Sage Agasthya (अगस्त्य) in Vedic Astrology
Sage Agasthya is one of the most revered sages in Hindu mythology and Vedic astrology. He is known as the ocean of penance, the purifier of waters, and the one who suppressed the Vindhya mountain. According to legend, Agasthya drank the entire ocean to help the Gods defeat the demons Vatapi and Ilvala. He adorns the southern quarter of the sky and is associated with the star Canopus.
In Vedic astrology, Agasthya's appearance and movements are carefully observed to predict events affecting kingdoms, agriculture, and the welfare of people. His rising and setting times are calculated based on the Sun's position in specific asterisms.
The Legend of Agasthya
Agasthya is the sage who, in days of yore, suddenly heightened the splendour of the ocean by drying up its waters. He suppressed the Vindhya mountain whose peak grew up obstructing the Sun's path.
The demon Vatapi, enemy of the Gods and tearer of stomachs of sages, was devoured and absorbed by Agasthya. He drank off the ocean and adorns the southern quarter of the sky.
The Vindhya mountain was bent upon obstructing the course of the Sun's carriage, with moving peaks adorned by flags hoisted aloft. It possessed streams inside caves occupied by lions and was scratching the firmament with its uplifted peaks. Such was the Vindhya when it was stemmed by Agasthya.
Agasthya's Purifying Powers
Purification of Waters
At the appearance of Sage Agasthya, the waters that are soiled by their contact with mud become clear once again spontaneously, just as the minds defiled by contact with the wicked become purified at the sight of the virtuous.
Autumn Splendour
Agasthya appears in the autumn making it very resplendent with bright moonlight, clear water, beautiful lotuses, charming rows of swans returning from the Manasa lake and good roads.
Greeting the Earth
The Earth with the hands of pools replete with various kinds of lotuses, swans, ruddy geese and ducks greets Sage Agasthya with presents of abundant gems, flowers and fruits.
Purification of Poisoned Waters
The water poured out at the command of rain-god Indra by serpents whose bodies are wrapped in clouds and spoiled by fire and poison becomes pure at the appearance of Sage Agasthya.
Rising and Setting of Agasthya
The time of rising of Agasthya for each country should be determined and stated through calculations by the astronomer.
For Ujjain: Agasthya rises when the Sun's true position is 7° short of sign Kanya (Virgo).
General Rising and Setting: It is said that Agasthya rises when the Sun is in the asterism Hasta and sets when the Sun has reached Rohini.
Propitiation of Agasthya
At the time when the nocturnal darkness is just pierced by the mass of Arana's rays (sunrise), the king being pure should offer in the south on the Earth the following presents when the particular direction of the rise is announced by the astronomer:
- Fragrant flowers and fruits of the season
- Gems from the sea
- Gold and garments
- Milch cows and bulls
- Payasa (sweet rice pudding)
- Edible curd
- Coloured rice
- Fragrant incense and pastes
Benefits of Propitiation
For Kings
Should a king make these offerings with a devout heart, he would be free from all diseases and conquer the entire host of his enemies. If he makes such offerings for seven years continuously according to rules, he would rule over the entire earth girdled by the ocean.
For Brahmins
A Brahmin making the offerings according to his status would be blessed with thorough knowledge of the Vedas, a charming wife and sons.
For Vaisyas
A Vaisya would get cattle and prosperity through proper propitiation of Agasthya.
For Sudras and All
A Sudra would become very wealthy. All persons in general who undertake this will be free from diseases and will get benefits of virtue.
Agasthya's Appearance and Effects
Rough Appearance
Causes diseases.
Russet Color
Brings drought.
Smoky Appearance
Causes harm to cows.
Throbbing Appearance
Engenders fear.
Madder Color
Brings famine and wars.
Tiny Appearance
Forebodes the siege of the town.
Golden or Crystal Shine
If he shines like gold or crystal and appears to refresh the Earth with streams of his rays, the country will have plenty of food and team with a contented and healthy population.
Struck by Meteor or Comet
Brings danger of famine and pestilence.