(From Brihat Parāśara Horā Śāstra – Chapter 2)
अथावतारकथनाध्यायः – Athāvatar Kathanādhyāyaḥ
(Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, Chapter 2 – “Athāvatar Kathanādhyāyaḥ”)
🌅 Introduction
In this rare and sacred section of Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, Sage Parāśara reveals a profound truth — the planets (grahas) are not mere celestial bodies.
They are living embodiments of Lord Vishnu, who incarnates as different avatars to guide and balance the universe.
Through these verses, we learn how each incarnation (avatāra) corresponds to a planetary energy and cosmic function.
🌞 Sanskrit Verses and English Translation
Below, each Sanskrit verse is followed by its clear and faithful translation — ideal for both spiritual seekers and young learners.
🕉️ Verse 1
रामकृष्णादयो ये ह्यवतारा रमापतेः।
तेऽपि जीवांशसंयुक्ताः किंवा ब्रूहि मुनिश्वर॥ १॥
Translation:
“O revered sage, are the incarnations like Rāma and Krishna full manifestations of Lord Vishnu, or do they contain the essence (aṁśa) of individual souls combined with the divine spirit?”
🪔 Meaning:
Even divine incarnations differ in degree — some are complete manifestations (Pūrṇa Avatāra) while others are partial (Aṁśa Avatāra).
☀️ Verse 2
रामः कृष्णश्च भो विप्र नृसिंहः सूकरस्तथा।
एते पूर्णावताराश्च ह्यन्ये जीवांशकान्विताः॥ २॥
Translation:
“O Brahmin, Rāma, Krishna, Narasiṁha, and Varāha are complete divine manifestations; other incarnations include partial portions of divine and soul essence.”
🌌 Verse 3
अवताराण्यनेकानि ह्यजस्य परमात्मनः।
जीवानां कर्मफलदो ग्रहरूपी जनार्दनः॥ ३॥
Translation:
“The unborn Supreme Lord (Paramātman) takes countless incarnations. As Janārdana, He manifests as the planets (grahas) to deliver the fruits of karma to living beings.”
🪐 Did You Know?
👉 The Navagrahas are Vishnu’s cosmic instruments!
They ensure that every action (karma) yields the right consequence — teaching fairness and cosmic order (ṛta).
⚖️ Verse 4
दैत्यानां बलनाशाय देवानां बलबृद्धये।
धर्मसंस्तापनार्थाय ग्रहाज्जाताः शुभाः क्रमात्॥ ४॥
Translation:
“The planets are born as auspicious forces — to weaken the demons, strengthen the gods, and re-establish righteousness (Dharma).”
🌞 Verse 5–6 – Avatāras and Their Planets
| Avatāra (Incarnation) | Planet (Graha) | Symbolic Function |
|---|---|---|
| Rāma | Sun (Sūrya) | Dharma, kingship, light |
| Krishna | Moon (Chandra) | Love, joy, devotion |
| Narasiṁha | Mars (Kuja) | Courage, protection |
| Buddha (Śākyamuni) | Mercury (Budha) | Wisdom, intellect |
| Vāmana | Jupiter (Guru) | Expansion, righteousness |
| Paraśurāma | Venus (Śukra) | Refinement, justice |
| Kūrma (Tortoise) | Saturn (Śani) | Patience, support |
| Varāha (Boar) | Rāhu | Strength, restoration |
| Matsya (Fish) | Ketu | Salvation, transcendence |
📘 Did You Know?
Every planet has a divine personality — when we study astrology (Jyotiṣa), we’re learning how these avatars express themselves in our lives!
🌠 Verse 7–9
केतोर्मीनावतारश्च ये चान्ये तेऽपि खेटजाः।
परात्मांशोऽधिको येषु ते सर्वे खेचराभिधः॥
“The Fish incarnation (Matsya) corresponds to Ketu.
Those with greater divine essence are called celestial wanderers (Khecharas), meaning planets moving through the sky.”
🪔 Insight:
Ketu — the mystical planet of liberation — represents the Matsya Avatāra, which saved divine wisdom during the cosmic flood.
🧭 Verse 10–13 – The Divine Cycle
जीवांशनिःसृतास्तेषां तेभ्यो जाता नरादयः।
तेऽपि तत्रैव लीयन्ते तेऽव्यक्ते समयन्ति हि॥
“All living beings arise from these divine essences and ultimately dissolve back into them, merging into the unmanifest (Avyakta).”
विना तज्ज्यैतिषं नान्यो ज्ञातुं शक्नोति कर्हिचित्।
तत्मादवश्यमध्येयं ब्राह्मणेश्च विशेषतः॥
“No one can truly understand this mystery without the study of Jyotiṣa (astrology); hence it must be learned, especially by seekers of knowledge.”
🌟 Moral for Kids:
Learning about planets and stars isn’t just science — it’s spiritual wisdom!
They teach us that every action has light, rhythm, and consequence — like waves of cosmic music.
🌻 Conclusion
Sage Parāśara’s teaching reminds us:
“The Planets are the visible forms of Lord Vishnu.”
When we study their movements, we connect with the divine rhythm that sustains the world.
Understanding Jyotiṣa is thus not superstition — it is a sacred science linking Heaven, Earth, and Soul.
🌼 For Readers & Young Learners
🔸 Did You Know?
The Sun (Surya) is not just a star — he’s Rāma’s energy!
The Moon glows with Krishna’s compassion.
Mars roars with Narasiṁha’s courage, and Venus shines with Paraśurāma’s artistry.
Each planet carries a story, a lesson, and a divine purpose.
That’s why Vedic astrology is called the Science of Light — Jyotiṣa Śāstra.
🌐 Published by AstroJay.com
Illuminating the timeless union of Astrology, Divinity, and Education.
(© AstroJay.com | Illustrations generated with traditional watercolor inspiration.)
