Sangyan Tattwa: Jaimini Astrology Basics

Sangyan Tattwa – संज्ञान means Information, Knowledge, Proper Knowledge. तत्त्व is the basic element, building block. Somnath in his Kalphalatha comments that Chapter 1.1 of Jaimini Sutras deals with संज्ञान तत्त्व that means it exposes proper knowledge of basic building blocks of the Jaimini system of astrology. Ignoring it or wrong understanding can lead one into trouble as then without strong basics one can’t reach any conclusion.

जैमिनी सूत्रम् प्रथमअध्याये प्रथमपादः

1.1.1 – उपदेशं व्याख्यास्यामः – Upadesham have multiple meanings. According to Shri Sanjay Rath “upadesam’ is also read as ‘u’-‘Pade’-‘Sam’ where ‘u’ represents Sri Visnu, ‘Pade’ means ‘feet’ and ‘Sam’ means ‘for the general welfare.’

उपदेशं can also mean उमा पति आदेशं Means by the guidance of Husband of Uma [Shri Shiva]

Hence one can notice how sage in a simple word coded two meanings and paid his obeisance to both god of sustenance and destruction [for a new beginning] per me this interpretation is correct because South Indian origin of Jaimini Sutras [Jaimini is a system of south India. Will be clear soon] puts it to Shiva. व्याख्यास्यामः Can mean what they said me [Shiva/Vishnu] now I am explaining that.

North Indian origin of Jaimini System

Parashara made his own system as Parashari [Most used system of Vedic Jyotish] and at the same time gave this secret knowledge [of Jaimini] to his son Sage Vedavyasa who gave this to Sage Jaimini who made this system

South Indian origin of Jaimini System

Lord Shiva gave this knowledge to Maa Parvati who gave this knowledge to his son Shri Kartikeya who gave this knowledge to Sage Garga who passed it on to Sage Jaimini who explained these sutras in Jaimini Sutras

Rashi Drishti

 1.1.2 – अभिपश्यन्ति ऋक्षाणि – [अभि-front पश्यन्ति-sight ऋक्षाणि-Rashi’s] Rashi’s aspect another Rashi in front of them.  [Here South Indian chart is to be used]

1.1.3 – पाशवर्भे च – This is again double meaning. [पार्श्व means both sides [Left right] and also means side. च can mean too] It says along with aspecting frontal sign  [Main aspect] Signs also aspect planets on both side [Left-Right] from them [frontal sign] another meaning is but they do not aspect the side juxtapose to them.

Let us try to understand this frontal aspect is the main and most influencing say 100% and the Other two signs are a little weaker say 90%. Now one can notice a fixed sign aspect movable sign and a movable sign aspect fixed sign whereas dual signs aspect each other. Now from aspecting sign left and right will be 4th and 10th house from them [Frontal signs] this is the first meaning of Shloka. [that suffices] but some interpret it in another meaning [that is also correct that Signs do not aspect sign juxtapose to them. This is to say fixed sign aspect movable sign and a movable sign aspect fixed sign whereas dual signs aspect each other but a fixed sign don’t aspect a movable sign juxtapose to it and a movable sign don’t aspect a   fixed sign juxtapose to it. Dual signs have no juxtaposed [of their aspecting category – so they modify it to Dual signs don’t aspect each other. Rashi doesn’t need to aspect itself as any planet in Rashi is bound to influence Rashi itself] However both interpretations are correct. Whereas first interpretation seems more valid [Due to sage not mentioning the thing “that all fixed sign aspect movable sign and a movable sign aspect fixed sign whereas dual signs aspect each other”  and due to Dual Signs having no Dual sign juxtapose to them]

1.1.4 – तन्निष्ठाश्च तद्वत् – Aspects of planets are same as Rashi they are placed in [In my humble opinion it means everything in a Rashi aspect with nature of Rashi – we will see that Jaimini also has used Gulika and special lagna like Hora Lagna, Ghatika Lagna, Bhava Lagna, Varnada Lagna – They all aspect same as they Rashi they are placed in. Translating on planets makes this somewhere confusing for new readers]

Argala and obstruction [of Argala] 

