Natal and Neonatal Teeth

Teeth that are present at birth are natal teeth, and teeth that emerge through the gingiva during the first month of life are neonatal teeth. According to Chandeswar of Muhurta Chintamani -

In case of natal teeth or neonatal teeth (teeth in the first month), the baby herself dies. In case of teeth in second month - younger brother, third month - sister, fourth month - mother, fifth month - the baby kills her elder brother. In sixth month - Atula yoga, seventh month - prosperity through the father, eighth month - healthy body, ninth month - money and tenth month - baby gets gain, eleventh month - happiness, and twelfth month - financial gains.

The natal teeth are indication of death to the baby or the parents.

In case of inauspicious teeth, it is recommended to perform appropriate remedies.

Note: I am not the beliver of any of these concepts and pubishing it here just becuase people look for it on Internet. I think this is also another way for pundits to make money by scaring parents.

Twin Births, Pregnancy & Lucky Names

What are the planetary combinations for the birth of twins? Can you predict whether the birth will be of twins?

Astrologically, Mercury is the principle planet behind twin birth. Dual signs Gemini, Sagittarius and Pisces are also responsible for it. Virgo though not technically a dual sign, but owned by a dual planet mercury also responsible for some duality. Shri JN Bhasin, a famous astrologer, was of opinion that the exchange between lagna and third house produce twins if these planets also happen to be dual planets. In my forum, I have found a chart which can be a good case study for the twins. The birth details are as follows -

Date of Birth: 20/11/1968
Time of Birth: 5.29 A.M
Place Latitude: 9:14 North, Longitude: 76:13 East

Here are the charts -





Analysis -
It would be good to note the influence of Mercury and dual signs in this chart. Some of the interesting points that can produce twins can be seen from this chart -

1. Lagna and Moon is conjoining Mercury, the planet of duality
2. Lagna and Moon is also conjoining Mercury in Drekkana, the shodashvarga chart for siblings
3. Dekkana lagna is Gemini, a dual rasi
4. Lagna lord in 3rd in dual sign saggitarius
5. Third house lord Jupiter, also a dual planet due to owner of two dual signs, is in Virgo
6. Jupiter is again in Virgo in Drekkana

Similarly, if you are applying these principles from the parents charts, you need to judge 5th house, the house for children, and check the influence of dual planet and dual signs on this house. You also need to check Saptamamsa, the shodashvarga chart for children.

I have written few articles on pregnancy recently, so though to share some other views as well. Here is one article on this subject.

This article on selecting names using KP Astrology will also be an interesting read.

Planetary Combinations for IT/ Software Jobs

9 planets and 9 million jobs, finding the profession of a person is very daunting task for an astrologer. On top of that all the classical texts on this subject are outdated. For example, neither Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra nor Brihat Jatak talk about what are the combinations for a software engineer or a project manager. Surely we can draw parallel to the professions given in classical text, but in my experience, it doesn't work most of the time.

No research or study has been done to update those classical texts. In absence of any such research, it is very difficult to distinguish between planetary combinations for different professions. In this article (may be a series of articles), I want to talk about my experience on vocation astrology.

In this post, I want to talk about my favorite profession - IT & Software. Being a software engineer, I have a lot of horoscopes of the people in this field. Knowing this profession, I also know that there is a lot of scope of research in this field. Some of the research areas are contract position vs. full time position, planetary combinations for being on project vs. being on bench (without any project), date of getting a project/ contract etc. These are the questions that keep coming to me repeatedly.

Even in software, there can be various possible options e.g. network engineer, QA engineer, project manager, software developer, and business analyst etc. all of them have different work profile and job functions which makes judgment even more difficult.

Anyways, based on my research, I have found that two planets that are responsible for bringing person in IT, are Mars and Sun. Mars is a planet for engineering and Sun is the planer for information technology. I know that not all astrologers will agree with me on this, and there are astrologers who may suggest planet like Jupiter, Mercury and Venus as the planet for IT. Though in my research I have found that Mars and Sun are the primary responsible planets for IT. If these two planets are conjoining or aspecting each other, it gives some indication of a job in IT.

If the Mercury is involved, chances are that the person is hard core programmer. Mercury gives good analytical brain which is important for programming. Venus & Moon can make a person graphics or UI designer. Jupiter can make a person software architect. Saturn can make one a System Programmer. Mercury gives an eye of details and bring best of the Software Quality Engineers. Mars being the planet of leadership makes one a project manager or product manager.

Generally strong communication is one of the necessary skills in IT. So we need to judge 2nd house, the house of oral communication and the Mercury, the planet of communication. A strong 2nd house and Mercury contributed a lot to the career of an IT personnel.

The people in IT are generally from the same education background. So it is also advisable to study the impact of these planets on the 9th house, the house of higher education. Though most of IT courses are mathematics centric, you will find impact of Mercury and NOT Mars and Sun on 9th house.

I am sure some example will add a lot of value to this article. Iwill try to share some case studies on this subject soon. Keep watching ;-)

Related Posts

1. Combination for Call Center Job

2. Book Review: Astrology of Professions by K.K.Pathak

Socio-Political Predictions for India for the Year 2008 - 2009

This is the third and the last post on the annual prediction for India using Varshpravesh chart of this year.

In mundane astrology, 9th house governs over religion, ideological issues and the clergy; law courts, legal matters, shipping, colonial affairs, foreign affairs, diplomacy, trade, science, inventions, etc.

9th lord in varshpravesh chart is Sun who has gone to 8th house. 8th house in country chart refers to death, and mortality etc. So we can see the increase in death due to religious fanaticism and ideological disputes. Also Sun’s involvement here may also mean the death in higher/ royal circle.

Saturn, Venus and Mercury are there in 9th house in Leo. Leo is inimical sign for these planets and it also shows conflicts and problems in the country to the matters related to 9th house.

Mercury is creating partial rajyoga in 9th house by being lord of 10th in 9th. Generally it is good for the affairs of 9th house especially commercial and legal affairs. We will also see the improvement in scientific research and inventions. The trade and commerce will eventually improve, though we will see ups and downs during this year.

Though there are two good points to note here –
1. 9th house is aspected by well places Jupiter from lagna by 9th aspect. 9th aspect is a beneficial aspect and this is a ray of hope.
2. Saturn, Venus and Mercury are all friendly planets and that is also good for the chart.

So, it looks like that eventually the religious and law-and-order problem will be sorted out. One point is very clear that this year is going to throw lots of violence, politics, diplomacy and law and related challenges for India.

Related Posts:
1. Indian Sports in Year 2008 - 2009
2. Indian Share Market Forecast For Year 2008 - 2009

Birth Time Rectification & Verification - Part III

This is the third part of a series which talks about Kalidas method of birth time rectification and verification techniques discussed in Uttar Kalamrit. The third technique is for verifying Lagna (ascendant).

Lagna Shuddhi
Find out the Rasi occupied by the Moon and Mandi; and their Navamsas. The native will have this birth either in the Rasi occupied by Maandi or the Moon whichever be the stronger; or in the Lagna Rasi which will be the 7th, 5th or the 9th from either of them. If instead of these two Rasis, the Navamsa Rasi owned by Mandi or the Moon be stronger, then the Janma Lagna will be in the stronger Navamsa Rasi or the 7th, 5th or the 9th from it.

In other words this method suggests that the lagna of person must always be 1, 5, 7, 9 from either Moon or Mandi. This should be checked both from Lagna chart as well as Navamsa chart. This is a method which suggests that there is a connection between moon position and ascendant position at the time of birth.

In KP system there is a popular birth time rectification method which says that the Ascendant sub lord should be the same or connected with star lord of the Moon. I beleive that this KP rectification method also has root in the Kalidas method. Though KP method ignores Mandi and just relies on Ascendant-Moon connection.

This is my third and the last post on birth time rectification methods in Uttar Kalamrit. Though Uttar Kalamrit is not the only texts that talks about birth time rectificaiton. I have another post which talks about other methods available in Vedic astrology.

Related Posts:
Birth Time Rectification & Verification - Part II
Birth Time Rectification & Verification Techniques - Part I

Book Review: Astrology of Professions by K.K.Pathak

I bought few book this weekends. The one book that I want to talk about here is as follows -

Name: Astrology Of Professions, Priciples and Practices (Two Volumes)
Price: Rs. 275/- each (Rs. 550/- total)
Author: K.K. Pathak
Publication: Alpha Publication, Delhi

In the preface authors says "I have always had a yearning to study comprehensively the classical writings on professions and then interpret and correlate them to modern times." This is one of the objectives of the book. Authors further says "At the same time there has been a demand for a text which can be used almost like a handbook or a ready reckoner by readers for discerning and predicting about profession in a horoscope with ease".

