january 2012 issue of the astrological emagazine

JANUARY 2012 1THE ASTROLOGICAL eMAGAZINE

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Contents

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HeÀueeefve ûen®eejsCe met®e³eefvle ceveeref<eCe: ~

keÀes JeÊeÀe leejlec³em³e leceskeÀb JesOemeb efJevee ~~

Those who know Astrology can only indicate

in a way what will take place in future.

Who else, except the Creator Brahma,

can say with certainty what will definitely happen ?

From the Desk of Chief Editor 2

DR. B. V. RAMAN

SUN in Politics 3

BANGALORE NIRANJAN BABU

Muhurtha — The Art of Time Management 6

RAMAN SUPRAJARAMA

Future of India in 2012 9

DR. BANGALORE SURESHWARA

Ramayana — Guide to Duties of Kings, Rulers, Priests and Others 12

YAJNAVALKYA

Jyothisha Chinta Nidhi 15

SRI DATTA VIJAYANANDA TEERTHA SWAMIJI

M¡S¡N¡Æ M¡RGA¿¢RÀ°SMI 17

WILLIAM R. LEVACY

Ashtama Guru 25

DR. S. MADHAVAN

Commentaries on Brihat Jataka 29

VENKATA GIRI KUMAR

Astronomical Significance of Calendars 32

DR. E. S. NEELAKANTAN

Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas 35

V. R. SOUNDAR RAJAN

Shaniputra 37

K. CHANDRA HARI

Ancient Horoscopes, Zodiac and Yoga Rationales 39

GARGACHARYA

This Year for You 2012 45

VARAHAMIHIRA

This Month for You JANUARY 2012 53

Sunrise and Sunset Timings for January 2012 58



DR. B. V. RAMAN

Lead Article

IN OUR LEADING article published in an earlier issue

of THE ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE, we have endeavoured

to highlight the importance of the Sun in horoscopic

interpretation. According to the Austrian scientist Ernest

Mach, every particle of matter in the entire universe is

interlinked with every other. Our planet is constantly

bombarded by a variety of radiant energy. The infra-red

and ultra-violet radiations, primary and secondary cosmic

rays containing high-energy electrons, gamma-rays, etc.

play no mean part in influencing terrestrial affairs. The

influence is visible and has a direct relation to inhabitants

of the earth.

To the Hindu sages of yore, the Sun was the visible god—

Suryanarayana—the Soul of the universe. To the

scientists of today the Sun is the chief symbol of life. Solar

flares, solar spots, etc, are caused by certain planetary

dispositions and this is now a recognised scientific fact. It

is again the declination position (Kranti) of the Sun that

seems to regulate the flow of corpuscular streams either

from the northern or southern hemisphere of the solar

globe. Whatever be the theoretical explanations offered

by the scientists for the influences on living beings

occurring through changes in the electro magnetic field

of the earth, there can be no doubt that just as the ancient

seers recognised, either by intuition or by study and

observation, the prime position of the Sun in its relation to

the earth, we shall witness in the very near future a fusion

of two most ancient sciences—medicine and astronomy—

this new branch of science going under the name of helio-

biology.

According to some of the scientists, the gravitational pull

of the two massive outer planets. Jupiter and Saturn, when

they occupy certain geometrical positions from the Sun,

produce a gravitational ‘jerk’ capable of significantly

affecting human behaviour. This study of the Sun’s

influence on terrestrial affairs had been developed by the

sages to a nicety that they could enumerate by means of

SUNin

Politics

formulae how these mutual influences interweave with

beautiful and subtle complexity; and the result is the vast

astrological literature which we have inherited.

The Sun is the aristocrat He represents rulers, government

and those in high authority. He is the ruler of the father,

heart, blood circulation and vitality. He is hot and dry aiding

construction if unafflicted and bringing destruction when

much afflicted. His position in the horoscope is of the

utmost importance. He displays firmness and stability,

justice, dignity, achievement, unsullied diplomacy,

reputation, and generosity. He presides over what is called

atmashakti or soul force, personal magnetism, inspiration,

devotion, courage, honour, integrity; and right values, self-

respect, individuality and authority come under his sway.

