Shanmukhais 35 years, a graduate in

Electronics and Communication Engineering, works in a scientific

organization of Indian Govt. He started his

study of Astrology when he was 22 years

old and though not traditionally trained; he is very fond of the wonderful system of Jaimini. He is now working on ancient

commentaries on Jaimini and writes some of his musings on Jaimini system at his

personal blog

http://sutramritam.blogspot.com.

ॐ नमः शिवाय

Tara Lagna – It’s Role in Determining Wealth

By Shanmukha, India

[Dedication: This article is reverentially dedicated to Dr. Ravindra Bhagawat for his selfless efforts to rescue manuscripts on Jaimini System and sharing them to readers of SA.]

1.0 Introduction

Jaimini system of Astrology is replete with a variety of combinations for determining Raja Yogas and wealth of native. These combinations are very unique and not easily understood by the students. Many a time, even the scholars with high intelligence quotient fail to understand the correct interpretation of these highly codified aphorisms of Jaimini. The reason for such failure is attributable to the very nature of their expertise in Parasara system of Astrology.

Understanding the basic canons of Vedic Astrology including Parasara system is essential for

deciphering the Jaimini Sutras. However, serious student of this Jaimini system needs to unlearn their

previous understanding of Jaimini to correctly decipher these sutras. Importing Parasara concept of

calculating longitudinal special lagnas to Jaimini system does forbid correct view of Jaimini but also

misleads the student to erroneous results. For example, there had been a couple of attempts to

calculate longitudinal Arudha (Savayava Arudha) by revered scholars like Dr. B.V. Raman which was never accepted by the scholars like Sri Iranganti Rangacharya. Similarly, there was an attempt by

another revered scholar to extend Sudarshana Chakra philosophy to Chara Dasha. The accuracy of

such attempts will be decided only by test of time. These scholars with high intelligent quotient seem

not to accept nor try to understand tradition of Jaimini system. Readers would do well to read “Jataka

Narayaneeyamu” by Vadrevu Suryanarayana Murthy to understand the importance of Traditions

(Sampradayas) in Astrology to decipher correct purport of information in Astrological treatises. It is

accepted fact the tradition of Jaimini is lost in time, but some fragment of the same is available for

sincere students in the form of manuscripts. The following is an attempt for renaissance of Jaimini

tradition.

This paper attempts in proving the fallacy of attempts of extending principles from other system of divination of Vedic Astrology to Jaimini System.

2.0 Tara Lagna (TL)

Jaimini systems mentions many special lagnas for delineating results of a horoscope. Scholars like our Guru “Maha Mahopadhyaya” Sri Iranganti Rangacharya have demonstrated many of them without contradicting the ancient literature with practical examples in his published articles. He instructed this scribe that 18 lagnas were used by the scholars of yore of this system. This very fact of employing many reference points in proclaiming results is the strength of this system and sometimes baffles the students in disguise. One such important lagna in Jaimini system is Tara Lagna, which was explained vide sutras 2-4-27 to 2-4-30. One tradition which is famous on internet calls this lagna erroneously as Shri Lagna and accordingly Jagannatha Hora software shows it as SL in the charts. However, there is subtle difference among scholars of yore to modern JHora method in calculating this Tara Lagna. Ancient commentaries mentions this as Nakshatra Lagna also.

2.1 Calculation of Tara Lagna:

Jaimini Sutra Chapter – II Pada – IV mentions this Tara Lagna and its importance in determining prosperity.

२-४-२ ७

tārārkaṁśemaṁdādyodaśeśaḥ 2-4-27

२-४-२ ८

tasminnuccenīchevāśrīmaṁtaḥ 2-4-28

२-४-२ ९

svamitrabhekiṁchit 2-4-29

२-४-३०

durgatāparathā 2-4-30

Translation:

= the birth star

= Sun

= part

= number 1 in katapayadi numeric

= starting

= the dasha lord

The duration of Birth Star divided into 12 parts and the part of Nakshatra occupied by the Moon to be noted. The sign obtained by counting the same number of signs from Janma Lagna (Ascendant) gives Tara Lagna (TL).

2.2 Modern View of Commentaries:

The method as followed by modern commentators like Sri Sanjay Rath and scholars like Sri P.V.R. Narasimha Rao1 is explained below.

