Shanmukhais 35 years, a graduate in
Electronics and Communication Engineering, works in a scientific
organization of Indian Govt. He started his
study of Astrology when he was 22 years
old and though not traditionally trained; he is very fond of the wonderful system of Jaimini. He is now working on ancient
commentaries on Jaimini and writes some of his musings on Jaimini system at his
personal blog
http://sutramritam.blogspot.com.
ॐ नमः शिवाय
Tara Lagna – It’s Role in Determining Wealth
By Shanmukha, India
[Dedication: This article is reverentially dedicated to Dr. Ravindra Bhagawat for his selfless efforts to rescue manuscripts on Jaimini System and sharing them to readers of SA.]
1.0 Introduction
Jaimini system of Astrology is replete with a variety of combinations for determining Raja Yogas and wealth of native. These combinations are very unique and not easily understood by the students. Many a time, even the scholars with high intelligence quotient fail to understand the correct interpretation of these highly codified aphorisms of Jaimini. The reason for such failure is attributable to the very nature of their expertise in Parasara system of Astrology.
Understanding the basic canons of Vedic Astrology including Parasara system is essential for
deciphering the Jaimini Sutras. However, serious student of this Jaimini system needs to unlearn their
previous understanding of Jaimini to correctly decipher these sutras. Importing Parasara concept of
calculating longitudinal special lagnas to Jaimini system does forbid correct view of Jaimini but also
misleads the student to erroneous results. For example, there had been a couple of attempts to
calculate longitudinal Arudha (Savayava Arudha) by revered scholars like Dr. B.V. Raman which was never accepted by the scholars like Sri Iranganti Rangacharya. Similarly, there was an attempt by
another revered scholar to extend Sudarshana Chakra philosophy to Chara Dasha. The accuracy of
such attempts will be decided only by test of time. These scholars with high intelligent quotient seem
not to accept nor try to understand tradition of Jaimini system. Readers would do well to read “Jataka
Narayaneeyamu” by Vadrevu Suryanarayana Murthy to understand the importance of Traditions
(Sampradayas) in Astrology to decipher correct purport of information in Astrological treatises. It is
accepted fact the tradition of Jaimini is lost in time, but some fragment of the same is available for
sincere students in the form of manuscripts. The following is an attempt for renaissance of Jaimini
tradition.
This paper attempts in proving the fallacy of attempts of extending principles from other system of divination of Vedic Astrology to Jaimini System.
2.0 Tara Lagna (TL)
Jaimini systems mentions many special lagnas for delineating results of a horoscope. Scholars like our Guru “Maha Mahopadhyaya” Sri Iranganti Rangacharya have demonstrated many of them without contradicting the ancient literature with practical examples in his published articles. He instructed this scribe that 18 lagnas were used by the scholars of yore of this system. This very fact of employing many reference points in proclaiming results is the strength of this system and sometimes baffles the students in disguise. One such important lagna in Jaimini system is Tara Lagna, which was explained vide sutras 2-4-27 to 2-4-30. One tradition which is famous on internet calls this lagna erroneously as Shri Lagna and accordingly Jagannatha Hora software shows it as SL in the charts. However, there is subtle difference among scholars of yore to modern JHora method in calculating this Tara Lagna. Ancient commentaries mentions this as Nakshatra Lagna also.
2.1 Calculation of Tara Lagna:
Jaimini Sutra Chapter – II Pada – IV mentions this Tara Lagna and its importance in determining prosperity.
२-४-२ ७
tārārkaṁśemaṁdādyodaśeśaḥ 2-4-27
२-४-२ ८
tasminnuccenīchevāśrīmaṁtaḥ 2-4-28
२-४-२ ९
svamitrabhekiṁchit 2-4-29
२-४-३०
durgatāparathā 2-4-30
Translation:
= the birth star
= Sun
= part
= number 1 in katapayadi numeric
= starting
= the dasha lord
The duration of Birth Star divided into 12 parts and the part of Nakshatra occupied by the Moon to be noted. The sign obtained by counting the same number of signs from Janma Lagna (Ascendant) gives Tara Lagna (TL).
2.2 Modern View of Commentaries:
The method as followed by modern commentators like Sri Sanjay Rath and scholars like Sri P.V.R. Narasimha Rao1 is explained below.
