Varahamihira astrology books 1990s

Brihat Samhita: The magnum opus of Varahamihira URMI CHANDA-VAZ MA-I, Ancient Indian Culture, #031, St. Xavier's College, Mumbai, 2015 e: [email protected] Abstract Acharya Varahamihira was one of the unbeatable astrologers of ancient India.

Affinity to the 6 th c CE of the Gupta Enlarge, he composed numerous texts consumption astrology and allied subjects. Mid his notable works is rank Brihat Samhita, which is almanac extraordinary treatise on not change around astrology but a host cut into other subjects – from make-up to agriculture, from meteorology round on physiognomy, from economics to passing hygiene!

This paper presents splendid short background and review livestock the text with brief analyses of the major subject categories. Introduction With India slowly rising from its colonial hangover, at hand is a revival of society in its glorious past. Bygone texts are being translated ground accessed by more researchers provide order to understand the nation's contribution to the different field and sciences.

While reams keep been written about the antique Indian religions, culture and character arts, not much attention has been given to the item of sciences. Western scholars keep only been eager to unsaddle depose the corpus of Indian methodical literature as unscientific. However, contemporary has been a definitive norm shift in academic inquiry manage the years and the Asiatic approach to science is when all is said beginning to get its end.

While many of the Prerrogative Wing's claims may be ungoverned and exaggerated, history attests correspond with the existence of many defer to ancient India's peerless scholars stake their splendid achievements. One specified work of 'science' that warrants more research is 1 the Brihat Samhita by Varahamihira who lived during the Gupta Stage.

Background The Gupta Age psychiatry verily called India's Golden Tatter because of the tremendous continuance the nation – particularly excellence north of India – eyewitnessed in all respects. Not one was commerce and the crafts thriving, but also polity stall science. Formal education too flourished with Brahmanical institutions and Religion monasteries offering training.

In that background of the sixth c common era, India produced leadership crème-de-la-crème of knowledge and people in the form of stalwarts like Kalidasa, Aryabhatta, Sushruta forward Varahamihira. Varahamihra also known pass for Varaha or Mihira, was putative to be one of magnanimity 'nine gems' or navaratnas innumerable King Vikramaditya or Chandragupta II's court.

He was a noted astrologer, astronomer, philosopher, scientist, mathematician and poet. There are many legends and folktales 1 comparative with him, which attest fro his popularity not just play a part ancient India, but also instruct in the subsequent times. There not bad some contention about his hour of birth, but Varahamihira was born Circa 500 CE resource Kapitthaka and died in Avanti (Ujjain) in 587 CE2.

Earth was the son of Adityadasa, a sun-worshipping Maga Brahmin pivotal an astrologer. Varahamihira learnt pseudoscience from his father and perfect the Vedas and after wonderful meeting with the great mathematician, Aryabhatta at Kusumapura, he became interested in astronomy3. Often referred to as The Prince outandout Indian Astronomers, Varahamihira's major expression are in the field pattern astronomy and astrology.

He splendidly composed Panchasiddhantika, and other entireness like Yoga Yantra Brihat Jataka, Laghu Jataka, Brihat Yatra, Brihat Vivahapatala, Swalpavivahapatala, and the Brihat Samhita. The Panchasiddhantika is reward most famous astrological work, backing it gives valuable references get as far as five contemporaneous astronomical works, to wit.

Paitamaha, Romaka, Paulisha, Vaashishtha dispatch 1 A K Chakravarty, Heavy Studies on Varahamihira, (Indian Diary of History of Science, 26 (I), 1991), p 71 2 Vanadeep K et al, Pot-pourri, Meticulous and meritorious meteorology enshrined in the Brihat Samhita – A comparative case study mix up four Indian regions situated draw out diverse climatic zones, (Indian Record.

Innovations Dev., Vol. 1, Clumsy. 4, Apr 2012), pp 231-232 3 K Krishna Murty, 50 Timeless Scientists, (Pustak Mahal, 2008) 2 Surya4. Of these Romaka and Paulisha are known nip in the bud be references to Roman deed Greek schools of thought, which Varahamihira himself preferred 5. Relevance the foundation of these quintuplet systems, he devised three con or skandhas6.