Calculation of Sri Lagna2 (SL):

Step 1: Compute the fraction of Moon’s advancement in his constellation

Step 2: Add the same fraction of the entire zodiac to longitude if Lagna. This gives the longitude of Tara Lagna.

If the lord of Sri Lagna is exalted or debilitated, the native is Srimanta (Wealthy Person)

If the lord of Sri Lagna is in own sign or a friendly sign, the native’s fortune is proportionately reduced.

If the lord of SL is in an inimical sign, the native is poor.

For example, a Native with Moon at 13 Li 06 (Swathi Star) and Lagna at 25 Vi 05. Step 1: Constellation Swathi spans from 60 40’ to 200 0’ in sign Libra Moon advancement in constellation = 1306’ - 60 40’ = 60 26’ Fraction of Moon advancement = 60 26’ / 130 20’ = 0.4825 Step 2: Same fraction of zodiac = 0.4825 X 3600= 1730 42’ Add this to Lagna = 1750 5’ + 1730 42’

= 3480 47’ = 180 Pi 47’

The modern commentators calculate this special Lagna by extending Parasara principle of adding the fraction of traversal of Moon in the birth constellation to the longitude of birth ascendant. The placement of lord of this Lagna in exaltation or debilitation makes the native rich. The wealth of the native decreases proportionately according to the dignity of the planet. Exception: Some commentators like Sri P S Sastri mentions that if the birth ascendant is even, counting shall be anti-zodiacal order.

1 “Sudasa shows Lakshmi’s Blessings – Express Star Teller October 2001 issue – Page 36

2Jaimini Maharshi Upadesa Sutras by Sri Sanjay Rath – M/s Sagittarius Publications, New Delhi. – Page 216

2.3 The View of Ancient Commentaries of South India:

Now, let us shift our reference to unpublished commentaries available mostly in manuscript form either in custody of individual or manuscript libraries, which will open the doors to new avenues of Jaimini system of astrology. One available Vriddha Karika3 verse deals with calculation and results of this special lagna. The same is given below for the benefit of readers.

janmatāraṁdvādaśadhāvibhakteyatracandramā

lagnāttāvatathorāśaunyasedādaudaśādhipaṁ।

sayadyuccethavānīcetadāsyādrājasevakau

svamitrarkṣesukhīśatṛrāśauniḥsvaḥ same samaḥ।

Liberal Translation: The constellation occupied by Moon shall be divided into 12 parts and the number of the part occupied by Moon shall be noted. The sign arrived by counting that number of signs from Birth Ascendant is denoted as Tara Lagna (TL). The lord of constellation occupied by Moon as per the Vimsottari dasha scheme shall deemed to be placed in TL. If this lord is exalted or debilitated in TL makes the native an employee of the King. If the lord is placed in own sign, inimical sign and neutral sign makes the native happy, poor and common man respectively. The longitude of lagna need not be consider in calculation of this lagna, though it seems mathematically incorrect. The same is the case with most of the special lagnas of Jaimini System. The same view is endorsed by commentaries Jataka Sara Sangraha of Raghava Bhatta and Jyotisha Phala Ratnamala of Krishna Mishra. The relevant Sanskrit literature is given in appendix for the benefit of inquisitive readers. The translation is not provided for the sake of brevity. Exception: If the birth star lord is Ketu, count shall be anti-zodiacal order. Extension of application:

1. If the dasha lord is conjunct with an exalted planet results in good wealth.

2. If the dasha lord conjunct with Moon results in good wealth.

Readers may observe the sub-heading of this paragraph says “View of Ancient Commentaries of South India”, yet only Vriddha Karika version was explained. It is felt by this scribe it is reasonable as all the commentaries from South India endorse the view of Vriddha Karika.

