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HISTORY OF INDIAN ASTROLOGY

It is very difficult to identify the origin of Indian Astrology. As any other knowledge
is impossible without the knowledge of time, place and direction, some form of
astrological knowledge (about time, place and direction) must have been there before
the advent of any form of knowledge.
India has its special place in spiritual knowledge. Yogis have identified `kundalini
power’ and seven chakras in human body i.e the `Moolaadhara’, `swadhisthaana’,
`Manipoora’, `Anahat’, `Vishuddha’, `Aagna(Aa&a) and `sahastraara’. It is the main
objective of every yogi to raise and direct it’s `kundalini power’ up to `Sahastrara chakra’
so that his `Kundalini’ meets the `Maha kundalini’ or `Jeevaatma’ meets the
`Paramatma’. The above knowledge is spiritual as well as astrological. Yogis have
identified the Solar system within the human body. Thus this knowledge existed even
before the development of scripts.

VEDIC AGE (UP TO 500 BC)

During this period all knowledge was in one form because different branches of
knowledge were not identified. During this period also people knew about months,
seasons, ayanas, years, eclipses, nakshatras, length of day and night and reasons for
fluctuations in that . They also knew about Sun, Moon and five other planets.
From Rigveda one can see that they used to divide the year in to twelve months
and were also aware of the concept of `adhika maasa’ i.e additional month to be
introduced after every three years to make adjustment between Lunar and Solar year.
They also knew about northern and southern course of sun. The knowledge was
basically used for finding auspicious time to perform various yagnas.
During Vedic age Indians knew fully about nakshatras. On the basis of their
observation they calculated the `Sampaata Bindu’ ( equinox point )which according to
some learned scholars was in Bharani nakshatra, 4th quarter at that time, that is why they
started counting of nakshatras from kritika.
In `taitireeya shruti’ ; names of nakshatras, their lords, their sex and other details
about nakshatras is given. They also knew about the division of nakshatras in to `Kula’ ,
`Akula’, and `Kulaakula’, which is a very important division for deciding victory in a
dispute. They also knew about the shapes of nakshatras and the numbers of stars in
various nakshatras. Thus the knowledge about nakshatras was very developed at that
time. ( table given on next page). In `Atharva Veda’ prayers are offered to `Agni’ i.e the
Fire God to pacify the effects of child birth in `Moola dosha’:

499 B.C. TO 500 A.D.

During this period astrology developed as a separate subject. It is recognised as

one of the important limbs of Vedas . Eighteen `Rishis’ are said to be the originators of
`jyotisha shatra’ during this period namely; (1) Surya (2) Pitamaha (3)Vyasa (4)
Vashistha (5) Atri (6) Parashara (7) Kashyapa (8) Naarada (9) Garga (10) Marichi
(11)Manu (12) Angira (13) Lomasha (14) Poulisha (15) Chyawana (16)Yavana (17)
Bhrigu (18) Shounaka
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Name of Lords of Sex of Singular Kula/

nakshatra nakshatras Nakshatra Plural i.e one ,two Akula/
Or many Kulaakula

Ashwini Ashwini Kumar M Two Kula

Bharani Yama F Many Akula

Kritika Agni (Fire) F Many Kula

Rohini Lord Brahma F One Akula

Mrigshira Soma the Moon Neutral One Kula

Ardra Rudra (Shiva) F One Kulaakula

Punarvasu Aditi ( Devamaata) M Two Akula

Pushya Vrihaspati M One Kula

Ashlesha Sarpa (Snake) F Many Akula

Magha Pitri (The Manes) F Many Kula

Poorva phalguni Bhaga an incarnation F Two Akula

of Sun
Uttara phalguni Aryama – incarnation F Two Kula
of Sun
Hasta Sun M One Akula

