E-ISSN:2456-3110

Research Article

Ayurveda and Iatromathematics

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2023 Volume 8 Number 10 October
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

An observational study to corroborate Ayurveda and Iatromathematics - An Idiosyncratic Approach

Nanditha M1*, Manjunath M2, Mahesh CD3, Pradeep S4
DOI:10.21760/jaims.8.10.11

1*Nanditha M, Final Year Pg Scholar, Department Of Pg Studies In Dravyaguna, Sri Sri College Of Ayurvedic Science Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

2 M K Manjunath, Astrologer, No 309 DS Max Santhrupthi Nest Nagarabhavi 2nd stage Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

3 Mahesh CD, Professor, Department of PG studies in Dravyaguna, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

4 Seema Pradeep, Professor HOD, Department of PG studies in Dravyaguna, Sri Sri College of Ayurvedic Science Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.

Traditional Science is imperative in allying mental, physical and social weal. Integration of Ayurveda with Indian Traditional Science can be a major breakthrough in this field. When we consider this concept for giving an evidence based aura, we can light up the triumph. One such path is Iatromathematics, also known as Medical Astrology. It is the application of Astrology in Medicine, based on the relationship between Nakshatra (star), Rashi (zodiac) and Graha (planet) of an individual & one’s life events. Our Acharyas have shed light in this path in many references. Prevention and diagnosis are the two main diverse keys to maintain the health of an individual. This study helps in attaining a speck of the great science of Medical Astrology, which helps in these domains. Study of basic literature of Astrology and the relationship between Nakshatra, Rashi, Graha and health of an individual has been attempted to understand through survey and retrospective observation of a case, which helps in the establishment of corroboration in this deem, thus creating a new venture in the field of Medicine.

Keywords: Graha, Iatromathematics, Medical Astrology, Nakshatra, Rashi, Traditional Science

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
M Nanditha, Final Year Pg Scholar, Department Of Pg Studies In Dravyaguna, Sri Sri College Of Ayurvedic Science Research, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Email: 		Nanditha M, Manjunath M, Mahesh CD, Pradeep S, An observational study to corroborate Ayurveda and Iatromathematics - An Idiosyncratic Approach. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2023;8(10):74-81.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/2755

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2023-08-12 2023-08-17 2023-08-22 2023-08-29 2023-09-23
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None declared Nil Yes 21.78%

© 2023by Nanditha M, Manjunath M, Mahesh CD, Pradeep Sand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

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Introduction

In Hindu Astrology, Navagrahas are the nine divinities, who influence human life on Earth. According to Medical Astrology, the Navagrahas control different systems of a human body.[1] Rashi plays a significant role in knowing the diseases which are most prone to an individual, as mentioned in Medical Astrology. Nakshatra is a section of the Sun’s ecliptic through which the Moon passes while it orbits around the Earth.[2] It is imperative to understand the correlation of psycho-physical and planetary forces that reflect one another in the concept of health, which can be understood through Medical Astrology. In addition to the diagnostic side, it also provides a wide range of additional treatment measures for promoting healing & prevention, by improving awareness. There are lot many references in Ayurveda related to Astrology, which needs to be explored. In Iatromathematics, 27 different plants have been indicated for 27 Nakshatras.[3] The view of this study is on bringing in the relationship between Graha, Rashi and Nakshatra and co-opting it with Ayurveda, which can fabricate a strong evidence in this deem. It is a need of the hour to get Global recognition through integration with Indian Traditional Sciences.

In order to understand the relationship between Nakshatra, Rashi and Graha, it is imperative to have knowledge about the basics of Astrology. There are 27 Nakshatra under 12 Rashi. Each Rashi is guarded by an Adhipati (planetary lord). Every Nakshatra has 4 Pada (quarter) and every Rashi can accommodate 9 Pada in them. Table no. 1 shows different Pada of Nakshatra under a particular Rashi and their Adhipati.[4]

There are two states of Graha - Asta and Udaya. Asta is a condition where the Graha is near Surya, and they lose their power (becomes combust) and they do not show any effect (neither good nor bad). Udaya is a condition where the Graha moves far away from Surya, and they get their power back and shows effect. For every Graha, the degree of combustion varies.[5]

The Graha are categorised into 3 classes - Shubha, Papa and Kroora. It is mainly used to see the effect of Graha while predicting. Vrddhi Chandra, Budha, Shukra and Guru are Shubha Graha; Ksheena Chandra, Kuja, Rahu, Ketu and Shani are Papa Graha; Surya is Kroora Graha.[6]

