Bharatiya Jyotish - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Bharatiya Jyotish" by Nemichandra Shastri, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Bharatiya Jyotish (Indian Astrology) Author: Dr. Nemichandra Shastri Publisher: Bharatiya Gyanpith Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/002676/1

Overall Summary:

"Bharatiya Jyotish" by Dr. Nemichandra Shastri, published by Bharatiya Gyanpith, is a foundational text that explores the rich history, definitions, classifications, principles, and applications of Indian astrology, with a particular emphasis on its Jain perspective. The book aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of this ancient science, tracing its evolution from Vedic times through various historical periods up to the modern era. It delves into the philosophical underpinnings of astrology, its practical utility, and its connection to the human body and cosmic principles, as understood within the Indian tradition. The text emphasizes that astrology is not merely about predicting the future but also about understanding life's patterns and aligning oneself with cosmic rhythms for spiritual and worldly well-being.

Key Themes and Content:

Introduction and Author's Motivation:
- The book begins with an evocative description of a Jain festival, setting a spiritual and cultural tone.
- The author, Dr. Nemichandra Shastri, shares a personal account of his inspiration to write the book, stemming from a divine vision of Goddess Saraswati. He expresses a desire to contribute to the understanding of Indian astrology, particularly within the Jain tradition.
- He acknowledges the help and guidance received from various scholars and family members, including his mother, Pandita Chandabai Ji, and his friend Pt. Jagannath Tiwari.
Definition and Etymology of Jyotisha:
- Jyotisha is derived from "jyoti" (light) and "isha" (lord), meaning the science that illuminates the celestial bodies like the Sun, Moon, and planets.
- It is defined as the science that explains the movement, position, eclipses, and other phenomena of celestial objects, and their influence on human life.
- The author notes different scholarly definitions, some focusing on astronomical knowledge (khagola) and others integrating both mathematical (ganita) and predictive (phalita) aspects.
Historical Development and Classification:
- The book traces the chronological development of Indian astrology, dividing it into distinct periods:
  - Andhakar Kal (Dark Age): Pre-10,000 BCE.
  - Udaya Kal (Dawn Age): 10,000 BCE to 500 BCE.
  - Adikal (Ancient Period): 500 BCE to 500 CE.
  - Purva Madhyakal (Early Medieval Period): 501 CE to 1000 CE.
  - Uttar Madhyakal (Late Medieval Period): 1001 CE to 1600 CE.
  - Arvachin Kal (Modern Period): 1601 CE to 1951 CE.
- Indian astrology is described as having three main branches (Skandhas): Siddhanta (mathematical astronomy), Hora (natal astrology/horoscopy), and Samhita (mundane astrology, omens, timing). Some classifications expand this to five, including Prashna (horary astrology) and Shakuna (omens).
- The text discusses the contributions of various ancient scholars and texts, including Vedic literature, Jain Agamas (Surya Prajnapti, Chandra Prajnapti), and works of revered astrologers like Varahamihira, Aryabhata, Brahmagupta, and Bhaskara II.
Jain Influence and Origins:
- The author argues strongly for the Indian origin of astrology, refuting claims of foreign (Greek, Babylonian) influence. He cites ancient Indian texts and philosophical concepts like "Yatha Pinde Tatha Brahmande" (As in the microcosm, so in the macrocosm) to support his claim.
- Jain texts like Surya Prajnapti and Chandra Prajnapti are highlighted for their detailed astronomical calculations and unique cosmological models, particularly concerning the Jain cosmology with Sumeru mountain as the center.
- The text notes the early presence of concepts like the Zodiac (12 Rashi) and planetary names in Indian, including Jain, literature, predating significant foreign influence.
Principles of Bharatiya Jyotish:
- Time Calculation: Detailed explanation of luni-solar calendars, intercalary months (Malmasa), calculation of Tithis (lunar days), Nakshatras (lunar mansions), Karanas, Vargas (divisional charts like Navamsa, Dasamsa), planetary positions (Grah Spashta), and calculation of planetary longitudes.
