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P
ISSN No. : 2584-2757
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DOI
: 10.5281/zenodo.21372699
Reg. No. : MAHA-703/16(NAG)
Year of Establishment – 2016
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DIAGNOSTICS AND RESEARCH
Corresponding Author: Prof. Dr. Subhash Waghe
ORCID ID: 0009-0006-2776-5549
ISI Impact Factor (2025-26): 1.345
IIFS Impact Factor (2026-27): 6.0
Article Info: Article Received on : 09/05/2026 Article Reviewed on: 25/06/2026 Article Published on : 15/07/2026
Cite this article as: - Waghe, S.& Sharanagat, R. (2026). Critical Study of Month-wise Intrauterine Foetal Development given in
Indian Astrology W.S.R To Modern Embryogenesis. International Journal of Diagnostics And Research, 3(4), 81–87.
https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.21372699
Abstract
Background - Indian Astrology deals with the future socio-economic outcomes of an individual, based not only on the
planetary positions at the time of birth but also on the body features (samudrika). In this connection lot of ancient
Ayurvedic concepts like Ayu laxanas (body part structure examination), Praman Pariksha (body parts measurement),
Sara Pariksha (body essence examination), Chhaya laxanas (body aura examination) etc have been incorporated in
ancient Indian Astrological science. Month-wise intrauterine foetal development is one such concept, inherited from
Ayurveda in astrology, with greater precision. Introduction - This description of the monthly development of
intrauterine fetal development is mostly found in the famous Astrology books ‘Brihat Jatakam’ and ‘Laghu Jatakam’,
written by the famous Indian Astrologer Varahamihira. Acharya Bhatotpla had written a very scholarly commentary
on it. Modern medical science has made enormous progress in understanding the process of embryogenesis and
organogenesis in intrauterine life with the help of modern technical advances. The accurate description of month-by-
month intrauterine foetal development given in Astrology, without any advanced technological tools, is mesmerising.
Aims & Objectives - The present study aims to examine month-wise intrauterine foetal development in Astrology,
based on the scholarly works of Varahamihira and Acharya Bhatotpla, with special reference to modern
embryogenesis.Material & Methods – The literary method of research is adopted in the present study. All the
literature related to month-wise intrauterine foetal development given in Brihat Jatakam of Varahmihira and in the
commentary of Bhatotpala is studied critically in the light of modern medical science to come to the logical
conclusion.Observations - The 1st-2nd month description of embryonic development is more precise in modern
medical science. science. The 5
th
- and 6th-month descriptions of foetal development are more precise in Jyotish
science.Discussion – Up to the embryonic stage, modern science studies embryonic development on a weekly basis,
whereas Jyotish science studies it on a monthly basis. Modern science studies embryogenesis in terms of zygotic
division, cleavage, morula, blastocyte, trophoblast, gastrulation, formation of three germinal layers, somitogenesis,
and formation of primitive body segments, whereas ancient terminology is used in Astrological science.Conclusion -
The description of monthly foetal development in Astrological science can fairly be correlated with the modern
description of embryogenesis and organogenesis. Proper blending of ancient and modern medical knowledge not only
bridges the knowledge gap but also enhances the understanding of the subject
Keywords: Embryogenesis, Foetal development
Critical Study of Month-wise Intrauterine Foetal Development given in Indian Astrology
W.S.R To Modern Embryogenesis
Prof. Dr. Subhash Waghe
1
, Dr. Roopali Sharnagat
2
1
Dept. of Rog Nidan, SAM College of Ayurvedic Sciences, Raisen (MP) – 464 551
2
Dept. of Streeroga & Prasuti Tantra Sardar Patel Ayurvedic Medical College Balaghat (MP)
G
A
R
V
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Introduction :
Jyotish complements ancient Indian medical
science. The principles of Jyotish science have been
applied in Ayurvedic science at various points,
including the collection and storage of drugs, the
administration of therapy, surgical intervention, and
prognostic evaluation. The month-wise description
of intrauterine embryonic and foetal development is
mentioned in both ancient Ayurvedic and Jyotish
science. Modern medical science has made
enormous progress in understanding the processes
of embryogenesis and organogenesis during
intrauterine life, thanks to technological advances.
