2 minute read

The origin of varna,  diversity of creation , exploring if varṇa can be determined by karma, adhikara and karma, and our inherent qualities and exceptions (w.r.t. varṇa) have been elaborated upon in the first five parts of the series.

Varna is also mentioned in our traditional horoscopes. This often creates confusion since a person born in a particular varna may have another varna mentioned in the birth chart. The Shankaracharya of Puri clears the doubt around this.

An example –

If someone is born in a brahmana family but according to his horoscope, is shudra – ‘shudra’ refers to the time of his birth. The shudra bhava (or having the inclination of a shudra) is coming from the timing of birth.

Shudras are the creators of wealth. Providing care for society and offering services is the dharma of shudras. Thus, they are service-oriented by nature. Running industries, cottage industries and providing various types of other services is the supreme dhrama of shudras. From running small industries to the entire service providing sector would apply to shudras. The role of a brahmana is totally different – they are expected to study vedas and contemplate on the Supreme Truth. A brahmin must have qualities like piousness, tranquillity, penance, and desire to offer charity. He must be enthusiastic about performing agnihotra. With intellectual strength and austerities, a brahmin must revive and bring back knowledge that has been lost over time. He must be capable of purifying knowledge that has been polluted. The role of teachers, educators, lawyers would fit the role of brahmins in current times. (these are the norms, while exceptions do exist!)

Thus, having being born as a brahamana but with ‘shudra’ qualities in the horoscope will have its own consequences on the life and choices of the individual. It would create an obstacle in the expression of his brahmana qualities.

Even if a born brahamana is shudra by horoscope, his varna will still remain brahmana. This is according to jyotisha vidya.

The concept and classification into varnas exists for place, time, thing and person. 

Varnas are expressed in time or kala as per tradition. Early in the morning is brahmamahurata, then there is the kshatriya time of the day, after that comes the time of vaishya, then after sunset, it is the shudra time.

We have already been through the varṇa classification for persons and time. Various regions are also similarly classified. The Brahmavarta region, is considered the best place in Bharata. Even soil is classified as per varṇa. Where the soil is white brahmanas flourish, kshatriyas flourish in red soil, yellow soil is good for viashyas, and black and gravel-like soil excellent for shudras to flourish in. By seeing the colour of the soil in a region we can make a an estimation of the general nature of the people there.

Gem stones, trees, animals, etc,  are also classified according to varnas.

So, the classification into varnas is not limited just to human society as is commonly understood. 

Series Navigation

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Author: Team Tulasi Vanam