By G.

Vijayakumareswara Sarma, India

Special Thanks: YS Sarma Pasumarti, SA Co-ordinator Copy Editor: Karan Khanna [The author presents a different view at various places that might not be in conformity with the present accepted knowledge in the English reading astrology lovers of India & abroad. Instead of debating on each word of his, we must try to gather the essence of his write up. SA]

ollakota Vijay, 80 years old, he was born on

09.06.1930 at Yellamanchili, Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh. Born in a Vedic family, Sri Vijay has been attracted towards this subject at an early age of 22. The power that pulled him towards this subject is matchmaking and the influence of Mangalik in match making and predictions on his longevity. Cause the very basic verses in astrology reads Karmarjitham poorvabhave sadadi. which means that horoscope reads the goods and bad acquired by the native from his previous birth. Then what is the fun in match making. Starting this, he went on quarrying in the subject and thereby went through various available writings. In that quest he found some works published in the name of great authors that had contradicting versions. So, working out those contradictions, he has brought out a few works titled Quintessence of Parasara (English), Prasara Jyothisham (Telugu), Prasaras Vedic Astrology (English), Yadartha Parasara Hora Sastram (Telugu). Thus, he has brought out how Parasara differs from others and what is true Parasara System.

o start with let us see first who are the rishis those propagated astrology.

Brahma, Aachaarya, Vasista, Atri, Manuvu, Poulastya, Lomasa, Mareechi, Angeerasa, Vyaasa, Naarada, Sounaka, Bhrigu, Chyavana, Yavana, Garga, Kasyapa, Parasara. These eighteen sagacious rishis propagated the profound science, Astrology.

The knowledgeable astrologers have said many sastras in different ways is known since the beginning of the eons, but Parasara Munis recollection is authenticating. This type of slokas we find in almost all the books and some palm leaves in Parasaras name. In order to find the importance given to Parasara, one among the above said eighteen rishis who propagated this science, I started collecting and studying various available books written on Parasaras system and other systems also. After perusing all the available books and palm leaves written by those, who have no knowledge in the basics of astronomy/astrology, and lived after Varahamihira (123-40 B.C.) and Kalyan Varma (First Century A.D.). Varahamihira said in his Pancha Siddhanthika that Poulastya Siddhantam and Lomasa Siddhantam were written by Laata Deva. So it can be presumed that the other 16 were not written till the time of Varahamihira. Kalyana Varma in his Saravali says thus:-

Leaving the topics in the sciences, elaborately propagated by the ancient rishis, Varahamihira delivered the theory of Hora in a simple manner. Where by it is not possible to discuss the division of topics like rasi, dasavargas, raja yogas, longevity, dasas etc.., Therefore I will extract the essential topics by avoiding the worthless topics. According to this1 Varahamihira wrote Laghu Jatakam, not Brihat Jatakam . The other books also Laghu Samhita, Laghu Yatrapatalam; and his first book was Pancha
1 Query: According to What

Reply by Author: i) According to the above said slokas by Kalyana Varma. Not only that, by the commentary of Bhattotpala to Laghujatakam. There he says Sloka: Bhattotpalo laghutaram jaataka tteekam karothi Tadaya maavamtikaacaarya varaahamihiro Jyotih sastram samgraham krutva. Here Bhattotpala says that Varahamihira wrote Jyothissastram in simple. ii) According to Pandit Vedam Lakshminarayana Sastry in his article Varahamihiras History in Telugu language. And a translation of Brihat Jatakam by Dr Boddakoorapati Venkatarangachari.

Siddhantika. Brihat Jatakam is written by a commentator. 1. Bhattotpalam, 2. Mudrakshari, 3. Subodhini, 4.Sreepateeyam 5.Dasaadhyaayee are the five commentaries. Of these Bhattotpalam is said to be famous. All brihat grandhas are written by commentators only. All the works of the propagators wrote in simple (laghu) only. Latter writers have clubbed all the systems and made a big fuss of the subject and finally massacred the DIVINE subject. Please have a careful study at the following. The basics given in almost all the books in astrology. Kendras 1,4,7,10 Benefic results Panaparas - 2,5,8,11 Neutral results Apoklimas 3,6,9,12 Malefic results Trikas - 6,8,12 Malefic. Upachayas - 3,6,10,11 Benefic Konas - 5,9 For Sun, Moon, Kuja, Budha, Guru, Sukra and Sani the moola trikona rasis are simha, vrishabha, mesha, kanya, dhanus, tula and kumbha respectively. Mesha, Vrishabha, Makara, Kanya, Karkataka, Meena and Tula are the exalted rasis for Sun, Moon, Kuja, Budha, Guru, Sukra and Sani respectively. The opposite houses to these are debilitation houses to the planets respectively. In predictive astrology Rahu and Ketu have no place till the time of Bhattotpala (Fourth Century A.D.). So also the Udu Dasa (120 years) is not observed till Bhattotpalas time. The other systems were in practice. Amsaayudayam, Astaka Varga, Naabhasa Yogaas, Panchada Mytri in between planets was in practice mostly. Rahu and Ketu were not allotted any house. While specifying the characteristics of planets and rasis Rahu and Ketu were ignored. This was said in Ududaaya Pradeepam (seems to be an interpolation)

