The Wonder of Calculation (Karana Kutuhala)

From the Brihat-samhita original: "वृहत्संहिता"; a 6th-century encyclopedic text by Varahamihira, we learn that in his time, both major branches of astrology were of equal importance. However, from the time of Shripati (around 960 Saka c. 1038 CE), the significance of the first branch—focusing on planetary motion and the movement of heavenly bodies—gradually began to diminish. By approximately 1450 Saka c. 1528 CE, the second branch, known as Muhurta Electional astrology, or choosing auspicious times, became dominant. Looking at the subjects of texts such as the Muhurtatattva (The Essence of Auspicious Moments), Muhurtamartanda (The Sun of Auspicious Moments), Muhurtachintamani (The Wish-fulfilling Gem of Auspicious Moments), and Muhurtachudamani (The Crest-Jewel of Auspicious Moments) 1, it is evident that as time progressed, the subject of Muhurta evolved to take the form of the third "pillar" or branch of the science.

According to Ptolemy, the branch of astrology concerned with calamities or major events falls under the category of Samhita Compendium. India was not alone in its deep-rooted belief in astrology; after the conquests of Alexander the Great, this science became prevalent throughout Europe. In Babylon 1, astrologers would provide instructions to kings for their actions based on the movements of the Sun, Moon, and other planets. The Egyptians associated every day and month with a specific deity, making predictions regarding birth and death accordingly. When Alexander conquered Egypt and Babylon during his world campaign, Babylonian and Egyptian astrologers began to arrive in Greece. It was only after this that predictive astrology emerged in the Greek world. From Greece, predictive astrology reached Rome around 200 BCE. There were many differences between Babylonian and Greek astrology: Babylonian astrology was primarily concerned with the state and the royal family, whereas Greek astrology was also applied to common individuals. Even the great astronomers Copernicus, Galileo, and Kepler personally practiced predictive astrology and expanded its application. Ptolemy's work, the Tetra Biblos original: "टेट्रा बिब्लोस"; a foundational 2nd-century Greek text on astrology, maintained its dominance until approximately 1400 CE and remains an authoritative reference for believers in astrology today.

Ptolemy emphasized that before interpreting the influence of the stars, an astrologer must understand the individual’s country, society, lifestyle, customs, and environment; otherwise, predictions may suffer from grave errors. In the Laghu Jataka 2

1. Referring to R. Campbell Thompson’s "The Reports of the Magicians and Astrologers of Nineveh and Babylon."

2. Laghu Jataka, Chapter 6, Verses 2 and 3.

Varahamihira The famous 6th-century Indian astronomer and polymath provided similar instructions. Thus, it is clear that Indian astrologers placed great emphasis on the knowledge of local customs and public behavior. It is also stated in the Rajamartanda 1 that one must consider local traditions. Scholars should avoid things that are displeasing to the public and follow the common path. One should not contradict the mindset of a specific lineage or country.

Since ancient times, the knowledge of astrology in our country has been robust and deeply integrated with social customs. The rituals and daily activities of Indians have been guided by the instructions of astrology, resulting in a life purpose filled with spiritual and altruistic goals. Many sages and thinkers contributed to the origin and development of Indian astrology, and they remain a source of inspiration for contemporary astronomers today.

The Author — Among those great sages was the illustrious Bhaskaracharya also known as Bhaskara II, who lived in 1114 CE. He strengthened and refined Indian astrology with his immense knowledge. Living up to his name "Bhaskara" meaning "the Sun", he illuminated the science of Indian astronomy. Authors before Bhaskaracharya typically did not write commentaries that explained the logical proofs Upapatti of their works. However, Bhaskaracharya started a new tradition by writing the Vasana Bhashya (Explanatory Commentary) on his own work, the Siddhanta-shiromani. His texts contain many profound concepts. His knowledge of Gola Spherical astronomy was unfathomable. He critiqued the previous teachers' methods for calculating "Pat" Nodes as being too imprecise and established a new method for their calculation. Whereas earlier teachers believed the "Shara" Celestial latitude of planets was directed toward the celestial pole, Bhaskaracharya clarified that the latitude is actually perpendicular to the ecliptic. The "Udayantara" Equation of Time correction is one of his original discoveries. Authors before him used two corrections—Bhujantara and Charantara—to calculate the true position of a planet from its mean position. Bhaskaracharya added a third correction, the Udayantara, stating that a planet's position should be refined using all three. The period from the first Aryabhata c. 476–550 CE until Bhaskaracharya is considered the golden age of Indian astronomy. During this time, the Caliphs of Baghdad brought astronomers from India. Astronomical texts were translated into Arabic and Latin during that era. The people of Arabia and Greece became students of the Indians in the science of astrology and...

1. Rajamartanda, Verses 399–401.