CHAPTER IV

VARAHAMIHIRA: LIFE AND

CONTRIBUTION

Varahamihira was the sun of a Brahmin called Adityadasa. He

received education from his father. Formerly he was known as Mihira.

Mihira was taught by his father in all the details of the Brahminical

Sanskrit education and became the most brilliant boy. He lived in a town

called kapitha in the country called Avanti Desa or Malwa'. He was a

devotee of the sun. Aditya is one of the name of the sun. The young boy

was called Mihira and went under that name for many years until the

emperor vikramaditya added the name of varaha^. Mihira is also one of

the names of the sun^. The sun God himself blessed him with a brilliant

intellect which enable him to become an eminent astronomer, a great

astrologer and a wonderful scientist.

1. Kaikulangara Ramavariyar (Ed), Horasastratn, Hridyapada

Commentary, Vidyarambham Publishers, Alappuzha, 2001, XXVIII.9
2. B. Suryanarain Rao, Life of Varahamihira, IBH Prakashan, Bangalore, 1987,
P.27
3. Amarasiihha, Amarakosa, Ramasrami commentary, Chawkhambha
Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi, 2006, Dikvarga.29

72
 "one of the foremost early Indian astronomer and astrologer,

varahamihira belongs to the sixth century A.D in the Pancasiddantika.

He takes the cut-off date or epoch for computations using the Paulis'a

siddhanta as s'aka 427, which corresponds to A.D 505. Since the practice

in Indian astronomical manuals (karana grantha's) is to take a

contemporary date, as near to the composition of work, answering to

certain specification, as the cut-off date, it is reasonable to presume that

Pancasiddantika was composed some time after A,D 505 . Regarding

his demise there is a statement by Amaraja in his commentary on

Brahmaguptas Brahmasphutasiddhanta, which reads: navadhika-

c

Pancasaihkhyasake-Varahamihira - caryo divam gatah. In saka

509varahamihira attained to the heavens . This would mean that

varahamihira passed away in A.D 587. This date is corroborated by

varahamihira's mention in Pdhcasiddhantika XV. 10, of Aryabhata who

composed his Aryabhatiya in A.D.499. Which work should have

become well known by the time that varahamihira composed his

Pdhcasiddhantika^.

4. T.S. Kuppanna Sastry, Pancasiddhantika of Varahamihira P.P.S.T.Foundation,

Adyar, Madras, 1993, P.XXVn.

73
 Varahamihira was an astronomer and astrologer. He wrote

extensively on all the three branches of the science Ganitha or

Mathematical astronomy, samhita or natural astronomy and Hora or

horoscopy. His famous works are Pancasiddhantika ^ Brhajjatakay

Vivahapatala^YogayatrUf Brhadyatra and Brhatsamhit^.

On Ganita the major work of varahamihira is the

Pancasiddhantika in eighteen chapters. The five siddhanta's dealt with

here are the paitamaha, vasista, Romaka, Paulisa and saura^.on Hora

Varahamihira has produced two works , the Brhajjataka called also

Horasastra in 26 chapters include 384 slokas and its abridged version.

On marital horoscopy varahamihira has written a work entitled

Vivahapatala.

The Brhatsamhita is a work on the samhita branch. It consists of

106 chaptere with a total of nearly 4000 slokas. The subject dealt with

here are the effect of movements of planets and natural phenomena on

5. Krishnacandra (Ed) Brhatsariihita, with the commentary of Bhattotpala, Dvivedi

sampumanand Sanskrit university, varanasi, 1996,1,10
6. •'^^-TiT^-^nf^-^-^^TrRFRg TT3cr P^-BIMI: I (P.S. 1.3)

74
human life, geography, characteristics of Khadya, Angavidya

(Samudrika) architecture, iconography, auspicious and inauspicious

characteristics of men and animals, omens, manufacture of cosmetics^

Vrksayurveda (plant pathology) science of precious stones etc. The text

describes a chapter in praise of women. Brhatsamhita used by people as

an encyclopedia'. A critical study of this work is very important from

the point of view of our cultural history. It shows the range and wide

sweep of varahamihiras mind.

BRHATSAMHITA

The term saihhita means a collection .As such it can not be an

original work. Its business is to condense many sastras. It should, there

fore, includes details of many subjects found in varied works. The

saihhita, in astrological parlance, is nothing but an encyclopedia of

astrological and other subjects of human interest. It is also mxmdane

astrology with many scientific topics and other subjects in which himian

beings have an abiding faith. Hence the samhita can rightly be termed a

work of social science. For, social science should have reference to and

7.B.s.cvn.i-i2

75
explanation of almost all aspects of social life and those that have a

human appeal. The structure of the samhita is such that it gives ample

scope for the exhibition of the poetic genius and artistic talents of the

author. For, to state a simple fact the author uses poetic language

abounding in figures and hyperbole while describing Agastya . When

we go through this work, we are reminded of Homeric' similes and the

linguistic elegance and charm of Valmiki, Vyasa, Bhasa and Kalidasa.

Whatever subject the author takes up for delineation, whether it is

eclipse, planetary movements, rainfall, clouds gemology, architecture,

water-divination or some other topic, it is discussed with thoroughness

and mastery based on the knowledge of ancient sSstras.

Varaha had several predecessors in the field of saifahita, whom he

mentions by name, Viz. Garga, Parasara, Kasyapa, Rsiputra, Devala,

Brhaspati, Nandisvara etc. He shows great regard for ancient sages. In

every chapter he invariably mentions the authorities on the topic to be

8. M.Ramakrishna BhatVarahamihira's Brhat Samhita Motilal Banarsidass

PubbIishers.Pvt Ltd, Delhi. 1997, XII.l
9. ibid.Xn. 6,7

76
discussed. Whenever he differs from their views, he gives his own

reason for it. His knowledge is really encyclopedic. For, like the

Mahabharata there is no subject that he has not discussed in his

magnum opus. The subjects may broadly be classified under the

following heads: Astronomy, Geography, Flora, Meteorology, Portents,

Agriculture and Economics, Politics, Physiognomy, Engineering,

Botany, Industries, Zoology, Erotics, Gemology, Hygiene, Augurus and

Stellar lore.