Table 1: Showing the relationship between Nakshatra, Rashi and Adhipati

NakshatraPadaRashiAdhipati
Ashvini4MeshaKuja
Bharani4Mesha
Krtika1Mesha
3VrshabhaShukra
Rohini4Vrshabha
Mrgashira2Vrshabha
2MithunaBudha
Aridra4Mithuna
Punarvasu3Mithuna
1KatakaChandra
Pushya4Kataka
Ashlesha4Kataka
Maka4SimhaSurya
Pubba4Simha
Uttara1Simha
3KanyaBudha
Hasta4Kanya
Chitta2Kanya
2TulaShukra
Svathi4Tula
Vishakha3Tula
1VrshchikaKuja
Anuradha4Vrshchika
Jyeshta4Vrshchika
Moola4DhanusGuru
Purvashada4Dhanus
Uttarashada1Dhanus
3MakaraShani
Shravana4Makara
Dhanishta2Makara
2KumbhaShani
Shatabhisha4Kumbha
Purvabhadrapada3Kumbha
1MeenaGuru
Uttarabhadrapada4Meena
Revathy4Meena

Dasha is defined as the period of a Graha in which it becomes responsible for a certain effect in the life of an individual. Vimshottari Dasha is majorly followed for calculating Dasha in a Jataka, which is of 120 years cycle. The sub-period of Dasha is called as Bhukti. The pattern of Vimshottari Dasha used for calculating is 7, 20, 6, 10, 7, 18, 16, 19 and 17 years respectively for Ketu, Shukra, Ravi, Chandra, Kuja, Rahu, Guru, Shani and Budha.[1]

The concept of Shatrutva and Mitratva of Graha helps to predict the negative or positive effect in the natal chart (birth chart or Kundali) of a person. For Surya - Shukra, Shani are Shatru; Chandra, Kuja, Guru are Mitra; Budha is Sama. For Chandra - Surya, Budha are Mitra; Shukra, Kuja, Shani, Guru are Sama. For Kuja - Budha is Shatru; Surya, Guru, Chandra are Mitra; Shukra, Shani are Sama. For Budha - Chandra is Shatru; Surya, Shukra are Mitra; Kuja, Guru, Shani are Sama. For Guru - Budha, Shukra are Shatru; Surya, Chandra, Kuja are Mitra; Shani is Sama. For Shukra - Surya, Chandra are Shatru; Budha, Shani are Mitra; Kuja, Guru are Sama. For Shani - Surya, Chandra, Kuja are Shatru; Budha, Shukra are Mitra; Guru is Sama.[1]


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There is a concept of Gunadharma and Karakatva, through which the predictions can be made, especially related to the diagnosis and treatment. It is told for all the 3 - Rashi, Graha and Bhava.

Rashi Gunadharma & Karakatva[2]

For each Rashi, the gender classification has been made to understand about the nature of a person grossly. Mesha, Mithuna, Simha, Tula, Dhanus and Kumbha come under Purusha Rashi; Vrshabha, Kataka, Kanya, Vrshchika, Makara and Meena come under Stree Rashi. It can also be inferred that in Purusha Rashi, the influence of Rajasika Dosha will be higher when compared to Stree Rashi.

Rashi is also categorised on the basis of 4 Tattva - Agni, Bhu, Vayu and Jala. Mesha, Simha, Dhanus are Agni Tattva Rashi; Vrshabha, Kanya, Makara are Bhu Tattva Rashi; Mithuna, Tula, Kumbha are Vayu Tattva Rashi; Kataka, Vrshchika, Meena are Jala Tattva Rashi. By this categorisation, the Dosha Vikrti to which a person is more prone can be grossly inferred.

The other categorisation of Rashi is Sama and Asama. Mesha, Mithuna, Simha, Tula, Dhanus and Kumbha are categorised as Asama; Vrshabha, Kataka, Kanya, Vrshchika, Makara and Meena are categorised as Sama. The Chanchalata and Sthirata in a person can be predicted, which may help in finding out the influence of Manasika Dosha in the diagnosis.

