A Planetary Position Given in Mahabharat - AIA

A Planetary position given in Mahabharata
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Thursday, 20 August 2009 - Sreenadh OG
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[This article is about the planetary position given in Mahabharata, Bhishma Parva, 3 Chapter]
The quote is very informative and gives us much info about the astrological understanding of Mahabharata period;
and is totally mis-understood and interpreted it seems. Let me state what I could grasp from these quotes Vishvag vatascha vayvugra rajo napyupa santyati
Abhikshnam kampyate bhoomir arka rahurupaiti cha
[Fearsome storm was happening all around; the dust was not settling; the earth was shivering because of earthquake; Rahu was nearing Sun (solar eclipse)]
Swethe grahastatha chitram samatikramya tishtati
Abhavam hi veseshena kurunam tatra pasyati
[Swetha ketu was in Chitra Nakshatra; and indicate the destruction and loss to Kurus]
The word Sweta Ketu here refers to the Upagraha Dhumaketu also known by the name Dhooma sputa popular in
astrology. This is one among the 5 upagrahas viz. Dhooma, Vyatipata, Parivesha (Paridhi), Indra Dhanus, Upa
ketu. These upgrahas are mentioned in astrological classics like BPHS, Prasna marga, Phaladeepika etc and is a
very ancient concept.
Dhooma ketur maha khoraH pushyam chakramya tishtati
Senayorasivam khoram karishyanti mahagrahaH
[The very malefic Dhoomaketu is placed in Pushya Nakshatra. This indicate great destruction to army of both sides]
I believe that the above quote is referring to earlier mentioned upagraha Dhooma sputa (Dhooma ketu) itself and
not to some graha placed in Pushya star. The word Pushya could be a typo and it could be "Taksha" (meaning
Chitra Nakshatra) referring to Dhooma Sputa placed in Chitra Nakshatra itself.
Makhaswa Angarako vakraH sravane cha brihaspatiH
Bhagam nakshatramakramya suryaputrena peedyate
[Retrograde Mars is placed in Makha Nakshatra (in Leo) and Jupiter in Sravana Nakshatra (in Capricorn). The
Bhaga Nakshara (Uttara Phalguni) is afflicted by Saturn placed in it (in Virgo)]
Here Jupiter is in debilitation. It is well evident that the concept of - debilitation, retrograde, malefic planet afflicting
Nakshatras and houses - were all well popular during that time.
SukraH proshtapade purve samaruhya virochate
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05.02.2013 10:57
Uttare tu parikramya sahitaH samudeekshite

[Venus is placed in Pura Bhadrapada Nakshatra (in the same sign) along with Paridhi (another upagraha) which is
placed in Uttara Bhadrapada Nakshatra; They both aspect Saturn (placed in Virgo)]
The above quote clearly indicate that both Venus and Paridhi are placed in the same sign Meena (Pisces) and
Venus is placed in the last quarter of Purva Bhadrapada Nakshatra which Paridhi is placed in Uttara Bhadrapada
Nakshatra. It is also well evident that the concept of 7th aspect of planet was well-in-use during Mahabharata
period, and also the concept of Signs.
Sweta grahaH prajvalitaH sadhooma iva pavakaH
Indram tejaswi nakshatram jyeshtamakramya tishtati
[The fiery Sweta graha (Ketu; agneya graha) is placed in Jyeshta Nakshatra the deity of which is Indra]
It is clear that Ketu is placed in Scorpio in Jyeshta Nakshatra. The ruling deity of Jyeshta Nakshatra is Indra - this is
a concept well-known from Vedic period onwards. If Ketu is in Jyeshta Nakshatra, Rahu should be present in 180
degree opposite either in Rohini or Mrigasira. (Later it would be clear that Rahu is placed in Rohini Nakshatra)
Dhruvam prajvalito khoram apasavayam pravartate
Rohini peedyatyevamubhau cha Sasi-bhaskarau
Chitra-svatyantare chaiva vishtitaH parushagrahaH
[The (other) malefic planet that moves in anti-clockwise direction (i.e. Rahu) is placed in Rohini Nakshatra. Both of
them together (i.e. Rahu and Ketu) are afflicting both Sun and Moon (placed in Rohini Nakshatra). (As mentioned
earlier) another malefic (upa)graha - i.e. Dhooma - is afflicting Chitra Nakshatra]
It is well-evident that - Rahu, Moon and Sun are placed in Rohini Nakshatra and is in Taurus Sign. Possibly it is a
day of eclipse (Solar eclipse), and possibly Mercury is also placed in Taurus. (The position of Mercury is not
mentioned in any quote)
Vakranuvakram kritva cha sravanam pavakaprabhaH
Brahma rasim samavritya lohitango vyavasthitaH
[The one who purifies and brightens fire (i.e. Jupiter, indicator of Ritik brahmin) is placed in Sravana Nakshatra and
is in retrograde. Mars is placed in the sign of creation (Brahma Rasi = Leo sign, sign of creation)]
As well evident from the above description, not only the position of all planets (except Mercury) is given in the
above quotes, but also the position of some of the upagrahas such as Dhooma and Paridhi.
