It is a well known fact that just like all living beings and non-living objects create a certain kind subtle vibration around them, based on the kind of energy that exists in them, even the celestial bodies influence the happenings on Earth through their physical and subtle influences. The tides caused in the oceans because of the gravitational force of the Sun and the Moon clearly explain this phenomenon. For ages, ancient scientists known as Rushis have been studying the outer space and the sky overhead with the help of mathematics, observations and their Yogic powers. Thus, an elaborate science has developed over time tracking the influence of the position and movement of celestial bodies on humans and the society at large. Let us try to touch upon this vast subject in the context of human health.
Phal Jyotish is a branch of the holistic Indian science of astrology and astronomy, known as Jyotishshaastra, which has its origins in Jyotish - one among the six Vedangas (texts associated with the Vedas). In Phal Jyotish, a Hora (in Samskrut) represents half the portion of a Rashi (constellation) in the sky. Thus, the 12 Rashis comprise 24 Horas. In the Vedic Sciences, one Hora equals to one hour or 2.5 Ghatkas. It is interesting to note that the Latin word for hour is Hora, which in turn is the source of the English word. This explains the similarity between the Samskrut and English words!
Each day (Vaar) of the week starts with a different Hora in the Vedic Sciences. Horas represent various planets and the Sun. The name of the week is derived from the celestial body which is represented by the first Hora of the day. For instance, the first Hora of Sunday is Ravi (Sun) and hence the day is known as Ravivaar. For the sake of the study, all the planets and the Sun are arranged sequentially from the most Mannd (slow) to the most Sheeghra (fast), based on their speed of movement from one Rashi to another, which is based on the time taken by them to revolve around the Sun.
On this criterion, the speed of the inner planets of Mercury and Venus, and the Moon, is more than the outer planets of Mars, Jupiter and Saturn. Thus, they are placed in the following order: Shani (Saturn), Guru (Jupiter), Mangal (Mars), Ravi (Sun), Shukra (Venus), Budh (Mercury) and Chandra (Som / Moon). The 24 Horas of the day are named by repeating the above order of celestial bodies. The sequence of Horas throughout the day can be found out in this manner. Alternatively one can refer to the Panchang (Vedic calendar), which has this information mentioned.
The 24th celestial body after Shani, while counting in this order from the next planet, is Ravi. Hence, Ravivaar comes after Shanivaar (Saturday). Similarly, counting in this fashion from the next planet after Ravi, the 24th one is Som. Hence, Somvaar (Monday) comes after Ravivaar. In this way, the names are ascribed to the days of the week, which is also reflected in the English names.
The word Vaar is itself derived from the word Hora. The entire day, beginning from one sunrise to the next sunrise, through the hours of light and darkness, covering all the Horas, is known in Samskrut as Ahoratra.
The influence and impact of various celestial bodies on human health and success has been observed by ancient Indians based on the above facts. Thus, a series of recommendations exist for the conduct of various activities in the various Horas, in order to maximize the benefits and minimize the ill effects. The same can be summarized as follows
Carrying out the orders of the king / superiors; Taking medicines
All activities
Battles and debates
Studying / gaining knowledge
Auspicious ceremonies and events
Commencing a journey
Earning money / economic activity
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