After going through both the volumes, I must say though the author is successful in the second objective, he failed in the first objective. The book looks like just a collection of existing sutras that can be found in existing texts by classical authors like Bhrigu, Kalyan Varma, Narayan Bhatt, Yavanacharya etc. A person like me who already possesses those texts, will not find anything useful in this book. Author doesn't have any new research, neither has has any suggestion based on his experience. The book clearly lacks the depth and research.

As mentioned above, the book is divided into two volume. The first part deals with theory and second deals with around 160cases. Now a days it has become fashion to divide book in theory and practical. To me it doesn't make much sense because it creates a divide between theory and practicals. In my opinion, the cases should be discussed at the same place where theory has been discussed and there should be some connection.

There are total 160 cases in both the volumes dealing with cases like politicians, scientists, literature, artists, films, sportsmen, bureaucrats, technocrats, MBAs, MCAs and CAs. Most of these cases are part of second volume. The book also deals with remedies which is also the same remedies that you will find in any other Vedic astrology books.

All and all, this is a good book, if
1. You don't have classical texts and looking for a common reference point for vocations.
2. You are looking for charts of Indian personalities and celebrities at one place.

This book is not for you, if
1. You are thinking that you will find any new research in this book, or new ideas for determining profession.
2. You are thinking that you will get planetary combinations for modern education streams and vocations.

Related Posts:
1. Book Review: Chandrakala Nadi
2. Astrology Books and Authors for Beginners

Indian Share Market Forecast For Year 2008 - 2009

During my analysis of varshpravesh chart for sports, I mentioned that the 3rd house is strong due to following reasons –
1. Saturn the lord of 3rd house is in Trine (9th house) with Mercury & Venus, lords of 7, 10 and 11.
2. It is accompanied by friendly planets Mercury and Venus
3. 3rd lord is aspecting 3rd house which makes 3rd house very powerful.

I concluded in the last post that 3rd house is for sports and that is the reason, India will perform well in sports in year 2008 - 2009. In Mundane astrology, other than sports, 3rd house signifies railways, postal, telegraphic, telephonic, and Internet services, stocks and shares, locomotion, transport, books, newspapers, literary undertakings etc. So it must improve if there are supporting factors. In this post, I just want to concentrate on share market.

Jupiter rules over share market. Jupiter is its own sign Sagittarius which makes Jupiter powerful. Jupiter is also with a friendly planet Moon which is another positive factor for moon. Though Jupiter I also lord of 8th house.

As per KP System (Krishnamurti Paddhati), cuspal sub lord for 3rd house is also Jupiter which is in first house owning 1st and 4th house. Jupiter is in the Nakshatra of Venus, lord of 6th and 11th in 9th. In KP, 6th and 11th are considered good for finance and hence should be good for share market.

2nd house represents overall reserves of a country in mundane chart. 2nd lord is Saturn with Venus lord of 6 & 11 and Mercury, lord of 7 and 10. In terms of finances and reserves 6th and 11th house are considered good. All this conjunction is happening in 9th house which is good for the national reserves. Presence of Rahu in 2nd though will make share market a little unstable and demonstrate unexpected ups and downs.

As per KP, 2nd house sub lord is Saturn in 9th lord of 2nd and 3rd. We already have seen that 2nd and 3rd are considered good for share market and reserves. Saturn is in the Nakshatra of Venus lord of 6 and 11 in 9th. Overall 2nd cuspal sub lord has all good things to say.

To conclude, 2nd and 3rd house seems good and we will see that the share market will flourish this year. The association of Moon with Jupiter may bring some unexpected down-trends but overall market should improve till August 2009. Jupiter and Venus together are the planets of finance, money and prosperity and association of these planets with 3rd house is definitely a positive sign for the share market.

Related Posts:
1. India Commodity Forecast for August - September 2008
2. Indian Sports in Year 2008 - 2009

India Commodity Forecast for August - September 2008

We have recently seen two eclipses - one was solar eclipse on 11th of August and other one was lunar eclipse on 17th of August. Varahamihira, the great astrologer of Vikramaditya’s court and author of Brihat Samhita, suggests following for commodity traders –

For the solar eclipse occurred in Cancer solar, Varahamihira says -
Accumulate honey, fragranced commodities, cosmetics, oil, ghee, jaggery, sugar and sell in the next month based on the market conditions. Delay after 2nd month may result in loss.

For lunar eclipse occurred in Leo solar year, Varahamihira states -
Accumulate gold, jewelry, gems, leather made articles, weapons, protection articles, pearl and sell in the 5th month i.e. in December.

A corollary can also be drawn from the above that you can also trade the shares of the companies dealing in above commodities and apply the same rules.

Note:
This is something I am quoting from the book as it is and should be used as a guideline only.
The trading should be done on your risk only based on your understanding of market conditions.

Related Posts:
1. Indian Share Market Forecast For Year 2008 - 2009
2. Indian Sports in Year 2008 - 2009

Muhurta eBook By BV.Raman

Muhurta is one of the best books on the subject of electional astrology (Muhurta Shashtra) written by the Vedic astrology legend Shri B.V. Raman. A softcopy of this book can be found here -
http://www.scribd.com/doc/4073800/MUHURTA-By-BVRAMAN

You can either download the book or read the book online.

Indian Sports in Year 2008 - 2009

Indian has done fairly well in present Olympics. India has already won three medals - one in shooting, one in wrestling, and another one in boxing. This is the highest number of medals ever won by India in Olympics. 3 medals with a country having more than a billion people is like a dew in the ocean. Nevertheless, people started calling present time a new era in Indian sports. I was just wondering what are the planetary combinations that are helping sports in India and what is the future of Indian sports.

To understand the scenario of sports in a country we need to look into the chart of the time of Independence. India got Independence on the night of 14/15th at 12:00 night. But we have to see the sports in year 2008. There are multiple options that can be used in such a situation. We can either use Vimshottari Dasa, we can use Transit/ Ashtakvarga or we can use Tajik Varshpravesh charts (Annual Horoscope). Varshpravesh charts are very popular in India for mundane predictions and used the same in this article.

62nd year of Indian Independence will start on 14th August 2008 at 15:18:58. Sagittarius (Dhanu) will be rising at that time. You can use any astrology software or AstroSage.com for casting Varshphal/ Varshpravesh charts. Here is the charts for 62nd year -

For sports, we need to judge the 3rd house. In the present chart, Saturn is the lord of 3rd house situated in a trine and aspecting 3rd house. According to Vedic astrology, a bhava becomes very strong if it is aspected by the bhava lord. Saturn is in inimical sign (Leo) which is reducing its power. Though being with two friendly planets Mercury and Venus is helping Saturn and 3rd house in return. We can see from the Varshpravesh chart that India is going to do well in sports in year 2008.

Now let us have a look at this chart from KP System (Krishnamurti Paddhati) perspective. According to KP System, 1, 6 and 11 houses are good for sports. 1st house is generally for self confidence and self efforts. 6th house is for defeating opponent (by being 12th from 7th - the opponent) and 11th is for fulfilment of desire. 3rd house sub lord in KP cuspal chart is Jupiter. Jupiter is in lagna and also the lord of lagna which is very good for sports. As KP System is stellar astrology (Nakshatra based system) we see in which Nakshatra (constellation), Jupiter is situated. Jupiter will also influenced by the Nakshatra lord. Jupiter is in the Nakshatra of Venus. Venus is lord of 6th and 11th in 9th. As mentioned above 6th and 11th both are good houses for sports.

In general we can conclude that this year will see significant improvement in Indian sports.

I can understand that this post doesn't have much predictive value because even by common sense we can tell that Indian sports is going to improve because of the success in the current Olympics. Also. in astrology .postmortems are always easy and telling it after the happening of event doesn't make this post any valuable from prediction perspective. The only benefit that I can see form this post is that this post may have some astrological learning value. This post shows that we can use Varshpravesh charts for assessing individual years for a country. Also using these charts with KP System simplify the predictive astrology process. I have used it for prediting sports, but its utility if not limited to sports and this charts can be used in predicting any affair related to a country.

