Introduction to Indian Astrology

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Curiosity to know one’s future is both natural and universal; and therefore any method which attempts to unravel the mystery of the future has an attraction for the human mind. Astrology, palmistry, numerology and various extrasensory processes which claim to predict the future have a popular appreal. An elementary knowledge of astronomy and a historical perspective are indispensable for a beginner. After going through the authoritative texts like Brihat Jataka, Brihat Parasara, Horasastra, Phaladipika etc., one arrives at the conclusion that the variables one has to tackle are far too many and the interpretations far too numerous and the task of integrating the diverse material is too numerous and the task of integrating the diverse material is too complex. The subject requires deep study and one has to develop an insight and intuition to become a successful astrologer. The author has tried to present the essentials of Hindu Astrology with as objective an approach as possible.

Curiosity to know one’s future is both natural and universal; and therefore any method which attempts to unravel the mystery of the future has an attraction for the human mind. Astrology, palmistry, numerology and various extrasensory processes which claim to predict the future have a popular appeal. But of these only astrology has a scientific basis. It is entirely dependent on the science of astronomy which by supplying the data pertaining to the stars and planets forms the foundation upon which the superstructure of astrology is constructed.

Out of the millions of people who are fascinated by astrology or accept the verdict of astrologers in blind faith, only a few have a serious desire to study and understand its principles. In my opinion, an elementary knowledge of astronomy and a historical perspective are indispensable for a beginner. Since Hindu astrology is deeply rooted in Indian philosophical concepts like karma and rebirth and in Hindu religious ideas like propitiation of deities, prayers, chanting of mantras and slokas, observance of fasts and performance of rituals, a background of the philosophical systems would help the student to understand astrology better. I was impressed by the philosophical interpretation of astrology offered by Sri B.S. Gopalakrishna of Madikeri and I felt tempted to include it in the book for the sheer novelty of it.

After going through the authoritative texts like Brihat Jataka of Varahamihira, Brihat Parasara Horashastra, Mantreswara’s Phaladeepika, Kalyana Varrna’s Saravali etc. one is confronted with an over- whelming mass of information on various aspects of astrology, some corroborative, some conflicting and some confusing. The conclusion one arrives at is that the variables one has to tackle are far too many and the interpretations far too numerous and the task of integrating the diverse material is too complex. Any off-hand interpretation or simplification is bound to fail. The subject requires deep study and one has to develop an insight and intuition to become a successful astrologer. I have tried to present in this book the essentials of Hindu Astrology with as objective an approach as possible.

I thank my guru Sri Padmanabha Aithal for initiating me into this subject and Sri D.V. Chari, retired Executive Engineer, TTD, Tirupati and Sri B. Raghavendra Rao of Bangalore for their guidance. I am grateful to Sri Daivajna Somayaji of the Kalpatharu Research Academy but for whose encouragement I would never have written this book. I am thankful to Indian Books Centre, Delhi for bringing out this second edition on time.