Chitra Vishwakarma the F One Kula

Architect of Gods
Swati Vaayu the Air God F One Akula

Vishakha Indra and Agni F Two Kula

Anuradha Mitra – incarnation M Many Kulaakula

Of Sun
Jyestha Indra F One Akula

Moola Raakshasha the F One Kula

Evil forces
Poorvashadha Jala (Water) F Many Akula

Uttarashadha Vishwedeva F Many Kula

Abhijit Lord Brahma Neutral One Kulaakula

Shravana Lord Vishnu M One Akula

Dhanistha Vasu F Many Kula

Shatbhisha Varuna Neutral One Kulaakula

Poorvabhadrapada Ajapaada the first M Many Akula

Rudra
Uttarabhadrapada Ahirbudhnya the M Many Kula
Second Rudra
Revati Pusha – incarnation M One Akula
Of Sun
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IMPORTANT WORKS OF THIS PERIOD

--Rik Jyotisha ----- It contained details about Yugas, ayanas, seasons, months and
nakshatras. Details of muhurtas were also given but there was no detailed treatement of
Signs and Planets.

--Yaju and Atharva Jyotisha-----contained detaila similar to Rik Jyotisha. Atharva Veda
contained many details about tithis, nakshatras, yoga, karana and taara. Classification of
nakshatras in to Janma, Sampat, Vipat etc. On the basis of janma nakshatra which was
given in Atharva Jyotisha is still in use without any modification.It also contained some
details about mundane Astrology.

`Soorya Pragyapti’--- Mainly discussed about Sun, it’s family, it’s motion, ‘ayanas’ and
also some details of muhurta.

`Chandra Pragyapti’ ---- Contains details about sun and moon. The main feature of this
book was `chaaya saadhana’ (i.e use of various types of shadows for calculations like
use of shadow of `shanku’ to find out the `palabha’ (12 tanQ ) of a particular place).
Similarly on the basis of shadow of a man one can know the time , length of the day etc.
The book discussed about 25 types of shadows.

Astrology in Mahabharata --- `Anushashana parva’ ch. 64 contains the list of

nakshatras and the result of making donations in each nakshatra. Muhurta, their names,
their benefic and malefic nature and benefic and malefic nature of nakshatras was also
discussed.
Discussing about the birth time of Yudhisthira it states:
eoMnd`o cand` samaaraoho mauhuto- AiBaijadYTmao
idvaao maQyagato saUyao- itqaaO pUNao-it pUijato
i.e. Yudhisthira was born on Monday when Moon was transiting in Jyestha nakshatra.
He was born in 8th muhurta of the day called `abhijit’ and in Poornima (Full Moon day ).
This shows their knowledge.
At that time Mars and Saturn were considered as the most malefic planets. Mars
was considered as the planet causing fights wars etc.
In `Udyog Parva ch.143’ , when Karna meets Lord Krishna, Karna says, `` Saturn
is transiting in Rohini naksantra. Mars in retrograde motion has entered Anuradha from
Jyestha, Mahapaata is afflicting Chitra nakshatra and Rahu is about to afflict Sun so the
time indicates some evil.’’ The astrological principals given in the above statement are
still found to be valid e.g. Saturn was transiting in Rohini during World War-1, World
War-2 and Indo-Pak war of 1971.
At the time of Mahabharata it was 13 days `paksha’ (lunar fortnight) and their were
two eclipses in one fortnight which were mentioned as the main astrological factors
behind the devastating war. Thus during Mahabharata period astrology was in a very
developed state.

Pitamaha Siddhanta This work mainly contained calculation of longitude of Sun

and Moon and was not in a very developed state.
Vashishta Siddhanta This also contained mathematics of Sun and Moon.
Romaka Siddhanta The mathematics was slightly more developed but related
only to Sun, Moon, Adhika Masa, kshaya maasa Tithi, Tithi kshaya e.t.c.
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Polisha Siddhanta It contained broad calculations of longitude of all planets.

