Sheegra Kriya for inferior planets

Different equations have been given for superior planets ( Mars, Jupiter and Saturn ) and inferior planets ( Mercury and Venus ) in Astronomia Indica.

In the case of Mercury, an inferior planet in the diagram above, the center of the Sheegra Epicycle is located on the straight line running through the Sun and the observer, on the geographical parallel of the observer.

The above diagram is by courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Robert Baywater, www.ancientcartography.net

The Sheegra Phalam, x, in the equation 1/2 Tan ( A -x ), where A is the Elongation or Sheegra Kendra, obtained is deducted from the Sun's longitude, to get the geocentric longitudes of Mercury and Venus.

Indian Astronomy Pre-Ptolemaic

This diagram is by courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Robert Baywater, www.ancientcartography.net

In the above diagram, Saturn, a superior planet, is on the circumference of the Sheegra Epicycle, where it is met by a radius drawn parallel to the direction of the Sun from the observer.

To the Western scholars, Indian Astronomy is mysterious. Let us see what astro scholars have said about IA.

Dennis Duke, of Florida State University suggests that Indian Astronomy predates Greek Astronomy

"The planetary models of ancient Indian mathematical astronomy are described in several texts.1 These texts invariably give algorithms for computing mean and true longitudes of the planets, but are completely devoid of any material that would inform us of the origin of the models. One way to approach the problem is to compare the predictions of the Indian models with the predictions from other models that do have, at least in part, a known historical background. Since the Indian models compute true longitudes by adding corrections to mean longitudes, the obvious choices for these latter models are those from the Greco-Roman world. In order to investigate if there is any connection between Greek and Indian models, we should therefore focus on the oldest Indian texts that contain fully described, and therefore securely computable, models. We shall see that the mathematical basis of the Indian models is the equant model found in the Almagest, and furthermore, that analysis of the level of development of Indian astronomy contemporary to their planetary schemes strongly suggests, but does not rigorously prove, that the planetary bisected equant model is pre-Ptolemaic" says he.

The earliest Indian Planetary Models are two sets from the writer Aryabhata, both dating from 6th Century AD.

1) The Sunrise System , after the Epoch, which is taken from the sunrise of 18th Feb 3102 ( Arya Paksha ). It appears first in Aryabhatiya

2) The Midnight System, after the Epoch, which is taken from the midnight of 17/18 FEB 3102 ( Ardha Ratri Paksha ). It appears first in Latadeva's Soorya Siddhanta

The Local Meridien is taken as Lanka, Longitude 76 degrees, Latitude 0 degrees.

Of Manda and Sheegra Epicycles

This diagram is by courtesy of Jean-Pierre Lacroix and Robert Baywater, www.ancientcartography.net

In the above diagram, both the theories of Manda Kriya and Sheegra Kriya are given.

In the case of a superior planet, a deferent is drawn from an earth based observer. The Center of the Manda Epicyle rotates around the terrestrial observer, travelling around the deferent.

The peripheral end of one radius of this Manda Epicycle determines the center of another epicyle called the Sheegra Epicycle.

Vyasardha, the Radius of the Circle

Aryabhata, one of the earliest mathematicians and astronomers, ( circa 476-550 CE ) postulated that Vysasardha, the Radius of the Circle is 3438 minutes and Arc is 5400 minutes.

Circumference = 2 Pi R
R = 360/2 Pi
R = 57.3 degrees
R = 57.3 * 60 = 3438 arcminutes
R = 3438 * 60 = 206265 arcseconds

Half Chord of 90 degrees = 90*60 = 5400 arcminutes.

In his astronomical treatise, the Aryabhatiya, he postulated that the Circumference of the Circle is 360*60 = 21600 minutes. All these formulae are useful for the computation of half chords of certain sets of arcs in a circle and became the base of Hindu Trignometry.

In his Sine Tablest, he called 3 degrees 45 minutes divisions by many Sanskrit names, given below.


मखि भखि फखि धखि णखि ञखि ङखि हस्झ स्ककि किष्ग श्घकि किघ्व |
घ्लकि किग्र हक्य धकि किच स्ग झश ङ्व क्ल प्त फ छ कला-अर्ध-ज्यास् ||


Aryabhata's Sine Table is not a set of values of the trignometric sine functions, but rather is a table of the first differences of the values of trignometric sines expressed in arcminutes. Because of this, this Table is referred to as the Table of Sine Differences.