1.1.5 – दार भाग्य शूलस्यार्गला  निध्यातुः – [दार-4, भाग्य-2 शूल-11 निध्यातुः – from aspecting planet] Planets in 4th 2nd and 11th from aspecting planet makes Argala. [Argala is used extensively in Jaimini for Raajyogas – directly and for Bhava, Phala indirectly] Some people take Argala from any planet or house that doesn’t seem to be correct due to usage of word “निध्यातुः” which means from aspecting planet. One can see Vriddha Karika also support the same view [Judging Argala from Aspecting planet – See my article on ‘Arudha Bhava” and then see Virddha Karika’s given in support of planets aspecting 11th house from Arudha Lagna] Hence Argala must only be seen from Aspecting planet that can be from planets to Upagraha [Gulika] or other points [depending on context]

although sage doesn’t give an order but in my humble opinion by mentioning of word दार which means 4 first before भाग्य which means two sage wants to say that Argala from the 4th house is more effective. [Counting zodiacal 2nd house comes before 4th but sage said 4th first – One can see its application in same “Arudha Bhava” article of mine where I have presented two horoscopes of rich people Argala in 4th house from aspecting planet’s of 11th from Arudha Lagna made them rich] Hence order of strong Argala under 1st Argala will be 4-2-11 houses.

1.1.6 – कामस्था भूयसा पापानाम – [काम-3] 3rd from aspecting planet [3rd house from the point where we are judging argala] Gives argala if there are more than one malefic placed therein [more than one malefic in 3rd house gives Argala which can’t be obstructed (see next Shloka)]

1.1.7 – रिफ नीच कामस्था विरोधिनः – [रिफ-10, नीच-12, काम-3] Planets in 10th 12th and 3rd from aspecting planet [from where we are looking at argala] opposes the Argala [gives obstruction]

They are in serialised order planets in 10th will oppose Argala giving planet of 4th, the planet in 12th will oppose 2nd house planet giving Argala and planet in 3rd will oppose planet giving Argala from 11th house. Here one much take care that if more than two malefics are in the 3rd house it won’t obstruct argala of 11th house planet but will give a special argala [explained above] which can’t be obstructed as 11th itself is Argala giving planet.

1.1.8 – नन्यूनाविबलाश्च – It means planets low in a number can’t make obstruction. [Suppose two planets are in the 2nd house and 1 in the 12th house then it isn’t an obstruction. Whereas if 1 planet is in 2nd house and 3 in 12th house it is an obstruction] Because Jaimini when exposing about strength declares more number of planetary placement is first strength. This shloka means if there is Argala and its obstruction see their strength and stronger will dominate. If Argala is stronger there is Argala despite opposition. If an obstruction is strong then there is obstruction.

1.1.9 – प्राग्वत् त्रिकोणे – The signs in 5th and 9th also makes Argala and its obstruction. It means planets in the 5th house [from Aspecting planet] give Argala whereas planet in the 9th house opposes it. [Use the same procedure of strength to see dominance.

1.1.10 – विपरीतं केतौः – Ketu is opposite [for Ketu is opposite] Means for Ketu 9th is an Argala giving place and 5th is its opposition.

Layers of Argala – It became confusing in some places. let me clear it first. First Argala is caused by planets in the 4th 2nd and 11th house [remember the order] that is obstructed by planets in the 10th 12th and 3rd [remember the order] between them because the 3rd is an obstructing house. Sage first mentions that if there are more than one malefic in 3rd it is not an obstruction to the 11th house Argala. But it makes a special argala which can’t be obstructed [as 11th itself is Argala giving place] For example 11th house have Jupiter and Venus and 3rd is having Saturn and Mars then both 11th and 3rd house have Argala and none between them can be obstructed. This is why Shloka 1.1.5 is between 1.1.4 and 1.1.6 and not after 1.1.6. Then sage instructs us to see the Strength of Argala and its obstruction to see the dominating influence. With this shloka [1.1.7] it looks like the Argala part is closed [But it continues. Why?] Because sage instructs till this point it was primary Argala. Now he moves to secondary Argala and gives Shloka [1.1.8] which explains 5th as Argala house and 9th as its obstruction. Shloka [1.1.10] then deals with Ketu’s opposition. because Argala [Level 1] was closed and [Level 2] were been talking about this reversal of Ketu will only apply to 2nd Level of Argala. [Written above]

Hence most powerful Argala is of 3rd house [because it can never be obstructed and it starts with minimum of two planets] then 4th house Argala, Then 2nd house Argala, Then 11th house Argala and then 5th house Argala. [This may look like my own fantasy. But I think this is the right interpretation based on my limited understanding.  Learned readers are requested to enlighten me on this if they disagree with me]

Shloka 1.1.11 to 1.1.19 is dealt with in my Article on Chara Karakas http://shubhamalock.com/jaimini/chara-karakas/ Readers are requested to follow the link.