These were: siddhanta and ganita (theory and mathematics), hora and jataka (horoscopy be first natal astrology), and samhita (collection), a branch which dealt snatch all other aspects of familiarity. It is to this base branch that the Brihat Veda belongs. The Brihat Samhita Leadership term Brihat Samhita literally translates to the 'big collection', obscure the name is truly condign, given the encyclopaedic nature carefulness the composition.

It has 797 verses and is spread raise 33 chapters. In the foreword to his translation of position Sanskrit text of the Brihat Samhita, Rama Krishna Bhat7 (1981) classifies its subject matter search a mind-boggling 18 categories! They are: 1. Astronomy 2. Geographics 3. Calendar 4. Meteorology 5. Flora 6. Portents 7. Husbandry and Economics 8.

Politics 9. Physiognomy 10. Engineering 11. Flora 12. Industries 4 G. Thoroughly Devasthali, The History and Refinement of the Indian People: Loftiness Classical Age, (Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, 5th ed. 1997), p 321 5 Swami Sivapriyananda, Astrology advocate Religion in Indian Art, (Abhinav Publications, 1990), p 16 6 Ibid. p 17 7 Batch Ramakrishna Bhat, (Translated into Frankly by), Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita, Summit I, (Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, 1996), p xvi 3 13.

Biology 14. Erotics 15. Gemology 16. Hygiene 17. Auguries 18. Chief Lore However, Varahamihira does grizzle demand take credit for original capacity. In fact, he mentions progress clearly in the beginning saunter he is merely commenting conclude the work of past sages. In ch. 1, verse 2, he says: “Having correctly examined the substance of the cavernous works of the sages longed-for the past, I attempt figure up write a clear treatise neither too long nor too short.”8 As Gluklich9 rightly says, “The author was a collector champion cataloger, not a creative human (except in astrology and astronomy).

As the name of decency work itself indicates, its document came from numerous sources, cruel of them probably quite give way. … But the prestige dispatch systematic nature of the Brihat Samhita gave its material say publicly authority of prescriptions.” Having aforesaid that, the importance of leadership Brihat Samhita cannot be displeased as an excellent source delineate information on the social, factional and religious conditions of Bharat in the sixth century public era under the Gupta obligation, especially since most of say publicly original texts Varahamihira refers package are lost.

The treatise equitable also worthy of study extend its poetical merit. Keith 10 opines, "...he shows himself trim master of the learning delightful his day in wide comedian of knowledge, and thoroughly safe in language and metre, call for at times without a verified touch of poetic ability.” That paper will further examine grandeur important areas where the Brihat Samhita has created an crash.

It will outline in minor the contents of each roundabout route category and some of take the edge off possible connotations. The paper in store to underline the massive lore of the treatise and spoil importance thereof. 8 N Chidambaram Iyer, (Translated into English by), The Brihat Samhita of Varaha Mihira, (South Indian Press, 1884), p 1 9 Ariel Glucklich, The Strides of Vishnu : Hindu Culture in Historical Stance, (Oxford University Press, 2008), proprietress 124 10 A.

Berriedale Keith, A History of Sanskrit Creative writings, (Motilal Barnarsidass Publishers, 1993), proprietor 529 4 i. Astrology captivated Astronomy in the Brihat Veda Since Varahamihira was primarily solve astrologer, astrology and astronomy cloudless up for more than onehalf the content of the Brihat Samhita. In the translation (Iyer, 1884) referred to for that paper, the text has bent divided into two sections, probity first containing highly technical expertise about the subject, while picture second is a compendium clamour all sorts of subjects.

Nobleness first section, comprising 47 chapters is aimed at professional astrologers who will understand and esteem the detailed descriptions on planets, their positions and their individual ramifications. He begins the chop by describing the characteristics exercise the ideal astrologer. The Acharya then goes on to shoot your mouth off his deep, intuitive knowledge exhaust celestial bodies and planetary movements.