In the first chapter Varahamihira says "The science of Astrology

has many branches with in its scope and is mamly divided under three

heads or sections termed skandhas Viz. Ganita or Tantra, Hora and

Angaviniscaya. The treataient of this subject in its entirety has been

designated and samhita, collection or compilation, by the sages. The

first section or skandha is called Tantra as it deals with the movements

of planets through the signs of the Zodiac that are arrived at by means of

mathematical calculations. The second section treats of Hora or

horoscopy. The third and the last is termed Angaviniscaya determination

77
of the limbs- as it explains the method of ascertainmg by calculation the

ascendant and other houses in a natal chart" .

In the second chapter he describe the canons for Astrologer,

varahamihira says.

" Among the astronomical calculations the astrologer should be

conversant with the various sub-divisions of time such as the Yuga,

Year, solstice, a period of two months, month, fortnight, day and night,

watch (a period of an hour and a half) Muhurta (One of fortyeight

minutes or two Ghatis), nadi (equal to 24 minutes) prana (time required

for a breath) Truti (a small unit of time equal to that of two winds) and

its further subdivisions as well as with the ecliptic (or with geometry)

that are treated of in the five siddhantas (ancient astronomical systems)

entitled Paulisa (taught by paulisa) Romaka ( of the Romans) vasistha

(taught by sage vasista) Saura (taught by surya or the sun-God, called

10. '3qHcT:?ir?^Tn^^)^^fgTSl4 W>'*l:l'4lf^[yri

^l<M^MrcirH<*^^Vr| ^^fgtrf: ^ ^ ^ d 1 ^ l M < : ll(B.S.I.9)

78
the Suryasiddhanta) and Paitamaha (of Pitamaha or Brahman) .

In his view

"He should also be thoroughly acquainted with the reasons for the

existence of the four systems of measurement of time , Viz. saura or the

solar system, savanna, terrestrial or the time mtervening between the

first rising of any given planet or star and its next rising , Naksatra or

sidereal and Candra or lunar, as well as for the occurrence of intercalary

months and increasing and decreasing limar days^^."

"An Astrologer should also be well-versed in the calculation of

the begiiming and endmg times of the cycle of sixty years, a yuga (a five

year period), a year, a month , a day, a Hora (hour), as well as of their

respective lords^^".

11. cT? W n M MirHVKlHtt)c<ir^t<i.H'i<^dW^^ Mo^i^t^^

^felssira^^ion^^rpT^fji?R2T ^^^ x T ^ ii(B.s.n.4)

' r a ^ l f ^ ^ ^ ehKUIlte 11 ( B.S.n.5)

13. '^t'd^l«^^^|cn}HWRH^l<l^^^d1Hi MldMFdx^^rold^ II {B.S.n.6)

79
 An Astrologer should also be capable of explaining by means of

arguments the similarities and dissimilarities as well as the

appropriateness or other wise of the different systems of measurement

of time headed by the solar system'"^.

Despite differences of opinion among the siddhantas

(astronomical systems) regarding the expiry or ending time of an ayana

(Solstice), " he should be capable of reconciling them by showing the

agreement between correct calculation and what has been actually

observed in the circle drawn on the ground by means of the shadow of

»>
the gnomon as well as water-appliances'^.

Brhatsamhita Explains

He should also be well acquainted with the causes that are

responsible for the different kinds of motions of the planets headed by

14.-H^Klni ^ *^HHW'H4Vl'H<iJ!!wlJi^|i|>i^cMM^d^l<^^ •^. ii(B.s.n.7)

tSNNH'!J'c|<^"iruid'HIA^H ^ifrM^^Tf^IH: 11 (B.S.n.8)

80
the sun, Viz. fast, slow, southerly, northerly, towards perigee and

apogee'^."

In his first chapter Varahamihira continuous

He must be able to forecast by calculation the times of

commencement, ending , direction, magnitude, duration, intensity and

colour at the eclipses of the sun and the Moon, as well as the

conjunctions of the Moon with the five Taragrahas or non-luminous

1 '7

planets and the planetary warfare . He should also be expert in

determining accurately the motion in Yojanas, orbit,dimensions etc. of

every planet in Yojanas .

"An astrologer must be thoroughly acquainted with the Earth's

rotation on its own axis round the sun and its revolution along the ckcle

of constellations, its shape and such other details, the latitude of a place

16. -ti-ilklHi ^ U?FTt Ji'D5IH'<^<4|A^lTlw')x|"lT;-cH|Jd + K U | | I ^ : ||(B.S.n.9)

?IHnHFIrni5^P=n^TO^5HFn^: 11 (B.S.II.10)

l8•Mc^c^,iJ^^i^u|^^lvJ^Hc^,t«^^M^l^lM^d^c^^^'!^^kHMRx^«^^VH: i i ( B . s . n . i i )

81
and its complement, the difference in the lengths of the day and night

(lit. diameter of the day-circle ) the Carakhandas of a place;, rising

periods of the different signs of the Zodiac at a given place, the methods

of converting the length of shadow into time (in Ghatis) and time into

the length of shadow and such other things, as well as those to find out

the exact time in Ghatis that has elapsed since sunrise or sunset at any

required time from the position of the sun orfromthe Ascendant, as the

case may be'3^"

The author here expects "A true astrologer should really be

learned in the science of Astrology whose words have attained the

power (of carrying conviction to the hearers) as a result of his proper

understanding of the various objections and queries, and who is capable

of expounding the science which has become in his hands all the

brighter and more flawless like gold that has been subjected to the

touch-stone, fire and hammer^*'.

m^?^^, 8t^:<=hH+<ulboir«l^: ll(B.S.II.12)

20. HHI^l^ilJiiH'Hl«{lMdPfe|v^rHdc||cH<Hl l^^^i'TOnTTTlf^rf^r^:

obH<+)fi)c|ir^chd'l^^d1t^W VII'WW ^frfJT W^ "^^^ ll(B.S.n.l3)

82
 The qualifications of an astrologer cum-astronomer indirectly

enumerate the subject matter of this science in all its ranifications. Thus

the subject matter of this sastra among the four Anubandhas has been

explained.

