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Bṛhat Jātaka: The Vāra

Panchang, representing the five components of time, plays a crucial role in Jyotisha. However, the techniques for applying Panchang in natal horoscopy are not extensively covered in conventional literature. The Brihat Jātaka offers some insights on this topic. Previous articles have addressed Mangalacharan and Navamsa. This article marks the third part in the series titled Horā Muktāvali. It explores the methodologies of Horā and Vāra.

।।श्री।।

अज्ञानतिमिरान्धस्य ज्ञानाञ्जनशालाकया ।
चक्षुरुन्मीलितं येन तस्मै श्रीगुरवे नमः ।।

कोटिसूर्य प्रतीकाशे विष्णुमाये सुधाप्रदे ।
ज्ञानाभय प्रदानेन पाहि सर्वान् महालसे ।।

विनायकं गुरुं भानुं ब्रह्माविष्णुमहेश्वरान् ।
सरस्वतीं प्रणम्यादौ सर्वकार्यार्थसिद्धये ।।

गणनाथ सरस्वती रवि शुक्र बृहस्पति ।
पंचेतान् स्मरेनित्यं वेदवाणी प्रवर्तते ।।

अथ बृहज्जातके होरा मुक्तावली नाम आङ्ग्ल व्याख्यायां तृतीयो भागः।

वार विवेचनम्।



Image: Surya riding on a chariot driven by seven horses by his charioteer Aruna.
Surya is responsible for creation of a day.
Source: Pinterest.
Credits: Respective Owners.

This article is presented as an interactive dialogue featuring Guru, a scholar from the esteemed tradition of Kerala, alongside his insightful students: Uma, Madhusudan, Shridhar, Medha, Keshav, and Aniruddha. Today the students have gathered around their Guru for understanding the methods of Panchang in Jātaka.

•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Aniruddha : Guruvarya, what significance does Panchang have in Jātaka Skandha? Is it just restricted to Muhurta?

Guru : No, Aniruddha! Panchang finds its application in Muhurta, Jātaka as well as Prashna.

Uma : Guruji, how do we utilise Panchang?

Guru : The techniques for employing Panchang in Jātaka are not explicitly detailed in any existing texts. The available references are quite sparse. The outcomes described in works such as Horā Ratnam, Maan Sagari, and Jātaka Bharanam are rather general and were utilized by astrologers of earlier times for composing the 'Jātaka Phala' within a horoscope. Additionally, the introduction of non-classical rules and erroneous theories by certain scholars has further contributed to the prevailing confusion.

Medha : What does Brihat Jātaka state about Panchang?

Guru : Brihat Jātaka does have some hidden principles! Let us today discuss about Vara, one of the five limbs of Panchang.

Keshav : Guruji, what is a Vara?

Guru : Vara is defined as उदयात् उदयं वारः। The time period from a sunrise to the next sunrise is a Vara. One day has 24 Horas. 1 Hora is equivalent to 1 hour. Aryabhatta states that 'आ मंदात् शीघ्र पर्यंतं होरेशाः। ' which means that from slowest to the fastest, every Graha governs a Hora. Speed of Graha from slowest to fastest is Shani, Guru, Mangal, Surya, Shukra, Budha, Chandra. Lord of the Hora at the time of sunrise governs that particular day and is called as Vaaresh.

To understand this, let us take an example. On Shanivara, first Hora at the time of sunrise is governed by Shani, 2nd by Guru, 3rd by Mangal, 4th by Ravi, 5th by Shukra, 6th by Budha and 7th by Chandra. After 21 such Horas the 22nd Hora will again be ruled by Shani, 23rd by Guru, 24th by Mangal and a new Vara begins. Now, as per the sequence next Hora after Mangal should be ruled by Surya which becomes the first Hora of a new Vara and thus, it is called Ravivara.

Uma : Guruji, kindly explain the qualities of these Vara according to Muhurta texts.