Soorya Siddhanta This is an important contribution and more detailed as
compared to previous siddhantas. The method of calculation of mean and true
longitude of planets is given in this. (This book is available but in modified form)
The above five siddhantas are called “pancha siddhantas”.

Narada Samhita and Garga Samhita These books deal with Mundane Astrology
and Muhurta. Narada Purana also contains lot of information about astrology.

Parashara The most important contribution to astrology is made by Parashara and

his book “Vrihada Parashra Hora Shashtra” is the most exhaustive book in Natal
astrology containing 97 chapters with a detailed discussion of : nature of signs and
planets, special lagnas, 16 divisional charts, aspects of raashis, “arishta” and
“arishta bhanga”, analysis of 12 houses, Upagrahas, Karakas, Karakamsha,
auspicious and inauspicious yogas, Longevity, Different types of dashas,
Ashtakavargas, Raashiphala, “ Nasta Jataka” , “Anga lakshana” , Graha Shaanti and
so many other areas of astrology. It is said that in “Kaliyuga” there is no match to
Parashara:” klaaO paraSar: smaRt:”. But the exact period of Parashara, his birth
place etc. is still unknown.

Aryabhatta-1 Born in 476 AD he wrote a book entitled “ ARYABHATEEYA”. He

described that Sun and Stars are fixed and days and nights are caused by the
rotation af earth. Scientific reasons for eclipses is given and method of calculating
planetary longitudes is discussed in this book.

Anga Vidya This knowledge has been there since old days. This book contains
predictions on the basis of appearance and actions of different parts of the body.

Kalakacharya He was a famous astrologer and has knowledge of “shakuna

shashtra” i.e omens.

Lallacharya Famous for his knowledge of mathematical, natal and mundane

astrology. He wrote a book entitled “shishyadheevriddhi”

Aryabhatta-2 He wrote a book entitled “ Maha Aryabhatteeya” on mathematical

astrology.

PERIOD BETWEEN 501AD AND 1000AD

This was the golden period of Hindu Jyotisha. There were many advancements
in mathematical and predictive astrology and many great astrologers like Varaha
Mihira contributed a lot to the advancement of astrology.

Famous Astrologers and Their Contribution

Varaha Mihira He was an astrological genius. Born in 505AD he wrote the most
famous book on predictive astrology- “Vrihata Jataka”. He was one of the
“navaratnas”in the ‘darabara” of Vikramaditya. A part from Vrihata Jataka he wrote:
1) pancha siddhantika 2) Vrihata Samhita, one of the most exaustive books on
mundane astrology. 3) Laghu Jataka 4) Vivaha Patala 5) Yoga Yaatra and
6)Samasa Samhita.
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Kalyan Verma around 578AD he wrote Sarawali-a famous book on natal astrology
containing more than 2500 shlokas; the book was written taking the principal of
yavana Hora Shastra and Varaha Mihira.

Brahma Gupta 598 AD Punjab famous mathematician and wrote “Brahma Sphuta
Siddhanta” and “khanda khadyak “--Books on mathematical astrology .

Muanjaala He wrote “Lagha Manasaa” book on mathematical astrology .

Mahaveeracharya wrote “Jyotisha Patala” and “Ganita sara Sangraha” both books
on mathhematical astrology .

Bhatotpalla He was a very famous commentator. His commentary on Vrihata

Jataka of Varaha Mihira is considered as the gem of Hindu Jyotisha. He also wrote
commentary on “ Shathapanchaashika” – a book by Prithuyasas, the son of great
Varaha Mihira. He also wrote an independent book on horary astrology called
“ Prashna Gnana”. His time was around 888 AD.

Chandra Sena He wrote a detailed book titled “ Kevala Gnana Hora” containing
important details about mundane astrology.

Sripati (999AD) A famous astrologer. He wrote 1)Paatiganita 2) Beejaganita and

3) Siddhanta Sekhara --- books on mathematical astrology and 4) Sripati Paddhati
5)Ratnavali 6)Ratnasaara and 7) Ratnamaala ---- books on predictive astrology.