He represents gold and bones in the body ; of medium

height, he is dark-red in complexion, and has broad

shoulders and a well-proportioned body. Siva’s temples,

open areas, waterless regions, the eastern quarter, ruby,

copper, red colour, solstice, upward gaze, eye-sight—all

come under his sway. The Sun also represents patrimony,

political and national influence, satwa-guna, morals and

religion, noble and sublime ideas, masculine power, windy

and bilious temperaments and hot or pungent taste.

If the Sun is well placed in a horoscope, i.e., if he occupies

the 3rd, the 6th, the 9th, the 10th or the 11th not joined by

Saturn or Rahu and the constellations of these two

malefics are not involved, we can declare the native is a

man of character and above board. When the ascendant

for instance is Capricorn and the Sun is in Libra, inovlving

Rahu’s constellation, it is clear that the native’s public life

and image can only be unfortunate. Selfishness will be

the motto. Not selfreliant but leaning too much on others,

he cannot succeed in his public or political life. Indolence,

dogma and conceit will mar his prosperity.

To differentiate between the various shades of influences

generated by the Sun’s situation in different houses, signs

and constellations and in different aspectual positions with



THE ONGOING WINTER sessions are making a mockery of India. The political leaders, both

ruling and opposition, are at logger heads. The Congress and its allies are trying to hide the

recent scams that have got exposed, while BJP (also equally scammed) and its allies are taking

a chance to collapse the ruling party. How does the future of India look like? Are we, citizens of this

oldest and spiritual country, safe guarded? Are our interests taken care of? And can we citizens live

peacefully?

Political Parties and Future

Vimshottari style of time division allocates the Sun, Mercury and Rahu in that order, as the influencers

in January 2012. It is commonly referred in the astrological community as “having Sun Mahadasa,

Mercury Antardasa and Rahu Pratyantardasa” and denoted as Sun>Mercury>Rahu. The role of the Sun,

as the main influencer started as early as August 2007, when the NDA government was ruling.

In the Indian Independence horoscope, the Sun is the lord of the

fourth house and is located in the third house, in Cancer, a movable

sign. Being in an inimical sign, his influence on the ruling party to

undertake immoral and unethical tasks of high degree, behaving

opportunistically and exhibiting hypocrisy has been clearly seen.

The ruling parties refer to those in center as well as the states. More

than 20 plus scams have been committed since August 2007 including

the 2G scam which looted money of the citizens, the commonwealth

games scam which caused shame in the international front, the

Bellary mining scam, Indian Black Money in Swiss banks etc. The

same has been the case with Jan Lokpal Bill. The promise by central

government to Anna Hazare is not likely to be kept. This unfavorable influence of the Sun on India’s

political influence extends into 2012 as well. We will continue to see similar events and scams happening

in 2012 as well.

Mercury is the secondary influencer of the first three quarters of 2012. He owns the second and the

fifth houses of the Indian Horoscope, and occupies the third house as the Sun. Thanks to his influence

these scams were exposed in the second half of 2011. Watch out! More scams are going to get exposed

in the coming days. Mercury’s effect will escalate the political debates addressed to sort out and find

solutions to various scams. Mercury however lacks support from the primary influencer, the Sun. He

will only be instrumental in exposing the scams and other unethical transactions of the political leaders,

but will not be able to bring about justice. The undesirable influence of the Sun will eventually prevail.

Future of IndiaRAMAN SUPRAJARAMA

in 2012

Natal Chart

Rasi

Mars

Ketu Jupiter

Rahu

Ascendant

Moon

Saturn

Mercury

Sun Venus


12 JANUARY 2012 THE ASTROLOGICAL eMAGAZINE

DR. BANGALORE SURESHWARA

RamayanaGuide to Duties of Kings, Rulers, Priests and Others

EVEN TODAY, I distinctly remember a conversation that I had in 1989

with my father Dr. B. V. Raman, wherein we concurred that I would

share with others my understanding and observations of the information that

is related to the various aspects of life as embedded in Ramayana. This would

encourage many to start reading Ramayana and benefit from the information

contained in the eternal book. Even before that memorable conversation, it

has been my passion and interest to continue to study, observe and understand

the many details and information that are contained in the eternal epic

Ramayana.

Sage Valmiki’s magnum opus “Valmiki Ramayana” covers the story of Sri

Rama. There are many popular versions and commentaries pertaining to

Ramayana. Some of them have segments of the eternal story, which are

somewhat different from Valmiki Ramayana. The modifications are possibly

due to the authors’ views and the influence of the various environments that

existed in their lives. While respecting the contribution made by many authors,

many scholars consider Valmiki Ramayana as the original and authoritative

text.