Guru : Narada Purana, Chapter 56 reads:

रविः स्थिरश्चरश्चंद्रः क्रूरो वक्रीऽखिलो बुधः ।।
लघुरोज्यो मृदुः शुक्रस्तीक्ष्णो दिनकरात्मजः ।।

[Ravivara is Sthira, Somavara is Chara, Mangalvara is Kroora, Budhavara is Akhila/Sampoorna, Guruvara is Laghu, Shukravara is Mridu while Shanivara is Tikshna.]

Vara

Ruler

Nature

Characteristics

Ravivara

Surya

Kroora

Sthira

Somavara

Candra

Saumya

Chara

Mangalavara

Kuja

Kroora

Ugra

Budhavara

Budha

Saumya

Sampoorna

Guruvara

Guru

Saumya

Laghu

Sukravara

Sukra

Saumya

Mridu

Sanivara

Sani

Kroora

Tikshna


बलप्रदस्य खेटस्य कर्म सिद्ध्यति यत्कृतम् ।
तत्कर्म बलहीनस्य दुःखेनापि न सिद्ध्यति ।।

[Actions performed on the day of the Graha which is strengthened are productive while those performed on the day of a weak Graha causes sorrows and prove out to be futile.]

Thus, activities are to be performed on the Vara of a Graha which is benefic and strengthened in the horoscope.

Shridhar : Guruvarya, what importance does Varesha have in a horoscope?

Guru : Read this Shloka from Brihat Jātaka:

कालात्मा दिनकृन्मनस्तुहिनगुः सत्त्वं कुजो ज्ञो वचो
जीवो ज्ञानसुखे सितश्च मदनो दुःखं दिनेशात्मजः ।
राजानौ रविशीतगू क्षितिसुतो नेता कुमारो बुधः
सूरिर्दानवपूजितश्च सचिवौ प्रेष्यः सहस्रांशुजः ।।

Observe that the arrangement of Grahas in the Shloka is as per the order of Vara or the weekday. In the Shadabala scheme, Kalabala is one of the six factors. The Horesha gets the strength of as stated in Uttara Kālāmritam:

वर्षेशश्च स मासपो दिनपतिस्तत्काल होरेश्वरो
वीर्याढ्याश्चरणोत्तरं समयजं योगश्चतुर्णा बलम् ।।
स्वेष्टास्ता घटिकाः करैर्विनिहता बाणैरवाप्तागताः
वारेशाद्रविशुक्र विद्विधुशनीज्यारास्तु होराधिपाः ।।

[Varshesha (the lord of the year), Masapati (the lord of the month), Dinapati (the lord of the day) and Horesha (lord of the Hora) respectively get 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 and 1 Rupa strength if a native is born under their influence. The sum of these four kinds of strength goes to add in the Kalabala. To find the lord of the Hora, for any particular time, multiply the Ghatikas that have passed since sunrise by 2 and divide the product by 5. The quotient will show the number of Horas that have elapsed. The lord of the 1st Hora on any week-day will be the lord of the week-day itself, the lords of the 2nd and the succeeding Horas should be counted from that planet in the following order: the Surya, Shukra, Budha, Chandra, Shani, Guru and Kuja.]

The Horā Lord serves as the central element of the horoscope. The initial segment of the Shloka reflects the outcomes based on Janma Hora. If Surya be the Horesha, native will have inner strength. If birth be in the Horā of Pakshabali Chandra, native will have a strong mind. When birth occurs during the Horā of Kuja, it suggests that the individual possesses courage and strength. If the birth takes place in Budha Horā, the individual is likely to be a skilled speaker. Should Guru be the Horā Lord and in a weakened state, the individual may experience unhappiness and discontent. If Shukra is the Horesha, the individual will exhibit passion and desire. A person born in the Horā of Shani, provided Shani is in a weakened condition, will be liberated from sorrow. Any afflictions affecting the relevant Hora Lord may signify challenges associated with these traits. As declared in Sārāvali:

