Foundation of Jyotish Shastra

Jyotisha, the science of celestial light, is considered as most sacred knowledge in vedic tradition. This profound wisdom is a Vedanga, a limb of the Veda, an essential tool to comprehend the vast cosmic play. It is the key to unlocking the mysteries of the universe, shedding light on both the absolute and the relative phases of existence.

The renowned Sage Parashara, in his seminal work, the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, begins by answering his disciple Maitreya's inquiry about the nature of life, the universe, and the intricate connection between man and the cosmos.

Sage Parashara begins by revealing the nature of Lord Vishnu, the supreme being, who is beyond description and has no beginning or end. He is the Lord of all creation, transcending the three gunas (modes of material nature), yet playfully administering the universe with just a fraction of his power. Though Vishnu manifests in the universe, he remains largely imperceptible, with only a quarter of his essence interacting with creation. The rest, filled with nectar, resides in a higher, imperceptible realm, accessible only to the most enlightened souls.

The sage explains that Lord Vishnu, the Evolver, exists in both perceptible and imperceptible forms. In the perceptible world, Vishnu wields three divine powers, each linked with a different guna or energy. These powers are:

1. Shri Shakti, who represents Sattva Guna (goodness and purity), is often embodied by Mother Lakshmi.

2. Bhoo Shakti is associated with Mother Earth, which is associated with Rajas Guna (passion and activity).

3. Neela Shakti, linked to Tamas Guna (ignorance and inertia), manifests through Mother Kali.

Parashara goes on to explain how these divine energies move and inspire Vasudeva (Vishnu in his most supreme form), and how they give rise to various manifestations of the divine:

• With Sattva Guna, Vasudeva manifests as Anirudha.

• Rajas Guna, he becomes Pradyumna.

• With Tamas Guna, he assumes the form of Shankarshana.

These forms are pivotal to understanding the cosmic functions of creation, preservation, and destruction. Anirudha, imbued with Sattva, gives rise to Ahamkar Murti Brahma, the creator of consciousness and the deities. Pradyumna, dominated by Rajas, generates Ahamkar related to the sensory organs, while Shankarshana, with Tamas, brings forth Mahatatva, the source of material elements.

The sage emphasizes the presence of Ahamkar (ego, or sense of self), which is born out of these manifestations. It takes three distinct forms:

1. Sattwika Ahamkar is the one who created the Devas (gods).

2. The sensory organs originate from Rajasika Ahamkar.

3. The Panchamahabhutas (the five great elements) originate from Tamasika Ahamkar.

The entire cosmos, including Jyotisha's study, is structured through these Panchamahabhutas—earth, water, fire, air, and space.

Sage Parashara also reveals that Lord Vishnu operates in three distinct capacities:

• Brahma, the creator, is paired with Bhoo Shakti and Rajas Guna.

• Vishnu, the protector, combines with Shri Shakti and Sattva Guna.

• Shiva, the destroyer, unites with Neela Shakti and Tamas Guna.

This divine trinity—Brahma, Vishnu, and Shiva—is foundational to the structure of the zodiac and other astrological divisions, such as the Navamsha chart.

In conclusion, Parashara describes how Lord Vishnu resides within all beings, and the entire universe exists within him. Every living being carries within them both the Jeevatma (individual soul) and the Paramatma (supreme soul) in varying degrees. In celestial bodies like the Sun and the other planets, there is a predominance of the Paramatma Amsha (the Supreme Soul’s aspect). Similarly, divine beings and their consorts, such as Shri Shakti, also contain more of the Paramatma Amsha, while other beings exhibit more of the Jeevatma Amsha. This delicate balance between the Jeevatma and Paramatma is the essence of existence, and the study of Jyotisha allows one to understand the divine interplay of energies that govern life and the universe.

Thus, the intricate connection between the cosmic forces, as narrated by Sage Parashara, lays the foundation for the Jyotisha Shastra, illustrating how the divine operates through both perceptible and imperceptible realms, guiding the universe and all within it toward ultimate liberation.

Om Tat Sat