During the last twenty plus years, we have discussed, debated and differed on

various aspects of Ramayana. I hope it has helped us in better understanding

of the story and the events, as well their practical application and utility at an

individual, society and national levels. We are in the twenty-first century and

yet the enduring and the everlasting message of Ramayana is more relevant

today than ever in the history of humanity

Practical and Effective Message

Ramayana contains many stories of some individuals who exhibited

extraordinary sacrifices as they were exposed to dangerous situations. Others

exhibited greedy and selfish actions with practically every available opportunity.

The story of Sri Rama and Ayodhya is the story of mankind. Ramayana has

information that is needed to understand the strengths and weaknesses that

defines every individual. It has been said that Ramayana is not only an eternal

Scripture but it is also an encyclopedia covering the various aspects of life.

One is reminded about a statement attributed to a person of learning, knowledge

and wisdom .The wise person said “every saint has a past and every sinner

has a future.” The words of the wise encourage everyone to let spiritualism

awaken the values and ethics that lay dormant in their lives.

The simple, but powerful and effective message contained in Ramayana, is

that ultimately good triumphs over evil in any conflict. This eternal message

unfolds throughout the various events covered in Ramayana. Yet, some while

Dr. Bangalore Sureshwara has been

involved in the study of the application of

Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavad Gita

and Vedic Astrology in modern life. His

lectures and writings on Ramayana,

Hinduism, Vedic Astrology, “Ramayana

and Management” have been well received.

He was the principal speaker on Vedic

Astrology at The Second Parliament of the

World’s Religions held in Chicago in

August-September 1993. Dr. Sureshwara

successfully predicted the victories in the

USA Presidential Elections of President

Bush ( 2000 and 2004) and President

Obama (2008). He has been a

distinguished contributor to The

Astrological Magazine, Asia’s leading Vedic

Astrology journal founded in 1895 by

Professor B. Suryanarain Rao. The

illustrious Dr. B.V. Raman was its Editor

from 1932 to 1938.

Dr. Sureshwara obtained Master’s and

Doctorate in Engineering from the

University of Notre Dame, USA. He has

taught Civil, Structural and Mechanical

Engineering at undergraduate and

postgraduate levels at various universities

in USA. His varied and extensive industry

experiences cover Civil, Structural,

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.



Impracticable Combinations

Our ancient astrological treatises give us a plethora of

combinations of planets that can make or mar the

characteristics of a person. In analyzing any chart these

combinations can guide the astrologer to assess the quality

of the horoscope, most precisely, and help him to judge

the horoscope effectively. However, it must be noted that

not all such combinations found in our ancient treatises

can be taken up for their face value because some of

them can turn to be merely impossible or impracticable

ones. The scholars have taken note of all these anomalies

earlier and have discussed them threadbare. The present

effort of this scribe is just to alert the students of

astrology that all such combinations given in various

texts of yore cannot be taken for granted outright.

However, it must be noted that this is in no way meant to

find fault with those treatises that have given such

impossible combinations.

The students, in such rare cases, must take them seriously to

find whether such combinations are possible, feasible or at

least practicable. If such strange combinations found in texts

are found not reasonable, for our modern use, the only way

out would be that they need not be given any weight, in the

assessments. One need not sit on any judgment why such

inconsistencies have crept into these texts.

This can save a lot of trouble for the budding astrologers.

This present venture is only to whip-up support to those

students, who are interested to study the subject seriously.

Marital Disharmony

The quarrels between husbands and wives are nothing

new and they ought to have exited perhaps from the very

ancient days. But it is strange that they have not damaged

the institution of marriage due to many of the social and

religious embargoes. However, one can see that such

instances quite common, now-a-days with many girls going

back to their home discarding their husband or seek a

divorce. Only then, the astrologer who had matched the

cases becomes the whipping-boy.

Jyothisha

Chinta NidhiYAJNAVALKYA

It is interesting to note that Phaladeepika gives a

combination to identify such girls who are prone to

quarrelling with their husbands and make the marriage a

hell or wreak it. It says that if the lords of Lagna and

seventh in a girl’s horoscope are placed in shastashtaka

positions, (i.e., 6-8) the girl will pick up serious quarrels

with her husband or even break the bond.

