Veerasimhavaloka- A Classical Text on Medical Astrology

This treatise on Ayurveda with opposite references to Astrology, was the result of labours by the renowned King Veerasimha, scion of the Thomara dynasty of Rajputs in Gwalior, son of Devavarmaraja, grandson of Kamalasimha. Histroy traces them to circa 1373 AD. The book itself is believed to have taken shape in 1383 AD. The intention of the author in writing the treatise, Veerasimhaavalokaha, was to help humanity, by providing information on planetary combinations indicative of specific diseases and the causes, symptoms and cures for such diseases. Such information is essential, to maintain bodily and mental health, enabling individuals to follow their dharma, the most important Purushaartha.

The original was written in Sanskrit. The author of this book, has come across translations in Hindi and Malayalam. The intention of translating the Malayalam version, into English, is to make it available to a wider public, mainly students and practitior ers of Ayurveda, who will find it a very valuable and useful book of reference. Further, Ayurveda, widely followed in India, has started attract ng great global interest, as an alternative system of medicine. Those involved in research in this system of alternative medicine, will find this book, replete with information, of help in their research. Students and practitioners of Hindu Astrology, will find in it, nuggets of data, linking this hoary science with diseases and their treatment. Of special interest to this group, will be the portions of the text, prescribing the measures to be taken, for propitiating ill placed planets- specific mantras to be chanted (some included in the text), homas to be performed, austerities to be observed, like the Krishchra Chaandraayana Vritha and the gifts to be made and to whom.

In Astrology, we come across references to possessors of elephants and other mounts. A modern practitioner, will articulate this as possessors of Lexus or Benz cars. Similarly, in dealing with Parihaara or Mitigating rites, the text refers to Brahmins, repetition of mantras 10,008 times and lists detailed instructions on performing rites and rituals. These references are to be understood, in the context of the time in which they were made and the then prevalent way and pace of life. The translator is sure, that like himself, the author did not mean to introduce any communal nuances.

This book would not have seen the light of day, without the unstinted help from my wife, Lakshmi Narayanan and friends, Lakshmi Balasubramaniam and K.Ramachandran. All three, had undertaken the work as a labour of love. My thanks are due to many others. Some of them are practising doctors while others are professors of relevant disciplines, who spared their valuable time and put in efforts to make this book, take shape.

I dedicate this book to Lord Ayyappa of Sabarimala, whose grace has guided the enterprise from beginning to end.