Ayurveda & Astrology

Ayurveda defined a detailed diagnosis methodology. It is called Ashtasthana Pareeksha or eightfold examination. It is said that a Vaidya (Ayurvedic doctor) can tell about the disease just Nadi examination and he doesn't require any instruments the way it is required by allopathy doctos now-a-days. Ashtasthana Pareeksha contains following examinations -

• Nadi Pulse.
• Moothram Urine.
• Malam Faecal matter.
• Jihwa Tongue-taste.
• Sabdam Voice and speech of the patient.
• Sparsham Touch, skin and tactile sense.
• Drik Eyes and vision.
• Akrithi General body build, eg: lean, muscular, etc.

Though the diagnosis methods are very well defined in Ayurveda, there are places where it can not solve the purpose. For example, it is not easy to determine the severity of the disease using above diagnosis methodologies. Also it can only tell about the present condition of the patient and it cannot through much light on past or future condition. This is the place where astrology can help immensely.

Astrology can prove an excellent tool to medical diagnosis. Not only diagnosis, astrological can also prove very useful in remedies by the usage of mantra, yantra, gems, havan, yagya etc. In case of illness, astrological remedies can work with Ayurvedic medicine to ensure recovery. Vedic astrology has given very high place in Ayurveda and Vaidyas are suggested to study astrology, if possible.

Here comes a problem. Though there are tons of classical texts both on vedic astrology and Ayurveda but none of them talk about using both of these sciences together. Now a days neither astrologers not Vaidyas have any clue how to use both the sciences together.

There are various Ayurveda authors who talks about astrology, but those are limited to studying horoscope and suggesting astrology remedies. They have no clue how to apply ayurvedic principles with astrology. Similarly, there are lots of books on medical astrology but none of that talk about relating astrological conditions to ayurvedic conditions. For example, there is no astrolgoy book that I know which can tell the vitiated dosha (vata, pitta, kapha) which is causing the illness. Till the time this can not be easily defined, treating disease is not going to be easy. There is no proper relation defined. The way planets, signs and nakshatras are the foundation of astrology, similarly rasas, dhatus and doshas are foundation of Ayurveda.

It doesn't mean that these relation is altogether missing. There are pointers given in various astrology texts but no body, as far as I know, ever tried to utilize them with Ayurveda. This is just an introductory post, in the following posts, I am planning to talk about my understanding of applying both of these sciences together. I would like to tell, that if applied together, it can do the miracles.

Vijender Kumar Won Third Medal for India in Olympics

Vijender Kumar confirmed a medal for himself and for India in Olympics. This non-astrological post is to celebrate a successful day in sports where we won two medals and won in cricket as well.

Birth Time Rectification & Verification - Part II

This post is in continuation to my last post Birth Time Rectification & Verification Techniques. Please go through that post first before reading this one. The previous post was about knowing whether one's Nakshatra is correct or not.

Man -Woman Janma Shuddhi
Convert the Ishta Ghatika into Palas (by multiplying Ghatikas with 60). Divide the same by 225. If the reminder is:
0 to 15 - male
16 to 45 - female
46 to 90 - male
91 to 150 - female
151 to 225 - male
These five groups represent , in their order male, female, male, female and male respectively.
Example:
Ishta Ghatikas are 56.12. If we convert it into palas it will be 56 X 60 + 12 = 3372.
3372 / 225 = 14 X 225 + 222. In other words if we divide the ishtakal in palas by 225, the reminder will be 222 which falls into 5th zone. Therefore the birth should be of a male.

In case the horoscope that we are using for verification is of a female, we can conclude that the time is not correct and needs some verification.

As this technique is based on Ishtakal, we can also use the distance between sun and ascendant for calculating the zone. If you don't know, Sun and Ascendant conjoins around Sunrise and Sun keeps moving away from ascendant. During sunset, Sun is around 180 degrees from Ascendant or roughly in 7th house. We can convert this formula in degree format for easy application. I'll try to write about converted formula sometime later.

Related Posts:
1. Birth Time Rectification & Verification Techniques
2. Rectification of Birth Time

Predicting Minor Events Using Astrology

We have tons of books available on astrology but there are not many books that talk about predicting day to day events. Questions like what time power/ electricity will return, what time it will rain today and what time your son/daughter/brother will return from college are some questions those are difficult to answer using traditional methods.

One system of astrology which is very helpful in such cases is named KP System (Krishnamurti Paddhati). KP System defines a clear-cut methodology for predicting minor events (day to day events). You can predict even up to minutes and seconds. The method that is used in predicting minor events in called RP (Ruling Planets) method in KP System.

The Ruling Planets method is very simple in application. It suggests that the planets that will govern the time period when the question came into your mind will be the same as of fructification of the event. For example, I want to know what time my brother will return from the college. In this case the planets which are governing the moment when this question came into my mind will be the same as the planets governing the moment when he will return. It seems miraculous, isn't it?

I used this method a lot way back in 1995 when I started learning this system and got sufficiently good success percentage. Though I am not making regular use of this method now-a-days just because knowing such things are generally not much of practical use.

Coming to the point, yesterday I ordered one new LCD TV and few other electronic items as birthday gifts to my father. Though I made payment yesterday, they didn’t deliver it on time. Today morning I called them up and they said that it will be delivered by 4:00PM. Again I called them up around 4:30 PM and they said it will be delivered at 6:00PM for sure. Still it was not delivered and I was kind of disappointed. I waited till 7:50 and then decided to take help of RP. I asked following question to myself -

Query: What time the TV and other items will be delivered at my home?
Date of Query: August 18th, 2008
Time of Query: 7:50 PM
Place of Query: Agra

The ruling planet calculated were as follows –
Day Lord: Moon (as today is Monday)
Ascendant Sign Lord: Saturn
Ascendant Nakshatra Lord: Jupiter
Ascendant Sub Lord: Saturn
Moon Sign Lord: Saturn
Ascendant Nakshatra Lord: Jupiter
Ascendant Sub Lord: Saturn

To talk a few technicalities, few astrologers don't use Ascendant Sub Lord and Moon Sub lord, but as Ascendant and Moon were close conjunction I have used them as well. Even if we don't use them, I believe we will reach to the same conclusion. So the Ruling Planets are Moon, Saturn & Jupiter. Saturn and Jupiter are very strong Ruling Planets by appearing multiple times in the list.

Now to get the fulfillment time of event, I need to fix the ascendant for the time of fulfillment of event (in this case delivery of some items, but it can be any event). I fixed ascendant in the sign of Jupiter, Nakshatra of Saturn, Sub of Saturn and Sub Sub of Moon. I checked that Ascendant will be transiting in Jupiter’s Rasi, Saturn's Nakshatra and Saturn's sub when it will be on 3 degree 20 minutes of Pisces sign. In Agra, we will have this ascendant at 8:25 PM and this will be the time of delivery, I predicted.

You will be happy to note, the way I was happy, that I get a call exactly at 8:25PM from the delivery boy who was standing next to my door and trying to reach me for few minutes. So the prediction was correct even to a minute, which may sound amazing. Though there is nothing to be amazed about, this is "Astrology".

How to learn this method
Here are few of the pointers for learning KP System -
1. K.P. Astrology Books
2. Best KP Astrology Books
3. KP Learning & Research Forum
4. KP Astrology label of this blog

Krishna Janmashtami Pooja Process & aarti

Krishna Janmashtami, also known as "Krishnashtami","Saatam Aatham" ,"Gokulashtami", "Ashtami Rohini", "Srikrishna Jayanti", "Sree Jayanthi" or sometimes merely as "Janmashtami", is a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of Krishna, svayam bhagavan. Krishna Janmashtami is observed on the eighth day of the dark half (Krishna Paksha) of the month of Shraavana in the Hindu calendar, when the Rohini Nakshatram is ascendent. The Hindu calendar being lunar, these two events the day being the eighth of the waning moon (Krishna-paksha Ashtami) and the Rohini Nakshatram being ascendent may overlap for only a few hours. In such an event, the festival may be celebrated on different (but successive) days by different people, depending on their local or family traditions. In North India, Janmashtami will primarily be celebrated on August 24th of this year 2008. In South India and certain part of North India, it will also be celebrated on August 23rd of this year 2008.

The festival of Janmashtami is considered a very pious day by Hindus. Lot of bhajan singing, hymn chanting and poojas are performed this day. Devotees queue all the major Krishna temples to seek his blessings. People perform elaborate poojas during the festival. They keep day long fast. Functions and prayer meetings are organised to share the glory of their favourite God.

The general pooja process begins early in the morning with devotees giving a bath or abhishek to Bal Gopal's idol with gangajal, ghee, water, honey and curd. The idol is then adorned with new clothes (preferably in yellow colour), stone or other precious jewellery.

