Dots of Destiny (Applications of Ashtakavarga) [ICAS]

Dots of Destiny

In the Purvakhanda (earlier part) of Brighatparashara Horashastra Maharshi Parashara has explained the combined effects of thepalnets due to their position in different bhavas (houses) ana various principles governing their astrological results as and various principles governing their astrological results as accepted by sages and masters.

In the Uttarakhanda (latter part) is this chapter on Ashtakavarga, in the beginning of which is given a dialogue between Maitreya, the most outstanding student of Parashara and the great master himself.

Maitreya says, “Bhagwan, you have explained these principles in detail but due to dwarfed intelligence and due to indulgence in sinful deeds, the people of Kaliyuga (the present era), will find it difficult to understand themclearly. Therefore, please teach me that shastra (branch of knowledge) which even people with low intellect can understand and make use of for ascertaining happy or unhappy events and also the ayu (longevity) by analyzing positions of planets at the time of consideration.” Replying to the query, Maharshi Parashar calls it a good question and proceeds to explain Ashtakavarga with a remark that it is not different from what he has explained earlier.

In practice, it turns out to be uniquely deferent in its application. In its application. In fact, this technique adds so definitive a weapon in the arsenal of a discriminating astrologer as has not been given in the earlier chapters of Brihatparashar Hora shastra.

Maharshi Parashara goes on to explain the rational of Ashtakavarga thus:

Just as the effects of planets in different bhavas are reckoned from the Lagna and the Moon Lagna, so also the affects should be reckoned from the positions of other planets, considering each as a Lagna and counting bhavas from the position of the planet as the reference point. Thus effects from seven planets (excluding Rahu & Ketu) and from Lagna should be seen to obtain the ‘total’ picture. When effects from seven planets plus Lagna are checked out, it is called Ashtakavarga system of analysis.

Reconciling results of planets from Lagna and the Moon is complex enough. The question arises as to, how does one handle the intricate web of matrix generated by such an interactive planetary positions? Generation after generation of astrologers will remain eternally indebted to the great seers who devised the system of Astakavarga which handles this complex task with admirable aesthetics and commendable ease.

In certain parts of India, particularly Andhra Pradesh, this method has been perfected by Sanskrit knowing astrologers so well that they mentally calculate Ashtakavarga in a jiffy and employ it for snapshot predictions at the speed of light, with stunning effect. Needless to state that system has a certain originality parallel of which is not found in any other astrological system, anywhere in the world. Dating of Ashtakavarga

No one seems to know when exactly the Ashtakavarga system originated. Brihatparashar Hora shastra gives principles and methodology of this system in some details.

While talking about Astakavarga, Parashara says that he has explained the principles in the preceding chapters as mentioned by eminent acharyas before him (verse no. 10). These preceding chapters were on general astrology Now he will describe that shastra which is special This verse (no. 12) seems to indicate that Parashara credits himself as the originator of Ashtakavarga system since in the earlier verse (no. 11) he mentions the names of the sages Vasishtha and Brihaspati in the context that even they find it difficult to determine the results of the movements of planets accurately, then how will ordinary mortals in Kaliyuga find them correctly (by using the principles of general astrology only).

Acharya Varahamihira (500 A.D.) in his Brihadjataka mentions Ashtakavarga in a casual manner as if it was common place in his times and had become integral part of the main body of astrological teachings and he did not find the need to go into details.

Therefore, it seems that Ashtakavarga system originated much before Varaha; it may even be before Christ. Some scholars opine that Ashtakavarga finds mention in such ancient epics as Vishnu Purana and Brahmayamali which are probably nearly as old as the Vedas themselves.

The Janma Rashi Syndrome Some of the writers in remote past were aware of the superficiality brought about by over-simplification of transit results which take reference from the Moon sign alone. So, it seems that the malady is not recent.