Phala Deepika (A Unique Classic on Hindu Predictive Astrology) [RP]

Shri Mantreswara’s ‘Phala Deepika’ holds a most distinguished position amongst the great ancient astrological classics alongwith Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra, Varahmihira’s Brihat Jataka and Vaidya Natha’s Jataka Parijata. It deals in a most comprehensive and authoritative manner with almost all the astrological aspects of human life. There can be said to be nothing that this great work has omitted from its purview.

Some of the important subjects dealt with in a lucid manner in the book are: description and characteristic features of the various Signs, planets and bhavas (houses), the various kinds of strengths of planets and their awasthas with their effects, sources of livelihood, yogas or planetary combinations leading to affluence and poverty, effects of planets in different houses, effects of different Ascendants, Female horoscopy, matters relating to matrimony and progeny determination of longevity, judgment of houses, various kinds of Dasas and their effects, Ashtakavarga and Its importance In the Judging of effects of transit of planets, transit effects of planets and constellations, and description and influence of upagrahas.

The author of this book Shri Mantreswara is believed to have lived in the 13th century when this valuable work must have been compiled. It is said that he belonged to a family of Namboodari Brahmins and he was born in tirinevelley District of the erstwhile Madras Presidency (now known as Tamil Nadu). He was a devotee of Sukuntlambki Devi. As a young man his name was Markandeya Bhattadri.

To attain knowledge he is said to have travelled to far off places like Badrika Ashram in Himalayas and Mithila Pradesh-By sheer dint of hard work and devotion, he became well versed In the Vedanta philosophy and in the knowledge of other sastras, and by severe observance of fast, penance and meditation, he became gifted with divine knowledge and assumed the name of Mantreswara. His knowledge of Astrology was profound and the reference In his book to Parasara, Varahamihira and other learned astrologers Indicates that he had made a deep study of all the ancient astrological works existing in his time.