46.Brāhma Sphuṭa Siddhânta by Brāhma-Gupta (c. AD 580).
47.Siddhânta Śiromani (Crown of Knowledge) by Bhāskarācārya II (c. AD 1100).
48.Vaṭeśvara Siddhânta by Vaṭeśvara (c. AD 880).
49.Al-Bīrūnī concluded the longitude of Chitrā to be 183º or 3º Libra.
50.IST = Indian Standard Time, 5h 30 minutes ahead of Greenwich Mean Time.
51.It has been suggested N.C. Lahiri’s own astrological practice had personally convinced him of Chitrāpakṣa’s validity. For more information read Ayanāṃśa Controversy (Chandra Hari 1985).
52.Sûrya Siddhânta commentaries estimate a date to be closer to AD 570, with an annual precession of 54’.
53.Varga = divisional; for more information see Chapter 21.
54.J-2000 = Julian epoch 2000 (AD).
55.Number 5 recurs throughout Vedic literature, largely in connection to calendrical cycles or ritual. Thus, the 5 worlds: air, fire, Sun, Moon and stars; 5 devatās: atman, æther, trees, planets and water; or the 5 forms of prāṇa: prāṇa, udāna, vyāna, samāna and apāna.
2
CELESTIAL ‘ROYAL’ COURT
To the Kālapurusha, the Sun is the soul, the Moon is the mind, Mercury is speech, Mars is strength, Jupiter is knowledge and health, Venus is desire and Saturn sorrow. Of the planets the Sun and Moon are kings, Mercury is first prince, Mars is general, Jupiter and Venus are counsellors and Saturn – servants.
Brihat Jataka by Varāhamihira
Planets (in the ancient world) were categorised in a number of ways, most commonly by appearances or qualities. As the Sun and Moon were primary illuminators they were termed prakāśagrahas. Mercury, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn and especially Venus were named tārāgraha (or brightest stars) as this was how they appeared to observers. The lunar nodes (Rāhu and Ketu) were delineated tamograha or dark/concealed planets.
One popular way to visualise complex planetary interactions was to imagine their ranks to mimic an archetypal royal court, or in this case celestial court. Their characteristics were best exemplified by analysis of their daily duties and routines. As dispensers of Earthly karma the above-mentioned planetary lords were seen to direct their influence down upon Earth – their energies carried on subtle planetary rays, permeating each and every facet of human daily life.
The following planetary summaries outline the position of each within their heavenly hierarchy, followed by individual portraits of each.
2.1 SUN – THE KING
The Sun (Sûrya), who is king of all planets, full of infinite radiance, the image of the good soul, the eye of this world; I adore the primeval Lord Govinda in pursuance of whose order the Sun performs his journey, mounting the wheel of time.
Brahmā Saṃhitā
Sûrya is a strong yet wise, benevolent ruler. He commands the respect of the people. Acknowledging that even his light must one day diminish, he plans to relinquish power to his son, Budha (Mercury). He has charged the instruction of his son to Brihaspati (Jupiter), his chief minister, and Kuja (Mars), his commander-in-chief. Preparation of the fanciful youth has proved to be more troublesome than expected, as other forces at court seek to ingratiate themselves with the impressionable youth. Keeping his court advisor and tactician close, Sûrya fears the occult power and allures of his secondary minister Shukra (Venus). His servants (represented by Shani/Saturn) fear him but wait patiently in the wings awaiting a change in court politics. His militia Rāhu and Ketu are not to be trusted and may be subverted if price or justification were sufficient. Behind all court intrigue his consort Chandra (Moon) remains trustworthy and loyal.
2.2 MOON – THE QUEEN
The Moon (Chandra), whose strength lies to the north, whose nature is like that of a mother cow (Kamadhenu); dresses in fine white silk and snow-white ornaments, exudes soma (nectar) that falls and spreads upon the Earth, seeding all divine herbs. The Moon’s chariot is crafted from rajata (silver) and pulled by ten white horses.
Forty Vedic Hymns
Consort to Sûrya, Chandra brings stability to the court and royal family. Though inwardly sensitive and easily troubled, Moon seeks cordial relations with all, determined to keep the status quo. Moon seeks to support and honour all stately roles performed by her subjects – but also has her favourites (see the table in Section 2.8). Although a great luminary in her own right, Moon cannot shine without the light from her husband. If caught sharing the sky together, her own radiance is greatly diminished. Being a highly gregarious planet, Moon hates to be unaccompanied and is greatly relieved to share any of the twelve Rashis/Bhavās with other grahas, whatever their social status within the celestial court.
2.3 MERCURY – REGENT
Budha: who rules Mithuna (Gemini) and Kanya (Virgo) is green of body and ornament. Seated upon the lion, his four limbs encircle Mount Meru. His strength lies in the east, his symbol is an arrow and his metal is pārada (quicksilver).
Forty Vedic Hymns
Mercury is fast-talking, fast-acting and quick-witted.1 He views the Queen (his mother) with enmity, suspicious of her emotions and sensitivities. These cloud his judgement and intellect. Counselled and tutored by Venus (his father’s lesser-favoured advisor), self-worth and strength have been kindled. In his own right he has become a magician of some note. Well-skilled in matters of the healing arts, herbalism, alchemy and commerce, Mercury is also master of word-play, delighting in all manner of practical jokes and humour. When focused on the task at hand, he is a perfectionist and skilled artisan; when disinterested or frustrated, his inventive mind quickly turns to counterproductive pursuits and quarrelsome banter.
2.4 MARS – COMMANDER-IN-CHIEF
Kuja, who rules Mesha (Aries) and Vrishchika (Scorpio), is red of body and ornament. Powerful like lord Yama, he is four-limbed; his symbol is trikona (having three angles). Born of Bharadwaja Rishi clan he fares well in a southern direction, facing Yamaraj and the infernal regions, his metal is loha (iron).
Forty Vedic Hymns
Loyal to the king and his consort, Mars takes counsel from Jupiter, but in the young regent (Mercury) senses instability and impending difficulties for the kingdom. His ascendancy to ruler is a sure precursor to the removal of Mars and his martial skills. Harsh in action and speech, Mars is also a fighter, necessary to enforce law and triumph over the kingdom’s enemies. He is honorific and courageous; he does not suffer fools gladly. The presence of Mars in the celestial court maintains its hierarchal construct – keeping all subordinate grahas in line with the fear of punishment for wrongdoers.
2.5 JUPITER – MINISTER
Brihaspati: whose strength lies in the east, his body and ornaments are of a yellow colouration. He is four-limbed, calm and mighty and holds a rectangular water