आत्मा रविः शीतकरस्तु चेतः सत्त्वं धराजः शशिजोऽथ वाणी ।
गुरुःसितो ज्ञानसुखे मदश्च शनिः कालनरस्य दुःखम् ।।
आत्मादयो गगनगैर्वलिभिर्बलवत्तराः ।
दुर्बलैर्दुर्बलास्ते तु विपरीतं शनेः फलम् ।।

Jātaka Parijāta explains following results for Janma Horā:

क्लेशायासः संपदः शोकरोगं
विद्यावित्तं सर्वसम्पत् प्रभुत्वम् ।
जायासौख्यं वित्तनाशं दिनेशा-
ज्जातस्यैतत्कालहोराफल स्यात् ।।

[Surya - pain & fatigue, Chandra - prosperity, Kuja - sorrows & diseases, Budha - learning & wealth, Brihaspati - fortune & authority, Shukra - conjugal bliss, Shani - loss of wealth are the results for birth in various Kala Horā.]

It is observed that these effects are experienced during the Dasha periods of the respective Grahas.

The latter part of the Shloka elucidates the implications of the Janma Vara. It is apparent that the position and status of an individual should be assessed based on the Varesha. If the Varesha is Surya or Chandra, the individual is likely to attain royal positions or excel among peers. Conversely, if the Varesha is Kuja, the individual is expected to assume a leadership role or command authority. Those born on Budhavara are believed to possess princely attributes and exhibit proficiency in Shastras. Individuals born on Guruvara or Shukravara are anticipated to engage in virtuous actions. These outcomes are contingent upon the Varesha being strong and situated in Kendra or Trikona, free from any adverse influences. Some scholars assert that the state of the Varesha can provide insights into the professions and life trajectories of individuals, a perspective derived from Horaphalaratnavali.


For instance, Dr. B. V. Raman was born on Guruvara while Guru is posited in 10th. His life was dedicated to the dissemination of knowledge and wisdom. Thanks to his writings, numerous students have the opportunity to learn Jyotisha in an accessible manner.

Besides that, a frequently referenced Shloka found in the Panchang or cited by Pundits states वारात्‌ आयुष्यवर्धनम्, which translates to the idea that knowledge of the Vara extends one's lifespan. Consequently, the Vara Lord is examined in relation to health and physical well-being. The Grahas that are adverse to the Varesha may lead to health issues. To mitigate ailments, it is recommended to worship the Adhi and Pratyadhi Devata, following the instructions provided by a Daivagya.


For instance, this horoscope pertains to Smt. Indira Gandhi, who was born on Somavara with the Chandra positioned in a Kendra, influenced by the aspects of Shani and Guru. According to राजानौ रविशीतगू, she became the first female Prime Minister of India. In this context, Chandra is adversely affected by Shani's aspect, who is the 8th Lord and the Navamsha dispositor of Mandi. Chandra being the Varesha and Lagnesh, Chandra's affliction significantly impacted her health, leading to ailments such as tuberculosis.

Madhusudan : Guruji, kindly explain more regarding the outcomes of Janma Vara.

Guru : Jātaka Parijāta states following results for Janma Vara:

मानी पिङ्गलकेशलोचनतनुश्चादित्यवारे विभुः
कामी कान्तवपुर्दयालुरनिर्श शीतांशुवारोद्भवः ।
क्रूरः साहसवादकार्यनिरतो भूसुनुवारे सदा
देवब्राह्मणपूजकः सुवचनः सौम्यस्य वारोदये ।।
यज्वा भूपतिवल्लभश्च गुणवान् ख्यातो गुरोर्वासरे
धान्यक्षेत्रधनाश्रितः सितदिने सर्वप्रियः कामधीः ।
मन्दप्रायमतिः परान्नधनभुग् वादप्रवादान्वितो
द्वेषी बन्धुजनावरोधकुशलो मन्दस्य वारोद्भवः ।।

