Bhrigu Samhita
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The Bhrigu Samhita is an astrological (Jyotish) classic attributed to Maharishi Bhrigu during the Vedic period, Treta yuga, although the available evidence suggests that it was compiled over a period of time by the various sishyas (students in the lineage) of Maharishi Bhrigu.
[edit] The Origin
It was said that Maharishi Bhrigu insulted Lord Vishnu in false ego of considering himself the greatest Brahmin, but apologised immediately of his mistake and Lord Vishnu forgave him. But Lakshmi(the wealth goddess), wife of Lord Vishnu could not tolerate the insult of her husband. She gave a curse to Maharishi Bhrigu, that he and his community(Brahmins) to which he represents will be parted away from wealth. After apologising from Goddess too, she suggested him to write Bhrigu Samhita which contains predictions. In this way, Brahmins can earn their living by telling past,present and future of people. The Ashram of Maharishi was in present day Hoshiarpur, India. Major part of Bhrigu Samhita was destroyed during Muslim Invasions.
Maharishi Bhrigu was the first compiler of predictive astrology. He compiled about 500,000 horoscopes and recorded the life details and events of various persons. This formed a database for further research and study. This study culminated in the birth of the science (shastra) of determining the quality of time (Hora) and is the Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra. These Horoscopes were based upon the planetary positions of the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu (North Node of the Moon) and Ketu (South Node of the Moon). After that, Maharishi Bhrigu gave his predictions on different types of horoscopes compiled by him with the help of Lord Ganesha in a brief and concise manner. The total permutations/possible horoscope charts that can be drawn with this is about 45 million. Maharishi taught this art of predictions to his son (Shukra) and other pupils.
[edit] Lost manuscript
At present Bhrugusanhita(Original) is not available. During foreign invasions of India by Muslim warriors from the northwest in the 12th and 13th centuries, the brahmin community became dispersed all over India. The invaders captured these prime assets of the brahmins. Some parts of the 'Bhrigu Samhita' were taken away by them. The most unfortunate and destructive event was the destruction of the Nalanda university library by then Muslim rulers, where several thousands of the horoscopes compiled by Maharashi Bhrigu had been stored. Only a small percentage of the original horoscopes of Bhrigu Samhita remained with the brahmin community which are now scattered throughout various parts of India.
