Maharishi Parashara and his key contributions | Vedic Astrology

Maharishi Parashara and his key contributions

Family and Lineage:

Vasistha is the manasaputra (mind-born son) of Lord Brahma and the family priest of King Dasharatha (Father of lord Rama). He had his first son Shakti rishi with his devoted wife is Arundhati. He had total 100 sons. His grandson is Maharishi Parashara, who was born to Shakti Rishi and his wife Adrishyanti.

Maharishi Parashara was the father of Veda Vyasa (also known as Krishna-Dwaipayana), who compiled the Mahabharata, Vedas and Srimad Bhagavatam.

Parashara was a devoted follower of Shiva and received numerous boons from the deity. He once initiated an angry Yagna to destroy Rudhira and demons (Rakshasa) due to their evil acts, but he ceased it on intervention of Vasistha.

Maharishi Pulastya, the Guru and forefather of the Rakshasa, acknowledged Parashara's act of forgiveness by bestowing upon him knowledge of all Shastras.

Significant work

Parashara's most significant work is the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (Bible of Vedic Astrology). This shastra contains thousands of slokas (verses) which forms the fundamental basis of astrological teaching.

Laghu Parashari (also known as Jataka Chandrika or Ududaya Pradeepa), is a concise work derived from the principles of the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. It condenses Parashari principles concerning Dasa-Bhukti (planetary period-subperiod) results into 42 slokas.

Parashara's astrological knowledge is known as Jyotisha which is described as one of the Vedanga of the Vedas and is traditionally divided into three main parts:

• Hora (Natal astrology), which is used to predict the timing of events based on planetary positions and specific rules.
• Ganita (Mathematical astrology), which deals with mathematical aspects like planetary movements and strengths.
• Samhita (Mundane astrology), which refers to a collection of general predictions, including mundane and meteorological aspects, basically used for prediction for masses.

Astaadasa Vidyas, is taught by Surya to Hanuman. This list includes:

4 Vedas:

• Rigveda
• Yajurveda
• Saamaveda
• Atharvaveda

6 Vedanga:

• Siksha (Pronunciation) - Nose
• Vyaakarana (Grammar) - Senses
• Chandas (Vedic parameter) - Foot
• Nirukta (Explanation of words) - Ears
• Jyotisha (Astronomy/astrology) – Eyes
• Kalpa (Religious rites) - Hands

4 Upangas:

• Meemamsa
• Nyaaya Sabda
• Dharma shastras
• Puranas

 4 Upvedas:

• Artha shashtra (Ancient thesis on political science and military strategy)
• Ayurveda (Knowledge related to life, longevity and use of herbs)
• Dhanurveda (Science, Knowledge of bow arrow and archery)
• Ghandharva (Ancient classic Sanskrit, theater, music, art and dances)

Key Contributions

A) Vimshottari Dasha: As an originator of the Vimshottari Dasha system, the most widely used planetary period system in Vedic astrology. This 120-year cycle is crucial for timing events which its use through Mahadasha (major period), Antardasha (sub-period), and Pratyantardasha (sub-sub-period), and for deeper analysis, Sookshma (sub-sub-sub-period) and Prana dashas (sub-sub-sub-sub-period).

B) Divisional Charts (Vargas): Parashara credited with concept of 16 divisional charts (Shodashvarga), including the minute Nadi Amsa (1/150th part of a sign). He gave the specific methods for constructing and interpreting each varga charts:

• Rasi Chart (D-1): This is the fundamental birth horoscope, showing the overall planetary positions and their general effects.
• Hora (D-2): Divides each sign into two 15° halves, used for wealth related matters. In this system, only Cancer and Leo signs appears, with planetary placements indicating wealth through parental blessings.
• Drekkana (D-3): Divides each sign into three 10° parts. It is used to assess sibling relationships and can offer insights into past and future lives.
• Chaturthamsha (D-4): A Kendra (quadrant) chart, associated with happiness and destiny.
• Saptamsha (D-7): Divides each sign into seven parts. it is specifically designed for studying matters related to children and grandchildren.
• Navamsha (D-9): A cyclical chart with four methods of casting and specifically designed for studying spouse and marriage related matters. 
• Dashamsha (D-10): This chart divides each sign into 10 parts of 3° each. It is important for studying profession, achievements in career, destiny trend, honor, and success
• Dwadashamsha (D-12): A 1/12th division, also called Suryamsha, signifying parents and grandparents and well-being.
• Shodasamsa (D-16): This chart divides each sign into 16 parts of 1°52'30" each. It is used for analyzing conveyances and general happiness
• Vimshamsha (D-20): An upasana (worship) chart, divided into 20 equal parts, used for spiritual inclination.
• Chaturvimshamsha (D-24): This chart divides each sign into 24 parts of 1°15' each. It is seen for education, learning, and academic achievements.
• Saptavimshamsha (D-27): This chart is also known as Bhamsa and is used for analyzing strength and weakness.
• Trimshamsha (D-30): This chart divides each sign into 30 parts, with varying degrees for different planet rulerships. It is seen for evils and ill-luck.
• Khavedamsha (D-40): This chart divides each sign into 40 parts of 0°45' each. It is seen for auspicious and inauspicious indications
• Akshayvedamsha (D-45): This chart is used for all general indications.
• Shashtiamsha (D-60): This chart divides each sign into 60 parts of 0°30' each. It is seen for general auspiciousness and inauspicious indications.

C) Ashtakvarga System: This independent and unique system of Indian astrology is referred in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. It measures the benefic and malefic energies (bindus and rekhas) generated by planets.

D) Planetary Classifications: He also categorized planets into "Poorna Paramatmamsa" (Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu) and "Jeevamsa Samanvit" (Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Ketu), defining their roles in divine incarnations.