)

> * Srutakeerti hora by king Srutakeerti (text unavailable)

> * Manasagari by Haraji (available)

> * Jataka Tatva by Mahadeva Sankara Sarma is a popular 19th

> century text originated in this state. (Mahaveda Sankara sarma

> lived in Ratlam near Bombay). This text is mainly an

exposition of

> some of the principles put forward in Jaimini Sutra and BPHS.

> Rajastan

> This states needs special mention since it is the

state

> where Varaha Mihira lived. Avanti and Ujjain are names associated

with

> this great scholar. The birthplace of this scholar is in mystery

and

> there is an effort by some to port him to (argue that he is from)

> somewhere out where outside India.

>

> * Pancha Siddhantika, Brihat Jataka, Brihat Samhita etc by

> Varaha Mihira. Mihira lived in 6th century in Ujjain,

> Rajastan.

> Kashmir

> This is a state with a great Tantric tradition – it was the cradle

> of civilization from the period of Sindhu-Saraswati civilization on

> wards. The histories of invasions too are essentially related to

> Kashmir.

>

> * Lagadha's Vedanga Jyotisha originated here (But note

that

> this is book related to Tropical astronomy and astrology of

the

> Vedic school)

> * Bhattolpala who wrote extensive commentaries on the

Brihat

> Jataka and Brihat Samhita of Mihira belonged to this state

> * Muhurta Chintamani by Rama Daivajna of 16th century and

well

> popular and authentic commentary on it known as Peeyusha

dhara by

> Sri Govinda originated in Kashmir. Many members of this

family

> such as Neelakandh, Govind, Madhava, Ram etc are also well

popular

> for their contributions to astrology.

> * Neelakandha, the son the author of Muhurta Chintamani

is the

> author of the well known text called Tajik Neelakandhi. Tajik

> system of astrology is a unique system of astrology that came

from

> Tajikistan (in Russia) to Kashmir through the Arab

invaders

> through Parsis (i.e. through Persia, the ancient Parthian kingdom,

the

> old Iran). Tajik Neelakandhi is a text of 16th century origin.

> Orissa

> This state is strongly connected to the history, evolution and

spreading

> of Jain school of astrology. Note that the old Kalinga kingdom,

which

> was invaded and conquered by King Asoka, followed Jain religion;

the

> Jain connection of Orissa goes back even to the Vedic past.

>

> * Sage Garga who lived around BC1400 was a Jain and seems

to be

> from Orissa

> * Rishiputra, the son of Garga, who wrote an extensive

treatise

> on Samhita astrology (Mundane astrology) – a book that was

> extensively quoted by Mihira – too seems to have belonged to

> this state.

> * Sage Vriddha Garga who wrote Vriddha Garga Siddhanta

> (available even now) and Hora (only fragments available) too

> belonged to this region.

> * King Ballalasena of 12th contrary AD who wrote a very

> informative treatise called Adbhuta Samhita (available) also

> belonged to this state.

> Andhra Pradesh

> This state should be specially remembered for its

> contribution to astrology for producing many unique systems such as

> Jaimini system (a system ascribed to the mythical figure sage

Jaimini)

> originated possibly between 14th to 17th centuries AD, the modified

> versions of BPHS, and for being a bridge between the extreme south

> Kerala astrological traditions and of Orissa astrological

traditions.

>

> * Jaimini Sutra (which extensively uses the KTPY system

believed

> to be originated by Vararuchi of 4th century AD while he was

in

> Kerala) and the modified versions of the ancient BPHS seems

to have

> originated in this state. (The original version of BPHS seems

to

> have nothing to do with Jaimini sutra style of innovation,

but the

> modified BPHS is an `ancient book modified' with Jaimini

> system of astrology inserted into the old text) – the merit or

> demerit for the same goes to AP astrologers. [but it should

also be

> noted that the origin of original BPHS could be some where

near

> Kashmir – a vague guess based on some vague info and base

arguments;

> it is this original text on Parashara school of astrology which

mixes

> Arsha school of astrology with Yavana school of astrology that

later got

> modified possibly by the AP astrologers, and by now projected as

the

> bible (!) of Vedic(?) astrology by the insincere livelihood

seekers

> who are trying their level best to make a living out of this

recent

> `modified version of astrology'. The current BPHS is a

> hybrid of `Ancient Astrology' with the `so called

> Jaimini system' of AP astrologers – and by now became the

> `North Indian astrology' – as propagated by `modern

> Parasharas and Maharathis' of Orissa or Andhra origin, but who

> now project themselves as god fathers of North Indian

astrology! Is

> it net cast by the clever Brahmins or by the people of North

Indian

> states who are in search of an ancient sage (a father figure

of

> astrology?) of North Indian origin or by the clever brains

who know

> how to play the game and make a living?! Who is the player

and who

> is the victim – I wonder, and also worry – " what will

> happen to the original Vedic astrology, the original and ancient

> Tropical astrology and Fixed Nakshatra chakra based result

> derivation techniques? " , which truly belongs to and owned by

> North Indian states mentioned above and Brahmins!]