In the first section which consists of eleven chaptersfi"omIE to

Xni and XVn and XVIII the author describes the movements of planets

bothfi-omthe astronomical and astrological points of view. He mentions

Piirva sastra, Eke, Tajjnah, Bahtinam matarfi which Utpala interprets as

the work of Vrddha Garga, Garga, Parasara, KSsyapa, Devala, Nandin,

Rsiputra etc.

The Sun's Transit

The sun changes his course fi-om north to south. The changes

happens in usual appearance must have been the case as we find it so

recorded in ancient books. Varahamihira points out:-

There was indeed a time when the sun's southerly course began

from the middle of the star Aslesa and the northerly one from the

83
commencement of the star Dhanistha. For, it has been stated so in
91
ancient works .

"At present the southerly course of the sun starts from the

beginning of cancer and the other from the initial point of sign

caparicom. The actual fact which goes against the old statement canbe

verified by direct observation ,"

21. 3Tl?'^'sn^d?^TiiigTfR^ T^#l^T?nT I

^ ch<ir^<^m\ilHU ^clvii^i-:^^ II (B.s.in.i)

22. -HIHIdMiJH ^ r i ^ : cb4,ich|^* J^MlRdV^Md^ I

"BrfJM^ i^<^fd: 3R^?W^8R^^MiTfi: 11 (B.S.ni.2)

84
 Pisces Aries Taurus Gemini

Aquarius ZODIACAL SIGNS Cancer

Uttarayana

Capricorn Leo Daksinlyana

Sagittarius Scorpio Libra Virgo

Uttarayana and Daksinayana means the sun's apparent motion or

path in the northern and southern celestial sphere respectively.

Verse 36 says:-

"It is true that an asterism is subjected to great torture as a result

of its being burnt by the hot rays of the sun, but it soon becomes pure

and sparkling like gold purified in fire^^"

*rafrr g MV^IT^^ +H*|i|ol frn?NftrnW 11 ( B.S.in.36)

85
 Varahamihira's scientific attitude is discernible here. A true

astronomer should not follow blindly the statements of ancient writers.

For, with out applying periodic corrections to the results obtained

according to old rules, one cannot get at the true positions of planets.

Then Varahamihira discuss the Moon's transit: He says.

"By the sun's rays one half of the moon that is always bneath the

sun is illuminated, while the other half becomes dark by her own

shadow, just as one half of a pot exposed to the sun is."^'*

The sun's rays being reflected on the surface of the watery Moon

dispel the darkness of the night on the earth, just as the solar rays

reflected on a mirror kept outside illumine the interior of the house^^.

"As the Moon goes farther and farther away from the surface of

the sun, her back gets more and more illumined by the sun. In the same

^T^Hj^M<^^d^ ^^'^dldM-t^tl'W II (B.S.IV.1)

25. -widdH^ VIRIIIH <ol41I*ld4) 'jf^rTFFrFfi" ^WT I

m ^ iA^MSi\k^\ ^ ^ f i ^ ^ M : II (B.S.IV.2)

86
manner the Moon's disc begins to shine from the bottom in an

increasing measure^^.

"In this manner the Moon's brightness increases everyday in

proportion to her distance from the sun, just as the western side of a pot

becomes increasingly illumined in the afternoon. "

This explains how the Moon's phases occur. The simile given in

this verse makes the meaning quite clear: Till the moon the front part of

the pot will be illumined by the sun and not the western or hind part.

However, in the afternoon as the sun descends from the Zenith of the

sky, greater and greater portions of the hind part of the pot are

illummed.

The next chapterVarahamihira discuss the Rahu's course.

Though the demon's head was cut-off, it was not deprived of life as a

26. r4>>1d14)dd 1 ^ : MJifxiKdHHrl ^I2|T ? f N ^ m I

r<Heh<cH*|itH!)^l: -JTO^T^: THJc^^^T: 11 (B.S.IV.3)

«raicT ^II^H1M<I^1 t R ^ n ^ ^ ye^cj n (B.S.IV.4)

87
result of his having tasted nectar, and, it is said, it assumed the form of a

planef^^"

The reader may notice here the author's regard for the views of

ancient sages in spite of his own scientific thinking.

"They say that the Dragon's Head (Rahu) being similar in form to

the orbs of the luminaries and dark in colour, is not visible in the sky

except on the Parvan days (i.e. New and Full Moon). As a result of the

creator's boon Rahu is visible only during eclipses and not on other

days.2^"

Some sages declare that^Rahu ie.son of siihhika is of a serpentine

from with only the face and tail, while others hold that he is formless

and of the nature of pure darkness.^^"

28. si'p^^i^i^p^Nifi&jnirftr f ^ : fadi^ti^fi^'^H,'

y|u1<MUrijTb WrTT ^ d(^'^i\^ || (B.S.V.1)

29. 5-s4>*l"6cll<j)Irl<r<Hdc^lircbd ^ ^^M^i W\^ I

3RI5r L|4+HIS<M<^MIr=b^H^l^: II (B.S.V.2)

SO.^^a^^sfg'qTpl^ ^^^-i HiehRij^MR^It^-^ I

chiqil^ijc^HM^ ^mtt^ ^T^^MHs^H^ 11 ( B.S.V.3)

88
The next 3 verses deals some questions that is,

"In case Rahu has a body, moves in the zodiac, possesses only the

head and a circular shape, how is it that he seizes the luminaries who are

separated from him by 180", when his own movement is fixed and

uniform?^^"

"If on the other hand, his motion is not fixed, how is it that his

exact position is determined by calculation? If he is to be identified only

by his tail and face, why should he not seize them(the luminaries) at

other intervals, (instead of only when 180° apart?)^^"