One more categorisation of Rashi is Shirodaya, Ubhayodaya and Prshtodaya. Mithuna, Kanya, Tula, Vrshchika and Kumbha come under Shirodaya; Meena comes under Ubhayodaya; Mesha, Vrshabha, Kataka, Simha, Dhanus and Makara come under Prshtodaya. Prshtodaya Rashi Purusha will be affected by Graha at the end of the Dasha, Shirodaya Rashi Purusha will be affected by Graha at the beginning of the Dasha and Ubhayodaya Rashi Purusha will be affected by Graha in the middle of the Dasha. With the help of this and Dasha calculation, the approximate age during which a person is more prone to a Vyadhi can be inferred, leading to prevention and better treatment.

Rashi Karakatva has been mentioned i.e., the parts of the body which are monitored by those particular Rashi or their Adhipati. Table no. 2 shows the Rashi Karakatva.[2]


Table 2: Showing the Karakatva of Rashi

RashiKarakatva
MeshaShira
VrshabhaMukha
MithunaUra, Skandha
KatakaHrdaya, Phuphphusa
SimhaJatara
KanyaKati
TulaBasti
VrshchikaUpastha
DhanusUru
MakaraJanu
KumbhaPeetika
MeenaPada

Graha Gunadharma & Karakatva[2]

Table no. 3 shows the Gunadharma, Karakatva and Vikara of different Graha when there is Heena Bala.

Table 3: Showing the Gunadharma, Karakatva and Vikara of different Graha in Heenavastha

GrahaGunadharmaKarakatvaVikara in Heenavastha
SuryaSattvika GunaAgni TattvaTeekshnaAtma KarakaAsthi KarakaPitta KarakaUtsaha KarakaAsthi VikaraDanta RogaYakrt VikaraJvaraShirorogaNetrarogaHrdroga
ChandraSattvika GunaChanchala SvabhavaSoumyaManas KarakaVama Chakshu KarakaManasika VikaraShvasaRakta Vikara
KujaKroora SvabhavaAgni TattvaTamo GunaShourya KarakaSthira KarakaPitta KarakaMajja KarakaAgantuja VikaraUdara RogaDushta VranaRaktapitta
BudhaSoumya SvabhavaRajasa GunaAgni TattvaVak KarakaTvak KarakaBuddhi KarakaVidya KarakaPandu RogaManasika VikaraTvak VikaraVidyabhanga
GuruSattva GunaMrdu SvabhavaJnana KarakaSukha KarakaPutra KarakaVandhyatvaUdaraVatavyadhi
ShukraMrdu SvabhavaTamo GunaJala TattvaJnana KarakaKama KarakaVata-Shleshma KarakaUdvegaShukra DushtiMutrakrcchraMutraghata
ShaniManda SvabhavaTamo GunaKarma KarakaDukha KarakaAyushya KarakaMrtyu KarakaAsthi VikaraArbudaVatavyadhiDanta RogaAjeerna
RahuTamo GunaTeekshnaKroora SvabhavaAtanka KarakaChinta KarakaAsthi VikaraKushtaVishama JvaraKarmaja Vyadhi
KetuKroora SvabhavaRajo GunaChanchala SvabhavaAgni TattvaJnana KarakaMoksha KarakaShoolaJvaraVranaUdara RogaNetra Roga

The concept of Bhava[2,4]

Bhava is defined as a portion or a single house in the natal chart of an individual. Bhava Kundali is mainly seen for the horoscope prediction. The Sthana at which Surya is present at the time of birth is considered as Lagna of that particular individual and the Sthana at which Chandra is present at the time of birth is considered as the Rashi. Lagna is considered as the first Bhava in the natal chart. From there, the other Bhava are counted. It varies for different individuals based on the Lagna. But, the Karakatva of the Bhava (according to the numbering from Lagna)


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remains the same for all. Table no. 4 shows the Karakatva of 12 different Bhava.

Table 4: Showing the Karakatva of Bhava

Bhava SankhyaBhava NamaKaraka GrahaKarakatva
1Tanu / LagnaSuryaAtma, Arogya
2Dhana / Vak / KutumbhaGuruVak Chaturya, Smrti, Grahana Shakti, Uha Shakti
3Sahaja / DhairyaKujaManodhairya, Sthirata, Hastalipi
4Sukha / MatruChandra, ShukraManas
5Purvapunya / SantanaGuruGarbha
6RipuKuja, ShaniRoga
7KalatraShukraVyavaya
8AyushyaShaniAyush, Marana Prakara
9Bhagya / DharmaGuru, SuryaManah Shuddhi
10KarmaShani, Guru, Surya, BudhaSvatantra Manobhava, Vrtti
11LabhaGuruAdhyayana
12MokshaShani, KetuDukha, Vamachara, Marana

Aim and Objectives

1. Aim of the study is to understand the relationship between Astrology and Ayurveda
2. Primary objective is to study understand the basic concepts of Astrology in order to correlate them with the concepts of Ayurveda.
3. Secondary objective is to establish an evidence supporting the literature in Medical Astrology.