One must not come to any hasty conclusions in such cases

where the lords of the Lagna and the seventh are placed

in 6-8 positions in any girl’s horoscope. It may be true that

the combination could be ominous. Including the Moon,

there are some fast moving planets like Mercury and

Venus who come round the zodiac once in a month or at

least in few months. Let us take the case of Kataka and

Makara lagnas. In the first case where the lagna is Kataka

the lords of the lagna and the 7th are the Moon and Saturn.

In the case of Makara lagna they will be Saturn and Moon

respectively. Wherever Saturn could be, is it not a fact

that the Moon would occupy the 6-8 position, at least once

a month from Saturn? Like this, Mercury, Venus and even

the Sun can take up such positions frequently. Net result

would be that such quarrelling girls would constitute the

bulk of female population and en-masse we cannot brand

them as cantankerous. In short it is that such

combinations need not be taken up so seriously or literally

to make one apprehensive of a possible horror.

Royal Births

Again, in Phaladeepika we find a combination suggesting

a royal birth, if Venus is in the ascendant and in Aswini

Nakshatra and further aspected by all the other planets.

Evidently, this cannot happen, as at least Mercury and the

Sun will have to opt out, by all means. This is because

Mercury and the Sun can aspect the planet only from the

7th from it and in no way either of them can be so far

away from Venus.

A combination when the Sun and the Moon are in their

atyuccha or deep exaltation position is capable of ushering

in a great royal personage according to Maharshi Gargi.



M¡s¡n¡Æ

M¡rga¿¢rÀ°smi

‘M¡s¡n¡Æ M¡rga¿¢rÀ°smi’ – O! Arjuna, among the months, I am M¡rga¿irsa, wasquoted by Lord Krishna, to Arjuna, while He was describing about His greatpowers and glory, Now it is the month of M¡rga¿irsa. It is very beneficial and itpromotes our well-being if one knows about the sixteen names of the Lord andthe advantage that accrues by knowing them. Therefore, one should know theâoda¿an¡ma St°tram of Sr¢ Har¢.

‘AuÀadh® Cintay®dviÀnum’ - At the time of taking medicines for curing the diseases,one should think of Vishnu. One should remember Vishnu the originator of Ayurv®da.No other sources except Veda and Vishnu Pur¡na which is the offspring of Vedascan decipher more about Vishnu.

SRI DATTA VIJAYANANDA TEERTHA SWAMIJI

JUNIOR PONTIFF, AVADHOOTA DATTA PEETAM, MYSORE

In Vishnu Pur¡na it is said that -

Yasm¡dvi¿vamidaÆ sarvaÆ tasya ¿akty¡mah¡tmanaÅtasm¡d®v°cyat® viÀ¸aÅ vi¿adh¡t°Å prav®¿an¡t.

Vishnu is that Paramatman by whose power this whole Universehas been created, who has entered into this creation and bywhom this entire Universe is borne. Vishnu means the Godwho pervades the whole existence, the omnipresent. As He isomnipresent, He is omniscient also. As he is omniscient, itimplies that He congnises patient’s diseases.

Hence, while taking the medicine one should think of Vishnuand chant the mantra ‘ÕÆ ViÀ¸av® NamaÅ’ at least three timesbefore the medicine is taken.

‘Bh°jan®ca Jan¡rdanaÆ’ - At the time of taking food oneshould remember Jan¡rdana.

The word Jan¡rdana has two meanings. He is the one who isprayed by all, who is solicited by all. He is the slayer of thedemoniacal men who harm others, or it means that He tormentsthose who trouble others.

The Nirukta á¡stra says, ‘Bhakta Vidv®Ài¸¡Æ T£r¸a Mardan¡ddiJan¡rdanaÅ’ – Jan¡rdana is the God who gives food to allbeings and is thus prayed, just as I acquired food; let all theliving beings in this world acquire it.

S£À¶i sthityantakara¸¢Æ brahmaviÀ¸u ¿iv¡tmik¡Æsa saµjµ¡Æ y¡ti bhagav¡n®ka ®va jan¡rdanaÅ.