Since the calculation of the position of 5 Upagrahas (viz. Dhooma, Vyatipata, Parivesha (Paridhi), Indra Dhanus,
Upa ketu) is mentioned in BPHS we can use the same to cross verify whether the position of Dhooma, Paridhi etc
given in MBh is correct or not assuming that Sun in placed in 10 degree approx (end of 3rd Nakshatra pada).
From the previous discussion it is evident that the astrological planets are placed as follows
1) Sun : in Rohini in Taurus (Eclipsed)
2) Moon : in Rohini in Taurus
3) Mars : in Makha in Leo (Retrograde)
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05.02.2013 10:57
4) Mercury: position not given. Possibly in Taurus

5) Jupiter : in Sravana in Capricorn (Retrograde)
6) Venus: in Purva Bhadrapada in Pisces
7) Saturn: in Uttara phalguni in Virgo
8) Ketu: in Jyeshta in Scorpio
9) Rahu : in Rohini in Taurus
Apart from the above planets the position of following Upagrahas are also given 1) Dhooma : in Chitra in Libra
2) Paridhi : possibly in Uttara Bhadrapada in Pisces; or the quote just means "on Right side of Venus in Pisces
sign".
The position of other Upagrahas such as Vyatipata, Indra dhanus and Upaketu are not given. Now as the next step
we need to verify whether the position of Upgrahas given MBh is in tune with the calculation method provided for
these Upagrahas in BPHS.
For this let us ASSUME that the Sun as stated in Rohini is around 3.20 deg in Rohini Nakshara. That is then Sun's
sputa = 1-20-0 (20 deg in Taurus, 1o deg i.e. at the end of 3rd Nakshatra pada in Rohini)
As per BPHS, if we add 4-13-0 with Sun's longitude we will get Dhooma sputa. Thus,
Dhooma sputa = (1-20-00) + (4-13-00) = 6-03-00
Thus it is evident that Dhooma sputa falls in Chitra as mentioned in MBh in Libra.
As per BPHS, if we subtract Dhooma sputa from 12 signs we will get Vyatipata sputa. Thus Vyaptipata sputa = (12-0-0) - (6-03-00) = 5-27-00
Thus it is evident that Vyatipata is in Chitra Nakshatra in Virgo. But it is not mentioned in MBh.
As per BHPS, if we subtract 6 signs from Vyatipata sputa we will get Parithi (Parivesha) sputa. Thus Paridhi sputa = (5-27-00) - (6-0-0) = 11 - 27-00
Thus it is evident that Parithi is in Pisces. But we find that even though in MBh it is said that Paridhi is in Uttara
Bhadrapada as per the above calculation it is in Revati in Pisces itself. This rises the question whether our
interpretation of the MBh statement "Uttare to parikramya sahitaH". Earlier we interpreted that it means "Venus in
Purva bhadrapada is placed along with Paridhi (in the same sign Pisces) which in turn is placed in Uttara
bhadrapada Nakshatra". But it seems that possibly the above statement had the meaning
"Venus in Purva
bhadrapada is placed along with Paridhi (in the same sign Pisces) which in turn is placed on the right side of
Venus". Possibly the word "Uttara" in this quote does not mean 'Uttara bhadrapada' but instead 'right side'. If we
assume this meaning, then the contradiction disappears and the MBh statement and the real possibility agrees on
each other.
