Essential of Horary Astrology or Prasnapadavi

Foreword Astrology, it has been rightly said, is the most systematic attempt to explain natural phenomena. The development of astrology at a popular level owes considerably to the new intellectual vitality of the applied science. Today there is no area of human experience which is not touched upon in some way or the other by astrology. Historical evidence supports the claim that astrology is a valid discipline with vast potential for enriching an understanding of all phases of life. The literature of astrology is as vast as the history of man. No one scholar can possibly hope to untangle all of its intrinsically woven strands in the course of his life. He cannot read the extant works on the subject, let alone resolve its intrinsic patterns of thought. Astrology has been described as both a “Science” and an “Art”. In short casting and interpreting horoscopes have been, for more than two thousand years, the focus of the science of astrology. Though widely discredited, especially in the west, it is an exacting art demanding considerable expertise of its techniques. A sophisticated science of astrology that evolved among the Babylonians was taken over and modified by the Greeks and the Romans. In the second century A.D. the Egyptian astronomer Ptolemy reduced astrology to a clear set of laws-the basis of European Astrology for many centuries to come. In India, Nakshatravidya, the science of the stars, has been thought of as an intellectual attainment even in the Vedic literature. The vedic as well as pre-vedic literature including puranas contain innumerable references that show astrology to have been held in high esteem and referred to as the ‘eye of knowledge’. It is an important limb of Hindu religion and philosophy, handed down from great seers who had amply sanctified the subject with their contributions. This oldest of sciences has exercised a fascination over mankind, and the romance associated with the stars has inspired poets from all ages. Modern research tends to show that it had its origin in stellar worship, for, in ancient times the stars were believed to be the abode of the gods. Astrology, as in the case of other ancient arts which possessed the germs of truth, has gradually freed itself from the penumbra of superstitions to emerge as the true science of the heaven. The development of this science of the stars however had its own vagaries. Some profane accretions and unscrupulous practices crept into the hoary science and probably the baser side of it began to manifest itself. It was for this reason, perhaps, Manu and later Kautilya denounced the use of astrology or its practice in ordinary life. Similar views have been expressed in Gautama Dharma Sutra and Taittriya Upanished. The famous astronomercum-astrologer Varahamihira also characterized a bad astrologer as a sinner and one who defiles society. However, he pays extraordinary compliments to a worthy astrologer who, in his view, should know practically all branches of knowledge under the sun, and be a guide, philosopher and teacher to society. This hoary lore, according to Prof. Bhat, is to be practiced not for selfish ends, but to guide the needy and the distressed, to remove the cause of their suffering and to turn their attention towards God. Though an astrologer cannot control the powers of the stars, he can harness it through “Elections” and so enhance the prospects of success in any undertaking or for any individual. I had the unique privilege of going through the manuscript of over five hundred pages of this monumental work-“Essentials of Horary Astrology”. Astrology by the deep rooted nature of its origins, spans many centuries, and hence has many sub-disciplines and specialities. In general, it has evolved in practice over the years into three broad areas. ‘Prediction’ relates to forecasting an individual’s destiny from his nativity-a calculation of the state of the heavens at his birth. ‘Election’ denotes the process of choosing the most propitious moment when the influence of the planets would be most favourable for undertaking any action ranging from matters of State to the weaning of an infant. Finally ‘Horary’ resolves personal problems-medical, moral and very often matrimonial-according to the state of the heavens at the instant the question is posed to the astrologer. It is this third branch of astrology that has immensely benefited from Prof. Bhat’s work. This book is intended to provide insights into the laws of consciousness whereby the reader can comprehend that he is but an integral unit of the larger framework of consciousness in which all of us unite. I was not only touched by the sensitivity, clarity, precision, and details of Prof. Bhat’s treatment of the subject, but also enlightened by the