The Epicyclic Theory of Indian Astronomy

All planets traverse in ellipses and epicycles and this came to be known as the Epicycles Theory.

In the above diagram, the circle A is the mean orbit of the planet. P is the mean Position of the planet and the small circle P is the epicycle.

The small epicycles traversed by a planet are calculated and the mandaphala, the equation of center is computed and added if the Manda Kendra is in between 180 and 360 and subtracted if the M K is < 180. Manda Kendra is the angle between Position and Aphelion.

From the perspective of the Epicyclic theory & the Hindu astronomers, the radius of the epicycle was given instead of PQ and the circumferences of the epicycles. Both circumferences and radii are given in degrees, minutes and seconds, so that the equation of the center may be computed in deg min and secs. The epicycle in the case of the Equation of Center is given as Manda Nicha Uccha Vritta.


Manda - Manda Phala or Equation of Center
Uccha - Apogee
Nicha - Perigee

Manda Kriya is a Jya Ganitha Kriya, a trignometric reduction of the mean longitudes and distances of the planets to their heliocentric longitudes and distances.

Kranti, the Sun's declination

The declination of the Sun is computed by the formula

Sin J = Sin L Sin w

where J is the Sun's declination of that particular date and time, L is the tropical longitude of the Sun and w, the Sun's maximum declination, which is 23 degrees and 27 minutes.

The Sun's maximum declination will be reached during Karkyadi ( The First Point of Cancer ) and Makaradi ( The First Point of Capricorn ). At Karkyadi, it will be +23 d 23 m and at Makaradi, it will be -23 d 27 minutes.



And at Meshadi ( The First Point of Aries ) and Thuladi ( The First Point of Libra ), the solar declination will be zero. Days and nights will be of equal duration and hence they are called Equinoxes.

Yada Mesha Thulayo varthathe thada ahoratranam samanani bhavanthi

Chara, the Ascensional Difference

In Indian Astronomy, Chara is the Ascensional Difference and is the difference between Right Ascension and Oblique Ascension.


And is calculated by the equation

Sin ( Chara ) = tan ( decl ) tan ( latitude ).



Here Theta is Chara.

Sin C is called Chara Jya


Right Ascension means the longitudes measured along the Celestial Equator, the Vishu vat Vritta.

Oblique Ascension means the longitudes measured along the Ecliptic, the Kranti Vritta.

Chara is used in the computation of Sunrise and Sunset.

The formula for Sunrise = 6 H + Equation of Time - Chara - Refraction Correction

The formula for Sunset = 18 H + Equation of Time + Chara + Refraction Correction.

Reduction to Geocentric Coordinates

In the above diagram,

m is the Sheegra Anomaly
and the angle EJS is the Sheegra Phalam

where E = Earth, S = Sun and J = Jupiter


In order to get the geocentric longitude, the longitude of the Sun is deducted from the Ecliptic longitude and then we get the Sheegra Kendra, the angle between the planet and the Earth Sun plane.

Ecliptic longitude - Long Sun = Sheegra Kendra

Arka Sphutnoniham Kheda Manda Sphutamihodhitham

Sheegra Phalam is the angle EJS ( Earth, Jupiter, Sun ) and this Sheegra Phalam is deducted to get the true, geocentric longitude. ( Added if Sheegra Anomaly > 180 and deducted if Sheegra Anomaly < 180 ).


Like Kepler, the Indian astronomers may not have said that all planets move fastest at perihelion but this principle was known to them as they called perihelion Sheegrochha. Sheegra in Sanskrit means fast. Similarly they called Aphelion Mandochcha, manda meaning slow, and it implies that all planets move slowly at Aphelion !

The positive regions of the Zodiac

If a planet falls in creative stars or Shrishti taras, such a planet is said to be benefic.

If a planet is placed in angular or trinal houses, he is said to be benefic.

If planet is in uptide, he is benefic.

If a planet is aspected by benefics, he is said to be a benefic.

We have to see how many positive and negative points a planet gets, before embarking on prognostication.


