The Origin of Nadi Astrology

The Origin of Nadi Astrology

For years, these Nadi leaves were preserved by the disciples of the respective scholars. It is said that for preserving these leaves, certain components like turmeric and peacock oil were used. Until the 12th century CE, these texts were not translated into any other language. For the first time, it was translated into Vattezhuttu, which was an abugida script for writing Tamil. Around the same time, the pundits around the Vaitheeshwaran Temple started practicing this branch of astrology. Various investigations carried out by astrologers also suggest that these predictions were written in an ancient Tamil script called Vattelettu. And, these leaves were preserved by Thanjavur's Saraswati Mahal Library in Tamil Nadu.

 

It is said that during the year 1540, when moguls attacked the palace of Tanjore, these leaves were not destructed or stolen because they meant little to them. Since this time, the local Brahmins of the region have been preserving the Nadi leaves and utilizing them for the welfare of the people. Later on, during colonial rule, these leaves were auctioned by the British. However, they occupied the Nadi leaves that revealed the knowledge of alchemy, herbs, and medicines.

 

At present, the Brahmins of Vaitheeswaran Koli are the main practitioners of Nadi Astrology. However, they have passed on these leaves and the knowledge related to its practice to many Brahmin communities across the world. Therefore, today, this branch of astrology is practiced in Sri Lanka, Tibet, Nepal, and many other countries.