Next, the idol of lord is offered bhog, the contents of bhog may vary. Fruits, kheer, pedha, milk, and milk products are made. There are devotees who offer chappan bhog(56 dishes) to Bal Gopal.

Thereafter, special Krishna pooja is performed. The cradle containing the divine infant's idol is rocked, conch is blown. Devotees sing Krishna arti, some people read out 108 names of lord. They get totally immersed in the name and praise of Gopal.

After the entire pooja is over, devotees break their fast by having panchamrit. The time of breaking the fast may vary, this is so, because the time of performing pooja also differs from place to place. While some devotees choose to perform pooja at midnight and break fast, others perform pooja in the evening and have food.

Janmashtami Pooja Items
The festival of janmashtami is observed with lot of gay and happiness all over India. Special poojas are performed both in homes as well as temples. The entire day is devoted to remembering and singing the praise of Lord Krishna. Devotees welcome and celebrate the birth of their favourite god with lot of fervor.

There are certain special items required for Krishnashtami pooja. Important pooja items are listed below:

* Lord Krishna's idol with cradle and conch
* New clothes, flute and ornaments for Lord Krishna
* Pooja thali containing a bell, diya, rice, elaichi(cardamom), supari, paan leaves, roli, small container filled with water, sindoor, incense sticks, flowers and ghee.
* For Panchamrit -milk, curd, gangajal, honey and ghee.
* A book containing shri Krishna's arti.

The list of items may vary according to pooja process performed by different people.

(With thanks to: http://www.krishnajanmashtami.com/)

The above process is a simple process suitable for a common man. In case you are interested of more systematic process, I would like to share some pointers as follows -

1. http://tantradeities.blogspot.com/2007/08/shree-krishna-mantra.html

2. http://www.shivashakti.com/krishna.htm

भगवान श्री कृष्ण की आरती

आरती कुंजविहारी की। श्रीगिरधर कृष्णमुरारी की।
गले में बैजंतीमाला, बजावै मुरली मधुर वाला।
श्रवन में कुण्डल झलकाला, नंदके आनंद नंदलाला। श्री गिरधर ..
गगन सम अंग कांति काली, राधिका चमक रही आली,
लतनमें ठाढ़े बनमाली।
भ्रमर सी अलक, कस्तूरी तिलक, चंद्र सो झलक,
ललित छवि स्यामा प्यारी की। श्री गिरधर ..
कनकमय मोर-मुकुट बिलसै, देवता दरसन को तरसे,
गगन सो सुमन राशि बरसै,
बजे मुरचंग, मधुर मिरदंग, ग्वालनी संग,
अतुल रति गोपकुमारी की। श्री गिरधर ..
जहां ते प्रकट भई गंगा, कलुष कलि हारिणि श्रीगंगा,
स्मरन ते होत मोह-भंगा,
बसी शिव सीस, जटा के बीच, हरै अध कीच,
वरन छवि श्रीबनवारीकी। श्री गिरधर ..
चमकती उ"वल तट रेनू, बज रही वृन्दावन बेनू,
चहूं दिसि गोपी ग्वाल धेनू,
हँसत मृदु नँद, चाँदनी चंद, कटत भव-फंद,
टेर सुनु दीन भिखारी की। श्री गिरधर ..
आरती कुंजबिहारी की। श्री गिरधर कृष्णमुरारी की।

आरती का वीडियो यूट्यूब पर - Aarti Vido on Youtube

Badhak Graha, Badhakasthana & Badhakesh

Now there are so many rules in astrology, there is no consensus among astrologers which rule to take and which rule to leave. If we ask two astrologers to analyze the same chart for a known event, we will see two different analyses. One astrologer will use one theory to justify the same event and other will use another theory/ rule/ principle to do the same. As there are no common rules, we cannot say who is correct and who is not in the analysis. I strongly see a need for standardizing the rules, so that astrologers can at least discuss on the same platform and understand each other's language. Unavailability of common language is drastically hampering the progress and success of Vedic astrology.

Coming to the topic, Badhak Graha, Badhakasthana & Badhakesh is another rule where there is no consensus and astrologers utilize this rule the way they want. Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra, the bible of Vedic astrology, defines Badhakshana as follows -

"For all movable signs, the 11th house therefrom is the badhaka sthana, for all fixed signs, the 9th therefrom are their badhakasthana and for all the dual signs, the 7th therefrom are their badkasthanas."

Thus for the 12 signs of the zodiac, the badhakasthanas are:
1. Aries: Aquarius
2. Taurus: Capricorn
3. Gemini: Sagittarius
4. Cancer: Taurus
5. Leo: Aries
6. Virgo: Pisces
7. Libra: Leo
8. Scorpio: Cancer
9. Sagittarius: Gemini
10. Capricorn: Scorpio
11. Aquarius: Libra
12. Pisces: Virgo

Badhak the word literally means to Obstruct meaning oppressing, harassing, paining, opposing , hindering, injuring, prejudicing from the root verb 'baadh' meaning to press , force, drive away, repel , remove.

Generally astrologers treat badhakasthana as malefic house and gives adverse result during its dasa. Though the usage and application differs from astrologer to astrologer and everybody applied his/ her own modifications. Let us see first what Mahirshi Parashara has to say about Badhaka. There are only two places where we see the reference of Badhaka in BPHS, both in the chapter "Effects of the Char etc. Dashas", as follows -

1. Kumbh, Vrishabh, Simh and Vrischik are Badhak Bhavas for the four Movable Rāśis: Mesh, Kark, Tula and Makar. In other words the 11th Rāśi to a Movable Rāśi is its Badhak Bhava. If there is a malefic in the Bhava, occupied by its Lord, or in Badhak Bhava of that Rāśi, there will be occasions of great sorrow, imprisonment and diseases during the Dasha.

2. There will be great danger, imprisonment during a journey, displeasure of Government and danger from enemies in the Dasha and Antar Dasha of the Rāśi, from which its Badhak Bhava, Vyaya, Ari and Randhr are occupied by Rahu. There will be loss, due to the displeasure of the king and danger therefrom in the Antar Dasha of the Rāśi, that is occupied by Sūrya, Mangal, Rahu and Śani. There will be the possibility of death, if the 5th and the 9th from the Antar Dasha Rāśi are occupied by a debilitated, or malefic Grah.

It is important to note that Maharishi Parashar has used Badhak only in reference with Chara dasha and not in general application. So should it be used with other dasa systems, especially Nakshatra based dasa systems like Vimshottari dasa, they way it is being used by present astrologers? For example, we don't see reference of badhaka in Vimshottari Dasa chapter, his favorite dasa to which he has devoted most number of chapters. Badhakasthana is a rasi based concept and it makes more sense to use it with a rasi based dasa like Chara dasa.

The point should also be noted that Mahirshi doesn't make any mention that the owner or occupant of badhakastha will prove malefic for the native. If badhakesh or the planet occupying badhakasthana are to be classified as malefics, it will violate other rules laid out by Maharishi. Generally it is accepted by all that any planet in 11th will give good results, by being Tri-Sharaya Pati. Similarly for Fixed Sign Badhak Rashi is 9th from it. 9th lord is considered yogakaraka by Maharshi Parasar and said that except the lord of Dusthanas, all planets give good results in this house. In Parasara Hora Sastra, in the Chapter of Vimshottari Dasa, all the Dasas andantardasas of Trines has been said to be good. Finally, for the dual rasi, the Seventh House is the Badhak rasi. Seventh house can be considered evil by being marka house, but we should note that the seventh house is also one of kendras and any planet in kendras give good results and in Parasara Hora Sastra, the dasas & antardasas of planets posted in kendras has been said to be good.

So in my opinion, occupants and owner of the badhakasthana cannot be considered malefic. The only point that we can take from Parashara Hora Shastra is that the (chara) dasa of a rasi will prove adverse if its badhakasthana is occupied by malefic planet or afflicted by malefics.

It is not that the confusion is there only among classical astrology. KP System is also started getting into this confusion. Sri KS Krishnamurti, the inventor of the system, has used signification of badhakasthana only for calculating longevity. According to KP System, conjoined dasa period of Maraka and Badhaka will prove fatal to the native. He has not classified badhakasthana as general malefic. KP astrologers later own started using it in the way it is being used by classical astrologers by considering badhaksthana, badhakasthanapati and planet occupied in badhakasthana as malefic, which seems incorrect to me.