2 How is it being shown that Varahamihira did not write Brihat Jatakam, is the shloka cited above indicating that ?

Reply by Author: Of the above three slokas the very first sloka says, Here again, above I have given the commentary of Bhattotpala to Laghujatakam. I proved this with some more details in my article Analysis of Laghujatakam, Brihatjatakam. Please refer Yatrapatalam Adhyayanukramanika of Varahamihira. Sloka: skamdhav sthribhi jyotisha samgrahonyam Mayaa kruto daivagnam hitaaya Meaning: This three parts of Astrology, in simple did by me for the liking of the Astrologers.


Sun, Kuja, Sani, Rahu and Ketu are malefic. New Moon, Budha associated with malefic planets, mandi, are malefic. Full Moon, Pure Budha, Guru and Sukra are benefics. Almost all the systems except Parasara say this. Aprakasa grahas, bhava, hora, ghati lagans, shodasa (16) amasas, aroodha padham, (this is of Jaimini) karakas, kalachakra dasa, sudarsanachakra, charadi dasa, pancha mahapurusha yogas, pancha bhoota, trigunaphala, etc..All these topics are propagated by the 18 rishis or each has said of his own? But who said what? Can any Siddhanti/Astrologer (world famous) can say?! Not only these there are some more to be questioned. No one can separate. All are clubbed. It is said that Parasara system is authentic. Let us see. The basics of Parasara Muni.

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These three slokas are from three books3 in the name of Parasara Muni. Almost the meaning is same. Rasis and their characteristics are same and here also acceptable. But as far as Sougnas (symbols), Bhavaas (houses), cusps etc.. are concerned they differ from others and are explained exclusively.

3 Jataka Chandrika, Laghu Parasari, Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram

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Following the Parasara Hora Sastram we are presenting this work named Ududaya Pradeepam for the delight of astrologers. The predictions are explained basing on the nakshatra dasa (stellar), that too 120 years dasa should be followed, not any other system. (It is clear that Hora Sastram is of Parasara Muni,. based on nakshatras. Udu means nakshatram. So the book they wrote is Udu Dasa Pradeepam. The dasa followed by Parasara is Nakshatra Manam. 27 nakshatras 27.321582 days make one month. Such 12 months make one year. Such 120 years is the span of life.) In the Vedanga Jyothisa which is the ancient system, one yuga is equal to five years or 1830 Savana days or 1860 Tithis or 62 Lunar months or 60 Solar months or 67 Nakshatra months. For this subject the measurement of time is very important. In measuring the time, I find some differences which are to be studied first before going deeply into this subject.

Brahmam, Divyam, Pitryam, Prajapatyam, Gauravam, Sauram, Savanam, Chandram, Aarksham are the nine methods of measuring time, Four of these namely Sauram, Chandram, Araksham and Savanam are in practice. Others (Brahmam, Divyam, Pitryam and Prajapatyam) are not essential. Brahaspatyam is used in predicting natural calamities. The following is another method, which is very near to the above said method:

The sages state that Chandram, Nakshatram, Sauram, Brahaspatya and Savana are the five systems of calculating time.

As the name implies, the measurement of time calculated on the basis of moon is known as Chandramanam, which lasts till the end of Amavasya (New moon). The Moons transit in the Nakshatras (all the 27) is called Nakshatra manam; Sauramanam is known as Suryas transit in a sign; from Gurus transit in a sign, Barhaspatyamanam is known; and Savanamanam comprises of thirty days per month. From the end of one new moon to the end of another new moon is one month. Such twelve months make one year. This system is known as Chandramanam. In this, the number of days in one year will vary from 354 to 384. The Nakshatramanam is based on the Moons transit through all the twenty seven Nakshatras in a month. Such twelve months make a year. In this system, a year will have 328 days approximately. A month has 27.321 days (27 days 7 hours 29 minutes 11.5 seconds). Suns transit through the twelve rasis is one year. In this system the number of days in a year are 365 or 366 (once in 4 years) which is equal to the calendar followed by the whole world. This is called Sauramanam. Just as the Suns stay in a rasi is a month, Gurus stay in a rasi is one year. In this system, the number of days in a year vary from 354 to 380 days, as in Chandramanam. Both in the Chandramanam and the Sauramanam, the names of the year are the same and sixty in number. The fifth and the last is called Savanamanam in which the day is from sun rise to the next sun rise. Such thirty days make one month and such twelve months make a year. Thus the year will have 360 days. A casual glance at the above five methods indicate that all of them agree to disagree with each other. Then why were they evolved? There must be some reason: What it might be? Let us study the following sloka:


