Brihat Jataka

Varaha Mihira was a great astronomer-cum-astrologer and lived in early centuries of A. D. The authorities have different views about his actual Era. But, one thing is certain that both tropical and sidereal Zodiacs were almost coinciding during his times. His name is most respected and stands apart in the comparison of such great Rishis of Vedic Era as Garg, Vishwamitra and Parasara.

The principal works of Varaha Mihira are:-
(1) Panch sidhhantica
(2) Brihat Samhita
(3) Brihat Jataka
(4) Laghu Jataka
(5) Yoga Yatra
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"The science of Astrology is concerned with the observation of the position of certain bodies and certain points in the heavens in relation to earth and with the correspondences between these relative positions and earth. Some modern scientists assert that Astronomy is the science of stars, but such a statement is only partially correct. Astronomy is, and always was only a part of Astrology. It was used only as a means to an end."

"These asterisms or lunar mansions are divided each into four equal parts known as Nakshatrapadas. There are therefore 108 such parts in the ecliptic, and each sign contains nine such parts or 2 steller divisions. The first asterism, Aswini, commences at the first point of Aries, which is opposite to Star Citra, about 23°32' to the east of the Vernal Equinox (Vide Introduction), so that the second quarter of the asterism of Krittika commences at the first point of Taurus. The third quarter of the asterism of Mrigasirsha commences at the first point of Gemini and the fourth quarter of the asterism of Punarvasu commences at the first point of Cancer, and so on."

"A planet in his exaltation sign is considered as exceedingly powerful and one in his depression sign as exceedingly weak. The Sun and Moon are also treated as planets. The Hindu Astrological order of the planets is the same as the days of the week. The following table is given. For convenience of reference."

Excerpts From
Brihat Jataka
Usha and Shashi
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