Stir Karakas

1.1.20 – भगिन्यारतः श्यालः कनीयान जननी चेति – Know about Younger brother, Sister, Brother-in-law, Sister-in-law [All younger people] and mother from Mars.

1.1.21 – मातुलादयो बन्धावो मातृ सजातिया इत्युरतः – Know about Maternal Uncle, Aunt [All maternal relatives] from Mercury.

1.1.22 – पितामहौ पति पुत्रविति गुरुमुखादेव जानीयात – Know about Paternal grandparents, Husband [in the female chart] and Progeny from Jupiter.

1.1.23 – पत्नी पितरौ स्वसुरौ मातामहा इत्यन्तेवासिनः – Know about wife [in the male chart] Father, Father-in-law, Mother-in-law [Parent’s of spouse], Maternal grandparents from Venus.

 General Rules [Dasa]

1.2.24 – मन्दो ज्यायान ग्रहेषु – Once again a very difficult Shloka.

Shri Sanjay Rath translated this as “The prosperity/evils to elder brothers (and other elders) and examined from Saturn.” Which in my humble opinion does not seem to be correct as all other Shlokas dealing with Sthir Karakas have 5 words in them whereas this one is only three words. Also, I am unable to understand how this translation came as मन्द-Saturn is understandable [Although Jaimini is very simple. After instructing that he will use KaTaPaYaDi for Houses and Signs he made our confusion simple and used popular name for planets only (rarely used another name of planets) and in most of Jaimini Sutras Saturn is referred to as शनि. ग्रहेषु have something to do with Graha off-course.  ज्यायान  have to do something with ज्यादा that means more or increasing.

Others have translated this as Saturn is weakest of all planets or all other are strong than him [Saturn] and some gave the order of Strength as per weekday order Saturn-Venus-Jupiter-Mercury-Mars-Moon-Sun whereas some give Varahamihira’s order Saturn-Mars-Mercury-Jupiter-Venus-Moon-Sun [This interpretation looks acceptable to some extent]

But in light of the next few aphorisms, I beg to translate it differently taking KaTaPaYaDi meaning of मन्दो to be 1. Which will mean Lagna is more powerful than all planets. This is a very important aphorism [if translated in this way – Which we will see in coming articles (on Dasa)]  For example when no opening house for dasa is told take this Shloka [All Shlokas of chapter one are Adhikaar Sutras] to start Dasa from Lagna. When judging planets treat lagna as a planet too [His nature will be decided by Rashi falling therein]

Bhava Counting

1.1.25 – प्राची वृत्तिविर्षमेषु  1.1.26 – परा वृत्त्योत्तरेषु – It means Direct count for male signs and reverse count for female signs.

1.1.27 – न क्वचित् – Sometimes it is not applied [Sutra 1.1.25 & 1.1.26] This is a very difficult Shloka.

What are those exceptions when this does not applies

Chara Dasa Exception – Neelkantha says In the case of Leo and Aquarius even after them being male signs one has to count in reverse and in the case of Taurus and Scorpio even being female signs one have to count it in direct motion. [This is used in Chara Dasa and it’s mentioned here by sage seems useless as the first chapter doesn’t disclose any dasa -directly but he discloses Dasa rules and if this was meant by sage then all Dasa’s must follow this rule as all Shlokas of 1.1 are Adhikaar Sutras but except Chara dasa no other Dasa seems to follow this order given by Neelkantha]

Prakriti Chakra – Counting Direct for Male sign and Reverse for Female sign is known as Prakriti Chakra.

Vikriti Chakra – Counting Direct for Female sign and Reverse for Male Sign is known as Vikriti Chakra.

Udaya Chakra – No Matter Lagan is a Male or Female sign always counting in direct motion is Udaya Chakra.

