Varāhamihira Brihat samhita वराहमिहिर बृहत्संहिता

Bṛhatsaṃhitā is one of the most renowned classical Sanskrit texts on astrology, astronomy, and natural sciences, authored by the legendary Indian scholar Varāhamihira (6th century CE). The name “Bṛhatsaṃhitā” means “Great Compilation,” and it truly lives up to its name as it covers a wide range of topics—far beyond traditional astrology.

📚 Topics Covered:

The text is encyclopedic in nature and includes:

1. Jyotish (Astrology):

   • Planetary movements, aspects, eclipses, conjunctions.

   • Predictive astrology (phalita jyotisha), omens (śakunśāstra).

   • Nakṣatra (lunar mansions) based predictions.

2. Meteorology and Weather Forecasting:

   • Rain forecasting (Megha Sūtra), cloud formations, wind directions, seasons.

3. Geology and Earthquake Signs.

4. Architecture and Urban Planning:

   • Town planning (Nagara Vidhana), construction of temples and buildings.

5. Iconography:

   • Ideal proportions for idols and religious imagery.

6. Botany and Zoology:

   • Descriptions of flora, fauna, and their behavior as omens.

7. Dream Interpretation (Svapnaśāstra).

8. Miscellaneous Sciences:

   • Matrimony, sexuality, perfumes, precious stones, mining, agriculture, and more.