Surya Siddhanta - History of Astrology | Ancient Indian Astrology| Pitahma Siddhanta Description

A deep insight into Vedic astrology solves the mysteries of astrology one by one. Vedas and the principles of ancient saints guide us through the secrets of Vedic astrology. Sarvapari Grantha of astrology scriptures is also known as Surya Siddhantha. Rishi Surya was the composer of this Siddhantha. Lets turn around the pages of Surya Siddhanta and unfold the history of astrology: 

Ancient Indian Astrology

Mythological period is considered to be the golden era of astrology. It is the contribution of 18 saints that makes this time remarkable in the history of astrology. Rishi Surya comes first in the list of these 18 saints. He started the visitation of Surya Siddhantha.

These siddhanthas describe planets and principles of planetary motions. It is more useful and detailed as compared to other granthas, but there have been some recent amendments in this book. This book is mainly based on the “astronomy of astrology”, and has been written in the form of commentary.

Many scholars have edited this book, but these editions are not available yet. The rules of this text consider the speed of the celestial bodies as virtual. It also gives the information on the positions of stars, moon and constellations. The time of the solar eclipse can be estimated from the rules of this book. 

Pitamaha Siddhantha

Three wings of astrology are the three parts of astrology, among which Siddhnatha astrology is prominent. Above mentioned 18 ancient saints have contributed towards Siddhantha astrology. Shastras of these saints are named after them. Pitamaha Siddhanta is one of these shastras composed by Rishi Pitamaha.

Pitamaha Siddhantha was composed in the historical period of 8300 BC to 3000 BC. Many great saints contributed to the field of astrology during this time. Following are the names of those saints :

Siddhanta Jyotish : Name of 18 Rishi

Surya Pitamaha Vyaso Vashishthaoatri Parashara

Kashyapo Narad Garg Marichimnu Angira

Lomash Polishashcahiva Chayawano Yavano Mrigu

Shoneko ashthadashadhaite jyoti Shastra Pravartaka.

Hence, following are the names of the saints that took astrology to its height: RishiSurya, Rishi Pitamaha, Rishi Vyaso, Rishi Vashishthaoatri, Rishi ParasharaKashyapo, Rishi Narad, Rishi Garg ,Rishi Marichi, Rishi Manu, Rishi Lomash, Rishi Polish, Rishi Chawana. Rishi Yavan, Rishi Mrigu, Rishi Shonak.

Pitahma Siddhanta Description

Rishi Pitamaha composed Pitamaha Siddhantha. Pitamaha Siddhanta is an astronomy based text. This text mentions the calculations about the speed of Sun and transmission of Moon. Complete Pitama Siddhanta is not available today.