Natural calamities (such as earth quake, cyclones, typhoons, tornados, vagaries of monsoon, fall of governments, wars etc..) should be known from Barhaspatyamanam. Sauramanam method is to be adopted for auspicious celebrations in fixing Muhurtams for marriages, etc. is given prominence. For yajna oblations or spiritual performances etc, Savanamanam is to be considered. Chandramanam method is commended for the purpose of obsequies and rituals connected with death anniversary, celebrations known as aparakarmas or inauspicious occasions. Nakshatramanam is used to find ones birth, the future course of life, the span of life, the ups and downs in life, the achievements in life, etc..etc.. Nowadays, all these methods are not in vogue. Though we have 365 days in a year, for the astrological computation 360 days are being considered by the astrologers. I do not feel that any one is following Nakshatramanam to determine ones time of birth and Savanamanam for religious purposes. Only Chandramanam and Sauramanam (in most places), and the method of Barhaspatyamanam (in rare cases) are in practice that too as a regional tradition. In this connection, for finding the ancient tradition the necessary particulars are not available. Even then let us try to find out with the available matter as to which method is to be followed for astrological purposes, for predicting events in ones life.

(This is from Brihat Parasara Hora and Kalamritam)

Here, Sayana (Tropical) Sun and Planets, Geo-centric planets, true and clear, Lagnam and Bhavas with cusps should be calculated for the birth time. It is clearly said about Sayana (Tropical) should be followed while calculating the lagna and planets. While preparing the panchangas (Almanacs) the Siddhantees follow Sayan system only; afterwards they deduct the ayanamsa from that and prepare the Nirayana. Cant they calculate the panchangas directly with Nirayana Sun and not taking Sayana into count. Without Sayana they cant do anything.

So Sayana panchangam, Geo-centric planets and true planets with Rahu and Ketu and 120 year dasa with Nakshatramanam to be followed. Now we see Ududaya Pradeepam.

Persons born on earth, the position of stars and planets at that time, show their behavior, course of conduct, existence etc.., proportionate to their gunas (Satva guna, Rajo guna, Tamo guna), like an index of a book.

With the help of this astrology, the astrologer can ascertain the results (either good or bad). After knowing the good and bad, to shun the evil and to achieve good results it shows the remedy. Here it is explained the purpose of knowing astrology and its benefits and losses. For losses it suggests some remedies to guard in advance. Next how the Zodiac is formed is explained:

Beginning with Aswini 27 stars each four quarters form the Zodiac in space. (27x4=108). The said 108 quarters stellar wheel seems to move west wards around the sun (Meru) uninterrupted.


There, appearing like 12 rasis (houses) each with nine quarters, beginning with Mesham, and grahas as the lords of these rasis making known the past, present and future events in ones life. In other systems we dont find these details. They all are very complicated. The Zodiac is clearly explained here. Now to say Meru means the Sun. Sri Ganapati Muni in his work Indrani Sapta Sathi sathakam-3, stabakam-2, slokam 12 said like this:-

Meaning: Kailas (silver mount) is pitru bhoomi (ancestors land) or burial ground and that is the Moon. Meru (Gold mount) is Divine land (Devata bhoomi) and that is the Sun. Raajitha saila= silver mount, Kanchana Saila=Gold mount. Therefore Meruvu means Sun. The planets are going round the Sun from east to west. So the Zodiac appears to move from west to east. Practically either the sun or the Zodiac are not moving. Zodiac is mere imaginary.

The rasis are Mesham, Vrishabham, Mithunam, Karkatakam, Simham, Kanya, Tula, Vrischikam, Dhanus, Makaram, Kumbham, and Meenam. Grahas are many crores but among them the Sun, Moon, Kuja, Budha, Guru, Sukra and Sani are the main seven planets. Kuja, Sukra, Budha, Moon, Sun, Budha, Sukra, Kuja, Guru, Sani, Sani and Guru are the lords of the rasis respectively from Mesham.

The Sun and Moon are known to be Mandala grahas, Kuja, Budha, Guru, Sukra and Sani five are, regarded as stellar (Tara) planets and shadow planets the two are Rahu and Ketu.

