Who is the father of Indian astrology?

The title "father of Indian astrology" is often attributed to Varahamihira, an ancient Indian astronomer, mathematician, and astrologer. Varahamihira, also known as Varaha or Varaha Mihira, lived during the 6th century CE and made significant contributions to the fields of astronomy and astrology.

Varahamihira's most well-known work is the "Brihat Samhita," an encyclopedic text that covers various subjects, including astrology, astronomy, geography, weather prediction, agriculture, and more. In the Brihat Samhita, Varahamihira provided extensive insights into the principles and practices of Indian astrology.

Some key contributions of Varahamihira to Indian astrology include discussions on:

1. Nakshatras (Lunar Mansions): Varahamihira classified the zodiac into 27 Nakshatras, or lunar mansions, each associated with specific stars. This classification is still widely used in Indian astrology.

2. Horary Astrology: Varahamihira discussed techniques for answering specific questions based on the positions of planets at the time of inquiry. This is a form of astrology known as "Prashna" or horary astrology.

3. Predictive Astrology: The Brihat Samhita contains chapters on predictive astrology, including the interpretation of planetary positions and their effects on individuals and events.

While Varahamihira is often referred to as a key figure in the history of Indian astrology, it's essential to recognize that the development of Indian astrology is a cumulative process with contributions from multiple ancient scholars and practitioners. Other ancient texts, such as the "Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra" attributed to Sage Parashara, also played a significant role in shaping Indian astrological traditions.