Kalpalataa Part – 1 by Shree Somanathacharya

Article by Shree Somanathacharya

Commentary by Late. Koyil Kandade Anann Kumar Venkatacharya

Re-Translated for Saptarishis Astrology by Madhav Deshmukh, India

[Publisher: This ancient work on Jaimini by Somanatha the son of the illustrious KrishnaMishra who wrote Jyotish Phalaratnamala is being presented to the Jyotish world for the 1st time. So far people have only heard the names Kalpalataa and Somanatha and they quote it freely without producing a single page of the manuscript or a single shloka to that effect which is totally Un-Shastriac to start with and not the parampara of Indian Scholars which in recent times Dr Raman tried to uphold by insisting on quoting of shlokas. He did this via his magazine and in his classic work ‘My Experiences in Astrology’. Presented below is not the shlokas but the juice of Kalpalataa, due to certain lacking our friend in Rajamundary who were to do the Sanskrit to English version got busy with social responsibilities.

Let us see how the transition of knowledge and how long it takes for it to come out. Somewhere in a small town by the name of Rajamundhary, Andhra Pradesh who for last 50 years is known in Andhra, the Land of Jaimini Astrology for having freely distributed manuscripts. Sometime in 1990s he gave the manuscript of Kalpalatta to Koyil Kandade Anann Kumar Venkatacharyaa from Hanumankonda, Andhra Pradesh who in turn translated it in Hindi. Later this Hindi and also Sanskrit manuscript was given by Ravindra Bhagavat to Saptarishis Astrology, we in turned passed it on to Mentor No.3, he has translated this as it from Venkatacharya’s Hindi work.

Mentor No.3 does not wish his name to be revealed and hence writes with a pen name Madhav Deshmukh which was given to him by a Bhrighu Clan Jyotishi known as the Bhrighus. He was told this is his spiritual name and hence he must use this name. In all the passing over some of the meaning of the shlokas as written in Kalpalataa would have been wrongly translated hence we would in the future bring out Sanskrit to English word to word translation. Since Madura ji had the original manuscript, it is important to note that Kalpalatta has so far only 4 or 4 and half chapters, the rest is not available at all, if at all there is. If someone or some Parampara who claim to have manuscripts of Jaimini they must kindly share it immediately with & for the betterment of Jyotish community.

Presented below is information that should be used after due consideration and the reason for presenting this is for those who are Jaimini Astrology students should realize how little we know of Jaimini today. Without the translations of ancient commentaries on Jaimini Sutras, we students of Jaimini are like blind men trying to show others the path. We remain eternally grateful to Ravindra Bhagavat for his un-stoppable effort in bringing real Jaimini out. At the same time inspite of sending to a village in Andhra, a representative of our volunteer & writer Mr Venkat Ramana, to procure the book on 70 dasas of Jaimini as mentioned in Kalpalatta, we failed to procure it. The reason this effort was done is since today no Jaimini astrologer knows 70 types of dasas inspite of concentrated upsurge in Jaimini astrology in internet forums in last 12 years. Obviously it does not take 12 years to reveal 70 dasas hence this presumption by us.]

First Flower:-

Bhagwan Jaimini Maharshi had foretold the calculus part in first four chapters for the people to make them understand Kalagyana (Time). After this he is elaborating on four parts i.e. Karak, Asc, Drekkan & Navamsa in four adhyayas (chapters) to understand the . Fruits, longetivity, and life after death. What is the use of this knowledge? To answer this question Maharshi told that using this Shastra or Knowledge one obtains the Kaalgyana (time) which leads one to worry about life after death. Due to this worry and fear, one gets focus on his own Karma (Doings) and starts performing the sat-karma (Good deeds). When one consciously performs the good deeds, his mind become purified, which leads him to Brahma Gyaan (Ultimate Knowledge). This Brahmagyaan makes his soul free from this subtle world and leads him to Moksha. That’s why Maharshis has classified and included this shastra in Vedanga. As this is Vedanga knowledge classified by Maharshis, its reading becomes more necessary. Even in Mahabharata it is mentioned that one who knows Vedanga become Mahagyaani (Ultimate knower) and makes it more necessary to study this shastra.

First chapter of Kalpalataa is explaining about terminologies used, Karaka, Pada, Rajyog, etc. Wherein second chapter comprises the knowledge of Ascendants, Karaka, Longetivity and Dasas associated with them, dasa conditions and calculus. Third Chapter is explaining about Drekkanas. This is required because Ascendants, Karkas, etc are considered as Bahirranga shastra (Outer sketches of Fruits) and Drekkan is to be seen to understand the fruits hence it’s an Antarranga Shastra (Inner Details of Fruits). In comparison Antarranga Shastra is more vital than Bahirranga Shastra. It’s mentioned that study of Amsas are more important than Drekkanas, then why to insist on Drekkanas?? To answer this question Authorities like VarahMihira had mentioned that Drekkana Shastra is superior to other shastras. So importance of the Drekkana knowledge becomes more necessary. One third part of Rasi is Drekkana. Varah Mihiram has explained more on the calculus part than applications. In Kalpalata, Drekkanas using three types of Parivritti has been explained.