The basic concept of fusion of male and female
gametocytes to form a zygote and zygotic division
leading to the formation of an embryo is common
in all three sciences. However, the descriptions of
foetal development in the 5th and 6th months are
more precise in Jyotish science. The description of
embryonic development in the 1st to 2nd month is
more precise in modern medical science. Hence,
there is a need to study the month-wise intrauterine
foetal development as per Jyotish Science in the
light of modern medical embryogenesis. Acharya
Sushruta had given guidelines in the sutrasthana of
his treatise to nurture and advance the science, and
to study it from all angles. In accordance to the
guidelines given by Acharya, the additional
description of foetal development from Jyotish
science and modern medical science can be
incorporated in Ayurvedic science.
Material & Method:
The research method adopted in the present study is
the literary method. All the literature on month-
wise intrauterine foetal development, as presented
in Brihat Jatakam of Varahmihira and in the
commentary of Bhatotpala, is critically studied in
the light of modern medical science to reach a
logical conclusion.
Review Of Literature:
1] First Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the first month of
pregnancy, the intrauterine embryo is in the form of
‘Kalala,’ i.e., a bubble. This phase is ruled by the
planet Venus (Shukra)
[1] [2]
As per modern science, in the first month,
embryonic development takes place as follows :
During 1
st
week, the zygote undergoes cell division,
producing a cluster of cells of the same size but no
significant growth. This stage is called cleavage,
which leads to the morula and blastocyst stages.
The 4 cell divisions result in a dense ball of 16
cells, called a morula. The 7 cleavages/cell
divisions result in the formation of a dense ball of
128 cells, termed a blastula. After this, the
rotational arrangement of blastomeres leads to the
formation of a blastocyte. During the 2
nd
week, the
blastocyte undergoes trophoblaste stage with
implantation in the uterine wall and with the outer
cell layer (tropoectoderm) and inner cell mass
(endoblast). Fluid collects between the outer and
inner mass, and the morulla is converted into a
vesicle called the blastodermic vesicle. Thus, the
embryo becomes bilaminar. The cells of the
trophoblast do not contribute to the formation of the
embryo proper, but they contribute in formation of
the ectoderm of the chorion and placenta. During
the 3
rd
week, the blastoderm becomes trilaminar
with 3 layers. This stage is characterized by
notochord, gastrulation, somitogenesis, and
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neurogenesis. Somitogenesis begins with the
formation of somitomeres (whorls of the concentric
mesoderm) from which future somites (primitive
segments) are produced. These tissue blocks
differentiate into skeletal muscle, vertebrae, and
dermis of all vertebrae. During gastrulation, cells
migrate to the interior of the blastula, producing 3
distinct germ layers: outer ectoderm, middle
mesoderm, and inner endoderm. Each layer gives
rise to specific tissues of the body. The neural fold,
head fold, and cardiac primordium also begin to
grow.
[3] [4]
During the 4
th
week, the heart and
pharyngeal arches begin to develop.
2] Second Month :
According to Jyotish science, the embryo also
becomes ‘Ghana’ (solid) in the second month of
pregnancy. This phase is ruled by the planet Mars
(Mangal).
[1] [2]
As per modern science, in the
second month, embryonic development takes place
as follows :
During the 5
th
week, the rudiments of the liver and
gut start developing, and the leg buds, nasal plate,
and hand plate start growing.During the 6
th
week,
the early face begins to develop. The auricular and
foot plate start growing. Finger starts raying.During
the 7
th
week, the head and limbs begin to develop.
Ossification commences, and the trunk straightens.
The 8
th
week marks the last stage of embryonic
development. The upper limbs become longer and
bend at the elbow. Hands and feet turn inward.
Eyelids and the external ear begin to appear. The
head becomes round. After this stage, the embryo is
called a foetus.
[3] [4] [5]
3] Third Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the third month of
pregnancy, the embryo becomes like Ankura, i.e.,
organs start sprouting. This phase is ruled by the
planet Jupiter (Guru).