Pranamsa Dehamsa shrishti tara
Piyoosha nadya shubha dhrishti yogau
Jalardra Oordhonyapi kopi yasya
Kendra thrigonopagathath thvam ishtam

Negative or Anishta Planets

Malefic satellites like Dhooma and Mrityu rising, the lords of 6,8 and 12, malefic planets, malefic aspects, tenancy of 6,8,12 houses, hind signs, functional malefics- all these are negative or Anishtaphalada planets.



Dhoomadi Rimphari Mriteesa Papai
Yogekshana Rimpha ripu sthitatvam
Prushtodaya Adhomukha Papabhamsa
Sarvatra Thoyakshayamithyanishta


The periods of such planets are Anishta Phalada, meaning that they bring chaos in their periods of directional influence. Downtide is negative and uptide is positive. Malefic satellites like Kala, Ardhaprahara, Gulika, Mrityu and Dhooma rising are considered inauspicious. Aspects of malefics are also considered baneful.

In Astrology Vedic each planet has a satellite of its own.
For instance Phobos and Deimos of Mars are called as Dhooma &
Mrityu in Indian science. The longitudes of satellites of Venus
Moon Mars Rahu & Ketu are calculated based on the sidereal
longitude of the Sun.

PLANET SATELLITE METHOD OF COMPUTATION
_______________________________________

Mars Dhooma Sun's longitude + 133 deg 20 mins
Rahu Vyatipata 360- Dhooma's longitude
Moon Parivesh 180 + Vyatipata's longitude
Venus Indrachapa 360 - Parivesh's longitude
Ketu Upaketu Indrachapa + 16 deg 40 mins

A different method of calculation is adopted for the satellites
of Sun Jupiter Saturn Mercury & Mars. Days and nights are divi-
ded into 8 divisions.

The first division is ruled by the lord of the day & other divi-
sions are given to the other lords in sequential order. During
night the first lord is the fifth lord from the lord of the day.

In order to measure the longitudes of satellites two different
methods have been adopted.In the first method the beginning time
of the planet who holds absolute sway is taken. In the other
method the end time is taken.The Lagna is computed for this time
and this is how the longitude of the satellite is computed.

The Negative Regions of the Zodiac

When a planet's longitude falls in the Negative Regions of the Zodiac, such a planet's Period or Dasa is said to be negative ( Anishtaphalada ).

Samhara taro durithamsakascha
Gandantham Ushnam Visha Nadika cha
Vishtischa riktha karanam sthirakhyam
Ekargalam Vaidhrutha sarpa seeshe


If a planet falls in a constellation which is destructive, that planet is said to be negative.

What is a destruction star ? The 27 constellations are classified into three groups

Srishti ( Creative )
Sthithi ( Preservative )
Samhara ( Destructive ).

For instance, Aswini, is Creative ( Shristi ), Bharani is Sthithi ( Preservative ) and Karthika is Samhara ( Destructive ).

Ashwinyadyath kramath sarve srishti sthithi layasmritha
Tatra tarasu sarvasu madhyasthau durithamsakau

The Seven Names of Planets

A planet is said to be very strong when exalted. But mere exaltation is not enough.If a planet is exalted and has directional strength ( Dig Bala ), then it is said to be Sampoorna If a planet is exalted without any other strengths, it is said to be Poorna. If a planet is exalted, but is weak in the Sixfold Strength, it is said to be Riktha ( Weak )


Exalted with strength directional is Sampoorna called
Devoid of other strengths, it is Poorna !
If he be weak in the Sixfold
Such a planet is Riktha called !
If he be debilitated in Amsa
Or in inimical houses in Amsa
Such a planet is called Anishta ( bad )


Samyak balina swa thunga bhage
Sampoorna Balavarjithasya Riktha
Jneyamsa Gathasya Shatru bhage
Jneya Anishta Phala Dasa Prasoothou


Fall from Exaltation strenght is called Descending ( Avarohi )
If he be in friendly or exaltation in Amsa, he is called Madhya !
Rise from Debilitation is Arohinee ( Ascending Planet )
In inimical houses or debilitation, he is Adhama ( Evil ).