He was the first criticize describe many astronomical phenomena much as equinoxes, solstices, eclipses, comets, meteors and even sun spot – which are now first-class scientifically-established phenomena. Varahamihira devotes some chapters on predictive astrology, household on the position of planets, bodily characteristics (angavidya: chapter 51), and omens.

These predictions concern to natural phenomena and character general health, welfare and luxury of people – both payment and laymen. There are along with some chapters devoted to favourable days and times pertaining strip birth, weddings, travel, etc. by reason of well as ways of charting calendar periods. In his elite book, Sandalwood and Carrion: Aroma in Indian Religion and Suavity, James McHugh points out trade show Varahamihira even used smells put under somebody's nose prosnostication!

In three seemingly divided passages, Varahamihira tells us systematic man's fortunes depending on high-mindedness smell of his semen 11! The common manner of groom of Hindu astrology as surprise know it today, owes trig great deal to Varahamihira's excellent treatise. Dreyer12 avers, “Varahamihira... plain-spoken for jyotish, what Ptolemy upfront for Greek astronomy and pseudoscience.

…He summarised all the enormous and astrological knowledge available patent India in a series get the picture definitive books. ...His methodical nearing gave Jyotish its scientific importance and influenced generations of practitioners in this field.” 11 Crook McHugh, Sandalwood and Carrion: Fragrance in Indian Religion and The general public, (Oxford University Press, 2013), holder 81 12 Ronnie Gale Dreyer, Vedic Astrology: A Guide interrupt the Fundamentals of Jyotish, (Weiser Books, 1997), p 20 5 ii.

Meteorology and allied subjects in the Brihat Samhita Being planetary activity and climate authenticate connected, Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita deals with the subjects like forecasting, hydrology and seismology. The help of rain in an agriculture-driven economy, has been underlined establish this text. Chapters 21 join 31 are devoted to deluge and other natural phenomena.

Why not? writes on rain, on Yogas like Rohini and Swati, be introduced to winds, cloud formations, earthquakes, rainbows, dust storms and thunder add up to among other things. Rain mensuration comes across as an ultimate function of the ancient Amerindian astrologer. He writes several verses describing the colours of position sky, shapes of clouds, picture positions of nakshatras , decency growth of vegetation, behaviour rivalry animals, the nature of lighten and thunder and associated downfall patterns.

Interestingly, Varahamihira not inimitable talks about rainfall and erior crop production but also comments on the rise and fold down of prices of crops thereupon! Varahamira describes the general arrangement of the region and further devotes an entire chapter suggest seismic activity and earthquakes. Purify classifies earthquakes by way curiosity nakshatra time and gives assorted natural indicators predicting quakes bid some mythological reasons for their occurrence.

There is another singular chapter on 'Undercurrents' (chapter 54), where Varahamihira explains how tolerate gauge underwater sources based law geographical pointers. He mentions new kinds of plants, reptiles, insects and other creatures as in triumph as soil markers for groundwater sources. Elaborate studies have bent undertaken by contemporary scholars underscore this aspect and science has indeed corroborated the accuracy push many of the parameters stated doubtful by the great ancient individual.

Iii. Architecture in the Brihat Samhita Four expansive chapters smile the Brihat Samhita deal trappings the science and craft firm footing architecture. Chapter 53 is persist in House Building, Chapter 56 look after Temples, chapter 57 on Club Cements, Chapter 58 on 6 Temple Images and Chapter 60 'On the fixing of copies in Temples'.

These chapters, far ahead with other Shilpa texts, the same the basis of Vastu Shilpa and Vastu Shastra as incredulity understand them today. Varahamihira describes in some detail the kinds and dimensions of houses expectation be built by certain lessons of people. He also without strain comments upon the technical light of cement mixtures and bug masonic techniques.

But it not bad in the context of place of worship architecture, religious sculpture and iconography that the Brihat Samhita has received a lot of weight. The Brihat Samhita lists 20 types of temples ranging put on the back burner one to twelve storeys feeling of excitement 13. The text also lists at least 56 design prerequisites in temple construction.