- Cosmology and Geography: Discussion of planetary orbits, celestial spheres, geographical coordinates (latitude and longitude), and the influence of celestial bodies on Earth.
- Human Life and Astrology: The deep connection between astrology and human life is explored, linking planetary influences to karma, soul's journey (linga sharira), and the concept of "As in the microcosm, so in the macrocosm." The seven planets are mapped to different aspects of human personality and consciousness.
- Specific Astrological Concepts:
  - Tithi: Definition, lords, names, and auspicious/inauspicious classifications.
  - Nakshatras: Their nature, lords, classifications (fixed, movable, fierce, gentle), and their influence.
  - Yogas: Combinations of planets and their effects.
  - Karanas: Definitions and lords.
  - Vara (Days): Lords and their nature (benefic/malefic).
  - Rashi (Zodiac Signs): Introduction, characteristics, elemental associations, lordship, mutual relationships (friendship/enmity), and their influence on human physiology and psychology.
  - Graha (Planets): Detailed descriptions of the nature, attributes, lordship, elemental associations, and influences of the nine planets (Ravi, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu).
  - Bhava (Houses): Introduction to the twelve houses of the horoscope and the matters they govern.
  - Dasha Systems: Explanation of Vimshottari Dasha and Ashtottari Dasha systems, including their calculation and interpretation.
  - Bala (Strength of Planets): Discussion of Shadbala (six types of strength) and its components like Sthana-bala, Dig-bala, Kala-bala, Chesta-bala, Naisargika-bala, and Drik-bala.
  - Ashtakavarga: Principles of Ashtakavarga for detailed prediction.
  - Tajika Shastra (Annual Horoscopy): Methods for creating and interpreting annual charts (Varshaphala).
  - Muhurta (Electional Astrology): Principles for selecting auspicious timings for various life events like marriage, housewarming, starting new ventures, etc.
  - Prashna Shastra (Horary Astrology): Methods for answering specific questions based on the time of the query.
  - Shakuna (Omens): Interpretation of natural signs and their influence.
  - Phaladesha (Predictive Astrology): Interpretation of planetary positions in houses, planetary aspects, yogas, and dasas to predict events in a person's life, including health, wealth, marriage, children, career, and longevity.
  - Arishta Yogas: Malefic combinations indicating misfortune or specific afflictions.
  - Arishta Bhanga Yogas: Combinations that mitigate or cancel malefic influences.
  - Stree Jataka (Female Horoscopy): Specific considerations for analyzing a woman's horoscope.
Practical Applications and Utility:
- The book highlights the indispensable role of astrology in daily life, from determining auspicious timings for religious festivals and social events to agricultural planning and navigation.
- It emphasizes the scientific basis of astrology, which was developed through rigorous observation and calculation by ancient Indian sages.
- The utility of astrology in understanding health (Ayurveda connection), character analysis, career guidance, and relationship compatibility is also discussed.
Structure of the Book:
- The book is systematically organized into chapters covering various aspects of Indian astrology, starting from its historical origins and definitions, moving through principles and calculations, and concluding with predictive techniques and auspicious timings.
- The table of contents (Vishay Suchi) reveals a detailed breakdown of topics, including chapters on planetary systems, zodiacal signs, horoscopes, astrological principles, famous astrologers, and specific predictive methods.
- The later chapters delve into detailed calculations for various astrological elements like planetary positions, house cusps, dasa systems, and the interpretation of specific yogas.

Overall Significance:

"Bharatiya Jyotish" serves as a comprehensive guide to Indian astrology, presented from a traditional Indian and Jain perspective. It reflects the author's deep scholarship and dedication to preserving and disseminating this ancient wisdom. The book is valuable for students and practitioners of astrology seeking to understand its theoretical foundations, historical context, and practical applications. The author's narrative of inspiration and his acknowledgments underscore the cultural and spiritual significance attributed to astrology in Indian society.