Bhavkutuhalam - Book Summary | JainGPT

This document is a scanned copy of the Jain text "Bhavkutuhalam" authored by Jivnath Shambhunath Maithil, with a Hindi commentary by Pandit Mahidhar. The publisher is Gangavishnu Shreekrushnadas, printed at the Lakshmi Venkateshvar Steam Press in Kalyan, Bombay. The catalog link provided is https://jainqq.org/explore/034482/.

Here's a summary of the key aspects presented in the scanned pages:

1. Title and Authorship:

The book is titled "Bhavkutuhalam" (भावकुतूहलम्).
The primary author is Jivnath (जीवनाथ), son of Shambhunath Maithil (शंभुनाथात्मजगणक जीवनाथ).
A Hindi commentary (भाषाटीका) is provided by Pandit Mahidhar (पण्डित महीधर), a resident of Tehri (टिहरी).

2. Publisher and Printing:

The publisher is Gangavishnu Shreekrushnadas (गंगाविष्णु श्रीकृष्णदास).
It was printed at the "Lakshmi Venkateshvar" Steam Press (लक्ष्मीवेङ्कटेश्वर स्टीम् प्रेस) in Kalyan, Mumbai.
The publication year is Samvat 1987 (संवत् १९८७), corresponding to Shake 1852 (शके १८५२).

3. Preface (Prastavna - प्रस्तावना):

The preface highlights that during the era of oppressive Mughal rulers, astrology (Jyotish Vidya) was suppressed by foreign invasions.
The author, Jivnath, a renowned astrologer of his time, composed "Bhavkutuhalam" to revive and make astrological knowledge accessible.
The original Sanskrit text was difficult for many to understand, prompting Pandit Mahidhar to create a Hindi commentary for the benefit of beginners.
The publisher mentions that this is the third edition, revised and published with the support of classical texts like Brihat Jataka.

4. Table of Contents (Vishayanukramanika - विषयानुक्रमणिका): The extensive table of contents reveals the detailed structure of the book, covering various aspects of natal astrology and predictive techniques:

Chapter 1: Samjna Adhyaya (संज्ञाध्याय):
- Mangalacharan (Invocation)
- Author's Introduction and Pledge
- Definitions of the Twelve Houses (Dwadash Bhav Sanjna)
- Significators of Zodiac Signs (Rashi Swaminah)
- Graha Maitri (Planetary Friendships)
- Planetary Exaltations and Debilitations (Graha Uchcha Neecha Kathanam)
- ShadVarga (Six Divisional Charts) Calculation
- Navamsa Calculation
- Planetary Aspects (Graha Drishti Vichar)
- Classification of Signs (Charadi Samjna)
- Types of Signs (Rashi Bhed Chakra)
Chapter 2: Jataka Chinha Jnana (जातकचिह्नज्ञान):
- Markings on the body related to birth chart indications.
Chapters 3-7: Focus on various astrological Yogas and their effects, including:
- Child's afflictions and remedies (Balakarishta Vichar)
- Parental afflictions (Pitra, Matri Arishta)
- Siblings' afflictions (Bhratru, Matul Arishta)
- Childlessness and loss of children (Putra Hani Yoga)
- Loss of spouse (Stri Hani Yoga)
- Remedies for afflictions (Arishta Bhanga Vichar)
- Progeny related Yogas (Putrakaraka Yoga, Santan Sankhya Vichar)
- Royal Yogas and their classifications (Nrupamukut Yoga, Samanya Raja Yoga, Sarvabhaum Yoga,atyutkrushta Raja Yoga, Sinhasana Yoga, Chatur Chakra Yoga, Ekavali Yoga, Shatru Vijaya Yoga, Kuber Tulya Raja Yoga)
- Specific yogas related to royalty and prosperity.
Chapter 8: Samudrika Lakshana (सामुद्रिक लक्षण):
- Physical characteristics and their astrological interpretations, including palmistry and physiognomy.
Chapter 9: Stri Jatakam (स्त्रीजातकम्):
- Astrology specific to women, covering marital life, progeny, widowhood, virtue, and other aspects.
Chapter 10: Kanya ke Shubh Ashubh Anga Lakshana (कन्यायाः शुभाशुभ अंग लक्षणानि):
- Detailed analysis of female body parts and their auspicious/inauspicious indications.
Chapter 11: Graha Avastha Vichar (ग्रहाणां अवस्था विचार):
- Planetary states of being (Shayana, Upaveshana, Netra pani, etc.) and their interpretation.
Chapter 12: Graha Pratyeeka Avastha Phalani (ग्रहाणां प्रत्येकावस्थाफलानि):
- Specific results of each planet in its various states of being.
Chapter 13: Graha Balaadi Avastha Phalani (ग्रहाणां बालादि अवस्थाफलानि):
- Results based on planetary states of childhood, youth, old age, exaltation, debilitation, etc.
Chapter 14: Maraka Vichar (मारक विचार):
- Identification of death-inflicting planets (Maraka) and their influence.
- Classification of houses as favorable or unfavorable.
- Calculation of longevity (Alpayu, Madhyayu, Dirghayu).
- Determining the timing of death.
- Royal Yogas (Raj Yoga) and wealth-creating Yogas (Dhanik Yoga).
- Poverty-creating Yogas (Daridra Yoga) and debt-creating Yogas (Rini Yoga).
Chapter 15: Bhava Vichar (भाव विचार):
- Detailed analysis of each of the twelve houses and their influences.
Chapter 16: Dasha Anya Nayan (दशा आनयन):
- Calculation of planetary dasas ( Vimshottari Dasa) and Antardasas.
- Detailed interpretation of the results of planetary dasas.
Chapter 17: Graha Garvitadi Bhava Adhyaya (ग्रहाणां गर्वितादि भावाध्याय):
- States of planets like 'Garbhita' (proud), 'Mudita' (joyful), 'Lajjita' (ashamed), etc., and their predictive results.

5. Content Highlights: The text appears to be a comprehensive guide to Vedic astrology (Jyotisha Shastra), covering:

Foundational Principles: Astrological concepts, planetary relationships, sign lordships, exaltations, etc.
Predictive Techniques: House analysis, planetary states, dasas (planetary periods), and yogas for various life events.
Specific Areas: Detailed sections on progeny, royalty, wealth, health, relationships, and longevity.
Samudrika Shastra: A significant portion is dedicated to the interpretation of physical characteristics, particularly for women, to predict their fortunes.
Remedies: Implied in the discussion of afflictions and afflictions' remedies, suggesting astrological remedies might be discussed.

6. Historical Context: The preface by the publisher indicates the text's revival during a period when Hindu scriptures and knowledge were suppressed. The commentary by Pandit Mahidhar signifies its effort to make complex astrological knowledge accessible to a wider audience in Hindi.

In essence, "Bhavkutuhalam" is a classical Indian astrological treatise, enhanced with a practical Hindi commentary, offering detailed insights into predicting life events and characteristics through the lens of planetary influences and body markings.