Jan¡rdana is the Lord who takes the form of Brahma, Vishnuand Shiva, who are involved in the activities of creation,

protection and destruction. Such Jan¡rdana is to beremembered while taking food and the mantra ‘ÕÆ Jan¡rdan¡yaNamaÅ’ must be chanted before consuming food.

‘áayan® Padman¡bhaÆ Cha’ - One should rememberPadman¡bha before going to bed. One should chant ‘ÕÆPadman¡bh¡ya NamaÅ’ before going to bed. In ViÀ¸uSahasran¡ma, the word ‘Padman¡bha’ appears three times.

The moment one listen to the word Padman¡bha, one getsthe vision of four faced Brahma merged in meditation, sitting ina lotus which emerged from the navel of Sri Maha Vishnu, whois being served by Goddess Maha Lakshmi and who is inpleasant Y°ga Nidra (Yogic sleep) on a soft bed Ëdi¿®Àa (theserpent) which is moving to and fro slowly because of thewaves of milky ocean.

This is a marvelous sight. It causes pleasantness to the mind.By just remembering this, sleeplessness is warded off. Onegets sound sleep within no time.

Since He is bearing the lotus in His naval, which is the cause ofthe very existence of this Universe, He is called Padman¡bha.Those who aspire for sound sleep should meditate on the Lordat three centers in the body. (1) Sahasr¡ra (2) Centre of Heart(3) Navel region. By concentrating the mind and vision on theseplaces and by long rhythmic breathing (inhalation andexhalation), one can get sound sleep in a very short span oftime. As this method cannot easily be followed by all, thealternative suggestion is to remember Padman¡bha before goingto bed. Padman¡bha also refers to the one who resides at thecentre of Padma (the lotus).When it is said so; it implies that



MANY JYOTISH SHASTRAS indicate the sign of

Pisces, its ruler Jupiter, and the 12th house to be the

indicators of Moksha or liberation. Persons with strong

and favorable connections to the 12th house, and a well

placed Jupiter, often exhibit spiritual tendencies and have

a releasing disposition … from material cravings to the

opening of one’s spirit to unshakeable tranquility.

However, the examination of the charts of public gurus in

the last couple of decades reveals another set of criteria

for spiritual leaders, especially those who have worked in

the West. It is that of Scorpio, its ruler Mars and the 8th

house…the Ashtama Gurus who demonstrate

transformative vigor aimed at mystical transcendence, the

secrets of the Self, and life mastery.

This article will examine those indications of the 8th house,

Mars, and Scorpio and how they apply to the charts of

several modern Gurus. The favorable qualities of these

8th place indicators will be reviewed to help us understand

how the 8th house and its characteristics could lead a

person to assume the role of a guru or spiritual leader of

some fashion in these active, modern times.

Traditional 8th House Indications

As is the case in many classic texts, Laghu Parashari,

for example, indicates that the ruler of the 8th house due

to its placement of 12th from the 9th does not produce

good results. Traditional expositions of the 8th house tend

to focus on end-of-life matters, sexual and eliminative

functions, legacies, and the unknown. Parashara indicates

the concerns of the 8th house as indicative of “longevity,

wealth of the dead, and things that have happened and

are to happen (in the past and future births).” Parashara

also states that 8th house is an intuitive house in that it

gives a person the ability to know “that which is not stated.”

Vyankatesh Sharma’s “Sarvarth Chintamani,” lists

“guyha” or hidden matters as an 8th house trait, along

with ayu (life) and randhra (bad). Bhatt Narayana’s

Chamatkar Chintamani says that the 8th house is an

indicator for “occult matters, “ The hidden influences of

the 8th can bring about trouble from servants and those

Ashtama

Guru

William R. (Bill) Levacy holds a BA in Literature, a Master’s in the

Science of Creative Intelligence, and a Master’s in Education. Bill is

currently a PhD Candidate in Education at Capella University, with a

specialization in Human Performance Improvement (HPI). Bill is the

author of, “Beneath a Vedic Sky,” “Beneath a Vedic Sun,” and “Vedic

Astrology Simply Put.” He is a recipient of the 2011 “Jyotish Medha

Pragya” award by the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (ICAS)

in New Delhi, India. Bill is President of the American College of Vedic

Astrology™ (ACVA), and the ACVAOnline ™ educational program at

www.acvaonline.org. Bill has maintained an active Vedic astrology

practice since 1983 with thousands of clients around the world. Bill lives

in Southern California and can be reached at www.vedicastrologer.com.WILLIAM R. LEVACY

close by through revealing secrets. Rama Dayalu’s

Sanketa Nidhi, calls the 8th , the house of mysteries.