In my opinion, we astrologers have so many rules (read - confusing rules) so that we can justify all our analysis. More numbers of rules means we have more ways to prove our points. It is the time for the astrologers to standarize on the rules otherwise we are not far from the day where astrology will be classified as a fraud.

Astrologers on Rakhi (Rakshabandhan) Muhurta

I recently read one article on Internet that suggests that the sisters should tie Rakhi on brothers' hand before 11 am on the day of Rakshabandan. The suggested reason is that the Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) is coinciding with Rakshabandhan this year. Grahan is not considered good for any auspicious event. The Lunar eclipse is starting from 11.53 pm and will end at 5.27am next day for the city that the article had been published. The article states though the eclipse is starting late night, no auspicious task should be taken 12 hours before and after it. Article further states that the condition is worsening as the eclipse coincides with the season of kalsarpa dosha which is a time for disasters.

In my opinion, this is another example of how astrologers unnecessary create panic and confusion in public's mind without talking anything specific. The eclipse, as mentioned, starts almost late night and defining it precisely 12 hours doesn't make any sense to me. Will the eclipse will suddenly start showing effects from one minute after 11am? In my opinion, if 11am is safe so does 12noon.

Also the point that it is coinciding with Kalsarpa dosha is ridiculous. Kalsarpa dosha in itself is not accepted by all astrologers and it is a topic of debate among astrologer community. There is no evidence of existence of this dosha in any of our classical texts. This is a known secret in astrologers fraternity that Kalsarpa doshs is a tool for scaring people and making more money by prescribing shanti and parihar. Kalsarpa dosha is a topic for another post but my suggestion is not to worry and continue your schedule without any fear and worry for eclipse or kalsarpa dosha. If you want so, though, you can follow the dincharya (daily routine) suggested for eclipse.

Related Posts:
1. Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator
2. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator

Nakshatra Calculation

Here is a reference table for calculating Nakshatra & Nakshatra lord given the longitude/ degree:

No	Nakshatra(Star)	Longitude(Sign-Deg- Min)	Lord
1	Aswini	00-00-00	Ketu
2	Bharani	00-13-20	Venus
3	Kritika	00-26-40	Sun
4	Rohini	01-10-00	Moon
5	Mrigasira	01-23-20	Mars
6	Aridra	02-06-40	Rahu
7	Punarvasu	02-20-00	Jupiter
8	Pushya	03-03-20	Saturn
9	Aslesha	03-16-40	Mercury
10	Magha	04-00-00	Ketu
11	Poorvaphalguni	04-13-20	Venus
12	Uttaraphalguni	04-26-40	Sun
13	Hasta	05-10-00	Moon
14	Chitra	05-23-20	Mars
15	Swati	06-06-40	Rahu
16	Visakha	06-20-00	Jupiter
17	Anuradha	07-03-20	Saturn
18	Jyehsta	07-16-40	Mercury
19	Moola	08-00-00	Ketu
20	Poorvashadha	08-13-20	Venus
21	Uttarashadha	08-26-40	Sun
22	Sravana	09-10-00	Moon
23	Dhanshita	09-23-20	Mars
24	Satabisha	10-06-40	Rahu
25	Poorvabhadrapada	10-20-00	Jupiter
26	Uttarabhadrapada	11-03-20	Saturn
27	Revati	11-16-40	Mercury

You can also calculate your Nakshatra from AstroSage.com by casting your chart and looking at birth details page.

Birth Time Rectification & Verification Techniques

There are various birth time rectification and verification techniques available in Vedic astrology texts. In this post, I want to talk about a simple technique suggested by Kalidas in Uttar Kalamrit. In fact, there are three techniques suggested in Uttar Kalamrit as follows -

1. Nakshatra Shuddhi, for finding out the Nakshatra (constellation)
2. Man - Woman Janma Shuddhi, for finding out the sex
3. Lagna Shuddhi, for finding out the Lagna (ascendant)

I am planning to have one post for each technique. Here is the first technique -

1. Nakshatra Shuddhi
Multiply the Ghatikas and Vighatikas of the Ishta Kala by 4 and divide the product by 9. The reminder should be counted beginning with Ashwini, Magha or Moola in whatsoever Paryaya it falls. The 27 Nakshatras are distributed in 3 Paryayas consisting of 1st to 9th, 10th to 18th and 19th to 27th. This will give the Janma Nakshatra.

Example:
Suppose the native was born on 6.3.1980 at Ishta Ghatika 56.12,. Therefore,
54.12 X 4 /9 = 224.48 / 9 = 24 X 9 + 8.48.
As the reminder is 8.48, Nakshatra may be Ashlesha (9th Nakshatra), Jyeshtha (18th Nakshatra) or Revati (27th Nakshatra).

You might be wondering what is the Ishtakal and how to calculate it. Istakaal is the difference between sunrise and time of birth. Please note that the time of birth should be converted to local mean time before finding out the difference. If you use IST/ standard time, the result will be incorrect.

Thoough you need not to worry about LMT conversion and Ishtakal calulation etc. There are various software that can do it for you. The simplest is to use AstroSage.com. Once you will cast your chart using AstroSage.com, you will find Ishtakaal on Birth Details page. AstroSage.com will also give you the name of the Nakshatra for the supplied date and time. The Nakshatra table can be found here.

Will Saina Nehwal Bring Us Another Gold?

Abhinav Bindra, by winning the gold medal, has not only made us proud, but also increased our expectations. We Indians, who never expected anything from Olympics, now expecting more gold. Olympics are not over yet, so it seems a fair expectations.

I am not following Beijing Olympics closely, so I don't know who all are there in the race. Two name that news channels are talking about are Rajyavardhan Singh Rathod, - shooting and Saina Nahwal - badminton. I thought it would be good to give a try to horary astrology in figuring out what is the possibility of Saina Nahwal winning the medal? What astrology has to say on Saina Nehwal's success

In absence of birth time what to do? Astrology has provided certain tools to answer such a question. In my astrology research forum, we tried various methods and received fair bit of success. Though I must caution that the success rate is much lower than natal astrology (analysis of birth chart). The present method that I am using is called Horary astrology or Prashna Jyotish. In this method, I am asking this question to myself

"Will Saina Nahwal Win a Medal?"

In a sub-branch of Horary astrology called KP Horary (Krishnamurthi Paddhati Horary), you require one arbitrary number between 1-249 to answer any question. I have chosen '55' in order to get my answer. Also note that you can answer only one question at a time.

The query details are as follows -
Question: Will Saina Nehwal Win A Medal?
Date of Question: August 11, 2008
Time of Question: 7:07:40 PM IST
Place of Question: Agra

Now I want to talk a little technical, so if you are not an Astrologer, you can skip this section. The cuspal positions are as follows -

1st Cusp: Mercury Rasi, Rahu Nakshatra, Mars Sub
6th Cusp: Mars Rasi, Mercury Nakshatra, Mercury Sub
11th Cusp: Mars Rasi, Ketu Nakshatra, Mercury Sub

You can also cast the detailed KP Hoaray Chart from AstroSage.com.

For judging win, we need to consider house number 1 (self efforts), 6 (12th to 7th, defeating the opponent) and 11th (fulfilment of desire). I think 3rd house is also important as it shows courage.
Now you can see that Mars and Mercury are repeating quite often and I believe that they want to communicate something to me. Mars is in 3rd house (house of courage), being lord of 11 (fulfilment of desire) and 6th (defeating opponent). Mars is in Nakshatra of Sun, lord of 3rd in 2nd. So generally Mars is well placed. None of the detrimental houses viz 5, 7 & 12th are connected. 5, 7, & 12 are bad because these are good for opponent who is represented by 7th house.

Now have a look at Mercury. Mercury is in 3rd being lord of 1st and 4th. Out of these three 3rd and 1st are good for this question. Mercury is in Nakshatra of Ketu, the planet posited in 2nd, neutral to the question.

Mercury dasa, Rahu bhukti, and Mercury antardasa also looks OK to me, if not the great.

So according to my analysis, Saina Nehwal is going to win the medal. It is very difficult to predict precisely which medal it is going to be, but seeing the planetary positions, she is definitely a contender for Gold.

I wish her and India all the best.

[Updates]
Saina Nehwal lost and now out of the medal race. I take full responsibility of the failure of my predictions. While writing above post, I mentioned "I must caution that the success rate is much lower than natal astrology (analysis of birth chart)". Failure in above prediction also shows that more research is needed before we can predict outcome of such events. We are also looking into the reason for failure in the KP research forum and if you are interested, you can see some of the threads here -
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/k_p_system/message/18781
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/k_p_system/message/18758

Web Developer/ Content Writer Required

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1. Web Developer - ASP/ ASP.Net
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4. Web Marketing /Search Engine Optimization Experts
5. Web Designer with Photoshop/ CorelDraw/ Flash

In case you are interested, please feel free to drop an email with your CV at jobs@itzmyblog.com.