Using Savya (Direct) and Apsavya (Reverse) counting is used here. For Aries counting is direct and for Taurus counting is in regular reverse order from Pisces. Using this all 36 Drekkans can be acknowledged. Now we will emphasize on the Navamsa part. According to other shastras also Aries, Leo, Sagittarius Navamsas starts from Aries and goes on in direct order, i.e. Ar, Ta, Ge,…. In Taurus, Virgo and Capricorn navamsa counting is to be done in reverse order from Virgo. For Ge, Li, Aq counting is direct and starts from Libra navamsa. For Cn, Sc, Pi navamsa calculus is in reverse order starting from Pi. Here calculus should be made as dwadasamsa calculus is mentioned in standard shastras. Now we will briefly touch about Hora. This Hora is famous in Brihatjatak and etc already. Here we will touch briefly on different types. First part of rasi or bhava is of same rasi & second part is of 11th rasipati. (Labhadipati).

According to Varahmihir and other Davaigya’s Hora is of 5 different types. Another type needs to be understood from Nasthajatak & Prashna. In this shastra, 1st hora of Aries is of Aries & second hora is of Taurus. In Taurus 1st hora is of Gemini & second Hora is of Cancer and so on. This Hora is useful to understand the Longetivity & Rajyoga. Third type of Hora is like 1st part will be of same rasi & second part will be of the rasi wherein 8th Lord is placed. In some opinion this Hora is useful to understand the longetivity only. Some people say one more type wherein Ashrum Rasi of the rasi where Lagna Lord is, shall be consider as Hora Lagna. This is useful to understand the Paraloka (Life after death). These 5 types have to be derived and Daivadnya should use it as per requirements.

Now we proceed to Ghatika Lagna (GL). Few opinions are this should be calculated from Lagna (Asc) only. But in this shastra this is not so. Asc or 7th H whoever is stronger, counting will be direct in Male charts & ‘Reverse’ in Female charts. This is a special feature of this system. In this System there are various Karkas, in sequence Atmakaraka, Swakarak, Dasa karak, Bhava Karak, etc. In this various karakas five types are Prime. Karak is a planet which cover more degrees in Rasi. Atmakaraka is famous and foretold in other Systems. In this system Swakarak is Lord of Lagna and we will discuss in detail in further chapters. Dasa Karaka is planet in whose name Dasa is begun and will be discussed in further chapters. Bhava Karkas are of two types, constant and variable. They become karaka for mother and father as told in Krushneeya Shastra. Jain systems takes swakarak as atmakaraka. Different karakas also they consider somewhere. In this system swakarak is very vital. Karakas have the maximum power to give fruits. So first one should select the appropriate Karaks first and then one can venture on predicting the fruits of the same. For this knowledge one has to learn it from Guru itself.

It will be very difficult to understand this system without proper Gurudeva. Because if we try to predict without proper understanding of the system we ourselves become the subject of laughter of others & if we fail we ourselves become responsible to degrade this Shastra or system. So first we need to bow down at Guru’s feet and then should pray to Mother Tripursundari, then meditate and then start predicting. If we don’t follow the proper sequence, lot many difficulties will arise. Shri Vyasa Maharshi had mentioned that a practical person & Jyotisha may become Brahmaghatak (Sinner for Brahmavidya). Hence we need to be very cautious. Whatever bad or good future trends needs to foretold from mouth only and one should not give predictions in writings and is an offence in this shastra/ system. Because any prediction given in written form will not fructify or will take give fruits. Contents of this shastra will be appending below.

First chapter’s first part tells us about various definitions of specific terms used in this system. Second part is about predictive part using Swakaraka & third part about Pada or Arudha related guidelines & 4th & last part is about marriage.

Second chapter comprises of 40 types of Dasas, Third chapter about Drekkan related Rajyoga & 16 dasas used to judge the longetivity and Female Horoscopy. Fourth chapter comprises of death & its characteristics, foreign travels and Paralok (Travel after death) using 14 different dasas. After studying the entire Jaimini sutras and properly understanding the 70 types of Dasas only one should make predictions. After this if you give prediction that will definitely come true. If 2-3 techniques indicates the evil results one can safely predict so in case of evil houses & their results.

Same way for good events even if you get one indication of Rajyoga it should be foretold to the native. For other predictions 4-5 techniques should be consider before forecasting. As told earlier predict the evil even if 1-2 techniques indicates the same. In any nativity if Rajayoga indications are also there, tell him at the ending dasa of Rajayoga one may face the death. One may face death if 2-3 indications are there & one must predict death without waiting for Last Rajayoga dasa. As per shastra / System one must study many charts to gain the predictive skills. One must predict in good manner and with humble words, especially to Rajayoga nativity.