Methodology

In order to understand the concept of Iatromathematics and the correlation between Ayurveda and Medical Astrology, thorough review was carried out on the fundamental concepts of Astrology and its references & relation with Ayurveda. In support of the results obtained in review of literature, a survey study was carried out through Google forms in 100 participants (age group - 18 to 70 years) and a retrospective observational case study was done in a patient of infertility with a history of miscarriage for 8 consecutive times.

For survey study, a questionnaire was made to know if there is any relationship between Nakshatra, Rashi, Graha and the diseases suffered earlier or suffering in the present. The questionnaire contained questions regarding one’s Nakshatra & Rashi, the symptoms or diseases one is suffering at the present or had suffered earlier. It was then circulated and results obtained from the first 100 participants were analyzed.

For retrospective observational case study, a case of

a female patient aged 39 years, who had a history of miscarriage for 8 consecutive times was chosen to analyze the good and bad effects in the patient’s natal chart.

Observations and Results

Among 100 participants of the survey, 74 participants had the diseases which were mentioned under their respective Adhipati (of one’s own Rashi), which supports the literature of Gunadharma and Karakatva of the Graha, which is discussed further in the article. Hence, we can infer that, there is a strong relationship between the person’s Nakshatra, Rashi and Graha, which needs further exploration.

For retrospective observational case study, the case taken was of a 39 year old female, with a history of miscarriage for 8 consecutive times. When the patient’s natal chart was analysed, we came to know that the patient’s Nakshatra is Pushya, Rashi is Kataka and Lagna is Mesha. Here, Simha becomes the 5th Bhava. But Simha Rashyadhipati is in 12th Bhava i.e., Moksha Bhava, which is the Marana Karaka Sthana. 5th Bhava Karaka Graha is Guru, and there is Shani Drshti on Guru. As Shani is Papa Graha, there will be negative effect in the 5th Bhava. 7th Bhava is Tula. Tula Rashyadhipati Shukra is also in Moksha Bhava. Also, the Karakatva of Kuja is Sthirata. As Kuja is in Dagdha Rashi, there is no Bala for Kuja i.e., Kuja is having Heena Bala. Hence, there is no Sthirata or Bala in Garbha and miscarriages happen very often.

As it is a case of Garbhapata, there is a need to study the natal chart of both the partners. When the patient’s partner’s natal chart was analyzed, we came to know that the Nakshatra is Bharani, Rashi is Mesha and Lagna is Simha. Lagnadhipati Surya is in 7th Bhava. Saptama Bhavadhipati is Shani (Papa Graha; Shani is also Shatru for Surya, which means Surya is in Shatru Sthana, hence causing negative effects in 7th Bhava). 5th Bhava Karaka Graha is Guru. Guru is also present in 7th Bhava. As Surya is also there, Guru is Asta at 4 degree 50 minutes (lesser than the degree of combustion of Guru Graha, which is 11 degree) & there is no Bala for Guru, whose Karakatva is Garbha. Shukra Graha is Veerya Karaka. Shukra is also in 7th Bhava & is Asta at 7 degree 55 minutes (lesser than the degree of combustion of Shukra Graha, which is 10 degree). Hence, there is no Bala. Due to all these reasons


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mainly, we may infer that the patient is prone to miscarriage.

Discussion

When the basic concepts of Astrology are studied and then the results of survey study and retrospective observational case study are analyzed, it can be inferred that it does support the literature and there is a strong relationship between Nakshatra, Rashi & Graha. They have immense effect on an individual in every aspect of life. This extensively helps in the diagnosis & in predicting the approximate age during which a person suffers from a disease, thus helping in prevention or in reducing the intensity of the disease through Graha Shanti.