In case you are not the right person, you can also refer your friends and family members.

Vedic Remedies, Olympics & Shabar Mantra

Please have a look at this detailed document on Vedic remedies for planets. It talks about various mantras for each planet (in English as well as in Sanskrit), mantra count and yantra etc. Good for ready reference for graha shanti. The document can be found here.

I also found outlook of a Western astrologer interesting on current Olympic games. Please check it out there.

This website has some good posts on Shabar Mantra, would be a good read if you can read Hindi.

Beej Mantra for Each Planet

In last two posts I talked about Gemstones and Jadis for Graha Shanti. In this post I am touching another effective method for remedies called Beej Mantra. There are various mantras for planets suggested in our texts. Vedic mantra and Beej mantra (also referred as 'tantric mantra' sometimes) are among popular mantras for planet appeasement. It is said that in Kaliyuga, beej mantra gives results quickly and that is the reason we see astrologers suggesting beej mantra more often than the Vedic mantra. I personally don't believe in this theory and believe that both of the mantras are equally effective. Though this post is about Beej mantra, so here are the mantras for each planet -

Sun (Surya)
Om hram hrim hraum sah suryaya namah

Moon (Chandra)
Om shram shrim shraum sah chandraya namah

Mars (Mangal)
Om kram krim kraum sah bhaumaya namah

Mercury (Budh)
Om bram brim braum sah budhaya namah

Jupiter (Guru)
Om gram grim graum sah gurave namah

Venus (Shukra)
Om dram drim draum sah shukraya namah

Saturn (Shani)
Om pram prim praum sah shanaisharaya namah

Rahu
Om bhram bhrim bhraum sah rahave namah

Ketu
Om sram srim sraum sah ketave namah

Related Posts:
1. Lal Kitab Remedies & E-Book
2. Jadi for Graha Shanti
3. Gemstones & Remedies

Katrina Kaif Horoscope

Birth Time Rectification for Katrina Kaif's Kundli

Today is the release date of Singh is Kinng, probably one of the biggest movies for Katarina Kaif ever. This morning I was pondering over the recent success of this gorgeous Bollywood actress, while the desire of looking at her birth chart came to me. I searched on Internet for her birth details but what all I could find was birth place and birth date, the time was still the question mark and without time it is not possible to cast a birth chart.

Not many people are aware that Vedic astrology is very well equipped with an amazing process called birth time rectification. Birth time rectification is the process by which an astrologer finds out the exact birth time of a person by following the divine instructions.

Vedic astrology has given various methods for birth time rectification. These method given by our sages can accurately calculate your birth time if it is inaccurate or not available. Generally these methods are easy to apply if the range of time birth is known for example between 12pm to 2pm etc. If this range is wide, the task of astrologer becomes difficult, so I had taken an uphill task for myself.

Various methods are suggested by our sages like Parashara, Varahamihira and Kalidas etc. The one method I used it suggested by a comparatively recent astrology genius named KS Krishnamurti. I’ll not go into the detail of the method and will leave that for another post. By applying the method I come up with following birth details for Katrina Kaif –

Date of Birth: 16 July 1984
Time of Birth: 6:19:30 PM
Place of Birth: Hong Kong
Ascendant: Sagittarius, Moon Sign: Aquarius

Here is a screenshot of her lagna chart from AstroSage.com -

The detailed birth chart can be found at http://www.astrosage.com/chart.asp?user=katrinakaif.

Now here is my observation of the chart -

Lagna lord is Jupiter in his own sign making lagna, the piller of birth chart, very strong. I personally don’t believe in Yoga, but we can observe some of the yogas like Hamsa, Nipuna, and Adhi yoga etc. Venus the Karaka of film industry and glamour world is also creating Vipreet Raja Yoga by being 6th lord in 8th. Conjunction of Mercury and Sun creates another Rajyoga. Presence of yogas like Hamsa and Parivraja makes her not only beautiful from outside but also beautiful from heart and soul. I am sure her charitable deeds will be clearly visible after Venus's bhukti (2010).

I generally follow stellar astrology or KP System to be more specific which is among the most advanced astrological systems in astrology. As per it, Lagna is in Venus nakshatra which is the reason for attracting her towards modeling and later to the films. Lagna sublord is in Venus nakshatra showing huge impact of Venus on the chart. Moon is also in Rahu’s nakshatra who is representing Venus in this chart by being in Venus sign Taurus.

As per stellar astrology lagna is governed by Jupiter’s rasi, Venus’s Nakshatra and Rahu’s sub. All these three planets are karaka for beauty (Rahu is representing Venus by being in Venus sign). Out of three planets, Jupiter and Rahu are generally responsible for good height and 5"8 in my opinion is the result of these two planets. Moon is in Saturn’s rasi, Rahu’s nakshatra and Rahu’s sub, again showing huge impact of Venus, the planet of beauty.

Jupiter's mahadasa is started from year 2000 and it the period where ascension of her career started. We already discussed Jupiter is one of the excellent planets in her chart creating Hamsa yoga. As per stellar astrology, Jupiter is signifying 1st house (self efforts and success through hard work), 11th house (fulfillment of desire, success) and 12th.

Currently Venus's bhukti is started from Junuary 2008. Venus is an excellent planet for her. Venus is in 7th house house as per stellar astrology (KP Cuspal chart), lord of 6th (success in competition, getting money from others by being 12th from 7th), and 11th (fulfillment of desire, gain). Venus is in star of Saturn in 10th (good for profession), lord of 2th (earning, savings) and 3rd (courage). Venus dasa will run till September 2010 and I am sure it will make her the queen of the Bollywood by that time. We have already seen improvement in her career after start of the Venus dasa from January 2008. This is the changed her just from glamorous face to a Bollywood top slot contender. So now be ready to see her as a queen of Bollywood before January 2008.

Now a quick talk on Singh is Kinng, her movie released today with Akshay Kumar. Today Sun has entered in Jupiter's nakshatra, and going to be there for 13 days. We have already discussed that Jupiter is very well positions for Katrina Kaif, and it shows that 'Singh is King' movie is going to do a lot of good to her. I am sure it will have some very good box office collections. My best wishes to this gorgeous actress.

Related Posts:
1. Rectification of Birth Time

Horoscope Match For Marriage

Vedic astrology based marriage match, also called melapak, is one of the most important criteria for Hindu marriages. There are various criteria an astrologer need to look while matching the horoscope. These are some of the important points that needs to be considered in horoscope matching -

Ashtakoot (36 points) or Porutham
Porutham is the term used almost in the same sense in South India as 'Ashtakoot Guna Milap' (36 point match) in North Indian. Generally in south India, it is divided into 10 sub items, whereas in North India, it is divided in 8 items viz. Varna, Vasya, Tara, Yoni, Gana, Nadi, Rashi lord, and Bhakoot. The 36 points match is primarily a matching of Janma Nakshatra (birth constellation) of bride and Janma Nakshatra of groom. Generally Nadi match is considered the most important one followed by Bhakoot match. It is the reason Nadi dosha has given 8 out of 36 points and Bhakoot dosha is given 7 out of 36 points. Especially if there is no nadi matching, the marriage is not regarded good. You can use http://www.astrosage.com/ to figure out your 36 points matching. You can also find a table in most of the popular Hindu panchang and Jantri from where you can find the matching points obtained. Only information you need to have ready is Janma Nakshatra (constellation), as the ashtakoot milan is calculated using Janma Nakshatra only.

Generally there is a misconception that the married life should be good if number of points obtained are good in Ashtakook Guna Milap. We need to understand that ashtakoot guna milap is just for compatibility between husband and wife. It doesn't not tell about the overall quality of the married life. For example, even if there are 36 out of 36 match, but the other factors of marriages are spoiled in the birth chart, the married life will not be good. Some of the very important houses are 2nd (family), 5th (progeny/ child birth), 7th (husband/wife), 8th (sex life), 11 (overall happiness) and should be good in horoscope. Also good position of Venus and Jupiter is very important for happy married life. It is said that the marriage match between Rama and Sita was 36 out of 36 match. Though we all know that their marriage was no cakewalk. On the other side, we know the understanding and compatibility between both of them was excellent and I believe it was due to this 36 point ashtakoot match.