Sridhara Wrote “Ganitasaara” and “Jyotirgnana Vidhi” in Sanskrit and “ Jataka

Tilaka “ in Kannara.

Bhattvossari Wrote a book in Prashna titled “Aaya Gnana Tilaka”. It contains

details about 1) Dhwaja 2)Dhooma 3)Simha 4)Gaja 5)Khara 6) Swana 7) Vrisha and
8) Dhwansha these eight “ aayas “ and their use in horary astrology.

PERIOD BETWEEN 1001 AD TO 1600 AD

This was the era of critical commentaries on various books on mathematical

astrology which developed a lot during this period. Important books like –
“ Grahalaaghava” , “ Karana Kutuhala “ and “ Makaranda “ are written during this
period.
In predictive astrology also many developments took place. Due to Muslim
invasion and nearness to Muslim culture new branches of astrology like “ Ramala “
and “Tajaka “ also developed during this period. There were many developments in
Prashna, Swara, and Shakuna Jyotisha during yhis period which will become clear
when we see the important writings of this period in the following paragraphs.

Important contributors

Bhaskaraacharya He was born in 1114 AD . There was no parallel to this man in

mathematical astrology. He has written books like: “Lilawati” , “Beejaganita” ,
“ Siddhanta Shiromani”, “ Karana Kutuhala “ and “ Sarvatobhadra”. Siddhanta
Shiromani contains many new and uncovered areas of mathematical astrology.
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Durgadeva He has written “ Argha Kaanda” , a book to predict rise and fall in the
prices of commodities. He also wrote a book on interpretation of omens titled “ Rittha
Samuchhaya”.

Mallisena He has written a book called “Aaya Sadbhava” containing predictions

about various aayas.

Ballalasena (1168 AD ) He has written a detailed book on mundane astrology titled

“Adbhuta Saagara” .

Padma Prabh Soori He has written an important on horary astrology titled

“ Bhuvana Deepaka”.

Nara Chandra Upadhyaya He has written many books on astrology. Out of these
“ Bedaajataka “ ,” Prashnashataka”, “ Prashnachaturvimshatika”, “ Janma Samudra”,
“Lagna Vichara” and “ Jyotisha Prakasha” are available.

Makaranda He has prepared a table to calculate tithi e.t.c. in 1400 AD . Many

writers of Panchangas still use this table to prepare their Panchangas. This table
known as “ Makaranda Saarini” has also been translated in English.

Vaidyanatha He has written a very useful book titled “ Jaataka Paarijata “ on natal
astrology. It is a very useful book which covers the subject in detail.

Keshava Born in 1456 AD he has written many useful books like 1) Graha
Kutuhala, 2) Varsha Graha Sidhi , 3) Tithi Siddhi, 4) Jataka Paddhati, 5)Tajik
Paddhati, 6) Siddhanta Vaasana Patha and 7) Muhurta Tatwa --- books on
mathematical and predictive astrology.

Ganesha Son of Keshava- born in 1517 AD he was a brilliant astrologer. At the age
of thirteen years he has written “ Graha Laaghava “ , a famous book on
mathematical astrology. Graha Laaghava is considered to be the most authentic
book out of all available old books an mathematical astrology. The other books
written by Ganesha are 1 laGau itiqa icantamaiNa 2 vaRht itiqa
icantamaiNa 3 isadQaant iSaraomaiNa Tika 4 laIlaavatI TIka 5
ivavaah vaRndavana TIka 6 muahUt- t<va TIka 7 EaadQaaid inaNa-
ya 8 CndaNa-va TIka 9 suaQaIrMjanaItja-naIyMa~a 10 kRYNa
janmaaYTmaI inaNa-ya
11 haoilaka inaNa-ya e.t.c
Dhundhiraj He has written a book titled “Jatakabharanama”. It has 2000 shlokas
and is a very useful book on predictive astrology.

