This post discusses the life and contribution of Rishi Garga. He developed our world of Astrology that we cherish and read about today. He was a pioneer in many fields of sciences and gave us a better understanding of the physical and spiritual world.
BACKGROUND
The Chief Astrologer
Maharishi Bharadvaj, who was one of the Saptarishi and one the most respected sage and economist of the Ancient Era had a child with Susheela who was born in the Kshatriya varna. The child, Garga was born with a brahmin father and a kshatriya mother and was thus, called a Warrior Brahmin. He was also the half-brother of Dronacharya, who played a pivotal role in Mahabharata. Rishi Garga was always immensely interested in the world of stars and astrology. He created the world of Astrology that we know today.
LIFE
The Guru who named Lord Krishna
With his exceptional knowledge of Astrology, he became the chief priest at the court of King Prithu. At the request of Vasudev and Nanda, he blessed Krishna. Nanda, was aware of his grand knowledge of Astrology and requested him to name the baby boy. Rishi Garga, also predicted the life and problems Krishna will face but reassured that he will always be protected by the Lord Vishnu. He also predicted that he will fight many demons and come out victorious. During his meditation, Rishi Garga came up with the name Krishna.
WORKS
The Founder of Astrology
Rishi Garga with extraordinary talent and knowledge he acquired, he gave us a majority of the knowledge and concepts we know of today in the field of Astrology. In his work Garga Samhita, he laid down the foundation of Astrology which the later generations used to predict the future and know more about our universe and stars. This is why many astrologers are known as Gargacharyas.
CONTRIBUTIONS IN SOCIETY
A Pioneer in the field of Ayurveda
With his extraordinary knowledge of science, he played a pivotal role in creation of the science of Ayurveda.
LESSONS LEARNT
The Warrior Sage
With the influence of both his parents, he became the first of Kshatriya-Brahmin or Warrior Brahmin in India. He was also one of the 18 most important saints of astrology.
AREAS OF INFLUENCE
Stars and Pashupata Shaivism
Rishi Garga was one of the four disciples of Lakulisa who founded the oldest form of Shaivism called Pashupatas Shaivism. Rishi Garga with the three other disciples and Lakulisa contributed to the origin of Shaivism which became prominent till the 14th century. Rishi Garga also had ashram at Dunagiri in the present district of Almora. A river which originated at Dunagiri was named after Rishi Garga as river Gagas.
Rishi Garga, opened the doors to the mysterious world of Stars
Rishi Garga was always immensely curious about stars since a child and hence delved into the world of stars and created Astrology. He used his expertise to predict the life of Lord Krishna in the epic of Mahabharata. His work today contributes to more than half the knowledge we have today about Astrology and the constellations.
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