> * The 10th century scholar Kalyana varma - the Author of

> Saravali and the ruler of Vykharapada kingdom - is believed

to be

> from this state.

> * Sarvartha Chintamani by Venkata Sarma is a text

originated in

> this state in 14th century AD

> * Jataka Parijata by Vaidyanadha Deekshita (the son of

the above

> said Venkata Sarma) is another popular book originated in this

> state

> Maharashtra

> This state deserves special attention because almost

the

> whole of astrology that became popular in North in the recent

centuries

> owns much to numerous scholars from a single family who migrated

from

> Golagrama near Pardha Pura in MP to Varanasi. In the absence of the

> Nirayana astrological knowledge propagated by this family after

15th

> century AD (in 16th and 17th century), the astrology and

astrological

> books known in North India might have been near to nil.

>

> * The list of scholars from this family include the 16th

and

> 17th century scholars such as Nrisimha daivajna (author of

Jataka

> Saradeepa), Kamalakar Bhatt (author of Nirnaya Sindhu,

Siddhanta

> Tatva vivek etc), Dundi Raja (author of Jatakabharana),

Ganesha

> Daivajna (author of Graha Laghava), Rama Krishna (commentator

of

> the text on polynomials by Bhaskaracharya), Mallari,

Viswanadh,

> Divakar, Nrisimh Daivajna (Soura Bhashya commentary of Surya

> Siddhanta, Vasana Vartik etc), Nrisimha Ganesha Daivajna and

so on.

> It should be noted that the original native place of all these

> scholars is Golagrama (astronomical observatory?) near Partha

puri

> (Pathari) in Maharahstra – a place that was part of the

> Salivahana kingdom which Salivahana ruled by keeping Pratishtana

as its

> capital. (Note that Salivahana followed the Jain religion). Based

on

> numerous proofs it is believed that after seeing the text and

> methodology presented in Jataka Saradeepa, the great scholar

> Acharya Balabhadra (18th century) prepared the well popular

text

> Hora Ratna.

> Kerala

> One of the unique info about Kerala is that the

fragments of

> numerous ancient texts of Arsha school of astrology, such as

Skanda hora

> (also known as Jyotishmati Upanishad), Brihat prajapatya, Saunaka

Hora,

> Kausika Hora, Vasishta Hora etc are available only from Kerala.

The Jain

> religion seems to have contributed much to the ancient nirayana

> astrological tradition of Kerala decipherable from the fact that

> Aryabhata the 4th century Jain astronomy scholar belonged to

Kerala. The

> strong connection of nirayana astrological tradition with Kerala

and

> especially to Horary system of astrology (i.e. Prashna) can be

easily

> seem from the fact that Prashna is also know as Kairali (meaning,

an

> astrological system originated in Kerala).

>

> * Vararuchi the originator of KTPY notation of numbers

and the

> Chandravakyas lived in Kerala for long (he is believed to be a

> north Indian scholar who traveled to south) and he is thought

to be

> a 4th century scholar and is considered the Father of Kerala

School

> of astrology.

> * Aryabhata the 5th century scholar (the author of

Aryabhateeya)

> belonged to Kerala and was a Jain. Some believe that he was a

6th

> century scholar.

> * 4th to 17th century are the golden period of astronomy,

> astrology and mathematics in Kerala. Numerous well known

texts such

> as Prashnamarga, Karana Paddhati, Jatakadesham, Krishneeyam,

> Dasadhayi, Parahita system of astronomical calculations,

Drigganita

> system of astronomical calculations, Ganitam Yuktibhasha etc

are

> all contributions of this period. An extensive study into the

> mathematical and astronomical contribution of Keralites

during this

> period surpassing the knowledge of the whole world about these

> subjects by introducing innovative studies in Calculus,

Polynomials,

> Spherical astronomy and numerous other subjects are gaining

popularity

> and is attracting global attention now a days.

> Tamilnadu

> The astrology of Tamilnadu seems to be indebted to the

> little known Siddha tradition. This siddhas tradition is originally

> either related to the Saiva cults or to the Jain sages. Agastya

is the

> father figure for many knowledge branches such as astrology,

medicine,

> and Linguistics in this region.

>

> * The system of Nadi astrology seems to have originated

here and

> well popular even today. But due to the secret Siddha

> traditions the system is not much accessible and not many

published

> texts available on the same.

> * Pulippani (may be another name for Vyakhrapadi – a name

> for Kalyanavarma who wrote Saravali?) is a well-known figure

in

> medieval Tamil astrology.

> * The vakyapanchanga popularized by another Vararuchi

(other

> than Kerala Vararuchi) who lived in 6th century AD is the

father

> figure of astronomy and Pachanga (Ephemeris) calculations in

this

> region.

> Karnataka

> It is a South Indian state that seems to forget its original roots

and

> tradition related to Nirayana astrology. Here again the root trend

is

> related to the Jain tradition.