Neelakantha (1556 AD ) He has written a book titled “ Tajik Neelkanthi” which is

one of the best books on annual and horary astrology. This book was written after
the study of Arabian and Persian astrological texts.

Rama Devagna He was the brother of Neelakantha. Born in 1565 AD , he has

written a famous book on muhurta titled “ Muhurta Chintamani “.
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Mallari Has written a commentary on “ Graha Laghava”.

Narayana (1571 AD ) He has written a book on muhurta called “ Muhurta

Martanda”.

Ranganaatha Written a commentary titled “ gaUD,aqa- p`kaiSaka “ on Soorya

Siddhanta’

Govinda Devagna He has written a very famous and valuable commentary on

Muhurta Chintamani titled “ Peeyusha Dhaara’.

MODERN AGE - 1601 AD ONWARDS

This is the age of bookish knowledge. Actual observations of the sky lost it’s
importance in this age due to Western influence. Lot of hurdles were caused in the
development of astrology due to foreign invasions. What to say of new
developments, it was even difficult to preserve the old knowledge. In this period
many commentaries on old books were written. Ketaka wrote “ Ketaki Graha Ganita”
using Indian and Western principles. Bapudeva Shashtri and Sudhakara Dwivedi
used many developed Western mathematical principles and wrote many useful
books.

Main Contributors

Muneeshwara ( 1603 AD ) He wrote “ Siddhanant Saarva Bhauma” – a book an

mathematical astrology and also wrote commentaries on Siddhanta Sharomani and
Leelavati of Bhaskara.

Divakara (1606 AD ) At the age of 19 years he wrote a book on predictive astrology

titled “ Jataka Paddhati “ . He has also written a commentary on “ Makaranda
Vivarana” and “ Keshavi Paddhati “ titled “ pa`OD, manaaormaa “ .

Kamalakara Bhatt He has written a book titled “ Siddhant Tatwa Viveka” on

mathematical astrology.

Nityanand He has written an important book on mathematical astrology titled

“ Siddhant Raja” .

Mahimodaya “ Jyotihha Ratnakara “ – a book on predictive astrology and “gaiNat

saaT saaO” and “pMcaaMga Aanayana ivaiQa “ are his main contributions.
Megha Vijaya Gani A famous astrologer, he has written many books like ,” Megha
Mahodaya”, “Varsha Prabodha”, “Udaya Deepika”, “Ramala Shashtra” and “ Hasta
Sanjeevana”.

Ubhaya Kushala “ Vivaha Patala” and “Chamatkara Chintamani”--- bppks on natal

astrology and muhurta are his main contributions.

Labdhi Chandra Gani he has written a book titled “ Janma Patri Paddhati”.

Bhagha Ji Muni Has written Tithi Saarini – useful in making Panchangas.

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Yashawata Saagara He has written commentary on “ Graha Laghava” and also a

book on natal astrology titled “ Yashoraaj Paddhati”.

Bapudeva Shastri (1821 AD ) He was expert both in Indian and Western

Astrology. With his expertise in mathematics he introduced many developed
principles of mathematics in astrology. He has written a refined commentary on
“ Siddhanta Siromani” and has also written many books on mathematics.

Saamanta Chandra Shekhar Has written “ Siddhant Darpana” -- an important

book on mathematical astrology.

Sudhakara Dwivedi He has written “ calana klana” “ gaNak trMiganaI”

Pa`itBaa baaoQak” , commentary on “ Pancha Siddhantika”, Commentary on “
Soorya Siddhananta” and many other books on mathematical astrology. He also
brought out refined and authentic version of “ Vrihata Samhita “ of Varaha Mihira.

Apart from the above there were and are many astrologers who contributed a
lot to the development of astrological knowledge at various times.

(Ref. “ Bharatiya Jyotisha” by Nemichand Shastri )