Hindu astrology

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Nakshatras

Hindu astrology is a traditional system of astrology that originated in India and is also known as Vedic astrology or Jyotisha. It is one of the six auxiliary disciplines connected with the study of the Vedas, the ancient Indian scriptures. Hindu astrology is deeply rooted in Hinduism and has been practiced for thousands of years.

History

Hindu astrology has its origins in the Vedic period, with references found in the Rigveda, one of the oldest known texts. The system was further developed and codified in the classical period by sages such as Parashara and Varahamihira. The foundational texts of Hindu astrology include the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and the Brihat Samhita.

Principles

Hindu astrology is based on the belief that the positions and movements of celestial bodies influence human life and natural phenomena. The primary tools of Hindu astrology are the zodiac, the nakshatras (lunar mansions), and the dashas (planetary periods).

Zodiac

The Hindu zodiac is divided into twelve rashis (signs), each associated with a specific constellation. These signs are:

• Mesha (Aries)
• Vrishabha (Taurus)
• Mithuna (Gemini)
• Karka (Cancer)
• Simha (Leo)
• Kanya (Virgo)
• Tula (Libra)
• Vrishchika (Scorpio)
• Dhanu (Sagittarius)
• Makara (Capricorn)
• Kumbha (Aquarius)
• Meena (Pisces)

Nakshatras

The nakshatras are 27 lunar mansions that the moon passes through during its monthly cycle. Each nakshatra has its own characteristics and is ruled by a specific deity. The nakshatras are:

• Ashwini
• Bharani
• Krittika
• Rohini
• Mrigashira
• Ardra
• Punarvasu
• Pushya
• Ashlesha
• Magha
• Purva Phalguni
• Uttara Phalguni
• Hasta
• Chitra
• Swati
• Vishakha
• Anuradha
• Jyeshtha
• Mula
• Purva Ashadha
• Uttara Ashadha
• Shravana
• Dhanishta
• Shatabhisha
• Purva Bhadrapada
• Uttara Bhadrapada
• Revati

Dashas

The dashas are planetary periods that influence different phases of a person's life. The most commonly used dasha system is the Vimshottari Dasha, which is based on a 120-year cycle. Each planet rules a specific period within this cycle, and the sequence is as follows:

• Ketu
• Venus
• Sun
• Moon
• Mars
• Rahu
• Jupiter
• Saturn
• Mercury

Branches

Hindu astrology is divided into several branches, each focusing on different aspects of life and the universe. The main branches are:

• Hora Shastra (predictive astrology)
• Samhita (mundane astrology)
• Siddhanta (astronomy and mathematics)
• Prashna (horary astrology)
• Muhurta (electional astrology)
• Nadi astrology

Applications

Hindu astrology is used for various purposes, including:

• Kundali (birth chart) analysis
• Marriage compatibility (Guna Milan)
• Muhurta (auspicious timing)
• Prashna (question-based predictions)
• Medical astrology
• Financial astrology

Related Pages

• Astrology
• Vedas
• Hinduism
• Parashara
• Varahamihira
• Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra
• Brihat Samhita