Calculation of Sri Lagna2 (SL):
Step 1: Compute the fraction of Moon’s advancement in his constellation
Step 2: Add the same fraction of the entire zodiac to longitude if Lagna. This gives the longitude of Tara Lagna.
If the lord of Sri Lagna is exalted or debilitated, the native is Srimanta (Wealthy Person)
If the lord of Sri Lagna is in own sign or a friendly sign, the native’s fortune is proportionately reduced.
If the lord of SL is in an inimical sign, the native is poor.
For example, a Native with Moon at 13 Li 06 (Swathi Star) and Lagna at 25 Vi 05. Step 1: Constellation Swathi spans from 60 40’ to 200 0’ in sign Libra Moon advancement in constellation = 1306’ - 60 40’ = 60 26’ Fraction of Moon advancement = 60 26’ / 130 20’ = 0.4825 Step 2: Same fraction of zodiac = 0.4825 X 3600= 1730 42’ Add this to Lagna = 1750 5’ + 1730 42’
= 3480 47’ = 180 Pi 47’
The modern commentators calculate this special Lagna by extending Parasara principle of adding the fraction of traversal of Moon in the birth constellation to the longitude of birth ascendant. The placement of lord of this Lagna in exaltation or debilitation makes the native rich. The wealth of the native decreases proportionately according to the dignity of the planet. Exception: Some commentators like Sri P S Sastri mentions that if the birth ascendant is even, counting shall be anti-zodiacal order.
1 “Sudasa shows Lakshmi’s Blessings – Express Star Teller October 2001 issue – Page 36
2Jaimini Maharshi Upadesa Sutras by Sri Sanjay Rath – M/s Sagittarius Publications, New Delhi. – Page 216
2.3 The View of Ancient Commentaries of South India:
Now, let us shift our reference to unpublished commentaries available mostly in manuscript form either in custody of individual or manuscript libraries, which will open the doors to new avenues of Jaimini system of astrology. One available Vriddha Karika3 verse deals with calculation and results of this special lagna. The same is given below for the benefit of readers.
janmatāraṁdvādaśadhāvibhakteyatracandramā
lagnāttāvatathorāśaunyasedādaudaśādhipaṁ।
sayadyuccethavānīcetadāsyādrājasevakau
svamitrarkṣesukhīśatṛrāśauniḥsvaḥ same samaḥ।
Liberal Translation: The constellation occupied by Moon shall be divided into 12 parts and the number of the part occupied by Moon shall be noted. The sign arrived by counting that number of signs from Birth Ascendant is denoted as Tara Lagna (TL). The lord of constellation occupied by Moon as per the Vimsottari dasha scheme shall deemed to be placed in TL. If this lord is exalted or debilitated in TL makes the native an employee of the King. If the lord is placed in own sign, inimical sign and neutral sign makes the native happy, poor and common man respectively. The longitude of lagna need not be consider in calculation of this lagna, though it seems mathematically incorrect. The same is the case with most of the special lagnas of Jaimini System. The same view is endorsed by commentaries Jataka Sara Sangraha of Raghava Bhatta and Jyotisha Phala Ratnamala of Krishna Mishra. The relevant Sanskrit literature is given in appendix for the benefit of inquisitive readers. The translation is not provided for the sake of brevity. Exception: If the birth star lord is Ketu, count shall be anti-zodiacal order. Extension of application:
1. If the dasha lord is conjunct with an exalted planet results in good wealth.
2. If the dasha lord conjunct with Moon results in good wealth.
Readers may observe the sub-heading of this paragraph says “View of Ancient Commentaries of South India”, yet only Vriddha Karika version was explained. It is felt by this scribe it is reasonable as all the commentaries from South India endorse the view of Vriddha Karika.