"If this Rahu who is a big serpent in appearance actually seizes

the sun or the Moon with his tail or mouth, why should he not obstruct

half of the Zodiac that lies between his head and tail?^^"

»JMU|l4|HWUd1 ' j ^ l l i d ^ iH-Md^K: II (B.S.V.4)

32. <Hpi'MdTm<: ^ ^^MdPfer: -H^oiiiJi - ^ cR^T I

"i^HHir^mHlTl^ui +WlJ| 'J^llfd II (B.S.V.5)

33. 3TST ^ ^sjT^^^if^: T^^ T^ cJT -^T i[i^\\\h \

^ f l ^ ^ R R ^ R S t 'W'Nfd ^TFnfT « F F T I ^ 11 (B.S.V.6)

"89"
 If there should be two I^hu's, when the Moon is ecUpsed by one

Rahu when she is rising or setting, the sun who is 180" away from the

Moon should also be eclipsed by the other R5hu whose rate of motion is

also equal (to that of the other Rahu)^"^

Varahamihira's View On Eclipses

The commentator is of opinion that, at a lunar eclipse the moon

enters the shadow of the earth, and at a solar eclipse she enters the sun's

disc. That is the reason why the lunar eclipse does not begin at the

western limb,nor the solar one at the eastern limb .

The narrator adds, just as the shadow of a tree goes on increasing

on one side as a result of the sun's movement, even so is the case with

the shadow of the earth every night by its hiding the sun during its

rotation.^^'

doHH'ircHl"i)H TRcT: • g ^ f t p T ^ ^ II (B.S.V.7)

35. ^ f ^ I ^ ^^ra?^ «71FRTi%7j^ TrfBRTrfrf: I

MFFTcT: M^i-clljl'^O'HlHl^-cl ^\-i^ 11 (B.S.V.8)

36. ^^TFT -W^WI ij0+m># «IcrfcT «0'4-c|^l I

f ^ 1 ^ dsl<i;*tJ^'lH<<JNJ^IlR'^ViW 11 (B.S.V.9)

90
 "In her course towards the east, if the Moon tenanting the 7

house from the sun, does not swerve much either to the north or the

south (when her decHnation is very little)^ she enters the earths

shadow.^^"

The Visibility Of Eclipses

The Moon situated below and moving from the west obstructs the

solar disc like a cloud. The solar eclipse, there fore, is different in

different countries according to the visibility of the eclipsed disc^^."

"When the lunar eclipse takes place, the obstructing agency is

very large, where as in the solar eclipse it is small. Hence in semi-lunar

and semi-solar eclipses the luminous horns become blunt and sharp

respectively.^^"

37. '^^l^^Hk^i^<l^l1 ^ xjl^Jc^r^HulH Hlfrl'ld: I

W^: 4ciirt|J^^V^|i|mlc!rcT^ ^ ^ II (B.S.V.IO)

3 8 . ' E T ^ ? ^ : ^^SfTFlfcT Tfw^5[^r5FRFTrT: W^fR^ I

TTfrI^?FR#^ ^ f e ^ W ^ v m ^ ^ n i ? ^ I I (B.S.V.ll)

39. 3mV^ ^ R F f ^ : •^udrcJMI'JIWdl^'Ho^?!: I

-^^ <c)4dldwVirc|t||U|l i\c{'A<:^[^ II (B.S.V.12)

91
 In this manner have the ancient seers endowed with divine insight

explained the causes of echpses. Hence the scientific fact is that Rahu is

not at all the cause of eclipses."'*^

The above categorical statement of the author shows that though

he has regard for religious traditions, he would not allow scientific truths

to be diluted with popular beliefs

Popular belief

"An eclipse can by no means be ascertained through omens and

other indications.For, portents such as fall of meteors and earth tremors

occur at other times as well."*'"

This refers to a popular belief that an eclipse is heralded by some

unusual occurrences such as earthquake and terrific thunder.

40. •qsf^TOTT^^rUJT^rf^ f^ST^f?WEn^: I

<l^<'+KU|i-|RX|rJir'^Tt): ^TR^rr^^TcT: 11 (B.S.V.13)

41.^^75ijPT:J<rM rnrHrliJ^ui M^lliic^ U[HX\\?H I

3H-q[^!HrM ^ ^ ^^oR^l^^ld^Mlfui I I (B.S.V.16)

92
Scholars opinion

Scholars should not believe the following traditional statement to

the effect that an eclipse cannot take place except when there is a

combination of five planets in the same Zodiacal sign, and that a week

before the eclipse i.e., on the previous 8* lunar day, its characteristics

can be inferredfi*omthe behaviour or appearance of a drop of oil poured

on the surface of water*^. In this connection ; Varahamihira

explains:

"The magnitude of the solar eclipse should be determined through

the Moon's deflection i.e. parallax. The direction of commencement of

the eclipse is found out through the deflection and angles of the Moon

known as Ayanavalana and Aksavalana. The duration of the eclipse is

got by noting the exact time of conjimction of the sun and the Moon. All

these have been explained in detail by me in my astronomical work

Pancasiddhantika.'*^"

42. M^il^^'^l'IM f ^ y^uiW •?1'=R^ « ^ ^ I

M "^ ^l^^l^Tt ^ lorfxR^filt ^n#cR[f?T: II (B.S.V.17)

43. <HcHrqi$ TMt 1 W ^ cldH^lcHrMI ^ I

TcUt-Mcl^Hl^dl ^ i M *i«JdirH rni^ ^R^l I (B.S.V.18)

93
 The next lesson describes-The transit of Mars. Then Mercury's

transit.Next chapter Jupiter's course. Then course of venus. Then

Saturn's Transit.

In XI.I he refers to Garga and others as the authority for Ketu's

transit. This section has many an excellent poetical piece in the

descriptions of sage Agastya , autumn and the seven sages.

Varahaimhira must have observed the comets appearing at different

times and parts of the sky and their effects.