2.4 The View of Magnum Opus Jyotisha Phalaratnamala Chapter 10 -3

-

3 Ref: Jaimini Padyamritam by Sri Durga Prasada Dwivedi

१०-३

Vibhajya nakṣatramatho vilagnādārabhya nītvā raviṇaiva dhīmān prāptekhamḍe tu daśādhināthamādyaṁ samāropya vadetphalāni 10-3

Translation:

= To divide

= Birth Star

= in to 12 parts (Ravi = 12 Aditya)

= after that

= Intelligent person

= thus obtained part

= to count from Janma Lagna

= after that

= first dasha Lord as per udu dasha

= deemed to be placed in

= results

= to be proclaimed

The views of commentaries from South India

2.5 An Example:

A Native with Moon at 13 Li 06 (Swathi Star) and natal Lagna at 25 Vi 05. The duration of each part = 130 20’ / 12 = 1.11111111 Constellation Swathi spans from 60 40’ to 200 0’ in sign Libra Moon advancement in constellation = 1306’ - 60 40’

= 60 26’ Part of advancement in the whole star = 60 26’ / 1.11111 = 5.79 part = 6th part Hence, count 6 signs from Janma Lagna Virgo to arrive at Aquarius as TL. It shall be observed that Tara Lagna is Aquarius as per ancient method, where as it was Pisces 180 47’ according to modern method which uses the longitudinal based calculations.

2.6 Comparison of these two views

This scribe tried his best to consult available literature on Jaimini System both in print and manuscript form. The result is a broad classification of the views in to two views one Vriddha Karika and the other modern. The following table summarizes the subtle differences between these two approaches.

S No Parameter VriddhaKarika View Modern View Remarks

1 Calculation of TL The count is the number of signs from Birth Ascendant irrespective of its longitude and traversal of Moon in the star

The TL is arrived by taking the longitude of Asc and also traversal of Moon in the star

Mathematically the modern view seems to be correct. However, the view of ancient scholar proves to be practically working

2 Tara Lagna of the example data given

Aquarius Pisces 180 47’ TL differs by one sign

2 Results of TL The Lord of Birth Star is deemed to be placed in TL and his dignity in TL shows the results

The dignity of Lord of TL shows the results

Difference is obvious

3 Authors endorse4 VriddhaKarika, RaghavaBhatta Krishna Mishra Vanchanatha Parameshwara LaxmanaSuri Subbarama

Jyosyaru Jataka Jivanam Iranganti

Rangacharya Kamalakantha

Shukla

And many more

Kasirama Pathak Dr.Suresh Chandra

Mishra Dr. P S Sastri Sanjay Rath And many more

Apparently, all the modern commentators, who never seems to consult ancient commentaries got trapped in literal translation of those sutras. Most south Indian commentaries endorse the ancient view.

3.0 Case Studies:

Some case studies are given below to explain the correct application of Tara Lagna (TL). The table given at the end summarizes cases of 24 charts chosen. The birth details are taken from various sources and the accuracy of the birth details has been verified with the database of astrodatabank rodden ratings. The ayanamsha used is 0034’ 25” more than Lahiri Ayanamsha, which is known as Dulakara5 Ayanamsha. Chadra Hari Ayanamsha may also be used. This scribe doesn’t want to involve in debate of correct ayanamsha as the ayanamsha is very close to traditional Lahiri ayanamsha.

4 The List is not complete. 5 Dulakara Ayanamsha article was published in earlier volumes of this magazine.

Star Lord in Exaltation:

Star Lord in Debilitation:

Star Lord in Own House:

Star Lord Conjunct Exalted planet: Ref: Fortune and Finance by S.S. Chatterjee – Page 347

Tara Lagna – A comprehensive Study Ayanamsha Used: Lahiri Ayanamsha +00-34’-25’’

S No Name DOB Details Birth Star Star Lord Tara

Lagna

Analysis

1 Bill Gates October 28,

1955

22: Hrs

(8:00West)

47N36,

122W19

Uttara

Bhadra

Saturn Aries Debilitated in Tara

Lagna

2 Emperor Czar

Nicholas II

May 19, 1868

0:15 (5:00

East)

30E15, 59N53

Revathi Mercury Pisces Debilitated in Tara

Lagna

3 A Garment

Exporter (Ref:

S.S. Chetarjee

Book)

Oct 6, 1945

13:32

(5:30east)

74E49, 34N05

Hasta Moon Virgo Moon Conjunct

Natal Moon and

Exalted Mercury

4 Giorgio Armani July 11, 1934

07:20 (1:00

East)

09E40, 45N01

Arudra Rahu Gemini Rahu gets Exalted

5 Hendry Ford I

(Rodden Rating

: B)

