Services by Acharya Chakradhar

"Sikhya Kalpo Vyakarananch Niruktam Chhanda ye Vacha,
Jyotisham Chati Vedanam Sadangancha Prachakhyate"

Astrology as a branch of knowledge is one of the most important parts of the six Parts of the Vedas. The six parts are 1) Sikya 2) kalpa 3) Vyakaran 4) Nirukta 5) Chhanda 6) Jyotish. Astrology is described as the "eyes" of the Vedas and thereby gains the status of one of the most important organs of the body.

The importance of astrology as a branch of Vedic knowledge can be appreciated and realized from the meaning of the famous verse of sage Parashar.

"Biphala Nanya Shastrani Vivadah Stesha Kevalam
Pratyakhyam Jyotisham Shastra Chandrarko Yatra Sakhinau"

It signifies that astrology is a proven shastra based on truth, of which the sun and the moon are the visible witness, whereas other disciplines are subject to debates and hence controversial.

It shows the way to the directionless human beings in their difficult times. This Vedic astrology (chakshu-shastra) gives the guidance to us so that we can get to know both our good and bad incidents that will be happening in our future life. This entire gamut could be ascertained through astrology.

Astrology as a vedic science helps and guides the individuals to know the times, past, present and future, so that they move ahead on the path of progress confidently and successfully. Astrology guides us in taking adequate precaution against possible and predicted difficulties so that we would not face the unforeseen problems with regard to our health, marital life, career and education etc. Astrology as a very ancient branch of knowledge of Indian origin can be established from the meaning and significance of the following verse;

"Suryah Pitamaho Vyaso Basishto Atri Parasharah,
Kashyapo Narado Gargo Mareechi Manu Angirah,
Lomesha Pulishachaiva Chyavano Yavano Bhrughu,
Shaunakashtadashaivaite Jyotih Shastra Pravatrakah."

Barahamihira has classified astrology into the following three categories,

"Jyotish Shastra Manaik Bhedha Bishyam Skandha Tryatmakam Dhristitam"

Barahamihira has said that there are many 'vhedas' as per the astrology shastras and it depends mainly on three parts. Ancient Indian astrology has been divided into three parts: 1) Ganita, 2) Hora, 3) Samhita.

In other words we can call it "Siddhanta Jyotisha", and secondly "Phalita Jyotisha".

"Sidhanta Jyotisha" has been further divided into three parts viz. 1) Siddhanta 2) Karana 3) Tantra.

GANITA JYOTISHA

This branch of astrology enlightens us about the life span of universe, days, months, seasons, planets and their rotation and revolution, the movement of stars and other heavenly bodies, the eclipse of the sun and the moon, dates, Nakshtra Yoga, karan etc. This also includes astronomical science.

PHALITA JYOTISHA

The next two parts of astrology "Hora and Samhita" are called "Phalita Jyotisha". According to master Barahamihira the word Hora has come from the word Ahoratra, (the mingling of day and night forms A-hora-tra). "Ho" stands for day and "Ra" stands for night. Thus "Hora" creates the "chart" of the life of a new-born. It also creates the "chart" and "map" of every other physical activities as per the planetary positions, position of stars and other heavenly bodies at a given time.

In other words this "chart" or "map" is called horoscope (Kundli) in astrological language.

This chart is calculated by the astrologer that enables him to predict each and every activity and its outcome on individual"s life here and also hereafter. In philosophical terms it is called "rebirth" or "karma vada".

SAMHITA

This aspect of astrology deals with the meteorological predictions that cover the impending and unforeseen natural calamities that befall on people and country at large. Such predictions help in taking proper, adequate and effective steps for disaster management, creating infrastructure to face it, appearance of comets, meteor, the location of underground water, Muhrut, Nakshtra, Shakun (auspicious time) etc. are also predicted through this branch of astrology. These predictions also help in locating the deposits of natural resources. They also help us in choosing the right time to start a new enterprise or venture.