Preface

Jyotish is much more than the study of planets and stars. It is a sacred science that reveals the relationship between karma, free will, and the divine plan guiding every living being. While astrology can help us understand the events of life, its true purpose is to inspire self-realization, devotion, and conscious living. This book has been written with that vision in mind—to present the timeless wisdom of Vedic astrology in a way that is simple, logical, practical, and easy to remember.

Although I come from a background in Mechanical Engineering from IIT Patna and later worked as a Business Intelligence and Data Analytics professional, my greatest education has not come from classrooms or corporate life. It has come through the teachings of His Divine Grace A. C. Bhaktivedanta Swami Srila Prabhupada, whose books transformed my understanding of life and revealed the eternal wisdom of the Bhagavad-gita and Srimad Bhagavatam. I am eternally grateful to my Spiritual Master, His Holiness Indradyumna Swami Maharaj, whose guidance and example have taught me the importance of humility, devotion, compassion, and service to Lord Krishna. The spiritual foundation of this book rests entirely upon their mercy.

My understanding of Jyotish has been shaped by my teachers, and by the guidance of many respected seniors and practitioners from whom I have continuously learned. I remain grateful to all of them for helping me understand and appreciate this profound science.

The purpose of this book is not merely to present astrological rules, but to make them meaningful and memorable. Every zodiac sign is explained through logical principles, practical examples, and sacred pastimes from the Srimad Bhagavatam, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. These are not included simply as illustrations; they are the very foundation through which the principles of Jyotish become easier to understand, remember, and apply. When a concept is connected to a divine pastime, it remains with us far longer than a rule learned in isolation.

The sacred histories presented in this book are written with deep respect. As a follower of the Brahma-Madhva-Gaudiya sampradaya, I accept these pastimes as historical events recorded in our scriptures, and I have endeavoured to present them faithfully according to the Vedic tradition.

My sincere prayer is that this book helps students and practitioners develop not only technical proficiency in astrology but also wisdom, humility, and compassion while guiding others. Whatever value these pages contain is only by the mercy of my spiritual teachers and the timeless wisdom of the Vedic scriptures. Any mistakes or shortcomings are entirely my own.

— Ujjwal Tarway