Introduction.

I have composed this vernacular commentary on the Brihat Jataka—the finest of natal astrology texts—for the easy understanding of children who have seen only a little of the path of JyotishVedic astrology and lack proficiency in the great SamhitaCompendiums of omens and mundane astrology texts, as well as to lessen the labor of teachers. Subsequently, a desire arose in me regarding the timing of astrological results, which is often a laborious process. Specifically, when one calculates the ShadbalaSixfold strength of planets, DrishtiAspects, BaleshtaDesired strength, KashtabalaAffliction strength, and Nisargadi-balaNatural and other strengths to determine the Dasha-AntardashaMajor and minor planetary periods, the traditional Siddhantic methods require great effort only to yield broad timeframes.

For instance, in the Maheshwari Dasha, Venus lasts 20 years; in the Nisarga Dasha, Saturn lasts 50 years; and when planetary exaltation is full, the Moon’s period is 15 years. Similarly, a minor period (Antardasha) would not be less than 5 or 6 years. If the destiny of the native is fixed, will the result remain exactly the same for that entire 5 or 6-year period? To address this, Lord Surya, the instructor of the eighteen great sages like Brahma, created the Tajika ShastraA system of astrology incorporating Persian techniques, focusing on annual solar returns. By calculating the VarshapraveshaAnnual return, MasapraveshaMonthly return, and even the DinapraveshaDaily return, an astrologer can predict results down to the specific day.

Therefore, after translating the Brihat Jataka, I felt it necessary to translate a Tajika text as well. Among Tajika works, the primary one is the Jirna Tajika, and its essential summary is the Neelakanthi, composed by the scholar Neelakantha Daivajna. Because this text is concise in wording but vast in meaning and widely accepted, I am composing this commentary in the Khari BoliThe standard dialect of Hindi dialect for the enlightenment of the general public. This is done by the command of the most merciful King of Garhwal, His Highness Maharaja Kirti Shah Bahadur.

Regarding this Tajika Shastra, some critics cite verses from the DharmashastraCodes of Hindu law and ethics to find fault, such as:

"One should not speak the Yavana (foreign) language, nor enter a Jain temple, even if being crushed by an elephant or if life is at the very throat." original: "न वदेद्यावनीं भाषां..." This verse warns against adopting foreign customs or non-Vedic religions even in life-threatening situations.

They argue that because this text contains many Persian words like Ikbal, Issaraf, and ItthashalaTechnical terms for planetary configurations in Tajika astrology, it is not fit for Brahmins to study. However, their view is superficial. If the language of other groups were entirely unspeakable, then the AmarakoshaThe celebrated Sanskrit lexicon—the very root of scholarship—would be considered tainted. Furthermore, the eighteen founders of the astrological Samhitas are:

"Pitamaha, Vyasa, Vashistha, Parashara, Kashyapa, Garga, Marichi, Manu, Angira, Lomasha, Pulastya, Guru (Brihaspati), Shaunaka, and others."

The Jyotish Shastra has proceeded from these sages. Even the Yavana Jataka composed by the Greek/Ionian teacher is universally—