By nature Guru and Sukra are benefic planets. The Moon is mediocre. Budha is known to be indifferent, malefic planets are the Sun, Kuja, and Sani. Here the moon is malefic on new moon day and benefic on full moon day. In between proportionately to be decided. Regarding Budha he is neither benefic nor malefic. Note the difference between Parasara and other rishis. Similarly in other topics if we see carefully we can find the differences.

Now, by the lordship of the planets the predictions will be said, listen. Kendras are renowned as four told by rishis and philosophers. But the intervening two bhavas, that is four and ten are told exclusively benefic houses.

The learned astrologers say Thri-Konas too are well known to be three. There the fifth and ninth bhavas exclusively give good fortune.

Bhavas four and ten are called Lakshmi sthanas. Bhavas Nine and five called Vishnu sthanas. The same is said in Madhya Parasari in a different way.

Thrikonas (1-5-9) are called Lakshmi Sthanas and Kendras (1-4-7-10) are called Vishnu Sthanas. Note the difference: In Madhya Parasari all the kendras, mean one, four, seven and ten are Vishnu Sthanas. In Parasari system one is Kona (benefic) and seven is its opposite

(Malefic). So here four and ten only to be taken. So also in one, five, and nine only five and nine are to be accepted because one is Lagnam (ascendant). The same will be said elsewhere in the coming pages.

In old days the astrologers predicted by the position of a planet in a rasi. I am saying the results by the relation between the lords of bhavas. (Note the specialty of Parasara that he declares the results by the lords of bhavas and their relation, but not merely by the stay of planets in a rasi).

All the planets being the lords of trines (1-5-9 bhavas) give benefic results, being the lords of 3 or 7 or 11 bhavas they give malefic results. A careful study is needed here. The trines (Konas), these three are odd signs. Let us say they are rising signs. The other three (3-7-11) are setting signs and opposite to trines and odd signs.

The lords of twelve, two, eight and six bhavas give malefic results if they become the lords of bhavas three or seven or eleven too. If they become lords of bhavas one or five or nine they give benefic results. It is already said that four and ten bhavas are exclusively benefic. Now, it is said here, that the lords of bhavas 12-2-8 and 6 will give malefic results, if they get the second lordship of bhavas three or seven or eleven too. If they get the second lordship of konas (one or five or nine) too, then they give benefic results. It means that the even signs are dependent on odd signs in giving the results. This is a critical point to be studied.

All planets have aspect on three and ten; five and nine; four and eight; and the seven bhavas respectively with , , and full.

All planets have full aspect the seventh bhava, exclusively sani three and ten; guru five and nine, kuja four and eighth bhavas.

Some special/peculiar, I tell you here. Lagnam (ascendant) is the rising sign. The fourth and tenth bhavas both are benefic houses, the fifth and ninth bhavas both are wealth houses.

The eighth and the third bhavas both are the houses of longevity. The twelfth bhavas of these two are called maraca sthanas (killing bhavas) (death inflicting signs). Note: In other systems the eighth bhava is maraca sthanam (killing bhavam) (death inflicting sign) But here in Parasara system it is better than an athi subha.

There the latter is stronger than the former. Except sun and moon all the other planets by becoming the lords of the two maraca bhavas, can kill the native.

Six, Eight and 12 bhavas are called trika bhavas, malefic bhavas. Which bhavas result is wanted to be known, fix that bhavam as lagnam.

From that ascendant fix 12 bhavas:1.Physique 2.Family 3.Brother/Sister 4.Mother 5.Progeny 6. Enemies 7.Spouse 8.Duration of life, 9.Divine 10.Living 11.Gains and 12. Expenditure respectively.

Starting from krithika nine stars, nine planets are dasa lords respectively.

Sun-6, Moon-10, Kuja-7, Rahu-18, Guru-16, Sani-19, Budha-17, Ketu-7, Sukra-20 is the life span.

The human life span is 120 years in this world, it is well known that it is full span basing on birth star at the time of birth.

From the position of the moon at the time of birth that is the longitude of moon and the star in which is posited to be noted. In that star how much is elapsed and what is the balance in that star ? with the number of years allotted to that star and the balance in moons position, by proportion find the number of years balance in that dasa. Starting from that balance adding the rest of dasas find the benefic and malefic results in life.

The results can be studied till the last dasa that takes away the life. (That is the Prabalamaraka dasa)

This is all what is propagated, regarding the basics, signs by Parasara. What is not said here can be taken from others but it should not contradict that what is said here. Parasara said Sayana, True position of planets, Bhavas and the Cusps, Udu Dasa of 120 years, Udu Dasa manam of 27 days a month, given importance to Rahu and Ketu.