Chapter 2: Great Incarnations | Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra

Chapter 2: Great Incarnations

Key Themes and Simplified Explanations

This chapter explains:

1. How Lord Vishnu incarnates to restore balance in the universe.
2. The relationship between Vishnu’s incarnations and the planets.
3. The divine purpose of the planets as extensions of Vishnu’s will.

1. Vishnu’s Incarnations

Maitreya, the disciple, asks Parashara about Vishnu’s incarnations (avatars), like Rama and Krishna. Parashara explains that these divine forms are:

• Meant to maintain Dharma (cosmic order).
• Intervene when evil (Adharma) disrupts balance in the universe.

Vishnu’s incarnations are categorized into:

• Paramatma Ansha (Divine Essence): Fully divine, like Rama and Krishna.
• Jivatma Ansha (Mortal Essence): Partly divine, with human traits.

Practical Example: Full vs. Partial Divinity

• Paramatma Ansha: Krishna (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu) represents pure divinity. He is fully aware of cosmic truths.
• Jivatma Ansha: Parashurama, another Vishnu incarnation, shows human traits like anger and revenge, indicating partial divinity.

2. Planets as Incarnations of Vishnu

Parashara reveals that the nine planets (Navagrahas) are incarnations of Vishnu. They guide the living beings by delivering the results of their karma.

Each Planet’s Incarnation:

1. Sun (Surya): Rama – Represents the soul and the light of righteousness.
2. Moon (Chandra): Krishna – Governs emotions and creativity.
3. Mars (Mangal): Narasimha – Embodies courage and protection against evil.
4. Mercury (Budh): Buddha – Symbolizes intellect and peace.
5. Jupiter (Guru): Vamana – Represents wisdom and expansion.
6. Venus (Shukra): Parashurama – Governs beauty, wealth, and desires.
7. Saturn (Shani): Kurma (Tortoise) – Teaches patience and responsibility.
8. Rahu (North Node): Varaha (Boar) – Brings growth and removes ignorance.
9. Ketu (South Node): Matsya (Fish) – Guides spiritual liberation.

Practical Connection to Astrology:

• Planets aren’t just celestial objects; they are divine forces that balance good and bad karma.
• Example: Saturn represents Kurma (tortoise), which teaches slow, steady progress and karmic lessons.

3. The Role of Karma

• Planets act as agents of karma.
• Vishnu uses planets to deliver the results of past actions (both good and bad).
• Humans experience joys and challenges based on their karmic debts.

Example:

• If Saturn (Shani) is strong in your chart, you may face delays and challenges, teaching patience and perseverance.
• If Venus (Shukra) is exalted, it brings wealth, beauty, and happiness, rewarding good past karma.

4. The Cosmic Cycle

• Vishnu’s incarnations occur during major cosmic disruptions.
• Similarly, planets bring periodic changes in individual lives, reflecting the cosmic rhythm.

Example in Astrology: Planetary Dashas

• Dashas (planetary periods) show how each planet controls specific phases of life.
• Example: The Jupiter Dasha brings wisdom and growth, while the Saturn Dasha teaches discipline.

5. The Importance of the Planets

Parashara emphasizes the planets’ divine purpose:

1. Protectors of Dharma: Planets ensure that we follow righteous paths.
2. Destroyers of Evil: Just as Vishnu’s incarnations fight demons, planets destroy negative influences.
3. Enforcers of Karma: They ensure that everyone receives the fruits of their actions.

Practical Example: Planets as Guardians

• The Sun in a horoscope shows leadership qualities, like Lord Rama’s just rule.
• Mars in the 10th house signifies the courage to overcome challenges, reflecting Narasimha’s ferocity against evil.

6. Why Should We Study Astrology?

Parashara concludes this chapter by stressing:

• Without understanding Jyotish (astrology), one cannot fully grasp the mysteries of life and karma.
• Those who disrespect astrology risk negative karmic consequences.

Example:

• If someone denies the influence of Saturn and ignores its lessons of discipline, they may experience delays and hardships.

Simplified Takeaways

1. Vishnu incarnates as planets to guide and protect us.
2. The planets symbolize divine energies, each with unique qualities and responsibilities.
3. Understanding the planets helps us align with our karma and overcome life’s challenges.