Varahamihira says the comets figure:

"In places where, despite the absence of fire, there is still the

appearance of fire, Ketu's presence is recognized, save for the presence

of glow-worms, phosphoric lights on graves, gems, crystals, marble

pieces and the like.'*^'

44. 3^|d^:^lHd'(!^M^ "Mf^idr^c^^MAclUH, I

^^IdrM^INM^HfuKHKH ^RrM'^ II (B.S.XI.3)

94
 "Some sages like Parasara speak of 101 Ketus, while others such

as Garga of 1000 ketus. However , sage Narada declares that there is

only one ketu which appears in many forms and places ."

The seven sages

The sages traverse through each lunar mansion for a period

of 100 years. Which ever constellation makes them conspicuous when

they rise to the east of it, in that they are said to be situated ^^

Direction Of The Seven Sages

"Among the sages the revered Marici is situated in the east, to his

west is vasistha, to his west is Angiras, to his west is situated Atri; and

close to him is Pulastya. Next to him are in order pulaha and Krata.

^p^'T^^j^ iTiF JiinnU"^: ^gj^ 11 (B.S.XI.5)

46.x?:%^#T^ww^'5Rf%cpsriTinJT i
yH^<^dlujro|c<<|c^v^j|iird -^ W^: 11 ( B.S.Xin.4)

SIB
95
Arundmi, the paragon of Virtue, is close to the great sage vasistha

among them.'*^"

In the second section he discusses the allotment of countries to the

nine regions on the basis of constellations. Similarly different animate

and inanimate objects are assigned to the jurisdiction of the asterisms,

and countries, peoples etc.to the domin of planets.

The seventeenth Chapter-planetary wars "How and when a

planetary war will take place according to the teaching of the sages who

know the past, present and future has been explained by me in the

astronomical treatise YizJPancasiddhantika, on the basis of the

Sutyasiddhanta"'^^.

47.H^ w\ ^i\dl\'^^\U^^\ f^t?fl c<r^6id']wid i

T^ ^ ^ T^^^^^^^Sm^^ ^T^afr 11 ( B.S.Xin..5,6)

rl%Wt W^ W(\ f^ ^?j4feR=IT?T 11 (B.S.XVn..l)

96
 The next verse the cause and varieties of planetary warfare are

explained:-

"When the planets move in the sky along their orbits lying over

one another, they appear to our eyes to move on even surface or plane,

as a result of their great distance.(from the earth) According to the

degree of their seeming approachment, there are four kinds of war as

stated by Parasara and other sages, Viz.Bheda (occultation, cleaving )

Ullekha (grazing )Amsumardana (clashing of the rays) and Apasavya

(passing southward).'*'"

Planetary warfare has been treated of by many ancient s£^es such

as Paras'ara,Garga, Kasyapa and Vajra, according to the commentator.

When two planets appear to have a single orb on account of their

apparent over-lapping, the fight is called Bheda. In this the orb of the

lower planet obstructs completely the upper one. When the rims of the

• ^ -cIcJlilchK ^^T?R1#^M^:RJTPT 11 (B.S.XVII..2,3)

97
two orbs graze each other, it is called Ullekha. When the rays of two

planets situated closely appear to be clashing with one another, it is

Aihsumardana. When a planet covering another moves towards the

south, it is Apasavya.

Next chapter varahamihira say's -The conjunction of the Moon

with planets or stars. Then planetary years and effects. Then the

planetary Triangle.

Then varahamihira discussed in the Pregnancy of clouds.

"As food forms the very life of living beings, and as food is

dependent on the monsoon, it should be investigated carefully^""

All our scriptures begiiming from the Vedas and Upanisads

proclaim that food is the supreme Being for the majority of human

beings. This science of meteorology was developed in ancient India by

50.37^ W^: UMT: MI«^<i+MW "^fTsIiTraTW I

Mmi&. '^^•. MI«^(i*M: -SRr^ II (B.S.XXI..1)

98
sages like Garga, Parasara, Kasyapa, Rsiputra and Siddasena. This and

the following seven chapters deal with topics connected with

meteorology-rain and weather.

Varahamihira say's in his Brhatsamhita:-

After going through the characteristics expounded by ancient

sages such as Garga, Parasara, Kasyapa, vajra in their works, I am now

explaining the properties of the rainty season.^'"

"Some teachers like siddhasena declare that the day of pregnancy

begin soon after theftiUmoon of Kartika month, where as the opinion of

the majority is opposed to this. Hence I shall give the opinion of sage

Garga and others (like, Vasistha, Parasara, Rsiputra and Kas'yapa).^^"

"The symptoms of pregnancy are to be detected when the moon

passes through the asterism purvasadha beginningfromthe first day of

%^ *\*\m\^\i'ip\^^'^^^\\ii\A^\\'\ 11 ( B.S.XXI.2)

H ^ Wf^ ^ ^ 7 T # ^ 'm -3!!^ 11 (B.S.XXI..5)

99
the bright fort night of the margasirsa month 53,

Varahamihira's View On Rainfall

The predictions of an astronomer who pays exclusive attention,

both day and night to the indications of rain afforded by pregnant clouds.

Here Varahamihira says- "The foetus formed during the Mooiis stay in

a particular constellation will be released 195 (solar) day's there after,

when the Moon passes through the same constellation according to the

laws of her revolution.^"*"

The foetuses formed in the bright fortnight will be released in the

dark fortnight and Vice versa , those formed in the day ti^ie will come

out at night and vice versa^and those that are formed at dawn in the

evening and vice versa.^^"

53. 'HHirVK:i^dMJiiyidMrtl^ ^PTRJ^T^TSR I

"^ ^ 'W'iM'Irl W ' T f e R M ^ ^ 11 (B.S.XXI..6)

^T=*Ror# ?^H^\^ "^ i r a o P R l ^ 11 (B.S.XXI..7)

55.f^?rTq!5T^q^: " ^ ^ "^^ fJ^TT ^-H^^Jcll J\^ I

^raJSWoll^-ell^lH ^?^7JMIdl^-c| •H'*{^WIH^ 11 (B.S.XXI..8)