2.4 The View of Magnum Opus Jyotisha Phalaratnamala Chapter 10 -3
-
3 Ref: Jaimini Padyamritam by Sri Durga Prasada Dwivedi
१०-३
Vibhajya nakṣatramatho vilagnādārabhya nītvā raviṇaiva dhīmān prāptekhamḍe tu daśādhināthamādyaṁ samāropya vadetphalāni 10-3
Translation:
= To divide
= Birth Star
= in to 12 parts (Ravi = 12 Aditya)
= after that
= Intelligent person
= thus obtained part
= to count from Janma Lagna
= after that
= first dasha Lord as per udu dasha
= deemed to be placed in
= results
= to be proclaimed
The views of commentaries from South India
2.5 An Example:
A Native with Moon at 13 Li 06 (Swathi Star) and natal Lagna at 25 Vi 05. The duration of each part = 130 20’ / 12 = 1.11111111 Constellation Swathi spans from 60 40’ to 200 0’ in sign Libra Moon advancement in constellation = 1306’ - 60 40’
= 60 26’ Part of advancement in the whole star = 60 26’ / 1.11111 = 5.79 part = 6th part Hence, count 6 signs from Janma Lagna Virgo to arrive at Aquarius as TL. It shall be observed that Tara Lagna is Aquarius as per ancient method, where as it was Pisces 180 47’ according to modern method which uses the longitudinal based calculations.
2.6 Comparison of these two views
This scribe tried his best to consult available literature on Jaimini System both in print and manuscript form. The result is a broad classification of the views in to two views one Vriddha Karika and the other modern. The following table summarizes the subtle differences between these two approaches.
S No Parameter VriddhaKarika View Modern View Remarks
1 Calculation of TL The count is the number of signs from Birth Ascendant irrespective of its longitude and traversal of Moon in the star
The TL is arrived by taking the longitude of Asc and also traversal of Moon in the star
Mathematically the modern view seems to be correct. However, the view of ancient scholar proves to be practically working
2 Tara Lagna of the example data given
Aquarius Pisces 180 47’ TL differs by one sign
2 Results of TL The Lord of Birth Star is deemed to be placed in TL and his dignity in TL shows the results
The dignity of Lord of TL shows the results
Difference is obvious
3 Authors endorse4 VriddhaKarika, RaghavaBhatta Krishna Mishra Vanchanatha Parameshwara LaxmanaSuri Subbarama
Jyosyaru Jataka Jivanam Iranganti
Rangacharya Kamalakantha
Shukla
And many more
Kasirama Pathak Dr.Suresh Chandra
Mishra Dr. P S Sastri Sanjay Rath And many more
Apparently, all the modern commentators, who never seems to consult ancient commentaries got trapped in literal translation of those sutras. Most south Indian commentaries endorse the ancient view.
3.0 Case Studies:
Some case studies are given below to explain the correct application of Tara Lagna (TL). The table given at the end summarizes cases of 24 charts chosen. The birth details are taken from various sources and the accuracy of the birth details has been verified with the database of astrodatabank rodden ratings. The ayanamsha used is 0034’ 25” more than Lahiri Ayanamsha, which is known as Dulakara5 Ayanamsha. Chadra Hari Ayanamsha may also be used. This scribe doesn’t want to involve in debate of correct ayanamsha as the ayanamsha is very close to traditional Lahiri ayanamsha.
