Indian astrology, known as Jyotish, is one of
the six branches of Vedanga. Read on to get information on the
Vedic/Hindu astrology of India.
Indian astrology is also known by the name of Jyotish
or Jyotisha astrology, Vedic astrology and Hindu astrology. It is an
ancient system through which the movements of the celestial bodies are
studied, along with the divisions of time dependent thereon. Indian
Jyotish astrology is one of the six branches of Vedanga, the secondary
disciplines of the Vedic religion. It revolves around the visible or
sidereal zodiac, which is totally different from the tropical zodiac of
the western astrology.
In case of sidereal zodiac, an ayanamsa adjustment is made to ensure
the gradual precession of the vernal equinox. However, Hindu astrology
does make use of the tropical zodiac, but only for predicting the course
of nature. It has been present in the Indian subcontinent since the
ancient times, becoming much like a part of a continuous holistic
approach to living. Infact, it seems to be a fundamental practice that
has originated from the ancient spiritual customs of India.
The main aim behind the practice of Indian astrology is to provide
human beings with a system through which they can appreciate the
function as well as the illustration of karma in individual and communal
life. The school of Vedic astrology developed on its own and ended up
having an influence on all the schools in and around India. Since it
helps in analyzing both the exceptional reality as well as knowledge, it
is believed to be the instructional element of the Rig Veda.
Jyotish astrology is a part of the larger Vedic curriculum, which
comprises of mathematics, architecture, medical and military
applications. As per Jyotish, the planets are nothing but grahas, which
have an influence on the life of a human being. Hindus believe that good
and bad things that happen in the present life of an individual are the
result of his karma in the previous life. Indian astrology is like a
tool that helps in understanding how a particular planet is leading to
hardships in life. Then, religious ceremonies are performed to alleviate
or avoid the pain.
Indian Astrology Signs
An imaginary belt or band of constellations, the sidereal zodiac of the Indian astrology is of 360 degrees and stands divided into twelve equal parts. Each of the twelve parts, made of 30 deg, is known as an astrological sign or rashi. The twelve zodiacal signs in Indian astrology, along with their symbols and western names, are:
