Question

What is ‘Tantra’, ‘Hora’ and ‘Samhita’?
A. Vastu shastra
B. Mathematics
C. Astrology
D. Medicine and Surgery

Answer 1

Hint: Tantra, Hora, and Samhita are the subdivision of one of the Vedangana which means six disciplines of Vedic rituals. Earlier it helped people to prepare calendars and to determine dates for rituals and now also it is used in decision making for Indian rituals.

Complete answer: Tantra, Hora and Samhita are the subdivision of astrology. In ancient India, astrology was known as Jyotisha which is also known as Hindu astrology, Indian astrology and Vedic astrology. There are 16 ‘Varga’ or divisions of Hindu astrology which are based on movements of planets.
Tantra originates from two words ‘Tattva’ and ‘Mantra’. Tatva involves the science of cosmic principles and mantra means spiritual round vibrations. Thus it deals with movement patterns and design of the celestial bodies and content of cosmos.
Hora deals with the finer points of predictive methods. There are various aspects of Hora which includes ‘Prashna’ (Prediction based on the time when a question is asked), ‘Graha samudriki’ (Palm reading) ‘Aakriti Vidya’ (based on structure and moles on body) etc.
Samhita astrology deals with multitudes and collectivity which encompasses weather forecasting, agricultural produce, natural disaster etc.

Looking at the options given:
Option A. Vastu shastra is an Indian system of architecture which describes principles of design, layout, space arrangement and direction. It is an incorrect option.
Option B. Mathematics is the study of quantity, structure and space by using numbers and other principles. It is an incorrect option.
Option C. Astrology is the correct answer as it involves all three categories: Tantra, Hora and Samhita.
Option D. Medicine and surgery are the terms used in the science of treatment and diagnosis to treat diseases.

Note: Astrology is still important in the lives of many Hindus as people decide names of newborns based on their Jyotish charts (kundalis) and in making decisions of marriage and business. It is believed that planets influence the life of human beings.