Now we will brief you on various predictive dasas. Out of 40 dasas told in 2nd chapter, only 11 dasas has been told for Rajayoga nativity. One should predict in same accord. For Great men only 5 types of dasas are there. Common dasas are many other. Rajayoga dasas are only 4 i.e. Yogardha dasa, Labhadipati dasa, Drekkan dasa, Bhava Rahasya Dasa and Mandook Dasa. In Rajayoga nativity only one dasa may be applicable if 2-3 indications are there. Common dasas are Nakshatrabhed Dasa, Nakshstraja Dasa, Nisarga Dasa, Char dasa, Char Paryay Dasa, Sthir Paryay dasa, Gochar dasa. For common people wherein no yoga is present one should predict using them only. Wherever these dasas are applicable one should do their utility.

Regarding longetivity (Ayur dasas) only 4 types of dasas are there for all the people i.e. Brahma Dasa, Varnad Dasa, Chara Dasa and Chara Paryay Dasa. One can use other dasas also wherever they are applicable. In some cases where Brahma planet can’t be found out, one should figure it out from Rasi itself and from there only dasas should be derived and predicted. Varnada Lagna should be found out in the following manner. Add & or subtract Hora Lagna (HL) & Uday Lagna (Asc) and find out the weak trikona and start applying the dasa from there itself. In this way consider all four types and wherever they synchronize indicates the death. One should consider Kaksha Vriddhi & Kaksha Hrasa in calculating the dasas & then only one should predict the fruits regarding longevity.

In Drekkan Chapter various techniques has given to judge the longevity and one must possess the knowledge regarding longevity judgment prior to them. Then one can calculate ghatikas from Ghatika Lagna & foretell, at ending of certain dasa death or travel will happen.

Now we will emphasis on Drishti or Aspects. Aspect of Weak Moon converts auspicious yogas to inauspicious yogas. If one sees malefic dasa period operating nearby, will surely leads to death. Whenever auspicious indications are there without involvement of moon, then inauspiciousness can’t be predicted. Some opinions consider Rahu besides Moon. But in this system malefic trends to be predicted whenever Rahu and Mars forming any sambandha. If one wants to predict auspicious trends one need to consider the strength of these planets. If Mars has become yogdata (Giver of Yoga), and any indication of Rajyoga due to his aspect one can predict so. Besides all, Saturn, Mars and Rahu are to be consider as death indicating planets. If one wants to predict about Rajyoga one needs to be cautious (using Sat, Mars, Rahu). If Sun is becoming yogada one will certainly become King. If such Sun is aspected by full Moon one will be King of Watery Territory. If Mars is yogada one will become Army Chief. If Mercury becomes yogada one becomes famous due to others.

If Jup become Yogada, one will become Scholar or Minister. Venus as yogada makes one interested in sex and arts. If Saturn becomes yogada, one may become King of small territory or Forest territory. If Rahu becomes yogada, one will become follower of the King or inhuman insane . If Ketu is yogada, one becomes Devotee of Shivaji or Chief of Shivalaya. Like way one need to understand the characteristics offered by each planet and consider their aspects duly, to predict accordingly. If more than one planet becomes the yogada, consider the natural strength of the planets. Without strength one can not expect the fruits. In King of Kings yoga, one may get this by yoga of many auspicious planets without aspect of Yogada planet. If yogakaraka planet is aspected by a single planet one will become King of Kings, if two or three planets are aspecting it it’s a lesser kind of yoga and if many planets aspects it will be more inferior yoga. Yogakaraka planet if is in yoga with Rahu, Brahmin will get poverty and mlecha will become King of Kings. If Saturn aspects he will become the King of small territory. If he is Brahmin he will become the ‘Paanwala’, offers tambula to others. If Mars aspects, he will become the chief of army beside the King, if He is Brahmin, he will become the devotee of Agni God. If Jupiter aspects he will become religious King OR knower of it.

If Venus aspects many horses will be at his door step. If Moon and Rahu aspects the Yogada along with Saturn’s aspect he will die due to snakebite. Altitude is to be determined considering exaltation et c. In any nativity only inauspicious fruits would be forecast in absence of yogakaraka. Some opine that yogakaraka association with Arudha is to be consider as Yoga, but it’s not so in this system. Because in this system Padas are inclusive along with Lagna. Asc will tell on Father and his family and virtues, then only one can ascertain fruits. Jaati will be understood using Swakaraka. From Swakaraka, 11th lord is Jup or associated with Jupiter one will surely become Brahmin. Krusniya systems indicates on Jaati system, considering 11th Lord. If Swakaraka or 11th L from it is associated with Rahu one will surely become ‘Chandal’. If Saturn and Rahu are associated with, then one is surely of Mlecha jaati. If Mars is associated one is of “Nishad” or “Pulind” jaati. If Venus is associated, one will surely become King. If related Saturn is in exaltation one becomes Shudra, in debilitation one is of “Sankar”. If only mercury is associated one born in Trading Family. If many planets are associated then the Powerful planet will indicate the jaati. (Pg 9, ln 8)