100
Varahamihira explains the fall of hail stone takes place

If the star at which a cloud-foetus is formed be afflicted by

malefic planets. There would be a rain of hail stones, thunder bolt and

fish, in the season. If, at that time, the sun or the Moon be posited in this

star and be conjoined with or aspected by benefices, there would be

copious rain.^^'

If there be excessive rain at the time of the formation of foetuses

without any apparent cause, there would result destruction of the

foetuses. Should the amount of rainfall exceed - of a Drona, there

8 •

would be miscarriage of the foetus.^^"

If a fiill-grown embryo does not yield rain at the time of delivery

owing to planetary and other evil influences, it will rain mixed with hail-

stones at the time of the next formation of pregnancy.^*"

Jififtiln Toft ^ "^pro^^f^ ^R<^feet){i: 11 (B.S.XXI..33)

^Nra^Nf^ ^ TT^: - ^ «rafcT 11 (B.S.XXI..34)

58. 'H^: ^ : TO^ TlFtq^nrTrf^fMi^ H ^ : I

3^I^H^^^I'4^A^^) ch^cblfii^f <<AlrM|WT: II (B.S.XXI..35)

101 = ^ ^ ^ = i
 "Just as the milk of a milch cow grows thick and hard if kept too

long, even so does the water kept beyond its time.^^"

"An embryo which is accompanied ^tne five concomitant signs,

Viz.wind, rain, lightning, thunder and clouds, will yield copious rains at

the appropriate time .On the other hand, if an embryo pours down

excessive rain even at its conception, it will produce only a drizzle at the

time of delivery.^^"

This section subjects like cloud formation, winds, rainfall etc.are

expounded.

The next chapter dealt with retention of Embryo, Rainfall, \j\:i

The Moon's conjunction with Rohini, Moon's conjunction with svati, the

moon's conjunction with Ashada.

59. ^\M ^ W^ r^<=bM^ W^: qi|Ret-ill: I

=+)Hldlri dgr>HrH<H ^Tlfe^WRlfcT 11 (B.S.XXI..36)

60. •q^RR#I#^qyTf%rTMf^rit ^ :

Fci-y^rd ^ cfl^ ^ + l ^ r d ^

iracrarr^fiTr^ Vl)+<l^: W^ 11 (B.S.XXI..37)

102
Retention Of Embryo

"The four day's commencing from the 8* lunar day of the Ught

half of Jyestha month are sustained by the winds, and will prove

beneficial, if they be attended with soft jind auspicious breeze, and if the

sky be covered with glossy clouds.^*"

If the clouds be glossy, collected together and moving in a

clockwise manner, there would be heavy rains tending to the growth of

all crops^^.

The Wind Circle

Varahamihira says

"If on the day of the full Moon in Asadha an easterly wind blows

from the sky, being tossed by the strokes of the tops of the billows of the

eastern ocean and mingled with the mass of the mane like rays of the

luminaries, the whole earth will rejoice being enriched by the splendid

61. >i^wf^r)t<ii^l^lV-=lrt^l<l o|l^tlK"ll l^cRU: I

J^^5(i'MMoHI: :?R^: f^FStHR^S^fWFRT?^ 11 (B.S.XXn..l)

6 2 . ^ : fpFSlT: "^i^cIT^ y^f^uiMrdf*^!: I

"^ Wl-H^dl ^ f e : ' ? l ^ ' ? R 2 # r ^ ^ 11 ( B.S.XXn..8)

103
vernal and autumnal crops, and being covered overhead with groups of

dark clouds every where^''."

"When the wind blows with such force as if to break off the peaks

of the Malaya mountain,fromthe south-eastern part of the SIQ^ at sunset

on the same full-moon day, the earth, blazing-continuously with the

flames of fire embracing or spreading on its surface, will emit heaps of

ashes along with the hot vapour emanatingfromits own body^.

The next chapter describes signs of immediate Rain.Varahamihira

says:

"If at the time of sunrise or sunset there be a rainbow, a cross

bar of clouds, a mock sun, a straight fragmentary rainbow, flashes of

V-tll'i?l*lVi'HilchHNct)rHd1 cll^4mcblVld: I

^n^Rilr^53?lFTi#^cTrT^ "^rat T|^ ? i t ^ II ( B.S.XXVn..l)

64. ^<^l''^4) o|l^4Hi|fi!l<a<i't*+iici'iH^:

k H c l r ^ f ^ H ^ ^ WJcfm Md>^0 Mci^Id I

?r^ iHr^l^kll vreiHHlvUd'dldl^^^lddHI

'WI|:<l'*fl^c||^clHid ^ ^ 'TP#!^5T'T 11 (B.S.XXVn..2)

104
lightning , and haloes roirnd the sun and the Moon, it should be

predicted that there will be plentiful ram in the near future.^^"

"If the sun's ray's called Amogha-Unerring are stretched upwards

like the outstretched arms of the setting Mountain, and if the clouds

thunder close to the earth, they are sure signs of heavy rains.^^'

In the fifth section-prognostics from flowers and creepers are

discussed.

Varahamihira says:-

"By observing the abundant growth offlowersand fruits of trees,

the availability of all things in large quantities at cheap rates should be

ascertained so is the excellent growth of crops.^^"

65.3^^;t.T^N^^R^:^^^d^'!^i <Bdl«< c f e : t r f ^ : |

cJl^lHIW W^ ^ 'HHl'llR;flrtl^<M4d<^l^^ 11 (B.S.XXVin..l6)

66. " Z R J T M ^ J T ^ : 'H^*l'll<'W^'5«R^vn- ^o|lf^dl: I

^ p i t ^ "TO^ ^T^F^^FFR?^^!^ <^RidJH"IH. ' I (B.S.XXVin..l8)

67. 4)H^'tii|^HI<^ns[ olHWdlni fcldlcW Tdi^MH^ I

^gcTR?^ -^i^mi iHtMfdV-cllfM -HWHIM^ 11 (B.S.XXIX..1)

105
 "When trees, bushes and creepers are seen fully packed with

green glossy leaves without any interspace, good rains are to be

predicted, where as if the leaves be rough leaving inter-spaces, very

little rain should be declared.^*"

Next chapter-indications and Dawn and Twilight varahamihira says:-

"The interval between the periods when the sun is half-set and

when the stars have not yet become distinct, is called a juncture i.e., the

evening twilight.similarly that between the periods when the stars have

become dim or indistinct and when the sun is half risen is called dawn.

