Tajik Neelkanthi: A Classic on Annual Horoscopy and Horary Astrology

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Daivajna Neelkantha first time introduced the concept of progressed horoscope called the Varshaphala or the annual chart based on sound astrological principles. The concept of Sahams and the unique system of Dasas in a so smaller period of a year are some of the specific contributions of the Acharya. While the natal astrology gives us a general outline of life of the native, the Varshaphala gives details of the events that may occur during a year.

Tajik Neelkanthi integrates the Arabic thought with the Vedic Astrological Principles. This has proved to be a authoritative treatise on horary astrology. The system of aspects in the form of 16 well known yogas is an added service to horary astrology. The work, in fact is not only a classic of the high order but also a script in its own right. We needed not only its translation in English language but also a comprehensive commentary by a competent scholar, useful to the neophytes as well as to the accomplished astrologers.

Preface

We in India mostly follow the Parasari system of astrology. Some of the luminaries and celebrated authors and exponents of the system have been Varahamihira, Kalyan Varma and Venkatesa.

The other system commanding equal respect is the Jaimini system. This system differs from the Parasari in some respects. The Dasa system, the mode of their interpretation are the important features of the Jaimini system is however not much in use except in some cases as an alternative to the Parasari. Prof. P.S. Sastri is perhaps the first person who has translated all the four chapters of Jaimini Sutras in English.

The third system commanding respect is the Tajik system. This differs from the Jaimini and the Parasari in many respects. The important difference is the concept of the Varshaphala or the annual progressed horoscope. The other important point of difference is the importance given to the Sun. The new year commences from the time and date of sidereal solar return to the position where Sun was at the time of the birth of the native. It is true that the Sun is accepted as the lord of solar system and also the significator of the Atman which ingresses into physical body again and again. Despite all this the Moon is given more importance in the Vedic astrology.

In the Tajik system we have two ways of determining the strength of planets. The one is the Pancha Vargeeya Bala or the 5 sources of strength. The Pancha Vargeeya Bala is computed for determining the lord of the year. The other is the Dwadash Vargeeya Bala or the 12 sources of strength of the planets. This strength indicates the benefic or malefic nature of the planets. It is believed that no planet is inherently malefic or benefic. It is only its placement that makes it one or the other.

In the Tajik we have mutual aspects of planets which is not the case in Parasari. If Saturn is in Aries and Mars in Gemini the former has an aspect to the latter but the latter does not aspect the former according to Parasari but in Tajik aspect is mutual.

The introduction of sensitive points in the charts called the Sahams is another important aspect of Tajik system. Harshasthana, and Tri Raisipati concepts are other points of difference.

Neelkantha and Kesava are the illustrious exponents of Tajik system. It is the work of Neelkantha that has been translated here. This work is actually not a verbatim transliteration but a translation of ideas contained in the Sanskrit Slokas. I have grouped the slokas where they treat one subject and provided a running translation. This to my mind will help the readers in having a proper comprehension. In order to elaborate the idea some comments have been added. They are not the addition of any foreign matter to the subject. They may only be taken as additional explanations or interpretation. They may only be taken as additional proper assimilation. These comments may be taken only in that form. In the last chapter, however, some personal comments and those of other writers have been given while analyzing the specific cases according to the Tajik system. Despite all efforts to be objective in translation, interpretation and comments etc. it is possible that personal views may have entered the work. For this rare element, if any, I seek the pardon of the readers because no human being is perfect.