July 30, 1863

7:00 (5:40

west)

85W08, 42N20

Sravana Moon Scorpio Moon Gets Exalted

in TL

6 J.P. Morgan Sr. April 17, 1837

3:00 (04:58

West)

74W41, 41N45

Pubba Venus Libra Own House and

Conjunct Exalted

Saturn

7 Jyachamaraja

Wodeyar

July 18, 1919

18:17 (5:30

East)

76E 38, 12N18

Uttara

Bhadra

Saturn Aquarius Occupied

MoolaTrikona

House

8 Kamal Hassan Nov 7, 1954

06:15 (05:30

East)

78E36, 09N 33

Purava

Bhadra

Jupiter Cancer Exalted in TL

9 King Alexander

I

Dec 17. 1888

23:55 (1:00

East)

18E55, 42N23

Mrigasira Mars Capricorn Exalted in TK

10 King Carlos I Sep 28, 1863

13:35 (2:00

East)

09W08, 38N43

Revathi Mercury Virgo Exalted in TL

11 King Emmnaul

II of Greece

Nov 15, 1889

05:55:00

(01:00 East)

09W12, 38 N

42

Ashlesha Mercury Pisces Debilitated in TL

12 Krishna Raja

Wodeyar

June 4, 1884

10:188 (05:30

Chitra Mars Capricorn Mars Exalted in TL

East) 76E38, 12N18

13 Lata

Mangeshkar

Sep 28, 1929

21:51 (5:30

East)

75E50, 22N43

Pushyami Saturn Aries Debilitated in TL

14 Madhavrao

Scindhia

March 10, 1945

23:45 (05:30

East)

72E50, 18N58

Uttarashada Sun Libra Sun debilitated in

TL

15 Mike

Bloomberg

Feb 14, 1942

15:40 (04:00

West)

71N9, 42N21

Dhanishta Mars Cancer Debilitated in TL

16 Nusli Wadia of

Bombay Dyeing

Feb 15, 1944

13:30 (5:30

east)

72E50, 18N58

Swathi Rahu Gemini Rahu exalted in TL

Gemini

17 Queen Elizabeth

II

April 21, 1926

02:40 (0:00

west)

0W7, 51N30

Jyeshta Mercury Pisces Mercury Debilitated

in TL

18 Superstar

Rajnikanth

Dec 12, 1950

23:56 (5:30

East) 77E35,

12N59

Sravana Moon Scorpio Moon Debilitated in

TL Scorpio

19 Shah Rukh

Khan

Nov 2, 1965

02:30 (5:30

East)

77E12, 28N36

Sravana Moon Taurus Moon Gets

Debilitated in TL

Scorpio

20 Ratan Tata Dec 28, 1937

06:29:00

(05:30 East)

72E50, 18N58

Visakha Jupiter Capricorn Jupiter Debilitated

in Capricorn TL

21 Vasundhara

Raje Scindia

May 8, 1953

14:30 (05:30

East)

72E50, 18N58

Satabhisham Rahu Gemini Rahu gets exalted in

Gemini

22 Vijayaraje

Scindia

Oct 12, 1919

23:00 Hrs

78 E 43, 23 N

50

Krittika Sun Aries Sun gets exalted in

Aries

23 Branson Richard July 18, 1950

07:10 (1:00

East)

0W31, 51N12

Makha Ketu Sagittarius As Makha is

KetuNakshatra,

count in anti-

zodiacal direction.

Ketu gets exalted in

Sagittarius

24 Anil Ambani June 04, 1959

22:30 Mumbai

Krittika Sun Aries Sun exalts in Aries.

However, the

Ayanamsha used

here is Tarditional

Lahiri as against my

chosen Dulakara

Ayanamsha

Appendix -

-

-

१०-४

tatroccagepyuccayuteśubhenayutothavāsyātprabhuyogadātā nīcenavānīcakhagenadṛṣṭedāridryayogaṁpravadanmunīṁdrāḥ 10-4

१०-५

ārabhyatattadanukrameṇadaśāmadhīśātparikalpayitvā । śubhāśubhaṁsamyagavekṣaṇīyaṁdvipāpayogemṛtirevavācyā । 10-5