[Ravivara honorable, reddish-brown hair, eyes and body; Somavara lustful, having a charming body and ever tender-hearted; Mangalvara cruel and engaged in arguments and courageous acts; Budhavara worshipping the Deva and Brahmanas and good speech; Guruvara perform sacrifices, beloved of lords/kings, good virtues and being celebrated; Sukravara endowed with grains, fields and wealth, a beloved of all and of lustful mind; Sanivara predominantly dull-witted, dependent on food and wealth from others, speaking in an intoxicating or inconsiderate manner, hostile, cleverly avoids his entire family.]

It is apparent from the Shloka that Achārya Vāidyanātha is interpreting appearance, intelligence, character, status and thus, wealth. Brihat Jātaka has already provided straightforward methods that have been discussed earlier like लग्ननवांशपतुल्यतनुः or स्याद्वीर्ययुतग्रहतुल्यतनुर्वा for physical appearance, चन्द्रसमेतनवांशपवर्णः for complexion. However, if Varesha is in Lagna or 10th, the characteristics are to be understood according to Varesha.

Medha : Guruji, what results are explained in the Phalit texts?

Guru : Effects of birth in different Vara given in other texts are as follows:

1. Ravivara : One born on Ravivara enjoys sweets, is respected, short tempered, craves for sexual union, suffers from Pitta Dosha and interested in gathering wealth.

2. Somavara : One born on Somavara is indulgent, libidinous, knower of Shastras, skilled, respected, one who has conquered his senses, learned and virtuous.

3. Mangalvara : One born on Mangalvara is amicable to fools, wealthy, cruel, blasphemer, atheist, bereft of knowledge of Vedas and indulgent.

4. Budhavara : One who takes birth on Budhavara is interested in studying the Vedas, generous, admired, fearless and devoted.

5. Guruvara : One who is born on Guruvara is knower of Vedas, Agnihotri (a Brahmin who performs fire sacrifices), blessed with progeny & wealth, respected by people and is an omniscient.

6. Sukravara : One born on Shukravara is money minded, enjoyer, rich, courageous, benevolent, has many servants, a fortune teller and knower of Shrutis.

7. Sanivara : One who is born on Sanivara is attached to mean people, ungrateful, crooked, tormenting his relatives, destroys the performed tasks and suffers from diseases.

Rsi Bhrigu also declares similar results. It is clear that birth on the days of Saumya Graha viz. Brihaspati, Shukra, Chandra and Budha gives good virtues and reverse is the case when one is born on days governed by Kroora Grahas viz. Surya, Mangal and Shani.

लग्नादुपचयस्थानस्थिते वारग्रहे सति ।
उक्तं फलं भवेच्छेष्ठ विपरीतमतोऽन्यथा ।।

[The previously mentioned results will be fully experienced when the Varesha is positioned in Upachaya Bhavas (3, 6, 10, 11) relative to the Lagna.]

According to Jātakābharanam:

वारोद्भव वारविभोर्विचिन्त्यं ।

[These results fructify during the Dasha periods of the Lord of the weekday.]

Similarly, the Varesha when a particular Dasha or Gochara begins should be analysed carefully to understand the possible outcomes.

Madhusudan : Dhanyawad Guruji.

Guru : Shishyas, the elements of the Panchang provide a general overview of a horoscope rather than definitive conclusions. Each prediction must be made in accordance with the established principles outlined in the Shastras. It is essential to remember that the Panchang does not take precedence over the Kundali.

श्री सूर्यचरणार्पणमस्तु।

•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Notes :
LC - Lagna Chandrika 
JB - Jatakābharanam

External References :
Horaphalaratnavali (Sri K Guru Rajesh)
Jātaka Bharanam (Dr Satyendra Mishra)
Uttara Kalamritam (Prof. V.S. Sastri)
Horoscopes - Jyotish App 
Images - Pinterest 
Tables - Created by the scribe

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