The factors influencing effect of a Graha in an individual are Bhavadhipati & Karakatva; Karaka Graha Sthana & Karakatva; in association with Shubha Graha or Papa Graha; Graha in Shatru Sthana or Mitra Sthana; association of other Graha in a Bhava; Dasha & Bhukti at that particular point of time. (Aspects of Graha and the running Dasha, Bhukti & Antarbhukti effects the individual, depending on their running Dasha’s / Bhukti’s Graha placed in their natal chart).[7]

Acharya Narahari Pandita of Raja Nighantu has given the importance of Nakshatra Vana, Rashi Vana and Navagraha Vana that the individual should not cut that particular Vrksha, but has to protect and grow it, which increases Ayu. Table no. 5, 6, 7 shows Nakshatra Vana, Rashi Vana and Navagraha Vana respectively.[3,8]

Table 5: Showing Nakshatra Vana

SNNakshatraVrkshaSNNakshatraVrksha
1.AshviniKupilu15.SvathiArjuna
2.BharaniAmalaki16.VishakhaNagakeshara
3.KrtikaUdumbara17.AnuradhaNagakeshara
4.RohiniJambu18.JyeshtaShalmali
5.MrgashiraKhadira19.MoolaShallaki
6.AridraAguru20.PurvashadaVacha
7.PunarvasuStree Kutaja21.UttarashadaPanasa
8.PushyaAshvattha22.ShravanaArka
9.AshleshaPalasha23.DhanishtaShami
10.MakaVata24.ShatabhishaKadamba
11.PubbaPalasha25.PurvabhadrapadaAmra
12.UttaraBadara26.UttarabhadrapadaNimba
13.HastaJati27.RevathyMadhooka
14.ChittaBilva

When we know the patient’s Rashi & Nakshatra, the Dravya mentioned for a particular Nakshatra / Rashi / Graha can be added in the prescription as Dharanartha / Palanartha / Poshanartha / Sevanartha,

which may act as a preventive measure.[3] When Nakshatra & Rashi of an individual is not known, the key factors which helps in determining them through various applications are date of birth, place of birth and time of birth.

Table 6: Showing Rashi Vana

SNRashiVrksha
1.MeshaRaktachandana
2.VrshabhaSaptaparna
3.MithunaPanasa
4.KatakaPalasha
5.SimhaPatala
6.KanyaAmra
7.TulaBakula
8.VrshchikaKhadira
9.DhanusAshvattha
10.MakaraShimshapa
11.KumbhaShami
12.MeenaVata

Table 7: Showing Navagraha Vana

SNGrahaVrksha
1.SuryaArka
2.ChandraPalasha
3.KujaKhadira
4.BudhaApamarga
5.GuruAshvattha
6.ShukraUdumbara
7.ShaniShami
8.RahuDurva
9.KetuDarbha

Conclusion

Astrology is the science of predicting or determining the influence of Graha and Nakshatra on humans. Though the Grahagati cannot be changed, Graha Shanti can be done and the intensity might be reduced through various types of Daivavyapashraya Chikitsa. Astrological principles related to prevention, healthcare and relief from illness were applied as rituals or religious ceremonies in ancient era. There are also lot many references in Ayurveda which makes it need of the hour for exploration through evidence-based approach. Nakshatra, Rashi & Navagraha Vana mentioned, can act as preventive & curative approach, which may give a new dimension in the area of practice. It also majorly helps in cultivation & conservation of medicinal heritage. To create awareness about the inseparable relationship between Ayurveda & Astrology, and also to inculcate the practice of diagnosis & treatment through this which acts as an additional trait, having basic knowledge of this science is decisive. It is also imperative to create awareness & practice this scientific knowledge having a practical approach, instead of seeing it as a tradition or blindly refusing to understand its depth.


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Acknowledgement

The authors are thankful to all the participants of the study for their valuable time & co-operation.

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2. Yoganarasimha M A. Vedanga Jyotishya. Bengaluru: Yogananda Pratishtana.

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4. Upadhyaya K S. Kundali Sameekshe. Udupi: Tattva Samshodhana Samsat.

5. Vasudevamurthy M. Navamsha & Varga. Bengaluru: Saptagiri Prakashana.

6. Choudhry V K, Chaudhary K R. Predictive Techniques and the Application of Astrological Remedial Measures. New Delhi: Sagar Publications.

7. Vasudev G D. The Art of Prediction in Astrology. Delhi: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers.

8. Maneesha S R, Vidula P, Ubarhande V A, Chakurkar E B. Astrologically designed Medicinal Gardens of India. IJBSM. 2021 Apr; 12 (2): 108-20. Available from: (PDF) Astrologically Designed Medicinal Gardens of India (researchgate.net)


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