Hindu Astrology (Jyotisha)

 Hindu Astrology (Jyotisha)

Etymology: The term "Jyotisha" is derived from the Sanskrit word "Jyotish," which translates to "light" referring to heavenly bodies like the sun, moon, and stars. Jyotisha encompasses the study of astronomy, astrology, and the science of timekeeping based on the movements of celestial bodies. Its primary objectives are to measure time accurately, maintain calendars, and predict auspicious moments for Vedic rituals.

History and Core Principles: Jyotisha is one of the six Vedangas, ancillary disciplines supporting Vedic rituals. Early Jyotisha focused on preparing calendars for sacrificial rituals, with no mention of planets initially. The Atharvaveda and Chāndogya Upaniṣad mention eclipse-causing "demons," introducing terms like "graha," originally meaning demon. The foundational concept is "bandhu," connecting the microcosm and macrocosm.

Hindu astrology relies on the sidereal zodiac, adjusting for the gradual precession of the vernal equinox. It employs unique elements like lunar mansions (Nakṣatra), not found in Western astrology. The order of planets and the zodiacal signs in India became standardized after the influence of Hellenistic astrology. The Yavanajātaka, a 2nd-century CE translation of Greek astrological concepts, marked the beginning of this interaction.

The classical texts shaping Indian astrology include the Bṛhat Parāśara Horāśāstra and Sārāvalī, dating back to the 7th to 8th centuries CE. These works formed the basis for the modern interpretation of Hindu astrology.

Modern Hindu Astrology: In contemporary Hindu culture, astrology remains integral. Newborns are traditionally named based on their astrological charts (Kundali). Astrology influences calendars, holidays, and major life decisions such as marriage, business ventures, and relocation. The Navagraha, planetary deities, are considered influential but subordinate to Ishvara (supreme being).

Astrology as a Science: Despite being regarded as pseudoscience by the scientific community, astrology retains significance in religious, political, and legal contexts in India. In 2001, the Andhra Pradesh High Court favored astrology, leading to its inclusion as a discipline in Indian universities. However, scientific studies found no valid predictive power in astrological principles, considering it no better than chance.

The scientific consensus rejects astrology's explanatory power for describing the universe. Despite criticism, astrology is taught at various Indian universities. In 2004, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition challenging astrology's status, stating it didn't qualify as promoting religion.

Indian astrologers have faced skepticism due to failed predictions, such as inaccuracies in foreseeing election results and major events. Despite scientific challenges, astrology continues to play a role in various aspects of Indian society.

Texts:

The Vedanga-Jyotisha, linked to Rigveda and Yajurveda, is an ancient text on Jyotisha. The Rigveda version attributes 36 verses to sage Lagadha, while the Yajurveda version credits no specific sage and includes 43 verses. The Brahma-siddhanta, likely composed in the 5th century CE, integrates planetary movements for timekeeping and calendar calculations. Ancient Hindu texts primarily focused on timekeeping and astronomy, while astrology concepts were influenced by Greek ideas during the early centuries of the 1st millennium CE.