Chapter 1, Brihad Parasara Horasastra,Srishtikram Kadhanadhyyaya.

 

 The name of the first chapter of the Brihad Parasara Hora Sastra is Srishtikramakadhanadhyyaya. As the name says, this chapter is about creation. The entire BPHS is presented as a conversation between Sage Parasara and Sage Maitreya.

Sage Maitreya, also known as Maitreya Rishi or Maitreya Maharishi, is a revered figure in Hindu mythology and scriptures. He is considered one of the great sages (rishis) of ancient times and is often depicted as a wise and learned scholar. Maitreya is known for his profound knowledge of spiritual teachings, including the Vedas and other sacred texts. He is particularly associated with being a disciple of Sage Parashara and transmitting his teachings to later generations, especially the Puranas and the Vishnu Purana. Sage Maitreya is also mentioned in various other Hindu texts, where he appears as a conversational partner or a narrator of important mythological events.

 

The chapter begins with Maitreya requesting Sage Parasara to explain which among these Horā, Ganita and Samhita is great and how this universe was created. How will it end? Relationship with earthlings and heavenly bodies?

Parasara appreciates Sage Maitreya and says, as he has asked a valid question, that astrology is for the benefit of the people, but only a peacefully disposed person can be an astrologer.

Then Sage Parasara describes how the universe was constructed by Lord Vishnu. This single entity contains various energies, which take different forms.

In this chapter, he has mentioned various forms of energies, like, firstly, three gunas.

In 13–15, it says the three powers are Śrī Shakti (Mother Lakshmi) with Sattva-Gun, Bhū Shakti (Mother-Earth) with Rajo-Gun, and Nīl Shakti with Tamo-Gun. Vishnu has all three gunas, but there is a fourth guna, which is coupled with Sri sakti and Bhu sakti.

 

Shree Shakti: “Shree” often refers to Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth, prosperity, and fortune in Hinduism. “Shakti” denotes power or energy. So, “Shree Shakti” can be interpreted as the divine power or energy associated with the goddess Lakshmi. It symbolizes abundance, prosperity, and auspiciousness.

 

Bhu Shakti: “Bhu” means earth or land. So, “Bhu Shakti” could be understood as the divine power or energy associated with the earth. It may symbolize fertility, stability, and nurturing qualities attributed to the earth.

 

Nil Shakti: “Nil” typically means blue. In Hinduism, blue is often associated with the god Vishnu or his incarnations, such as Krishna. “Shakti” again refers to power or energy. So, “Nil Shakti” could signify the divine power or energy associated with Vishnu or Krishna. It may represent qualities such as preservation, protection, and cosmic order.

 

These three shaktis are also known as the three gunas.

Sattva Guna: Sattva is the quality of purity, harmony, and light. It represents intelligence, goodness, and positivity. When a person’s mind is predominantly influenced by Sattva Guna, they exhibit qualities such as clarity, peace, and spiritual awareness. Sattva Guna is associated with virtues like compassion, wisdom, and contentment.

 

Rajo Guna: Raja signifies activity, dynamism, and passion. Rajo Guna is characterized by restlessness, desire, and attachment. When one’s mind is dominated by Rajo Guna, they tend to be driven by ambition, seek pleasure, and engage in various actions motivated by personal gain or achievement. It’s associated with qualities like ambition, restlessness, and competitiveness.

 

Tamo Guna: Tama represents darkness, inertia, and ignorance. Tamo Guna is associated with qualities such as lethargy, delusion, and inertia. When the mind is under the influence of Tamo Guna, it tends to be clouded by ignorance, laziness, and negativity. This state can lead to behaviors characterized by apathy, procrastination, and dullness.

 

So, in short, what I think Parasara described about the nature of Lord Vishnu who has positive as well as negative energies in him. That is the content of the first chapter of BPHS, and in this chapter he has not said anything about creation. He is all praise about Lord Vishnu, that’s all.