Sanketa Nidhi also indicates the 8th house as representing

“fear from enemies, imprisonment, and acting in an

unbecoming manner.” Symbolically, as well as literally,

Sanketa Nidhi identifies “crossing the river” as a trait of

the 8th house. The 8th house is concerned with matters

related to “crossing over” or death, perhaps even symbolic

death and rebirth. Mantreshwara’s Phaladeepika while

mirroring Parashara’s emphasis on longevity and death,

expands 8th house descriptions to include impediments due

to impurity, embarrassments, chronic indebtedness, and

all around sorrow. Mantreshwara also provides the rule

that “if the lord of the house under examination is in the

6th, 8th, or 12th from the Lagna, that house is destroyed.The same will be the results if that house is occupied by

the Lords of the 6th, 8th, or 12th. As we will see in the next

section of this article, a benefic aspect on the 8th house

can mitigate some of the negative energy and can promote

the positive end of the scale.

The 8th House can be Favorable

Pandit Ojha, in Predictive Astrology of the Gurus,

(p. 110) states that “apparently contradictory matters, such

as longevity and death, happiness, and mental distress,

etc. are really not contradictory but represent the positive

and negative aspects of the same content.”

Mantreshwara, alerts us that all rules of Vedic astrology

have a favorable and unfavorable dimension to them. In

the case of the dusthanas, including the 8th , if the house

concerned is aspected by a benefic, it will in fact flourish.

As such, Mantreshwara is making us aware that the 8th

house can also indicate the opportunity for an improvement

of a life condition. If one is beset with obstacles (vighna),

then it would be the recognition of obstacles, or creating

more discernment, that would allow an individual to

navigate around these barriers, setbacks, or delays (or

transcend them) and move forward. If a person had many

impurities (asuchi) that diminished their life force, then

the removal of those afflictions could lead to a healing

transformation and more vitality (life). If a person was



BHATTOTPALA INVOKES the Sun at the

commencement of his commentary on Brihat Jataka

thus.

³e®íeðeb meefJelee ®ekeÀej efJeHeguebmkeÀvOeweqðeefYep³eexefle<eb

lem³eeseq®íefÊe Ye³eeled Hegve: keÀefue³egiesmebme=l³e ³ees Yetleueced ~

Yet³e: mJeuHelejb JejenefceefnjJ³eepesvemeJe¥ J³eOee

efolLeb ³eb ÒeJeoefvle cees#ekegÀMeueemlemcew vecees YeemJeles ~~

This means,

“The three fold Jyotisha was propounded by the Sun.

Fearing that it would be lost in Kaliyuga the Sun took the

incarnation in the world as Varahamihira and expounded

the three branches in a short form. This is what people

with knowledge of salvation say. Obeisance to that Sun”.

This statement is fully justified by the fact that

Varahamihira wrote monumental works on all the three

branches - Siddhanta, Hora and Samhita. In Siddhanta

he wrote Pancha Siddhantika. In Hora, he wrote Brihat

Jataka and Laghu Jataka. Brihat Samhita is

encyclpaedic in range and covers the whole gamut of

celestial and terrestrial phenomena. It deals with the

transits of planets, comets, architecture, weather forecast,

iconography, omens, qualities of men and women and a

wide variety of topics. He also wrote a work called

Samasa Samhita known only through quotations.

Vatakanika is a work dealing with omens. But it exists

only in a fragmentary form. On travels or what may be

called military astrology he wrote Brihadyatra,

Svalpayatra and Yogayatra. On marriages he wrote

Brihat Vivahapatala and according to Bhattotpala he also

Commentaries on

Brihat JatakaBrihat JatakaBrihat JatakaBrihat JatakaBrihat JatakaDR. S. MADHAVAN

wrote Svalpa Vivahapatala. According to tradition the

authorship of more than thirty works is attributed to him,

but the authenticity is not certain. Apart from the global

sweep of learning he was a master of Sanskrit prosody as

is evidenced from his metrical extravaganza in Brihat

Samhita, while describing transits of planets. In fact no

other astrologer of India possessed his versatility.