Manglik Dosha
Manglik dosha is another important criteria for marriage matching in Hindu astrology. Manglik Dosha (also called Mangal Dosha) is said to be exist in a birth chart if Mars is 1,4,7,8, and 12th house. Few astrologer suggest to use Lagna Chart (rasi chart), Moon chart, Venus chart and Navamsa chart for checking Mangal dosha. The more time it repeats in one's chart, higher the intensity of mangal . For example, if the dosha exists in all the above mentioned charts, it is considered 'high level' of mangal dosha. If it exists, for example, only in one of the above mentioned charts, it is considered 'low managal' dosha. The exact definition of Mangal dosha is somewhat disputed among astrologers, and that is the reason astrologers apply their own modifications as well. Lack of common creates lots of confusion in general public. One astrologer may tell you that there is mangal dosha and other may tell that it is not there. If we go by above definition of Mangal dosha, almost all the charts have mangal dosha to some extent though the intensity may vary.

I personally consider Mangal dosha only if Mangal (Mars) is malefic in the birth chart based on the Vedic astrology principles. If Mars is well places, even if it is in 1,4,7,8,12, I don't consider it Mangal dosha.


Shadashtak
The third one is shadashtak. In other words, the moon sign (rashi) or bride and moon sign or groom should not be 6-8 to each other. The 6-8 placement is called shadashtak and is not considered good for marriage. Few people also consider 2-12 placement as malefic.

How much weightage should be given to each of above criteria is again disputed among astrologers. For example, few astrologers don't pay attention to shadashtak whereas other astrologers believes that the Shadashtak match is very important. Similar case is with Mangal dosha and Ashtakoot Matching.

As as astrologer, I consider another parameter very important which is the individual birth chart. The first thing that an astrologer should judge is the chart from the aspects like family, health, childbirth, and finance perspective. Which of these aspects are important is up to you. If individual chart is not good, in my opinion, even the perfectly matched chart with 36 out of 36 guna doesn't make any sense to me.

Related Posts:
1. Manglik Dosha Remedies
2. Free Online Marriage Matching

The case of Pregnancy & KP System

Yesterday I showcased how we can use Saptamsa for doing detailed analysis on Pregnancy. Now using the same chart, I want to reemphasize the fact that divisions are very important in astrological analysis. Though this time, instead of using divisional chart, I want to use another divisions called Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP System). Krishnamurti Paddhati uses 249 divisions of zodiac and the smallest unit is called sub. (expert may differ because there are sub-sub and sub-sub-sub etc. but I want to keep it simple) The zodiac is divided similar to the division we use for Vimshattari Dasa calculation. I don’t want to go into the mathematical detail of this division, as there are many KP astrology software available for calculation purpose. AstroSage.com is a free software which can give you detailed KP calculations.

The question under consideration was related to pregnancy issue due to hormonal imbalance and as a result of that the native is not able to conceive.
Time of Birth: 4:00 PM IST
Date of Birth: 15-05-1982
Place of Birth: Hydrabad (India)

As per KP System, 2, 5 & 11 houses are conductive for child birth whereas house 1, 4 and 12, negation of previous said houses, are not considered good for child birth.

Also in KP system all zodiac signs divided into two parts as follows –
Fruitful Signs: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces
Semi-Fruitful Signs: Taurus, Libra, Capricorn, ad Sagittarius
Barren: Aries, Gemini, Leo and Virgo
Barren sings are also called sterile signs and are considered detrimental for the child birth.

Please note that I am using KP cuspal chart in this analysis. Now let us analyze the chart in the light of above mentioned KP System principles. The degree of 5th house comes under Saturn rasi, Mars Nakshatra and Rahu's sub. In traditional astrology, we generally consider only sign lord (Saturn in above case), but don’t use Nakshatra lord and Sub lord. Though in KP, we use all these planets. Saturn and Mars, cuspal sign lord and cuspal Nakshatra lord, both are gone to 12th house in KP chart which is malefic house and also 8th from the 5th house, not good for child birth.

The sub lord is the most important consideration for finding the possibility of happening the event, in this case child birth. Rahu, the sub lord of 5th cusp, is in Gemini in a barren sign, again shows the problem in progeny. As mentioned above, Barren sign are the sign which doesn’t allow child birth and should always be noted in case of the question of child birth. Rahu is in 9th house which is OK but in the Nakshatra of Jupiter who is in 1st house (12th to 2nd) and lord of 4th (12th to 5th – negation of 5th) and 7th. So even the KP system doesn’t give much hope in this case.

It is also worth noting that how all the systems give the same result. I personally prefer using multiple systems for cross-checking, though KP System is one of my favorite systems. Another point worth noting is that divisions are very important in astrological analysis and without using divisions, analysis is always going to be incomplete.

If time will permit, I'll try to demonstrate applicability and use of other astrological systems again using this chart.

Related Posts:
1. The Case of Pregnancy & Divisional Chart
2. Shodashvarga/ Divisional Charts Judgement Rules
3. Tips to the Astrologers

The Case of Pregnancy & Divisional Charts

Here is the birth detail of a native who has pregnancy problems due to hormonal imbalance and as a result of that she is not able to conceive.


Date of Birth: 15-05-1982
Time of Birth: 4:00 PM IST
Place of Birth: Hydrabad (India)

The purpose of this post it to communicate one very vital point of chart analysis named divisions. In my opinion, divisions are very important in Vedic astrology and without using divisions, it is very difficult to do an accurate analysis. Divisional charts are one of the divisions, other popular divisions are KP 249 sub divisions and Nadi divisions (Nadiamsa) which is used in Nadi astrology.

For the benefit of astrology students, I want to analyze this chart and using various methods and want to showcase how
- Each system is correct in its own way
- Divisions are very important

In Vedic astrology, for pregnancy we generally judge 5th house, 5th house lord and Putrakarak Jupiter. If these are badly placed in a chart, we can predict problem in pregnancy.

Let us analyze the Lagna chart, Moon's placement in Makara rasi is not good for 5th house, Moon being in enemy's camp. So 5th occupant Moon is definitely not very powerful. Now let us take a look at Saturn, the 5th lord. Saturn is in lagna in Kanya rasi with Mars. There is not direct affliction to Saturn other than that Saturn is with Mars an inimical planet to Saturn. Though this affliction is not much powerful due to following two reasons -
1. Mars has moved to house 12th house in Chalit chart, weakening the conjunction. Generally conjunctions are powerful if it is in the same house.
2. Though the conjunction is in the same sign but in different Nakshatra again weakening the conjunction.

Also Jupiter is not very badly placed. Jupiter is in 2nd house in the sign of Venus, though not friendly planet. But there no other detrimental aspects or yoga is constitued related to Jupiter.

So, there is not much affliction in Lagna chart related to pregnancy other than Moon and Jupiter in enemy sign. As we can see, though lagna chart alone it is very difficult to predict this problem.

Now let us study the divisional chart associated with the progeny and children i.e. Saptamsa. I generally follow divisional charts analysis rules suggested by Sheshari Iyer, with my own modifications. Please read some of my recent posts on divisional charts and division for more information. Here is one very important point to keep in mind while analyzing divisional charts -

“ We should not associate signification to divisional chart. We need to carry signification forward from lagna chart only. For example a planet in 5th in divisional chart but 12th in lagna chart will signify loss and not anything to do with 5th (the placement in divisional chart). With divisional chart, we just try to figure out whether a planet is malefic or benefic. Please see my old posts on divisional charts for more information“

Now let us analyze Saptamsa in the light of above principle and general Vedic astrology principles -
1. Saturn is in Lagna in enemy’s Simha rasi making it weak. As we know, Saturn is 5th lord in lagna chart.
2. Moon is neecha by being in vrishchik and also by association of Sun and Rahu. So moon is highly afflicted. As you remember, Moon signifies children by being in 5th house of Lagna chart.
As mentioned above, the signification should always be taken from lagna chart. Moon being a watery planet gives clear indication of hormonal imbalance.

You can see from the above analysis that Saptamsa chart gives us very clear picture of the problem. Saptamsa not only tells us clearly that there is problem related to pregnancy but also it tells that the problem is related to hormonal imbalance. Without using Saptamsa, we might have missed many vital points. As the Moon is worst affected in birth chart, she should be suggested remedy for the Moon first followed by Saturn. As Jupiter is OK, there is slight hope.

Above is my analysis based on Parashari system. In the next post, we will analyze the same chart using another divisional method called KP System (Krishnamurti Paddhati).