As per BPHS, if we subtract Paridhi sputa from 12 signs, we will get Indradhanus sputa. Thus Indradhanus sputa = (12-0-0) - (11 - 27-00) = 0-03-00
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05.02.2013 10:57
Thus it is evident that Indradhanus is in Aswini Nakshatra in Aries. But it is not mentioned in MBh.
As per BPHS, if we add 17 deg in Indradhanus sputa we will get Upaketu sputa. Thus Upaketu sputa = (0-03-00) + (0-17-00) = 0-20-00
Thus it is evident that Upaketu is in Bharani Nakshatra in Aries. Later it will become clear that Upaketu is also
mentioned in MBh.
Then again to verify whether the whole calculation we did was correct or not, BPHS states that, if we add one sign
to Upketu sputa we will get Sun's sputa itself. Thus Sun's sputa (Sun's longitude) = (0-20-00) + (1-00-00) = 1-20-00
This is exactly the number from which we started the calculation, ensuring that the calculation we did is correct.
Thus it becomes evident that 1) Predictive astrology was in use during MBh period
2) All the 7 grahas along with Rahu and Ketu was well known in MBh period
3) The concept such as Retrograde of planets, aspect, exaltation-debilitation (Venus is in exaltation and Jupiter in
debilitation) was known,
4) The signs were well known and the Sign of Leo (The sign of Siva; the sign of Sun) was also called by the name
Brahma Rasi (sign of creation) during MBh period.
5) All the 5 upagrahas (which are just mathematical sensitive points used
only for astrological predicative
purpose) mentioned in Parasara's BPHS such as Dhooma, Parithi etc were well known even during MBh period;
indicating that astrology flourished well, and had became an extensively full-fledged system before MBh period
itself. There is no wonder in it - Parasara, the father knew astrology well and wrote astrological texts then naturally
his son Vyasa who wrote MBh must have mastered the same from his father Parasara. :) Therefore actually we
can EXPECT good amount of astrological references in MBh; the only problem is that astrological knowledge will
get revealed to us if and only if we are ready to approach MBh from an astrological perspective in receptive mode ready to accept the innovative astrological info it may provide to us. But if we approach MBh with the pre-defined
notion that there is no astrology present in it or that Rasis cannot be present or mentioned in MBh and Vyasa did
not knew about Rasis etc then certainly we are not going to find anything valuable. A prejudiced mind becomes
blind to possibilities.
Sunil Bhattacharjya ji states I think Rahu and Ketu were known as Swarabhanu in the Veda. The name "Rahu"
was used in the Mahabharata
I agree with him. But, Swarbhanu, Rahu and many more synonyms of Rahu could have been used and can be
expected in texts like MBh - we cannot be rigid and say that only the name "Rahu" would be used to refer to Rahu.
Further it is the supporting evidence one provides that makes a derivation valuable or dependable. Since I want to
guide this discussion in this direction further let us consider some more astrological quotes from Bhishma Parva to
verify whether the planetary position arrived at by us in our previous mails is correct or not. The point to remember
is that - there SHOULD NOT be any inconsistency and all astrological statements provided by MBh Bhishma parva
in this section should be in tune with the planetary position we have already derived.
Let us revise our
understanding about the planetary position under discussion again -
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1) Sun : in Rohini in Taurus (Eclipsed)
05.02.2013 10:57
2) Moon : in Rohini in Taurus

3) Mars : in Makha in Leo (Retrograde)
4) Mercury: position not given. Possibly in Taurus
5) Jupiter : in Sravana in Capricorn (Retrograde)
6) Venus: in Purva Bhadrapada in Pisces
7) Saturn: in Uttara phalguni in Virgo
8) Ketu: in Jyeshta in Scorpio
9) Rahu : in Rohini in Taurus
Apart from the above planets the position of following Upagrahas are also given 1) Dhooma : in Chitra in Libra
2) Paridhi : on Right side of Venus in Pisces sign, in Revati Nakshatra.