Regarding his period several opinions prevail. Because

of his reference to 427 Saka in Paricha Siddhantika as

meHleeeféeJesomebK³eb it is generally believed that he flourished in

5th century A.D. Amaraja mentions in his commentary

on Brahmasphuta Siddhanta that he died in Saka 509

which corresponds to 587 A.D. Because he named his

son Prithuyasas and reference to Prithu (which means

big or the name Prithu) in He=LegiegCe³eMee (B.J. 11.10) and He=efLeJeerMe:(B.J. 11.15) it is likely that he was contemporary of Vainya

Gupta, Vainya being a synonym of Prithu.

He introduces himself thus:

Deeefol³eoemeleve³e mleoJeeHleyeesOe:keÀeefHeefÿue: meefJele=ueyOeJejÒemeeo: ~

DeeJeefvlekeÀes cegefveceleev³eJeueeskeÌ³e mec³eiIeesjb Jejenefceefnjes ©ef®ejeb ®ekeÀej ~~

This implies that he belonged to Avanti and Kapisthala

gothra. His father was Aditya dasa who gave him

knowledge. He was endowed with a boon from the Sun

and he wrote the beautiful Horasastra after going through

the works of the sages.

Brihat Jataka

Brihat Jataka of Varahamihira is great work on Hora. The

author has culled out much information from this literature

from hoary past and presented in an acceptable fashion.

He himself observes in Brihat Samhita thus:

(Born in 1940 Dr. S. Madhavan did his M.Sc. (Mathematics) and took his doctorate in Mathematics from the University of Kerala. He has

published several research papers in journals of international repute in mathematics, Indian astronomy, astrology etc. He retired as Professor

and Head of the Department of Mathematics, University College, Thiruvananthapuram. He also worked abroad for about four years. He has

attended several national and international conferences and guided scores of M.Phil. and PhD students. He studied sanskrit and jyotisha in

the traditional way. He is now translating the commentary Apurvarthapradarshika of his father, Sri A.N. Srinivasaraghava Iyengar on Brihat

Jataka into English. Through his organization Mihira Astrological Center, he works for the promotion of astrology.)


32 JANUARY 2012 THE ASTROLOGICAL eMAGAZINE

AS WE MOVE TO THE NEW YEAR 2012 the first

thing which we do is to replace the old calendar with

the new calendar. The Calendar has become an integral

part of our life and due to the electronic revolution it is

available in many forms such as wrist watches, cell

phones, computers etc. Today Gregorian calendar is

internationally accepted civil calendar and is in use across

the globe. Though there are many advantages with the

other calendars which are traditionally in use in India such

as Hindu Solar Calendar, Islamic Calendars etc., it is the

Gregorian calendar which has become more popular in

day to day activities due to its own advantages. This

article focuses on providing the astronomical significance

of each of these calendars and explains their advantages

and drawbacks. The calendars are devised based on the

movements of Sun and Moon and are classified as Solar,

Lunar and Lunisolar calendars. The Solar calendar

considers only Sun and ignores the Moon. The lunar

Calendar considers only Moon and ignores the Sun. The

Lunisolar Calendar considers both Sun and Moon. Each

of the 3 calendars has its own way of organizing the units

of time such as year, month and day which is explained in

detail in the remaining sections of the article.

Solar Calendar

It is defined based on Sun and ignores the Moon.

According to this calendar the solar year is defined to be

the time taken by Sun to complete one revolution along

the ecliptic starting from one reference point to reach the

same reference point (though it is the earth which revolves

around the Sun, for all practical purposes it is fine to

consider the other way). If the reference point is

considered to be vernal equinox it is known as tropical

year (also known as sayana year) and the calendar as

tropical calendar. If the reference point is considered to

be a fixed star or a fixed point in ecliptic then it is known

as sidereal year (also known as nirayana year) and the

calendar as sidereal calendar.

VENKATA GIRI KUMAR

AstronomicalSignificance of Calendars

Tropical Calendar

The Gregorian calendar is the best example of the tropical

calendar and it uses the vernal equinox as the reference

point. We are familiar with this calendar as we use it

extensively in our day to day life but the significance of

the calendar lies with the alignment of the calendar with

the equinoxes and solstices. This has 12 months in a year

and the number of days in a year varies between 365 and

366 days depending on whether it is a leap year or not.

