Geography and the Origin of Nirayana Indian Astrology

Thursday, 30 April 2009 - Sreenadh OG 0 Comments and 0 Reactions 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.
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2nd and 3rd centuries are unique in the history of India because it is the time 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 SindhuSarasvati 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 BabyloniaMesopotamia-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 Indias 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 wont 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. Lagadhas 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 dont 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 16 th century text originated in Delhi at the time of the Mugal king Aurangaseebs 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 Daivajnas 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. 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.