vastness of this science and its compass over all human activities with detailed clarifications of their attributes. Prof. Bhat’s earlier work-Fundamentals of Astrology-first published in 1967 has subsequently seen two more editions and the third revision is now available. It has found favour with both students and practitioners in the east as well as the west. Since then he has authored a number of books, the most important of them being the translation of the Brhatsamhita of Varahamihira-a monumental encyclopaedia in Sanskrit of astrological and other subjects of human interest-with explanatory notes and comments. This work in two volumes has already run through two editions with wide appreciation. As a Sanskrit poet, he has a number of kavyas to his credit; to mention a few, the Mahakavya, “Sri Sivananda Vilasah”, “Kavyamanjari” and “Guru-Mahima-Stotra” (a string of hymns in praise of the life and work of H.H. Sri Chandrasekharendra Saraswathi of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham). In this volume Prof. Bhat presents his subject in a variety of ways and in different contexts. The lucid and clear manner of Prof. Bhat’s work makes it pleasant to read. He has done a great service to the Indian astrology in general, and to this branch in particular, by striving to remove the misconceptions about it. I am sure that a critical study of this work will greatly benefit the students and practitioners of this science. Prof. Bhat is a restless scholar always in relentless pursuit of knowledge. Even in his eighties now, he strives to disseminate his knowledge and experience through his writings. Mere knowledge of this science, however deep and clear, does not take you to the level of predictive astrology and the practice there of, unless one has complete faith in God and His supreme grace. Thus Prof. Bhat has in abundance from Lord Sri Siddhi Vinayaka of Madhupura. More than once he has admitted to vain efforts in the realizations of the results of his work; and in many cases with His grace of immediate success. Prof. Bhat has been my friend, philosopher and guide in the true sense of the term. Our friendship spans over the last four decades and has been one of most agreeable and fruitful nature. It is a privilege and honour to be able to write a foreword for this excellent work of a unique speciality of astrological science-Horary Astrology or Prasna-Sastra. “May Lord Siddhi Vinayaka shower His grace and give Prof. Bhat many years of good health for the benefit of the field of astrology and its ardent students” is my fervent prayer. Essentials of Horary Astrology or Prasnapadavi This book provides an insight into the importance of astrology viz., natal, electional and horary, as well as deals with other dimensions of this science such as spirituality, spiritualism, Ayurveda, transmigration of souls, thought-reading, dreams, temple and its rituals and effects of particular sins. The work presents new theories and methods of determining success and defeat in contests and wars with the help of illustrative charts. It urges readers to avoid fatalism commonly associated with predictions and explains how one could solve riddles in life and tide over the pessimistic attitude and related psychological problems. The author has thrown fresh light on some questions like the name of the author of Prasnamarga, line of succession of his pupils, and the authorship of the Dasadhyayi. The most significant contribution of this work is the clear exposition of the rules of Astamangala and Devaprasna, in addition to Candragupti (water-divination), martial problems, Coragrahas, Necromancy, special importance of Mandi and Dasa of its star, Kalacakradasa, etc. Professor M.R. Bhat was a well-known Sanskrit scholar, teacher, poet and astrologer, who retired in 1974 as the Head of Sanskrit Department of Hindu College, Delhi University. Prof. Bhat edited with translation classical works like the Brhat Samhita of Varahamihira (2 Vols.), Horasarah of Prthuyasas, Prasnajnanam of Bhattotpala. Author of Fundamentals of Astrology Prof. Bhat had revised the translation of Uttarakalamrtam and Phaladipika. In recognition of his erudition and devotion to oriental learning and culture Prof. Bhat was conferred the titles Vidyabhaskara, Vidyasagara and Kavitacatura. Prof. Bhat Died in 1990. Foreword v Abbreviation xi Preface xiii I Introductory 1 II Astrologer and Querist 15 III Planets and Signs 31 IV Astamangala Prasna 77 V Deva-Prasna 95 VI Matrimony 117 VII Progeny 155 VIII Diseases 187 IX Fructification of Karma 221 X Span of Life 233 XI Demise 245 XII Travel 285 XIII Rainfall 315 XIV Water Resources 327 XV Lost Articles 339 XVI Lost Horoscopes 367 XVII Decanates and Stars 377 XVIII Transits 389 XIX Miscellaneous 401 Appendix 425 Bibliography 429 Index 431