Drekkana Chakra – Placement of the first lord of Rashi makes 1st house 2nd lord of Rashi makes 2nd house [one can see here no counting method is followed] this is Drekkana Chakra

Graha Chakra – Treat lord of Lagna or Dasa as the first house now see planet placed next to him [Advanced degrees in the same house or move to next house and so on] This constitutes 2nd Bhava like this we have planets for 9 Bhavas. Then 1st Bhava lord also becomes 10th Bhava lord 2nd Bhava Lord also becomes 11th Bhava lord and 6th Bhava Lord also becomes 12th Bhava lord [It is said Shri Vemuri never saw any chart/dasa without this] Readers are requested to read Shanmukha’s article on Graha Chakra to know more on this

Sometimes this is not used. These shlokas deal with general rules of Dasa and sage gave counting direct or reverse that need to be used [until another method of calculation is advised] But when another method of counting Bhava’s in Dasa are mentioned it is not used is the first exception. While calculating Bhava’s from Arudha Lagna, Lagna, Navamsa Lagna, Swamsa Lagna this method is not used and normal Uadaya Chakra fashion is used.

Dasa Years

1.1.28 – नाथान्ताः समाः प्रायेन – Usually count from Dasa Sign to Sign lord is done for finding Dasa years [To Find dasa years count from Sign to its lord and result give dasa years] प्रायेन means generally [not always] Prakriti Chakra has exposed some shlokas above. Hence it means generally Dasa years is as much as distance from Dasa sign to its lord counted according to Prakriti Chakra [In that dasa where Prakriti Chakra is followed. In other Dasa’s follow the chakra Dasa uses] But in some cases it is not so. Like when the lord is in a sign it gets 12 years, Or in some dasa when the lord is in 7th house it gets 10 years of dasa, In some dasa exaltation and debilitation +/- 1 year, In some dasa count [from Rashi to lord] -1 is taken.

Antardasa’s in Dasa

1.1.29 –  यावद्विवेकमावृत्तिभार्नाम – Every dasa have 12 Antardasa of equal length [In Jaimini’s Graha Dasa (there are few) antardasa are 9 of equal length] Basically it means one Dasa will be divided into that many equal parts as much as total Dasa signs. Hence for a dasa of 12 signs, one dasa will be divided into 12 equal parts to find Antardasa’s for a Dasa having 9 planets or 8 Charkarakas one Dasa have to be divided into 8 or 9 equal parts [depending on context] to find Antardasa. Always remember all Antardasa will be equal always.

Shloka number 1.1.30 to 1.1.32 are dealt in my article on Arudh Lagna to read that please visit here http://shubhamalock.com/jaimini/arudh-lagna/

KaTaPaYaDi

 1.1.33 – सर्वत्र  सवर्णा भावा राशयश्च – [सर्वत्र – Everywhere, स – with वर्ण letters (Some take वर्ण  as Varnada lagna – then the statement that I have used KaTaPaYaDi is not clear) Method of using letters to denote numbers are many and one between them is KaTaPaYaDi method. भावा  – Houses, राशि – Signs, श्च – including] Everywhere in this text pneumonic Value of alphabets [KaTaPaYaDi] is used to denote [refer to] Bhava including Rashi.

1.3.34 – न ग्रहाः – But this [KaTaPaYaDi] is not used to denote [refer to] planets

Which Division

1.3.35 – होरादयः सिद्दः – This has a three-fold meaning.

1. All texts on Hora Shastra [Astrology dealing with Human’s personal destiny is already accomplished [works fine] this new work is not to make that obsolete but to present a new [or simple/fast] view
2. Whenever things are not explained in this Shastra takes their meaning and usage as prevalent in famous Hora Shastra [Parashari] Like Nakshatra Bhed Dasa [A Secret Jaimini Dasa which can be used on all horoscope]  talks about lord of Nakshatra. Here who will be lord of Nakshatra. Udu Das is famous in Parashari hence lord of that Nakshatra in Parashari must be chosen.
3. होरा आदि [D2 etc] Divisions are to be taken that one used by सिद्दः [Accomplished people] There is controversy in calculation of D2 (Hora) D3 (Drekkana) and D30 (Trisamsa). Pandit Ramyatna Ojha in his “Phalit Prakash” says Varahamihira took bribe from Yavanas [Also astrologers but considered low in intellect by earlier astrologers] and made calculation of D2, D3 and D30 impure. Some other divisional charts are also calculated in wrong way like D24 as shown by Shri P.V.R. Narsimha Rao. Here sage may also mean that those divisions [used in earlier times and given by Shri Ramyatna Ojha] must be used. I wrote an article on this long ago in 2015 https://shubhamalock.wordpress.com/2015/09/27/vedic-method-of-calculating-divisional-charts/ one can read this. God willing in our series of divisional charts we will also touch upon Vedic Divisional charts and their usage. They are known now a days as “Arsha” or “Pravritti-Dwaya” suffixed before their name.