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Jyotiṣārṇava Pīyūṣam: An Excerpt

Excerpts from 'Jyotiṣārṇava Pīyūṣam' translated by me:

INTRODUCTION TO THE SUBJECT


देव्युवाच -


[Thus, spoke Devī Pārvatī]


देव देव महादेव सर्वज्ञ शशिभूषण । 

ज्योतिषार्णवपीयूषं संक्षेपेण वदस्व मे ॥ १॥

अनुग्रहार्थं लोकस्य चापि कारुण्यवत्सल । 

दैवज्ञशास्त्रसारं च फलभागं वदस्व मे ॥ २॥


[O God of gods, Mahādeva, the all-knowing one adorned with the Moon, briefly explain to me the nectar of the ocean of Jyotiṣa. For the benefit of the world, O compassionate one, tell me the essence of Jyotiṣa and the portion related to its predictive part.]


Notes: The Śiva Pārvatī Samvada begins with the questions asked by Devī Pārvatī which Śiva answers for the good of the entire universe. Devī addresses Śiva as —


देव देव महादेव - Śiva is the god of gods, the greatest among deities. This triple address is a traditional way of showing utmost reverence


सर्वज्ञ - This term suggests that Śiva is omniscient and all-knowing, implying that He has complete understanding of the past, present, and future.


शशिभूषण - Refers to Śiva wearing the crescent moon. According to the Puruṣa Sūktam, चंद्रमा मनसो जातः।, which means that Candra was born from the mind of Purusha. Śiva's connection to Candra signifies that those who worship Him can gain control over their minds and senses.


The vast field of Jyotiṣa is limitless just like an ocean and includes three main branches: Siddhānta, Saṃhitā, and Horā. Moreover, Jyotiṣa can be divided into six branches: Gola, Gaṇita, Praśna, Nimitta, Jātaka, and Muhūrta. Devī Pārvatī specifically requests for the knowledge of Phalita Jyotiṣa, which looks at how the positions of celestial bodies affect earthly events and personal destinies. Just like the Devas churned the ocean to find Amrita (the nectar of immortality), Devī asks Śiva to draw out eternal wisdom from the depths of Jyotiṣa and explain it in brief so that even the human minds can understand it. In His kindness, Śiva answers her questions and reveals some unique yet powerful principles that one may not find in any other texts.

PLANETS, SIGNS, LAGNA & HOUSES


ईश्वर उवाच -


[Thus, spoke Iśvara]


शृणु देवि प्रवक्ष्यामि सावधानेन तच्छृणु । 

सप्तविंशतिऋक्षाणि द्वादशा राशयः स्मृताः ॥ ३॥


[Listen, O Devī, I shall explain, and you should hear it with attention. There are twenty-seven constellations and twelve zodiac signs.]


मेषो वृषश्च युग्मं च कर्की सिंहश्च कन्यका । 

तुला वृश्चिक चापाश्च मकरः कुम्भमीनकौ ॥ ४ ॥


[Meṣa, Vṛṣabha, Mithuna, Karka, Siṃha, Kanyā, Tulā, Vṛścika, Dhanu, Makara, Kumbha and Mīna are the twelve signs.]


Notes: The Bhacakra represents the complete zodiacal circle, encompassing the entire ecliptic path. True to its name where "Cakra" means wheel or circle, the Bhacakra spans a complete circular arc of 360 degrees. The Bhacakra is primarily divided into 12 Rāśi-s (zodiac signs). Calculation of each Rāśi is given as follows —


Total span: 360°

Number of divisions: 12

Arc of each Rāśi: 360° ÷ 12 = 30°


According to Śrī Varāhamihira, the term Rāśi is known by several synonymous names:

  1. Kṣetra (field or region)

  2. Griha (house)

  3. Ṛkṣa (lunar mansion)

  4. Bha (celestial division)

  5. Bhavana (dwelling or house)


The Bhacakra is simultaneously divided into 27 Nakṣatras. Calculation of each Nakṣatra is given as follows —


Total span: 360°

Number of divisions: 27

Arc of each Nakṣatra: 360° ÷ 27 = 13° 20'