4 The List is not complete. 5 Dulakara Ayanamsha article was published in earlier volumes of this magazine.
Star Lord in Exaltation:
Star Lord in Debilitation:
Star Lord in Own House:
Star Lord Conjunct Exalted planet: Ref: Fortune and Finance by S.S. Chatterjee – Page 347
Tara Lagna – A comprehensive Study Ayanamsha Used: Lahiri Ayanamsha +00-34’-25’’
S No Name DOB Details Birth Star Star Lord Tara
Lagna
Analysis
1 Bill Gates October 28,
1955
22: Hrs
(8:00West)
47N36,
122W19
Uttara
Bhadra
Saturn Aries Debilitated in Tara
Lagna
2 Emperor Czar
Nicholas II
May 19, 1868
0:15 (5:00
East)
30E15, 59N53
Revathi Mercury Pisces Debilitated in Tara
Lagna
3 A Garment
Exporter (Ref:
S.S. Chetarjee
Book)
Oct 6, 1945
13:32
(5:30east)
74E49, 34N05
Hasta Moon Virgo Moon Conjunct
Natal Moon and
Exalted Mercury
4 Giorgio Armani July 11, 1934
07:20 (1:00
East)
09E40, 45N01
Arudra Rahu Gemini Rahu gets Exalted
5 Hendry Ford I
(Rodden Rating
: B)
July 30, 1863
7:00 (5:40
west)
85W08, 42N20
Sravana Moon Scorpio Moon Gets Exalted
in TL
6 J.P. Morgan Sr. April 17, 1837
3:00 (04:58
West)
74W41, 41N45
Pubba Venus Libra Own House and
Conjunct Exalted
Saturn
7 Jyachamaraja
Wodeyar
July 18, 1919
18:17 (5:30
East)
76E 38, 12N18
Uttara
Bhadra
Saturn Aquarius Occupied
MoolaTrikona
House
8 Kamal Hassan Nov 7, 1954
06:15 (05:30
East)
78E36, 09N 33
Purava
Bhadra
Jupiter Cancer Exalted in TL
9 King Alexander
I
Dec 17. 1888
23:55 (1:00
East)
18E55, 42N23
Mrigasira Mars Capricorn Exalted in TK
10 King Carlos I Sep 28, 1863
13:35 (2:00
East)
09W08, 38N43
Revathi Mercury Virgo Exalted in TL
11 King Emmnaul
II of Greece
Nov 15, 1889
05:55:00
(01:00 East)
09W12, 38 N
42
Ashlesha Mercury Pisces Debilitated in TL
12 Krishna Raja
Wodeyar
June 4, 1884
10:188 (05:30
Chitra Mars Capricorn Mars Exalted in TL
East) 76E38, 12N18
13 Lata
Mangeshkar
Sep 28, 1929
21:51 (5:30
East)
75E50, 22N43
Pushyami Saturn Aries Debilitated in TL
14 Madhavrao
Scindhia
March 10, 1945
23:45 (05:30
East)
72E50, 18N58
Uttarashada Sun Libra Sun debilitated in
TL
15 Mike
Bloomberg
Feb 14, 1942
15:40 (04:00
West)
71N9, 42N21
Dhanishta Mars Cancer Debilitated in TL
16 Nusli Wadia of
Bombay Dyeing
Feb 15, 1944
13:30 (5:30
east)
72E50, 18N58
Swathi Rahu Gemini Rahu exalted in TL
Gemini
17 Queen Elizabeth
II
April 21, 1926
02:40 (0:00
west)
0W7, 51N30
Jyeshta Mercury Pisces Mercury Debilitated
in TL
18 Superstar
Rajnikanth
Dec 12, 1950
23:56 (5:30
East) 77E35,
12N59
Sravana Moon Scorpio Moon Debilitated in
TL Scorpio
19 Shah Rukh
Khan
Nov 2, 1965
02:30 (5:30
East)
77E12, 28N36
Sravana Moon Taurus Moon Gets
Debilitated in TL
Scorpio
20 Ratan Tata Dec 28, 1937
06:29:00
(05:30 East)
72E50, 18N58
Visakha Jupiter Capricorn Jupiter Debilitated
in Capricorn TL
21 Vasundhara
Raje Scindia
May 8, 1953
14:30 (05:30
East)
72E50, 18N58
Satabhisham Rahu Gemini Rahu gets exalted in
Gemini
22 Vijayaraje
Scindia
Oct 12, 1919
23:00 Hrs
78 E 43, 23 N
50
Krittika Sun Aries Sun gets exalted in
Aries
23 Branson Richard July 18, 1950
07:10 (1:00
East)
0W31, 51N12
Makha Ketu Sagittarius As Makha is
KetuNakshatra,
count in anti-
zodiacal direction.
Ketu gets exalted in
Sagittarius
24 Anil Ambani June 04, 1959
22:30 Mumbai
Krittika Sun Aries Sun exalts in Aries.
However, the
Ayanamsha used
here is Tarditional
Lahiri as against my
chosen Dulakara
Ayanamsha
Appendix -
-
-
१०-४
tatroccagepyuccayuteśubhenayutothavāsyātprabhuyogadātā nīcenavānīcakhagenadṛṣṭedāridryayogaṁpravadanmunīṁdrāḥ 10-4
१०-५
ārabhyatattadanukrameṇadaśāmadhīśātparikalpayitvā । śubhāśubhaṁsamyagavekṣaṇīyaṁdvipāpayogemṛtirevavācyā । 10-5