>

> * The texts by ancient Jain scholars of astrology such as

> Kalakacharya (the originator of Ramala Jyotish),

Mahaveeracharya

> (Jyotisha Patala and Ganita sara samgraha) became popular in

this

> state. Is it a pointer to the fact that they got some

connection

> with these states or is it that it only points to the strong

Jain

> roots of this state?

> * Sridharacharya who wrote texts like Ganitasar,

Jyothirjchana

> Kalanidhi, Jatak Tilak etc and many more reputed later

astrologers

> of this stream were the natives of Karnataka.

> * Bhattavesari (also known as Damanandi acharya) who

wrote the

> text Aya jchana tilak in Prakrit was a follower of Digambara

Jain

> religion, and is thought to be a native of Karnataka.

>

> Anyway even though many good scholars of Nirayana astrology is

present

> in Karnataka, the astrological texts of Karnatic origin is yet to

become

> popular throughout India.

> Some good text of North Indian Origin

> It would be wrong in my part if I don't mention some

> good books of North Indian (especially Kasi) origin before

concluding

> this article.

>

> * The first to be mentioned among these would be

Horaratna by

> Acharya Balabhada, an authentic scholar of 18th century who

lived

> in Kanya Kubja. He is also the author of the text Hayana

Ratna, the

> commentator of Hora Makaranda, Hora Ratna list numerous

ancient and

> little known texts like Surya Jataka, Samudra Jataka, Soma

Jataka,

> Kasyapa Jataka etc.

> * Brihat Daivajya Ranjana is an authentic text on Muhurta

> written by Ramadeena Daivajya who lived in Kasi. This

authentic

> text quotes numerous slokas from ancient texts and is a great

> source of knowledge related to Muhura determination and

> * Muhurta Ganapati by the son of Vatsa ravala Harivamsa

named

> Ganapati is a 16th century text originated in Delhi at

the

> time of the Mugal king Aurangaseeb's ruling. Even though compared

> to Horaratna and Brihat Daivajna Ranjana it cannot be termed as a

great

> text, then too since it predates those texts the same is

mentioned

> here.

>

> These above texts itself amply clarifies that in 16th onwards

Nirayana

> astrology started regaining its lost popularity even in North

India.

> Possibly Nirayana astrology is indebted a lot to Nrisimha

Daivajna's

> family which migrated from Maharashtra to Varanasi and also to

Acharya

> Balabhadra and Ramadeena Daivajna for the same.

>

> But even now, the new trends seems to ignore these great scholars

who

> tried to restore the ancient original stream of astrology in North

India

> and instead follow the distorted AP version of astrology now a days

> termed as `Jaimini System' which forced into (by the distorters)

> and found its place in modified BPHS as well. It should be noted

that

> Jaimni system even though not much old is not at all bad, but

unique and

> good. But what we should be aware is –

>

> * This system is not much old and is modification on top

of

> principles presented by texts like Uttara kalamrita by Ganaka

> Kalidasa. The text has nothing to do with the mythical figure

sage

> Jaimini but simply a new system (possibly created after 14th

> century AD) ascribed to sage Jaimini, and got incorporated in

modified

> BPHS.

> * There are several good texts like Jataka Tatva that

mentions,

> uses and elaborates this system.

> * The Jaimini system is totally unique and different from

the

> Ancient Indian astrological principles and concepts and so

> `should not be' mixed with the major stream of Indian astrology.

> It is a totally different school of thought like the other

unique

> systems such as Lal Kitab system, Nadi Astrology, Ramala

Jyotish or

> Tajik system etc.

> * It is the effort to falsely project the system as

ancient, as

> told by some so called Sage Jaimini and Parashara, and the

effort

> to mix various mutually contradicting systems that should be

> defended and discarded.

> * If it is the revival of the ancient and original

Nirayana

> astrological systems and an effort to understand the same

through

> the words of oldest texts then certainly the so-called Jaimini

> system is NOT the path to follow.

> Conclusion

> In this article I have tried to show how the origins of ancient

Nirayana

> astrology can be tracked to or associated with various geographical

> locations and states within India – and how and why Nirayana

> astrology is of non-brahmanic, non-vedic origin and also how much

it is

> of non-north Indian origin. The prejudiced ones may not appreciate

this

> truth, but the same could be much knowledge imparting to the

sincere

> ones. I have tried by level best to base this knowledge on

available

> info about the original geographical locations of the popular texts

> – and any one is free to, and invited to add their understanding to

> this article by providing more info about the other popular texts

of

> Ancient Indian Nirayana astrology.

>

> - 000 -

>

> Note: In the above articles, in between I might have deviated here

and

> there a bit from the main thread, due to some contextual references

> – please pardon the same. If you enjoyed this article and find it

> worthy even to a small extend then I am happy.

>

> Love and reards,

> Sreenadh

>

February 12, 2008

Dear Sreenadh ji,Such gems from your treasury embellish and enrich our learning. Thank you very much for ever imparting and sharing your knowledge.We always look forward to such informative pieces from you. Enjoyed every byte of it.

Just one little clarification in the article. Varah Mihir was in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh but you've put him under Rajasthan?Thanks and Warm regardsneelamOn 12/02/2008, Sreenadh <sreesog wrote: