Jyotisha Dictionary

Jyotisha (Sanskrit). Astronomy and Astrology; one of the Vedangas.

Jyotisham Jyotch (Sanskrit). The "light of lights", the Supreme Spirit, so called in the Upanishads.

(See also: Jyotisha , Theosophy, Spirituality, Body mind and Soul, Spiritual Dictionary,)

Jyotisha Vedanga: (Sanskrit) "Veda-limb of celestial science (astronomy-astrology)."

Ancient texts giving knowledge of astronomy and astrology, for understanding the cosmos and determining proper timing for Vedic rites. (Jyoti means light [of the sun, fire, etc.])

See: jyotisha, Vedanga.

(See also: Jyotisha Vedanga , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

jyotisha shastri: (Sanskrit) "Astrologer." A person well versed in the science of jyotisha.

See: jyotisha.

(See also: Jyotisha shastri , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

auspicious: Mangala. Favorable, of good omen, foreboding well. One of the central concepts in Hindu life. Astrology defines a method for determining times that are favorable for various human endeavors. Much of daily living and religious practice revolves around an awareness of auspiciousness. Endowed with great power and importance, it is associated with times, places and persons. See: jyotisha, muhurta, swastika, Tai Pongal.

(See also: Auspicious , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

astrology: Science of celestial influences. See: jyotisha, Vedanga.

(See also: Astrology , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

birth chart: Janmapatrika. An astrological map of the sky drawn for a person's moment and place of birth. Also known as rashi chakra or zodiac wheel, it is the basis for interpreting the traits of individuals and the experiences, prarabdha karmas, they will go through in life.

See: jyotisha, karma.

(See also: Birth chart , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Rahu: (Sanskrit) "The seizer."

In Hindu astrology, Rahu is one of the nine important planets (graha), but is an invisible or "astral" one, along with its counterpart, Ketu. Physically speaking, it is one of two points in the heavens where the moon crosses the ecliptic or path of the sun. The point where the moon crosses the ecliptic moving from south to north is Rahu, the north node. The south node is Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are depicted as a serpent demon who encircles the earth. Ketu is the dragon's tail and Rahu is the head. Both are believed to cause general consternation among people.

See: jyotisha, vedic astrology.

(See also: Rahu , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Vedanga:

Vedanga: Veda-limb. Six branches of post-Vedic studies revered as auxiliary to the Vedas. Four Vedangas govern correct chanting of the Vedas: 1. Shiksha (phonetics), 2. Çhandas (meter), 3. Nirukta (etymology), 4. Vyakarana (grammar). The two other Vedangas are 5. Jyotisha Vedanga (astronomy-astrology) and 6. Kalpa Vedanga (procedural canon) which includes the Shrauta and Shulba Shastras (ritual codes), Dharma Shastras (social law) and Grihya Shastras (domestic codes).

(See also: Vedanga , Hinduism, Hinduism Dictionary, Sanskrit Dictionary, Body Mind and Soul)

Vedanga: (Sanskrit) "Veda-limb." Six branches of post- Vedic studies revered as auxiliary to the Vedas.

Four Vedangas govern correct chanting of the Vedas:

1)    Shiksha (phonetics),

2)    ‚handas (meter),

3)    Nirukta (etymology),

4)    Vyakarana (grammar). The two other Vedangas are

5)    )Jyotisha Vedanga (astronomy-astrology) and

6)    Kalpa Vedanga (procedural canon) which includes the Shrauta and Shulba Shastras (ritual codes), Dharma Shastras (social law) and Grihya Shastras (domestic codes).

See: Kalpa Vedanga, Vedas, and individual entries for named texts.

(See also: Vedanga , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

jyotisha: (Sanskrit) From jyoti, "light." "

The science of the lights (or stars)." Hindu astrology, the knowledge and practice of analyzing events and circumstances, delineating character and determining auspicious moments, according to the positions and movements of heavenly bodies.

In calculating horoscopes, jyotisha uses the sidereal (fixed-star) system, whereas Western astrology uses the tropical (fixed-date) method.

(See also: Jyotisha , Hinduism, Body Mind and Soul)

Jyotisha jyotisa (Sanskrit) (from the verbal root jyut to shine)

An astronomer; as a neuter noun, astronomy, also called jyotisha-vidya. One name for Hindu astrology. Likewise the name of one of the six Vedangas (parts of the Vedas), a short tract giving instructions for fixing the days and hours of Vedic sacrifices.

(See also: Jyotisha, jyotisa , Mysticism, Mysticism Dictionary, Occultism, Occultism Dictionary)

Hinduism Lexicon on B

From backbiting to buddhi chitta.

Read more here: » Hinduism: Hinduism Lexicon on B

Hinduism Lexicon on A

From aadheenam to axis.

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Introduction to Hinduism

Statistically, there are over 700 million Hindus, mainly in Bharat (India), and Nepal. Hinduism is referred to as Sanatana Dharma, the eternal faith. Hinduism is not strictly a religion. It is based on the practice of Dharma, the code of life. Since Hinduism has no founder, anyone who practices Dharma can call himself a Hindu. He can question the authority of any scripture, or even the existence of the Divine.

Read more here: » Hinduism: Introduction to Hinduism

KARMA and REINCARNATION

The twin beliefs of karma and reincarnation are among Hinduism's many jewels of knowledge. Others include dharma or our pattern of religious conduct, worshipful communion with God and Gods, the necessary guidance of the Sat Guru, and finally enlightenment through personal realization of our identity in and with God. So the strong-shouldered and keen-minded rishis knew and stated in the Vedas.

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The Vedangas: There are six Angas or explanatory limbs, to the Vedas: the Siksha and Vyakarana of Panini, the Chhandas of Pingalacharya, the Nirukta of Yaska, the Jyotisha of Garga, and the Kalpas (Srauta, Grihya, Dharma and Sulba) belonging to the authorship of various Rishis.

Excerpt from All About Hinduism by Sri Swami Sivananda

Read more here: » Vedangas: The Vedangas in the Hindu Scriptures