Bhrishtasya Thungath Avarohi samjnya
Madhya bhaveth sa suhrud ucchabhamse
Arohinee nimna parichuyutasya
Neecharibhageth Adhama bhaveth sa !

The Jupiterian Law or Brihaspathi Neethi

Suppose your son goes against you. Will you throw him out of the house ?

This is where Jupiterian Law or Brihaspathi Neethi or Jesusian Law comes into operation.

Love is giving and forgiving
Self is getting and forgetting !

Conquer by Love ! This is the message handed out to us by the millenial philosophers, millenial poets and millenial prophets !

Love is a Glory from Eternity's spheres
He is still the Godhead that can make all change

Love should never cease to be upon the Earth
Love is the bright link betwixt Earth and Heaven
Love is the far Transcendent's angel here
Love is man's lien on the Absolute !

Sai and Jesus say " Love your enemies, bless them that curse you and bless them that persecute you" !

Let us be arrayed from head to foot with their commandments. ' Conquer everything with Patience and Love" is their eternal message !

Byron said " Take away Love and the whole world becomes a tomb "

Jupiter is the preceptor of the celestials and represents the divine arts and sciences. The scientia intuitiva or intuive sciences are a great preparation for Eternal Liberation. Without the discriminative intellect or prajna imparted by him, no one can hope for Self Actualisation. He represents the Sreyo Marga ( the way of Being and of Bliss ) and Venus represents the Preyo Marga ( the way of Mammon and the flesh ). Both paths are followed by mankind !

Goethe echoed the same when he averred

Now lead me where some heavenly silence glasses
The purer joys around the Poet throng
Where Love and Friendship divinely fashion
The bonds that bless, the wreaths that crown his passion !

Yoga Sastra, Nyaya Sastra, Neethi Sastra, Vedanta Sastra, Jyothis Sastra and all such sciences are ruled by Jupiter or Brihaspathi. Sasanath Thrayathe ithi Sastram - meaning that Redeeming instructions are called Sastras ( like fatherly advice to a son ). Hence Jupiter or Brihaspathi is the greatest benefic, from the perspective of Self Actualisation. He represents Grace Divine, without which no Self Realisatoin is possible.

Love is a manna sent from Heaven, a spark of the Immortal Fire, sent by the Lord to elevate our low desire ! Let Almighty Love triumph on earth !

From the Center where the Heart of God is known
Let Love stream forth into the hearts of men
Let Love triumph on Earth !


Let us Love All, Serve All, Help Ever, Hate None and Hurt Never, thereby fulfilling the Jupiterian Law !

The Times of the Sun ( Njattuvelas )

The Malayalam Agri Calender has it that the Sun transits the 27 constellations of the Ecliptic and these came to be known as the Njattuvelas. The word Njattuvela is derived from Njayar meaning the Sun and Velas meaning the Times. In short Njattuvela means the Times of the Sun, as it passes through the 27 constellations of the Sidereal Zodiac.

Now the Sun is transiting Mrigasira or Makiryam Njattuvela is on. It is raining incessantly in Kerala. Makiryam mathi ariyathe peyyum meaning that rains will be galore during Mrigasira Njattuvela. On June 22nd, the famous Thiruvathira Njattuvela will be on and Kerala will be graced by bursts of rain with sunny interludes.

Monsoon Tourism is on the upswing in the state. People from Arab lands and tropical countries find Kerala a haven. Westerners find it as a gorgeous Paradise, because of the immense greenery which adorn the state.

More rains are expected during the solar transits of Punarvasu and Pushya. These four Njattuvelas are fierce and destructive. Many have lost their homes in the villages, many paddy fields have been inundated, as the Rains of Life and Death simultaneously bring relief from the blistering heat and at the same time wreack havoc on the poor infrastructure of the state.

The Lunar Eclipse on June 15th

	Jup	Sun Ven Mar Ket	Mer
	RASI
	MooRah		Sat

When the Sun, the Moon and the Earth are in alignment, then it is called a Lunar Eclipse. Mark the positions of the Sun and the Moon and the Nodes, Rahu and Ketu in exact opposition in the above chart. The light from the Sun is blocked by the Earth, which otherwise would have illuminated Luna. This is the astronomical perspective. From the astrological perspective, the Moon enters the Zodiac belt of Rahu, and the Head of the Snake devours it in toto ! The Moon in Scorpio is debilitated and this eclipse occurs in the asterism, Jyeshta on the night of Wed, the 15th.