The effects-good and bad-of the juncture are to be judged from the

following indications.^'"

The sixth section deals with portents like earthquakes, glow at the

horizon, meteors, halos etc.

c # H ^fe:?il«RT -HHlRi^dl ^J^t^&tTelW*r: i\\i^H^ 11 (B.S JCXIX..14)

69.3i#5?to[^i^c!iri;^q??h^iT^ ^ ^^nsRT i
?n5RT'H'*^|chM(^^^^^: ^ ^llfHH M (B.S.XXX..1)

106
Glow at the horizon .Varahamihira says

"The fire observed in the quarters, if yellow, forebodes peril to the

king, if fiery in colour, the ruin of the country, and if rubicund and

accompanied by wind from the left,it will cause destruction of the

crops7°"

Signs Of Earthquake

The following symptoms of the earthquake

The quarters will be covered with smoke, a strong wind will blow

throwing the dust of the earth breaking down trees, and the sun will not

shine brightly^\

The effects of an earth-quake of the wind circle are the following

.Destruction of crops, water, forests and herbs, outbreak of swellings,

asthma, lunacy, fever^^.

^TRl^: WKM^oqcll^: ^^m "m ^ ^JTtfrf ^ : 11 (B.S.XXXI..1)

71. "i^i^dl'^divi ^ r ^ ^nq^^T^: %ti;T ^ftrnr i

Iqo^i^^iriT^ roi^<rd <rci<M4ch<M'm# ^ n (B.s.xxxn..9)

qfuiewl^l II (B.S.XXXn..lO)

107
Signs Of Meteors

If they fall in clustersfromthe middle of the sky, they portend the

destruction of the king and the coimtry. If it circles, round and round at

the Zenith of the sky, it indicates unrest and distress among the people^^.

Characteristics of Hales.

Varahamihira observes the thin light clouds will help the appearance of

Halos. He says:-

"The rays of the sun and the Moon turned into a circle by the

wind, and reflected in the sky with sparse clouds, become halos

possessed of different colours and shapes."^'*

Signs Of Rainbows

Varahamihira observes the rainbow appeared from the many coloured

rays of the sun. He says:-

73. <i1M-lH*i<K^^f^ THMd-T^l -IMil'^HIVII^ I

•simHcIl ' H H I M U t^raMHKoillid dlcb-W 11 ( B.S.XXXin..ll)

74. ' H \ [ ^ d l TcNt: fsROTT: T^CI^ M U ^ d l ^ : I

HHIc(U|I<f)d^W'«l'^ ^ ? P T MR<^NI: 11 ( B.S.XXXIV..1)

108
 "The multi-coloured rays of the sun, being dispersed by the wind

in a cloudy sky, are seen in the from of a bow which is called the

RainbowJ^"

Then signs of Aerial city. Then mock suns, indications of Haze,

symptoms of Hurricane.

"When a gust of wind struck by another dashes aginast the earth

from the sky, a portentous thunder is generated. It is inauspicious when

accompany the harsh cries of bfrds facing the sun"^^.

The next group treats of the growth of crops, conmiodities, prices

and trade.

"I shall now expound, on the authority of the sastras, the different

Zodiacal signs that have been declared by ancient sages as the rulers of

different substances, so that their good and bad effects may be

understood.^^"

75."^J?}^ rc<rc|it|c|U|i: t j c i ^ Pciyfdddl: ^JTT: W^ I

% ^ «I^: ^'-WMI ^ ' ^ ? ^ r f e ^ T J : 11 (B.S.XXXV..I)

76.•q^^: 4cHlI*{^dl ^HHKCHI z j ^ -H^NdJd I

«rafrf cRT l^raicT: ^ ^ W^ 4)idic|^J|*d: II (B.S.XXXIX..1)

77. '^ ^ stoM|U||Hl*l4di|1 UWf: W^^: I

^f^: '?pilVi'HI«5' dHI^IHd: MeUt^lfH 11 (B.S.XLI..1)

109
Fluctuation Of Prices

The Moon, full or in conjunction with the sun (on new Moon day)

being conjoined with and aspected by benefics, promotes immediately

the prices of articles belonging to the particular sign occupied by her/*"

Next chapter: Glory of India's Banner then lustration ceremony. Then

the wagtail.

Portentous phenomena.

Anything that is contrary to nature is called utpata or portent .with

regard to the portentous.VaiShamihira says

"The celestial portents are the unnatural behaviuor of planets, and

asterism, meteors, thunders, storms and halos, the atmospheric ones are

aerial cities, rainbows etc, and the terrestrial ones arisefromthe moving

and stationary objects. The terrestrial portents become meffective being

struck down by remedial measures, the atmospheric ones can be

78. Tliol^^#cT: -H^iyii cjT ^4^4)1^:

TrfrPJFTrTH « n ^ ^ 5 c I T o|^r«<^^r^iHH, 11 ( B.S.XLII..14)

mitigated ones by expiatory rites, while the celestial, according to some,

can not be nuUified.^^"

Varahamihira says:

"The following unnatural phenomena are not dangerous in the

rainy season: rainbow, halos, lightning, sprouting of withered trees,

tremor, upheaval,umiatural appearances, rumbling and splitting of the

earth, rising, flowing upwards and flooding of lakes, rivers and wells

respectively, and falling off of mountains and houses. '

In this connection \^hamihira holds :

These portents which are natural to the respective seasons, prove

beneJBcial, if they are seen m their own seasons on the other hand, if

they be seen at other times, they would prove dreadful in their effects. "

^ r n W J ^ iJ|rTt VIMld ^ t ^ i s r f i R ^ 11 ( B.S.XLVI..4,5)

80. J^iJhi^tmU'^ttrci^^it+rci'O^uiH^ I

=h^MlS^H«^t^* "^ ^ ^ - "

W^ 'IlistJl^Hi cpsrt^ H TZTR?'? 11 (B.S.XLVI. 88,89)

81. :ferJ-WHIc|«»il | ^ ^ ^ : ^cR# ^pTJT^: I

^r\\i'^^ xilcMldl ^J^ ^ifd'^l'buil: II ( B.S.XLVI. 96)

111
J
 In the eighth section are explained rituals for the improvement of

royal powers^The ninth one explains signs of men and women. The tenth

one deals with architecture, sculpture, town planning, water-divination

etc.

