A jyotihstra is a text from a classical body of literature on the topic of Hindu astrology, known as

Jyotiha, dating to the medieval period of Classical Sanskrit literature (roughly the 3rd to 9th
centuries CE) Only the most important ones exist in scholarly editions or translations, such as the
Yavanajataka (3rd century), Brihat Samhit (6th century), Brihat Parara Horstra (7th century) or
Srval (8th century), while many remain unedited in Sanskrit or vernacular manuscripts.

Such classical texts should be distinguished from modern works. There are a great number of
contemporary publications, reflecting the persisting importance of astrology in Hindu culture, and
the corresponding economical attractivity of the market in India. Notable modern authors include Sri
Yukteswar Giri (18551936), Bangalore Venkata Raman (19121998), V. K. Choudhry (b. 1951) or
Sanjay Rath (b. 1963).