Item: Chart - Astrological

Svarodaya, Astrological Chart. (See detail images).

The Svarodaya manuscript is of Shaiva origin thought to originate in Kashmir over a millennium ago. It is essentially a book of magic and tied very closely to astrology and the astrological magic of India. The source credited with the creation of the Svarodaya is the great god Shiva himself, followed by Parvati and then to Karmasiddhi Utpala. Shiva and Parvati are depicted seated together on the left side of the Buddha with Karmasiddhi Utpala seated on the right.

The manuscript entered Tibet via Jumla in Nepal and taken to Tibet where it was popularized amongst some small family lineage groups. The text enjoyed a greater popularity at the time of Desi Sanggye Gyatso in the 17th century. It is also discussed in the text of the Vaidurya Karpo (White Beryl) treatise on Tibetan astrology.

Jeff Watt 12-2011

Front of Painting
English Translation of Inscription: [Extensive inscriptions on the front]

Reverse of Painting
English Translation of Inscription: [no inscriptions on the back]

Thematic Sets
Collection of RMA: Painting Masterworks Page
Collection of RMA: Illuminations & Manuscript Masterworks
Painting Type: Charts, Astrological (Masterworks)
Collection of RMA: Iconographically Rare Works
Painting Type: Charts, Astrological
Collection of Rubin Museum of Art: Painting Gallery 4
Subject: Svarodaya Astrological Magic
Exhibition: The Art of Tibetan Medicine
Artist: Three Paintings by the Same Hand