The most important and influential text that provides some of the best guiding principles in Vedic astrology is the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. Sage Maharishi Parashara is popularly known as the Parama Guru of several ancient texts and it is believed that the first Purana - Vishnu Purana, Parashara Gita were his great creations. Parasara Muni can therefore be pronounced as creator, ancestor and father of Indian Astrology.

The compilation of Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra is the dictionary and most researched and precise, all-inclusive scripture of astrology believed to have been composed between 600 and 750 CE. The focus of these texts is particularly the prophetic and predictive branch which is known as the Horā or Horoscope!

This Astro Scripture is a composition of ancient astrological knowledge, presented in a dialogue format between Parashara and his disciple Maitreya. This method of transmission underscores the oral tradition prevalent in ancient India, where knowledge was passed down through generations of sages and scholars. Sage Parashara is revered to be the leader among the most knowledgeable saints and rishis or munis. His concentration resulted in the exploration of the supreme teachings of the Vedas called the Jyotisa. This has three branches – Hora, Ganita and Samhita. Of these, Hora is the most powerful and intense.

Parashara Rishi comes from a lineage of highly accomplished and most revered sages in Hindu Mythology – born to parents Shakti Maharishi (father) and Adrushyanti (mother). Parashara was a Rigvedic Maharishi, known to be the grandson of a world-renowned sage of all time – Vashista. His son is Vyasa, who is an even more acclaimed and famous Vedic Sage. Vyasa took Lord Ganesha’s help to script the world’s longest poem and one of the greatest Epics of all time, the Mahabharata. Parashara was a travelling teacher like the Buddha. Vyasa was an ancestor of Dhritarashtra, Pandu, Vidura and Suka. Therefore; Parashara was the great-grandfather of both the warring parties of the Mahābhārata, the Kauravas and the Pāndavas. This illustrates that Parashar carries a great mythological (and to some extent historical) significance amongst Hindus.

FAQs

Are there any historical places in India where traces of Parashara’s life can be found?

Sage Parashara is alleged to be born at Panhala fort in the Kolhapur district of Maharashtra, India. A cave, supposed to be of the great sage-Parashara is present at the fort. Another historic landmark is the Prashar Lake in Himachal Pradesh, India with a three storied pagoda-like 13th century temple dedicated to sage Prashar. At the centre of the lake is an island. This is purported to be the sage’s favourite meditation spot. It is truly a sight to behold, pristine with deep blue waters, located at a height of 2730 m above sea level, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and looking down upon the fast-flowing Beas river.

Is there any evidence that Maharishi Parasara wrote Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra?

Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra or the Great Parashara’s manual on Horoscopic Astrology is truly a masterpiece, brought forth by a genius. It has originated from sagic-vedic knowledge, is unique and has scientific precision of both astrology and astrophysics. Furthermore, there is concrete, undisputed evidence of its author’s existence and lineage that lends legitimacy.

Are there any other sages who wrote the Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra? 

No, there is no evidence of any other sages contributing to this definitive text.