Jyotiḥśāstra

Such classical texts should be distinguished from modern works. There are a great number of contemporary publications, reflecting the persisting importance of astrology in Hindu culture, and the corresponding economical attractivity of the market in India. Notable modern authors include Sri Yukteswar Giri (1855–1936) and Bangalore Venkata Raman (1912–1998).

Classification

David Pingree defines jyotihshastra as manuscripts on astronomy, mathematics, astrology and divination, and estimates that about 10% of surviving Sanskrit manuscripts belong to the category.

Traditionally, jyotihshastra texts are classified into three broad categories:

• samhitā or śākhā (natural astrology and omens): effects of planetary positions and other natural phenomenon on the world
• horā or jātaka (horoscopic astrology): effects of planetary positions on humans,
• gaṇita (mathematical astronomy): calculations of planetary paths and other astronomical matters such as spherics
  • siddhanta: a fundamental treatise; generally uses the beginning of creation of kalpa (aeon) as the epoch of calculation
  • tantra: generally uses the beginning of the kali yuga as the epoch of calculation
  • karana: a handy, practical work describing short and simplified calculations; meant for panchanga-makers; generally uses the year of composition as the epoch

According to Pingree, this classification, mentioned in sources such as the Brihat Samhita (1.9), does not cover the field adequately.