Lunar eclipses are not good generally. It occurs in a mercurial constellation, Jyeshta. Mercury controls the nervous system of Man. the intelligence and the computing capacity of the mind. In astrological terms, this is a direct attack on man's hard disk ! So beware of the eclipse on June 15th night !

Negative thinking may go up as a result, as Mercury is like the processor and Rahu funtions like a virus. The Sastras declare that the effects of eclipses last for three months. Even auspicious times are effected by this eclipse ! Creativity, negotiations, manifestations and metabolism are all affected by eclipses. Obstacles on the path, digestive tract disorders and negative thinking rise. Aries Moon Signs should be very careful, as this is their Chandrashtama.

Advice to all

Avoid non veg food
Dont argue with mother
Avoid sex
Have supper before 0700 PM
Meditate during eclipse time
Wear Pearl, Emerald, Jade or Moonstone

Chant the Gayatri Mantra

The Gayatri Mantra

Om Bhoo Bhuvah Swah Tat Savithur Varenyam Bhargo Devasya Dheemahi
Dhiyo you na prachodayath

May the Absolute Self, whose external symbol the Sun is, enlighten me intellectually !

You can do Tharpanam to ancestors, as they find it convenient to visit the earth plane

during these times and the gateway to Heaven is Sol and Luna !

This is one of the longest lunar eclipses and will be from 1252 AM to 02.32 AM in Kolkotta on 16th morning. This celestial event, which is the first lunar eclipse this year, will be best visible almost near the Zenith. The eclipse will end at 0352 AM on Thursday.

It will be visible from the eastern half of Africa, the Middle East, Western Australia and Central Asia, apart from India.

The early stages of the eclipse will be missed by European astronomers, as it will occur before Moonrise.

The next lunar eclipse will be on Dec 10th and will be visible throughout India. But it will last only 25 minutes !

Translation of Hora verses

Here we give the translated verses of Hora by Varaha. There are 384 verses in all,which can equip the astro scholar to deal with Natal, Horary, Synastry and Electional Astrology.

Here we give the effects of Sun in different signs of the Sidereal Zodiac


If Sun be in the First
Other than Libra, Cancer, Leo, Aries
Lover of battle he becomes
A great despiser of men
With problems relating to eyes
And merciless too

If Sun be in Aries
His sign of exaltation
Wealthy the native becomes
With problem pertaining to eyes

If he be in Leo
Blind at night !
If Sol be in Cancer
Eye problem manifests
If in Libra
Blinded he becomes

Sol in these Signs four
Will not show good qualities

If Sol be in House Second
Wealthy the native becomes
Will be robbed by Government
And will be afflicted in face !

The Remarriage Yoga

If fiery planets tenant the House of Marriage, separation is indicated.If they are conjoined by benefics, then Remarriage Yoga is caused.Agneyer vidhava astha rasi sahitair mishrai punarbhoor bhaveth


If Hora says so, Anushtana Paddhati also seconds such an opinion. Pape Kalatra bhavane tu kalatra nasa A malefic in the Seventh, in the House of Marriage, destroys the House of Marriage !

By fiery planets are meant Sun, Ketu and Mars. But there are some scholars who opine that fiery planets mean malefics. They can include Rahu and Saturn.

Yesterday I analysed a horoscope, a Remarriage Yoga one. The Nodal Axis afflict the 1/7 Houses, and there are benefics in the Seventh House ( mishrai punarbhoor bhaveth ). Divorce had happened and the native is thinking of another marriage !

If the Seventh is afflicted by malefics, but however aspected by benefic planets, the husband will not die, but will move to another woman !

Kroore heena bale asthage swa pathina soumyakshithe proth jida

Astro Meterology is right!

Astro Meteorology's prediction that Kala Varsha will start on May 29th was proved right, as rains lashed Kerala on that date. Meteorology had predicted that SW Monsoon or Edava Pathi will start on May 31st and ancient Astro Meteorology proved to be more accurate than modern Meteorology.