Each Nakṣatra is further subdivided into 4 Pada-s, creating an even more precise system of celestial measurement. Calculation of each Pada is given as follows —


Arc of one Nakṣatra: 13° 20'

Number of Padas per Nakṣatra: 4

Arc of each Pada: 13° 20' ÷ 4 = 3° 20'


Hence, within each Rāśi —

Number of Nakṣatra Padas: 30° ÷ 3° 20' = 9 Pada-s

Number of complete Nakṣatras: 30° ÷ 13° 20' = 2¼ Nakṣatras


This means each zodiacal sign encompasses exactly nine quarters of the Nakṣatra system, or two full Nakṣatras plus one additional Pada (one-quarter of the third Nakṣatra).


  1. Bhacakra (complete circle): 360°

  2. Rāśi (12 divisions): 30° each

  3. Nakṣatra (27 divisions): 13° 20' each

  4. Pada (108 total divisions): 3° 20' each


The Yavanas have quoted a story regarding the planetary rulership over the signs. Sūrya being the King chose to take possession of Siṃha, whereas Candra, the Queen, opted to take ownership of Karka. Later, the rest of the planets, according to their speeds, approached Sūrya and Candra for allotment of the rest of the signs. Budha, the swiftest of the Tārā Graha-s, acquired Kanyā from Sūrya and Mithuna from Candra. Śukra was granted dominion over Tulā and Vrshabha. Kuja received Vṛścika and Meṣa, while Guru was assigned Dhanu and Mīna. Śani, the slowest of all the planets, was allocated Makara and Kuṃbha.


अर्केन्द्वार बुधाचार्याभृगुमन्दाहिकेतवः । 

ग्रहाश्चरन्ति नक्षत्रगत्या मेषादि राशीषु ॥ ५ ॥


[Sūrya, Candra, Kuja, Budha, Bṛhaspati, Śukra, Śani, Rāhu and Ketu traverse through these twelve signs and twenty-seven Nakṣatras.]


Notes: Meaning of the word Graha — In contemporary understanding, the term Graha has been loosely translated as planet, which seems to lack significance when compared to its Sanskrit counterpart. Our ancient sages possessed remarkable intelligence, and every term they employed carries profound meanings concealed within. The term Graha also imparts substantial significance, even if it is not immediately apparent on the surface. It is only through the contemplation of the seekers of Jyotiṣa Śāstra that these secrets come to light.


The Sanskrit term Graha originates from the Dhatu — गृह्णाति, which translates to seize or hold. This interpretation is indeed quite logical, as the planets exert influence over humans during their respective Daśā periods. This influence occurs because the human body is composed of Panca Tattva — the five primordial elements. Furthermore, human nature is categorized into three qualities of Sattva, Rājasa, and Tamasa. These five elements and three qualities are governed by the planets. Consequently, the Graha exert direct control over humans, a reality that may not be discernible to the naked eye, yet undeniably exists! As the Daśā changes, there is a corresponding shift in behavioral patterns, character, environment, and the individuals we encounter, among other factors. According to Daivajñābharaṇam, even dietary habits are affected by the Graha Dasa. Nevertheless, it necessitates a keen observation to notice these changes.


Another manuscript mentions that the deities take the form of planets and move through the signs to bestow the results of the deeds performed by humans. It should be noted that these planets are merely the indicators of the results. The verses along with translation are as follows — 


अहं सूर्ये निशानाथस्त्वं माहेयो गुहस्मृतः ॥

नारायणो बुधश्चैव पद्मजो गुरुरुच्यते । 

शुक्रश्शचीपति चैव वायुमत्सूर्यात्मजस्तथा ॥

राहुर्भूत्वा चित्रगुप्तः कालः केतु नवग्रहः। 

देवता ग्रहरूपेण चारास्सर्वत्र राशिषु ॥


[I (Śiva) as Sūrya, You (Devī Pārvatī) manifest as Candra, while Kartikeya as Kuja. Nārāyaṇa takes the form of Budha, and Brahmā as Bṛhaspati. Indra embodies Śukra, Vayu is identified as Śani, Chitragupta corresponds to Rāhu, and Kāla manifests as Ketu. Together, the deities journey through the twelve zodiac signs in the form of planets.]


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