With this much in mind let us consider the some more quotes from Bhishma parva that discuss the very same
planetary position again.
Samvatsarasthayinou cha grahau prajvalitavubhau
VisakhayaH sameepasthau brihaspati sanaischarau
[The two bright planets that will stay in sign for more than an year (the planets that cause the 60 year Prabhavadi
year cycle) such as Jupiter and Saturn are placed near to (on both sides of) Visakha Nakshatra]
Please note the following points.
* The above quote considers Jupiter and Saturn as foundation for year (60 year cycle), and also indicate that both
of them stay in a sign for more than year. Possibly this points to the inherent understanding about Sign as well as
60 year Prabhavadi year names.
* It is already clarified earlier that Jupiter is placed in Sravana Nakshatra in Capricorn and Saturn in Uttara
phalguni nakshatra in Virgo. Let us not erroniously assume from the above quote that both Jupiter and Saturn are
placed in Visakha - the quote does not say so. What the quote says is that both Satun and Jupiter are placed on
near to (on both sides of) Visakha nakshatra (without any other planet in between). This is a special combination
with its own result - we may assume. But another question comes to mind - what is the importance of Visakaha at
all for such a planetary combination? The only possible answer I could see is that - Lagna was in Visakaha, or in
other words Viskaha was the rising Nakshatra and Scorpio the rising sign - i.e. we got one more parameter.
Lagna = in Visakha Nakshatra in Scorpio.
If the above assumption about Lagna is correct, then this means that the time under consideration is dusk, sun set
time. And it is darkness due to eclipse of Sun; earth-quake at the same time; and the blood like rain since the
atmosphere is covered with red dust and it is raining!
(Some one says, a mad monkey is drunk and at the same time bitten by a snake and a coconut falls on his at the
same time as well! It is just like that - many worst things happening at the same time)
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05.02.2013 10:57
Chandradityavubhau grastaveahna hi trayodasim

Aparvani graham yatau prajasamkhayamischitaH
[Both Moon and Sun are afflicted by (solar eclipse in Taurus) Rahu just 13 days after Paurnami (on which date a
lunar eclipse happened). In such condition the planets indicate the destruction of people ]
The above quote indicates that the Tithi under discussion is Amavasi, since it the day on which Solar Eclipse
happens. This solar eclipse happened just after 13 days (the day mentioned here is solar days) after Paurnami. (in
another quote it is mentioned that the current solar eclipse under discussion happened, after a lunar eclipse just
before 13 days on a Paurnami day)
Asobhita disaH sarvaH pamsuvarshaiH samantataH
Utpatamekha raudrascha ratrau varshanti sonitam
[There is darkness in all directions; rain of dust everywhere (due to earth-quake); the sudden unexpected fierce
clouds are raining blood in that darkness (the red dust raining down makes it seem like raining blood)]
Krittika peedyamsteekshnair nakshatram prithveepate
Abheekshnavata vayante dhoomaketumavastitaH
[(Being in the same sign) Dhoomaketu is afflicting Kartika Nakshatra. As caused by (or indicated by) this
Dhoomaketu, very fearful storms are happening]
The Dhoomaketu mentioned here is the Upaketu sputa we mentioned in the previous mail. Upaketu is placed not
in Kartika Nakshatra, but in Bharani Nakshatra. But then what is importance of Kartika Nakshatra? The importance
of Kartika nakshatra is that as per mundane astrology Krittika indicate the areas like Kurukshetra (Indraprasta; near
New Delhi). As per Samhita jyotish, MBh states that it is due to this, or as indicated by Ketu (Upaketu) that great
storms are happening during that time.