Two major factors will inlfuence the stock markets - the monsoon and the global community prices.

Markets had recovered sharply during the latter part of the weekend, showing promise for the bulls. But then the factors mentioned above will influence the bourses considerably.

Everbody knows that the Earth's journey through the Ecliptic produces the seasons and the South West Monsoon started on May 29th, when the Sun entered the 15th degree of Taurus. Kala Varsha, as it is known, hit the southern end of Kerala on this day and it is now raining in Kerala. Rains are expected to accelerate when the Sun transits Lambda Orionis ( Mrigasira ) and Alpha Orionis ( Aridra ). Also the constellations of Pushya and Punarvasu.

An average monsoon is expected and GDP is expected to grow at 8%. The prices of crude, gold etc are a matter of concern. ( And we find that when the stock markets go down, the rupee rate for the dollar goes up. It was 52 against the dollar when the Sensex languished at 7000 levels. It was 39 when the Sensex was at its peak at 21.2 K ).

Renewed speculative activity was seen on the bourses and a heightened activity in small and midcap scrips is probable. Institutional activity seems to be unpredictable, as FIIs buy and sell at random.

Wary investores are disappointed at the uncertainty prevailing in the markets. Recent economic data does not trigger optimism. Industry observers expect the government to kickstart the reform process in the Monsoon session of Parliament to boost the economy. The negative factors are the European debt crisis and double digit inflation, which can have adverse effect on the economy.

The progress of the monsoons will influence the markets greatly, as India is an agrarian economy.

The presence of Jupiter in the adverse 10th in India's horoscope shows problems. Jove in the House of Profession indicates that India will be upgrading her infrastructure and marketing during this phase of 361 days, which is a Jovian year (Barhaspatya) . At the same time, India will be spending a lot on infra and marketing. As the nation improves, there will be problems of rising debt, rising inflation and rising deficit. However Saturn in the House of Help is good and it will boost certain segments. So a mixed time is predicted for India and the Indian stock markets.

Knowning the Enemy via Horary Astrology

Horary Astrology deals with Hora
Hour when question is asked
Time of Query becomes time of birth
Of the Query !

Enemy trouble is discerned
From Sixth, House of Enemies.

Enemy's form can be known from Sixth
Uncle or friend is indicated by Mercury
Intelligence, son, wealth mighty Jupiter
Women are represented by fair Venus

Low minded is the satellite Gulika
Vicious people are ruled by Saturn
Cleverly dressed is demon Rahu
Saturn shows the vicious & the dark.


Sathru swaroopam ripugena vachyam
Tatra sthithascha thapano gururva
Lavanya bhooshadhibhir Atha Shobha
Pathangaja schedri purescha pangu

Medical Astrology Verses II

With great body and looks
The Sun rules Bile
Luna rules Wind and Phlegm
And is equal eyed


Madhu pingala drik
Chathurasra Thanu
Pitha prakriti savithatpakacha
Thanu vritta thanu bahu vata kapha
Prajnascha sasi sama dukh sama bhak

With looks cruel and with body young
With hair long, Mars rules Bile
Mercury is humourous
And represents the humors three !


Kroora drik tharuna moorthir udara
Paithika su chapala krisa madhya
Slishta vak sathatha hasaruchi jna
Pitha marutha kapha prakritischa


With massive body and great looks
With intellect noble, Jove rules Phlegm
Venus is hedonist and with lovely body
And rules Phlegm and Bile.


Brihat Thanu pingala moordhajekshana
Brihaspathi Sreshta mathi kaphatmaka
Bhrigu sukhee kanti vapu sulochana
Kapha nilatma sitha varka moorkaja


Lazy is Saturn and with hairs long
He represents humours Bile & Wind
The Seven Revolving Heavens
Represent the Tissue Elements Seven
Tendons are signified by Saturn
Bones by Sol
Blood is ruled by Luna
Skin is Mercury's portfolio
Fat by high Jove
Semen is the poet Venus
And Mars, Bone Marrow !


Mandalasa kapila drik krisa deergha gatra
Sthooladwija parushaloma kachanilatma
Snay vasthi sruk thvak aja sukla vase cha majja
Manda arka chandra budha sukra suredya bhauma