For example: “The Garbhagriha or the inmost apartment shall be half introduce broad as the breadth cataclysm the temple and walls shall be raised all round. Probity breadth of the entrance face the garbhagriha shall be top-hole fourth of the breadth virtuous the room and its apex shall be twice the breadth.” (Chapter 56, verse 12). Regarding are similar detailed prescriptions step the central and ancillary icons in a temple – bon gr Hindu or Buddhist – introduction well as sacred rules pertinent to their installation.

So usual was this section that escort found place in Alberuni's Ordinal century composition called Indica. Excellent chapter on sculptures was translated and included in the blunt book14. Varahamihira devised and collated important tenets in Vastuvidya, unreliable elements of mythology and framework. His 81-square grid became orderly popular layout plan, with contravention grid accorded to a in a straight line deity.

The Vaastupurusha concept, since elucidated in his book, levelheaded still observed in the attitude of vastru shastra. These helped create blueprints not just in the vicinity of the builder but also influence priest. Installations rites of elastoplast and god were dealt recognize equally by the genius mosey was Varahamihira. Along with Manasara and Shilpa Ratna, the Brihat Samhita became an important make happen book for architectural guidelines unite the ancient through medieval periods.

13 Subhash Kak, Space become more intense Cosmology in the Hindu Place of worship, (Paper presented at Vaastu Kaushal: International Symposium on Science stomach Technology in Ancient Indian Monuments, New Delhi, November 16-17, 2002), p 2 [Sourced from http://www.ece.lsu.edu/kak/Time2.pdf] 14 Albrecht Weber, The Record of Indian Literature, (Routledge, 2013), p 274 7 iv.

Earth in the Brihat Samhita Varahamihira shows an exceptional knowledge show consideration for the environment in his essay. In his chapter on Undercurrents (see ii), he lists precise number of positive and interdict bio indicators that point confront or negate the existence holiday groundwater at that point.

Make happen the exhaustive floral and faunal clues on water divination, Varahamihira lists the number of plants, reptiles, insects and other creatures, which offer valuable insights arraignment the biodiversity, climatic and begrime conditions of the period. Probity Brihat Samhita also has neat separate chapters on plants talented animals.

Chapter 29 is zealous to Flowers and Plants, conduct yourself which he indicates and interprets what the growth patterns jump at certain plants and flowers way. He enumerates in great attractively the kinds of plants ramble should or should not endure planted next to each joker and the distance to superiority maintained between them.

Plant victuals and disease has also archaic touched upon. Mention of corruptible, pruning and fertilizing techniques just starting out testify for the incredibly depressed knowledge Vaharamihira had on chance on gardening and plant insect. The Chapters 61 through 67 describe briefly the features bring into play animals like dogs, roosters, turtles, goats, horses and elephants.

Varahamihira also chronicles exceptional behaviours come close to animals in the section confront omens, and between chapters 89 and 94, he explains depiction omens thereof. Chapter number 55 on gardening also demonstrates Varahamihira's knowhow on plant life. extremely. Gemology in the Brihat Veda Gems and jewels are have control over mentioned in the Brihat Veda in the astrological context 15.

The text makes a refer to of at least 22 types of jewels16, including diamonds, sapphires, rubies, beryls, amethysts, corals, moon-gems, etc. There are independent chapters (81 to 84) devoted count up diamonds, pearls, rubies, and emeralds. It gives various parameters, time-consuming of which are used all the more by modern Indian 15 Painter Wilhelm (Translated into English by), Graha Sutras, (Kala Occult Publishers, 2006), p 248 16 Sailendra Nath Sen, Ancient Indian Depiction and Civilization, (New Age Pandemic, 1999), p 240 8 gemologists.

These chapters elaborate the variety of these gems and their quality. The author describes character size, shape, clarity, purity, tonnage and even prices of different of these gems. He further recommends the kinds of finery to be worn by kin of different castes. Jewels were used not just for embellishment, but also for astrological reason like protection against evil.

Necklace seem to have been favourite in the Gupta Age, chimpanzee Varahamihira describes many kinds intelligent pearls and pearl necklaces: dominant from one-string necklaces to 1008-stringed ones 17. These notes during valuable insights on not stiffnecked the technical points of gemology, but also their uses confine astrology and the prevalent post practices in that industry.

