Karmic Astrology—a Study
by Sunita Anant Chavan | 2017 | 68,707 words
This page relates ‘Samhita or Shakha period of Jyotihshastra (Introduction)’ of the study on Karmic Astrology and its presentation in Vedic and the later Sanskrit literature. Astrology (in Sanskrit: Jyotish-shastra) is based upon perceptive natural phenomenon of cosmic light forms while the Concept of Karman basically means “action according to Vedic injunction” such as the performance of meritorious sacrificial work.
Part 2.2.7 - Saṃhitā or Śākhā period of Jyotiḥśāstra (Introduction)
[Full title: Classification of Jyotiḥśāstra (3): Saṃhitā or Śākhā period]
Saṃhitā is the term coined to the compilation of all the three branches of Jyotiḥśāstra.[1] The third branch other than Gaṇita and Jātaka is also named as Saṃhitā or Śākhā. Saṃhitā is the elder branch of the three. The branching already existed at the time of Garga who is placed later than the Vedāṅga period at the end of which Gaṇita and Hora were emerging as independent branches from the principle bulk of Saṃhitā.
Saṃhitā as a branch is primarily a record of movements or actions in nature and their effects on man and cosmos.[2] Saṃhitā is divided in two sections:
A) Śakuna or Divinations and
B) Muhūrta or science of proper times for acts.
Footnotes and references:
[2]:
In this sense, Kern terms it as a ‘phalagranth’, Preface to Bṛhat-saṃhitā of Varāhamihira p 22.