Lal Kitab Remedies & E-Book

In the last post, I talked about the Jadis for graha shanti. In my experience, like jadis, Lal Kitab remedies are also the fastest and most cost effective method for astrological remedies. Sometimes Lal Kitab remedies are also referred as 'Lal Kitab ke Totke' because of the nature and simplicity of the remedies. The remedies are as simple as keeping sometime at home or flowing something in running water. There are remedies for planet in each house. There is a book available on AstroSage.com which talks about remedies of planet in each house, check it our here -
Book of Lal Kitab Remedies

This book is just to give you some idea of the remedies available in Lal Kitab. Though it is highly recommended to consult some good Lal Kitab astrologer before selecting remedies. Like gemstones, caution should be used while performing Lal Kitab remedies, as those remedies can backfire.

There are some remedies that author suggests can be done by everybody without the fear of backfire. These remedies are for general well being and tabulated in the section called "Remedies Applicable to All." Please check it as well.

Related Posts:
Which Lal Kitab Book?
What you need to learn Lal Kitab
Download Lal Kitab
Gemstone & Remedies

Jadi for Graha Shanti

Tree Roots for Appeasing Planets (Planetary Propitiation)

While writing my last post about gemstones, I thought it would be good to share my views on other way of remedies as well. There are various methods for graha shanti, including but not limited to ratna (gemstones), jadi (tree roots), totke, puja, yagya, havan, yantra, tantra, and mantra etc. Many a times, these methods are used together with each other.

I personally don't suggest Ratna very often due to two reasons. One, gemstones are very costly and second, as mentioned in the last post, gemstones are not very effective in reducing the ill affect of the planet. Though Ratnas can be very well used to improve the power of good planets. I personally found jadis, lal kitab remedies and mantras are more successful for graha shanti.

Here are the Jadis for each planet -

Sun: Bel (बेल), Bent (बेंत)

Moon: Khirni Mool (ख्रिरनी मूल)

Mars: Anant Mool (अनन्‍त मूल)

Mercury: Vidhara Mool (विधारा मूल)

Jupiter: Banana Root (केले की जड)

Venus: Arand Mool (अरंडे मूल)

Saturn: Dhature Ki Jad (धतूरे की जड)

Rahu: Asgandh (असगंध मूल)

Ketu: Banyan Tree Root (वटवृक्ष मूल)

The process of wearing jadis is similar to the process of warning gemstones. You can keep it in a cloth and put it either around the neck in a locket or tie it to your hand.

Gemstones & Remedies

Which Gemstone will suit me?

Truth behind the Vedic-Jyotish kept it survived from the attacks of various races, isms and governments. Jyotish(astrology) is a divine knowledge or a Super-science handed over to Sage Garga by Lord Brahma the creator himself. Later several Rishis and Munis added their findings, which were revealed to them during the trance or Samadhi.

Ratna (Gemstone) is the inseparable part of the Vedic –Jyotish. Sages revealed the miracle and occult powers of various Ratna. They found that Ratnas have the capacity to fulfill the desire. They can help you to achieve health, happiness and prosperity including spirituality.

Naturally if somebody wears a negative Ratna he or she will suffer unluck will envelope him.

According to Vedic astrology every planet radiates particular vibrations and rays. Ratna transmit this particular rays and vibrations into the body from the cosmic world.

It is an ardent duty of a vedic astrologer to guide a seeker that what kind of rays and vibrations are positive or harmonious for an individual. In other words what Ratna is capable to bring the health happiness and prosperity to an individual.

I am sorry to say 90% of persons wear wrong Ratna and Gemstones. That cause them various kind of trouble from ordinary to serious in their life.

I can remember a day when an aged father looking sad person, approached to me for the consultation, his son was in jail for the crime of murder.

During the analysis of the horoscope, I noticed that Jupiter and Venus were extremely malefic in that chart. I found that the young must be wearing the Gemstones related to these planets. As everybody knows the Diamond represents Venus and Yellow –Sapphire represents Jupiter.
These stones were very much negative for him and may cause him havoc. I told my finding to that gentleman. He was surprised by my bold saying and confirmed the findings. I thanked to the Vedic-brahmins who passed this great knowledge of astrology to humanity.

I have observed that lot of learned astrologers are able to pinpoint the negative and positive planets in the horoscope of a Jatak( seeker). So according to their knowledge to remove the negative effects of the planets they suggest the gemstones related to the malefic planet. According to me this is highly wrong.

It is a common fact that every Ratna is a small representative of a particular planet. It is capable to transfer the rays and vibrations of that planet. If you wear, it will transfer all this to you. so if you wear Ratna or Gem representing the negative planet. It will increase the power of the negative planet in your body too. It will bring unluck, problems and misery. In other word if you are increasing the power of your enemy.

According to great astrologer late. Shri Krishnamurthy it is wrong and actually doing the harm (wearing the Gemstones related to the negative planets). He says- Suppose Venus has caused Diabetes, If one suggests that sweets are governed by Venus and one taking much of sweets, will reduce the evil effects of Venus. How far this learned astrologer will be helpful to the patient.

Again, if Mars donates arrogance, independence, disobedience, etc. and thereby Mars threatening dispute among husband and wife, what is the meaning of suggesting to put on Coral(Moonga) indicated by Mars. Suppose due to evil Mars, one’s hut is in fire. Consider how wise the learned adviser is, if he suggests to pour highly inflammable ones one the fire, since inflammable governed by Mars.

If Saturn indicated laziness, lethargic and slow in one’s action, how can there by any benefit by painting the wall with blue color( blue color represents the Saturn), purchasing the blue cloth for curtain and blue car for his use. The result will be similar to an old (Saturn) deaf(Saturn) person crossing the road the Saturn afflicted driver or owner delaying in reducing the speed by applying the brake. Readers know what the results would be.

If Moon is evil and it threatens loose motion, if one suggests a liquid purgative to the patient what will be the result? If Moon threatens, drowning in one’s horoscope and if one uses Pearl according to an advice. Do you know what will happen? Mind you, Moon will keep him for some hours by the side of the Pearls at the bottom of the sea and after a few hours, lift his body up the surface and carry the bloated dead body to the shores.

So, what is the wise suggestion? Prof. Krishnamurthy says that when a house is in fire, we throw water and sand: when one is lazy, we give stimulant: when there is diabetes, we give insulin to control. Therefore, that which will nullify the evi is to be suggested. That planet, which is auspicious, is to be taken. Its Gem alone is to be used.

So to increase the power of positive planet one should wear the gemstone related to that. In other words try to increase the power of your friends. If they become powerful they will bound to help you.

In brief find the positive and negative planets in the horoscope. Wear the gemstones connected to the positive planets and perform Graha-shanti for the negative planets.

But most important aspect of Ratna and Gemstone’s is "time to wear". All the texts of astrology are agreed on one point that the most important is the time of buying and time of wearing. If you buy and wear a Gemstone at negative time it will bound to bring you bad luck , illness, loss, and failure etc.

One should not forget the puja(worship) of gemstone, according to his or her capacity. Vedic Astrology says all planets are the representative of various Gods and Goddesses. For the benefit of our readers we are giving a brief list of the planets their Gemstones and related God and Goddesses.

PLANET	RATNA/GEMSTONE	GOD/GODDESS
Sun	Ruby	Surya
Moon	Pearl	Shiva /Parvati
Mars	Coral	Durga /Hanuman
Mercury	Emerald	Vishnu
Jupiter	Yellow-Sapphire	Guru /Prajapita
Venus	Diamond	Lakshmi
Saturn	Blue-Sapphire	Shani /Bhairon
Rahu	Gomed	Shani /Bahairon / Shesh-Naag
Ketu	Cats eyestone	Ganesha

Lunar Eclipse (Chandra Grahan) Calculator

Today we passed the date of Surya Grahan, and now we are close to the date of Chandra Grahan that will be seen on 16th August 2008.

The eclipse timings for Delhi is as follows -

Partial Eclipse begins: 07:13 AM IST
Total Eclipse begins: 08:31 AM IST
Mid Eclipse: 08:56 AM IST
Total Eclipse ends: 09:21 AM IST
Partial Eclipse ends: 10:39 AM IST

You can also check the eclipse timings for your city at http://eclipse.gsfc.nasa.gov/JLEX/JLEX-index.html. This is a nice free utility given by NASA which can calculate Lunar Eclipse timings accurately.

Related Posts:
1. Solar Eclipse (Surya Grahan) Calculator