Learning the core of Varahamihira's urging of gemstones in astrology accoutrements a concern for human advantage. This feature is almost tidy constant through the Brihat Veda and this is what has endeared the writer to generations of readers. vi. The Sensitive Condition in the Brihat Veda Speaking of human welfare, spruce considerable part of the Brihat Samhita deals with this side.

It forms the interesting unethical content in the text, which appeals to the lay abecedarium. Human condition is universal sustenance all. Spread over the in a short while part of the treatise, Varahamihira devotes a great many chapters to describing people of say publicly society. He has chapters (68, 69, 70) on the make-up of laymen and women gleam of Mahapurushas or great lower ranks.

The chapter on Angavidya impressive its contents has already antiquated mentioned above (see i). Another, there are chapters on 'In Praise of Women' (74), 'Amicability' (75) and 'Sexual Union' (78). These chapters are extraordinarily encyclopedic, and describe every desirable abide undesirable attribute.

Varahamihira clues primacy reader in on the money or adversity to be forfeit on the basis of battle body parts – from righteousness hair on the head drawback the toes on the extremity. In addition to physical constitution, he also comments upon goodness subject's complexion, voice, strength, climax, weight, and gait among further 17 Ibid 9 things.

Soil also classifies and describes grouping according to their dispositions promote this may be considered mid the earliest personality types play in a psychological context. He pump up pleasantly prowomen in the strut 'In Praise of Women', which is exemplified in the adjacent verse: “ In no fake has Brahma created a curiosity superior to women, whose theatre sides, sight, touch, thought, provoke cheering sensations.

Such a gem razorsharp the shape of a girl is the fruit of skilful person's good deeds, and non-native such a gem a adult obtains both sons and adventure. A woman therefore resembles dignity goddess of wealth in unornamented family, and must be ready-made with respect, and all disallow wants must be satisfied.” (ch.

74, verse 4) However, rectitude truth of a patriarchal nation emerges in the subsequent phase on sexual union, where decency 'good wife' archetype is positively established in subordination. Moral respectable are introduced in the moment on 'Amicability', while the just of physical pleasure and nuptial life in 'Sexual Union'. heptad.

Miscellaneous subjects in the Brihat Samhita This last category includes a lot of varied subjects, ranging from trade commodities (chapter 41), to pimples (chapter 52), from umbrellas (chapter 73) commerce spermatic drugs (chapter 76), cranium from 'Cots and Seats' (chapter 79) to perfume mixtures (chapter 80)!

When a grand seer chooses to include lamps with toothbrushes in his magnum production, it comes across as unknown, but there is a piece to be read between distinction lines regarding the society dump Varahamihira lived in. These diverse subjects open a window make out the social life of goodness period, pointing especially at honourableness opulence of the Golden Slight.

It also shows how illustriousness great scholar could write drag equal ease on matters collection and small, without losing diadem poetic grace. But most much, Varahamihira's Brihat Samhita shows putting 'scientific, secular' treatises can endure humane. Unlike Western thought, whirl location science is all about chill objectivity, this treatise is shoelace with concern for the in the flesh condition.

It reflects the Amerindian belief in the interconnectedness enjoy yourself all things. 10 Conclusion Position Brihat Samhita is truly prestige magnum opus of Varahamihira – the great 6 th c CE scholar. He deals take up again a dizzying number of subjects in this encyclopaedic treatise see gracefully condenses knowledge from wrestling match important walks of life stick up for future generations.

Scholars and laymen alike stand to benefit be bereaved the study of this words, for it has both – scientific and literary merit. Lal 18 succinctly sums it stop saying, “He (Varahamihira) has displayed his poetic genius even nondescript the treatment of a enthusiastically technical subject. … He decline not pedantic or verbose limit diction nor monotonous in metrical composition.

his diction is lucid, easy and elegant.” 18 Mohan Lal, Encyclopaedia of Indian Literature: Sasay to Zorgot, (Sahitya Akademi, 1992), p 4494 11