[1]
According to modern science, from the 3rd
month onwards, the embryo is called a foetus,
with all body parts beginning to grow
simultaneously.
4] Fourth Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the fourth month
of pregnancy, bones and ligaments begin to become
prominent. This phase is ruled by the planet Sun
(Surya).
[1]
5] Fifth Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the fifth month of
pregnancy, the skin becomes more prominent. This
phase is ruled by the planet Moon (Chandra).
[1]
As
per Acharya Bhatotpala, in the fifth month, the
bone marrow, nervous mass (majja), intestine
(antra), and skin (charma) grow.
6] Sixth Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the sixth month of
pregnancy, various body parts begin to become
more prominent. This phase is ruled by the planet
Saturn (Shani).
[1]
As per Acharya Bhatotpala, in
this month, hair, nails, and liver grow. All other
body parts become prominent.
7] Seventh Month :
As per Jyotish science, in the seventh month of
pregnancy, foetal movements become prominent
(chetanta). Foetus change the position and
descends. This phase is ruled by the planet Mercury
(Budha).
[1]
8] Eighth Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the eighth month
of pregnancy, the foetus senses the taste of the
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maternal nutrition. It may ingest the meconium.
The planet of Aadhan Lagna rules this phase.
[1]
9] Ninth Month :
According to Jyotish science, in the ninth month of
pregnancy, the fetus becomes restless and moves
frequently. This phase is ruled by the planet Moon
(Chandra).
[1]
According to the commentator Bhatotpala, all
systems and organs are well developed in this
month.
10] Tenth Month :
According to Jyotish science, the foetus is delivered
in the tenth month of pregnancy. This phase is ruled
by the planet Sun (Suryra).
[1]
Month-wise
Embryonic/
Foetal
Development
Jyotish
(Astrology)
Science
Modern
Medical
Science
First
Month
The intrauterine
embryo is in the
form of ‘Kalala,’
i.e., like a bubble.
This phase is
ruled by the
planet Venus
(Shukra)
During 1
st
week, the
zygote
undergoes cell
division,
producing a
cluster of cells
of the same
size but no
significant
growth. This
stage is called
cleavage,
which leads to
the morula and
blastocyst
stages.
Month-wise
Embryonic/
Foetal
Development
Jyotish
(Astrology)
Science
Modern Medical
Science
Second
Month
The embryo
becomes
‘Ghana’, i.e.,
solid. This
phase is ruled
by the planet
Mars
(Mangal).
During the 5
th
week, the
rudiments of the
liver and gut start
developing, and
the leg buds, nasal
plate, and hand
plate start
growing.
During the 6
th
week, facial
features begin to
develop. Finger
starts raying.
During the 7
th
week, the head
and limbs start
developing.
The 8
th
week
marks the last
stage of
embryonic
development.
Upper limbs
become longer
and bent at the
elbow. Hands and
feet turn inward.
Eyelids and the
external ear begin
to appear. The
head becomes
round.
Month-wise
Embryonic/
Foetal
Development
Jyotish
(Astrology)
Science
Modern Medical
Science
Third
Month
The embryo
becomes like
Ankura, i.e., organs
start sprouting.
This phase is ruled
by the planet
Jupiter (Guru).
After this embryo
is called as
foetus. It is with
all the well-
defined body
parts and organs
that continue to
grow further till
maturity.
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Month-wise
Embryonic/
Foetal
Development
Jyotish
(Astrology)
Science
Modern
Medical
Science
Fourth
Month
The bones and
ligaments start
becoming
prominent. This
phase is ruled by
the planet Sun
(Surya).
Foetus
matures
further
Fifth
Month
The bone
marrow, nervous
mass (majja),
intestine (antra),
and skin
(charma) grow.
The phase is
ruled by Moon.
Foetus
matures
further
Sixth
Month
The hair, nails,
and liver grow.
All other body
parts become
prominent.
The foetus
matures
further and
foetal
movements
become
visible
Seventh
Month
Foetal
movements
become
prominent.
Foetus change the
position and
descends. This
phase is ruled by
the planet
Mercury.
The foetus
matures
further and
descends
Eighth
Month
The foetus senses
the taste from the
maternal
nutrition. It may
ingest the
meconium.