Motley Miscellany

In this chapter vaiihamihira explains paridhi. Rod etc. He recorded as:

"A line of clouds standing across the sun at his rising or setting is

termed Bolt, a second or mock sun is paridhi or halo, a straight staff

(composed of the sun's ray's, clouds and wind) resembling the rainbow

is Rod, the long rays of the sun at rising or setting are named unerring

(amogha), a straight and fragmentary rainbow is Rohita (Red) and the

same, being longer, is termed Airavata ."

The period after the sun is half-set and before the stars have

appeared is known as sandhya (evening twilight), and that after the stars

•grelFTQ'Jpf^ "4s(ir^dA<|c|d ^ H H , 11 (B.S.XLVn..l93)

L 112
have lost their luster and before the sun is half-risen is the morning

twilight. From the above-mentioned symptoms of the two twilights (or

juncture) one should predict good or bad effects. If all the features are

glossy, there will be rain the same day, if rough, there will be danger. "

Architecture

Vastu silpa or the science of house building is very ancient in

V-M

India .has dealt with this vast science in a single chapter containing 125

verses. The word Vastu means a dwelling. He treats of temple-

architecture in LVI and of sculpture in LVm. It would have been better,

had the author put these three chapters in succession.

Exploration Of Water Springs

Varahamihira explains this by using a simile, that is this

phenomena occurs just in the same was as there are arteries for the

circulation of blood in human bodies. He states - "I shall now expound

•^IloIW II

-H^f^^: fFF^: ^ cpf ^^ ^ : j | (B.S.XLVn..21,22)

113
the science of water-Divination, which leads to religious merit and fame,

as it helps men to ascertain the source of water. Just as there are veins

in the human body, even so do tiiey exist, some higher up, others lower

down, in tiie earth. Though the water falling from the sky (as rain)

possesses the same colour and taste, Yet it assumes various colures and

tastes owing to the difference in the nature of the soil (where it falls).

Hence it should be examined in relation to its environments^."

Treatment Of Trees

This is an important topic cultivated in ancient India. Gardening is

closely connected with town-planning, house-building and construction

of tanks. Ancient Indians taught the diagnosis of diseases of trees and

their treatment.

The twelfth one expoimds the manufacture of cements, perftmies

etc.The next one is connected with the description of various animals.

i ^ m\^i\^ Tm\^^^ %?TT5rf^ ylsidrnH-H^i: ii

^%H" ^nik T ^ r||iiH!i»T:i|d ^TTO^ ^ I ^ I^J^lmd^ I
HHK^rci ^IcPJfet ^ Tff ^rt^ l^fdcJc^J^ol 11 (B.S.LIV..1,2)

114
cows, dogs etc. The next section relates to domestic felicity, erotic

remedies etc. Thefifteenthsection describes gems and their values. The

next topic dealt with is the cleaning of teeth. The seventeenth section

delineates in detail various kinds of omens through birds and beasts. The

last section is devoted to the functions of asterisms, lunar days etc.

Varahamihira praises of women in the seventy fourth lesson.

"Now here has the creator designed any gem other than women.

For, this gem gives delight to men, when it is heard of, seen, touched or

even remembered; for its sake are done meritorious deeds, and wealth

amassed, andfi-omthat alone do men derive worldly pleasures and off

spring. Such women are indeed the goddesses of fortune living in mortal

abodes. Hence they ought to be honoured always with respect and

wealth.^^"

85. ^ ^ " ^ ^ifTOpT ^ ^l<^'»1HH

" ^ ^r^izfi- ITPIT: ^ddH«s|dl TTp^nT^: 11 (B.S.LXXIV.4)

•BBdl
115
 In the end Varahamihira concluded his Brhatsamhita like this.

" Having churned the ocean of astrology with the Mandana

mountain of my intelligence, I have taken out the Moon of science (this

work) that affords light(enlighteimient) to the world.*^'

"I have not discarded the works of ancient seers while writing this

scientific work. Hence, o ye good men, you may be all means compare

mine with theirs.and accept which ever you like"*^.

"Thus have the above one hundred chapters been listed in regular

order and verses equivalent to 3900 ones of the sloka metre have been

composed in this work.*^"

H l + W n H c b ^ : i!ll-WVIi}ll^=h: ^^i^H^: 11 (B.S.CVI.l)

cTRcfcrMt rf THTfl^of ^TOTT: ^ g ^ : 11 (B.S.CVI.2)

317 !^dU'H6'(?ll"^N'Sll'^H^rollR II (B.S.CVn.l3)

116
 This work holds the mirror to the social conditions and the

cultural height attained by India in the authors time. Most of the arts and

crafts were practiced and encouraged by the rulers and the ruled. For

example, architecture, sculpture, iconography, manufacture of cements,

perfumes, cosmetics, medicines, umbrellas, ornaments, etc. construction

of chariots, cots, etc.were practiced witii consummate skill. Metallurgy,

weaving, painting, music, dancing, acrobatics, leather work, calligraphy,

book making, etc had reached a high standard of perfection. People used

to hold cock fights for the delight of all. Rich people used to tend in

their houses fishes, tortoises, etc. People knew veterinary science,

botany (Vrksayurveda), movements of birds and beasts, water-

divination, weather conditions and good and bad auguries. People were

generally highly cultured and enjoyed good life. This is borne out by

'Praise of Women' Erotic remedies etc.

117