Vishamam janayantena akranta jananam mahat
Ripu sarveshu nakshatra nakshatreshu visampate
GridhraH sampatate seershai janayana bhayamuttamam
[Thus the condition indicate a great birth (the birth of an event). If you distribute all the stars in 3 Nakshatra groups
(as per ancient advice) then the eagle comes at the head, indicating the great danger for the republics]
Chaturdasim pancha dasim bhoota parva cha sodasim
Imam tu nagigane ahamamavasyam trayodasmim
Chandrasuryavubhai grahstavekamarsee trayodasim
[Usually there is a difference of a fortnight between a Parnami and an Amavasi. But this year just after 13 days
(after Lunar eclipse), here Amavasi and Solar eclipse is happening. I have never even heard of Amavasi happening
on the 13th day after Paurnami. Today Sun and Moon both are getting afflicted by Rahu, and Solar eclipse is
happening just 13 days after Paurnami. (In that previous Paurnami date a Lunar eclipse happened, and as a very
rare phenomenon here one Lunar and one Solar eclipse is happening in the same month and also at a difference of
just 13 days)]
Aparvani grahanaitau prajaH samkhapayishyataH
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05.02.2013 10:57
Mamsavarshe punasteevramaseet krishnachaturdasim

Sonitair vaktrasampurnaa atripta tatra rakshasaH
[If eclipses happen in such unexpected times, it indicate destruction to people. In Krishna Paksha Chaturdasi Tithi
meat and blood was raining (red dust caused by earth-quoke and storm raining down like blood and meat). At this
time the mouth of demons and evil spirits (Rakshasas) are filled with blood (and is expecting more blood). They are
not getting satisfied by the blood they get (and is demanding more blood and death - caused by war)]
Every uncertainty is fearful and usually a warning a precaution could be beneficial. That is the very reason for
predicting destruction and asking to be ready for the worst for anything unexpected.
Then the text goes on to describe the various bad omens visible at that time, and the omens of fire (Deepa
lakshanas; omens of homa fire and lamps) that indicate bad results. (Such omens and omens of lamps are very
popular even today in indian astrology)
Thus it is very evident that MBh is not speaking about some alien beliefs and systems but about systems and
information that are well known to the Indian astrological community even today.
I am not saying that I have found some permanent solution to these astrological planetary position present at the
time of MBh; the only major point I want to express is that we should be ready to accept innovative researches in
this field in an open minded way, and should try to derive a coherent solution about which there is consensus
among most of the major active members.
Appendix (added on 20th April 2011):

Today I happened to read a statement made by Chandrahari that the period of Mahabharata text creation could be
around 4th century BC. When I read this statement, I tried to see whether this planetary position is true to any date
in 4th century BC or near to it.
To my surprise I found that the given planetary position of Mahabharata is true for 26th April -435!!! Or in other
words the date around which these slokas got interpolated into Mahabharata could be 5th century BC!!
This opens up a whole lot of study possibilities since now it can be verified that whether all the other planetary
positions and indications given in MBh is true or not! (For example, one needs no other tools except some software
like JHora and understanding about the planetary positions discussed in MBh to do this)
Please note that the above planetary position mentioned in the article mentioned above is not even this much
approximately true for any other date between BC 5000 to AD 2000. The only date with maximum proximity to the
given planetary position is the BC 5th century date itself and our understanding about the development of literary
history in India can also provide evidence in support of this possibility.
Based on this realization, the meaning for some quotes mentioned in the above article will have to be corrected;
and it would be emphatically prove that 1) Predictive astrology was in use during MBh period
2) All the 7 grahas along with Rahu and Ketu was well known in MBh period
3) The concept such as Retrograde of planets, aspect, exaltation-debilitation (Venus is in exaltation and Jupiter in
debilitation) was known,
4) The signs were well known and the Sign of Leo (The sign of Siva; the sign of Sun) was also called by the name
Brahma Rasi (sign of creation) during MBh period.
5) All the 5 upagrahas (which are just mathematical sensitive points used only for astrological predicative
purpose) mentioned in Parasara's BPHS such as Dhooma, Parithi etc were well known even during MBh period;
indicating that astrology flourished well, and had became an extensively full-fledged system before MBh period
itself.)
. 7 8
Thus it is a good find!
05.02.2013 10:57
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2 comments
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Hitesh
Community
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a year ago
yes
It is really a good find.
1
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Poojaree Byra
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4 months ago
Read, "The Krishna Key" by Ashwin Sanghi......a well researched book, a fiction
though....throws light on the findings of planetary position during the MBh period
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Last Updated - Saturday, 06 October 2012
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A Planetary Position Given in Mahabharat - AIA

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A Planetary position given in Mahabharata