The foetus
matures
further
Nineth
Month
All the systems
and organs are
well developed.
The fetus
becomes restless
and moves
frequently. This
phase is ruled by
the planet Moon
The foetus
matures
further, and
the head starts
getting fixed
in the pelvic
cavity.
Discussion:
Both sciences hold the same view as far as
intrauterine foetal development is concerned in the
first and second months. About the development in
the third month, both sciences are of the same
opinion that the rudiments of hands and feet
(shakha or hastapada) start appearing in this
month. About the development in the fourth, fifth,
and sixth months, opinions differ. According to
Jyotish, in this month, bones become prominent. In
the fifth month, according to Ayurveda, the mind
becomes active, whereas, according to Jyotish
science, the bone marrow, nervous mass (majja),
intestine (antra), and skin (charma) grow. In the
sixth month of foetal development, according to
Jyotish science, various body parts, including hair,
nails, and the liver, begin to become prominent. In
the seventh month, according to Jyotish, foetal
movements become prominent. movements.
According to Jyotish, sensory development occurs
in this month. Both sciences agree that in the 9th
month, complete foetal development occurs, and
the foetus may be delivered in the 9
th
or 10
th
month.
Jyotish science limits the delivery period to 10
months only. When these ancient descriptions are
studied in the light of modern medical knowledge,
it is found that there up to the embryonic stage.
Modern science studies embryonic development
every week, whereas Jyotish science studies it
every month. The modern concept of zygote cell
division leading to the formation of the embryo is
also found in Ayurvedic science.
The modern science studies the embryogenesis in
terms of zygotic division, cleavage, morula,
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blastocyte, trophoblast, gastrulation and formation
of three germinal layers, smoitogenesis and
formation of primitive segments of the body.
Results:
1. Modern science studies embryonic
development every week, whereas
Ayurvedic and Jyotish science study it
every month.
2. The 5
th
and 6
th
month description of foetal
development is more precise in Jyotish
science than Ayurvedic science.
3. The description of embryonic development
in the 1st to 2nd month is more precise in
modern medical science.
4. The modern concept of cell division in the
zygote leading to the formation of the
embryo is also seen in Ayurvedic science.
5. The ancient description of month-wise
foetal development can also be blended with
modern scientific and more accurate
descriptions.
Conclusion:
The monthly embryonic and foetal development is
well described in the Astrological science to the
surprizing extent. The description of monthly
embryonic and foetal development in Jyotish
science can be fairly correlated with modern
descriptions of embryogenesis and foetal
organogenesis. Apart from the intrauterine
development, Astrological science throws light on
the dominance of a planet in each stage. There is a
need to establish the link between ancient and
modern knowledge through further research.
References:
1. Kedarnath Joshi (editor and translator),
‘Brihat Jatakam’ of Acharya Varaha
Mihir, chapter 4, verse no. 16, reprint 2005,
published by Motilal Banarasidas, 41, U.A.
Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-
110007, pg. 86-88, ISBN 81-208-2117-3
2. Brahmanand Tripathi (editor), Kamalakant
Pandeya (translator), ‘Laghu Jatakam’ of
Acharya Varaha Mihir, Chapter 5, verse no.
7, reprint edition, published by
Chaukhamba Surbharati, Gopal Mandir
Lane, Varanasi -221001, pg.32
3. D.C. Dutta, Text Book of Obstetrics, 3
rd
edition, reprint 1994, published by New
Central Book Agency Pvt. Ltd., 8/1
Chintomoni Das Lane, Calcutta-700 009.
4. O Rahilly R and Muller F. Developmental
stages in the human embryo. Contrib.
Embryol., Carnegie Inst. Wash. 637 (1987)
5. B.D. Chaurasiya,‘Human Anatomy’ , 4
th
edition, published by CBS Publishers
4596/1, 11, Daryaganj, New Delhi – 110
002
Declaration :
Conflict of Interest : None
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ISSN: 2584-2757
DOI : 10.5281/zenodo.21372699
Dr. Subhash Waghe
Inter. J.Digno. and Research
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