Jyothish and Hinduism

Jyothish as a science is immortalized and well preserved in India. Its origins can be traced back to the ‘Sanathana Dharma’ philosophy popularly called ‘Hinduism’. The term ‘Sanathana Dharma’ translates as ‘that path or knowledge which is prevalent since time immortal, specifically since mankind attained consciousness’. There is nothing specific in the religion the rishis (sages) developed in India that restrict natives from certain practices, enforce strict rules etc. It is deeply rooted in philosophy and spirituality. It is also the oldest religion on planet earth, which gave foremost importance to living a life that is in harmony with nature and one’s own dharma. Hence Hinduism encourages deity worship to honor forces of Mother Nature. There is a specific Vedic text written several thousand years ago (the oldest book on planet earth) with sacred hymns called Rig Veda related to worshiping nature.

The rishis in many regards were the first scientists of this planet who researched and documented certain set of principles which if followed will help one have a life of virtues. These fall under the category called ‘samskaras’. Perhaps the most relevant topic from the Rig Veda to Jyothish is that of the concept of ‘Kalapurusha’, the cosmic being. As Kala (time) progresses everything in the universe is eventually subjected to destruction except the cosmic man who is the primordial being. A human being in many aspects is nothing but a personification of time. The entire zodiac and its twelve signs represent the body parts of ‘TIME’ as a human being. The relation between Jyothish and Hinduism is in this context of understanding ‘TIME’. The quintessence of Jyothish principles can thus in this manner be traced back to Hindu philosophy.