The additional day in the leap year is added to the month

of February which makes it 29 days from 28 days and as

a result the leap year consists of 366 days and the non

leap year has 365 days. The leap year is defined to be the

year which is divisible by 4 and not by 100. Also the year

which is divisible by 400 is considered as leap year. As a

result we have the following

� The years 1600, 2000, 2400 ….. are leap years as

they are divisible by 400

� The years 1700, 1800, 1900 ….. are not leap years as

they are divisible by 100 and not by 400

� All the other years which are divisible by 4 such as

1704, 1708 …. are leap years.

The leap years are introduced to synchronize the calendars

with the dates of equinoxes and solstices which otherwise

drift backwards due to precession of equinox. As a result

Gregorian calendar is highly synchronized to equinoxes

and solstices. Also it is the only calendar which preserves

the knowledge of equinoxes and solstices.

The leap year calculations used by Gregorian calendar

are explained in detail in the article “Precession of

Uttarayana” (December 2011 issue of The Astrological

eMagazine). The equinoxes and solstices fall in the exact

dates every year as shown below

� March 21 — Vernal Equinox

� June 21 — Summer Solstice

� September 21 – Autumnal Equinox

� December 21 – Winter Solstice

Mr. Venkata Giri Kumar works as a

software professional in Bangalore since

1993 after completing M.E at REC Trichy.

He says the initial astrological foundation

have been the books of DR. B. V. RAMAN. He

has been an avid reader of THE ASTROLOGICAL

MAGAZINE. His serious interests are studying

and analyzing the astronomical significance

of the various events in day to day life.



IN OUR EARLIER WE discussed

in detail, the logical approach

towards planetary combinations. In

this dissertation we will try to

understand the inner significance of

certain planetary combinations.

Combinations come under special

rules of Astrology and as such can

run counter to general rules. For

instance Hydrogen is inflammable;

so is Oxygen: but combination of

Hydrogen and oxygen gives rise to

Water which puts out fire. So we

cannot conclude merely on properties

of Hydrogen and Oxygen, that the

resultant compound which is obtained

by their fusion will be similar in nature

to their individual properties.

Yogas are not just combinations of

planets. Their classification is not

merely restricted to planetary inter

relationship – it can also involve

houses. For instance, Ruchaka yoga

stipulates the condition of Mars being

in Aries, Scorpio or Capricorn.

Yogas fall under several categories;

some of them are:

�� Yogas for education or

intelligence.

�� Yogas for wealth.

�� Yogas for comforts in life.

�� Yogas which elevate people to the

status of king.

�� Yogas resulting in Misfortune.

There are more than four hundred

yogas discussed in textbooks on

Astrology.

DR. E. S. NEELAKANTAN

PanchaMahapurusha

Yogas

In this article we will try to focus our

attention on a few of these yogas and

try to assimilate their significance.The

most important Yogas in Astrology go

under the term, “Pancha

Mahapurusha Yogas”. They occur

when the planets giving rise to this

yoga occupy their own house or are

in exaltation and in a quadrant from

Ascendant .Some scholars opine that

instead of reckoning these yogas

from Ascendant, they could be

reckoned from the Moon, as well.

These yogas are mentioned in Table1.

Name of the Planet causing

Yoga the Yoga

Ruchaka Mars

Bhadra Mercury

Hamsa Jupiter

Malavya Venus

Sasa Saturn

Ruchaka Yoga

This yoga is formed on account of the

presence of Mars in a quadrant from

Ascendant, while occupying Aries,

Scorpio or Capricorn.

A person born in Ruchaka Yoga will

be:

�� Good looking with beautiful

eyebrows.

�� Slim in waist and lower limbs.

�� Strong and courageous.

�� Adventurous.

�� Fighter.

�� Well- versed in occultism, sacred

texts and prayers.

�� Bilious in constitution.

�� Enjoying good reputation.

�� Earning wealth through

courageous deeds.

�� Equal to a ruler.

�� Commanding an army or a fleet

of horses or conveyances.

For real effects of the yoga to fructify,

the planet must be strong. According

to DR. B.V.RAMAN, “A really powerful

yoga would be a rare phenomenon.

Emphasis is laid on the word balishta

so that if a planet is weak by

debilitation, association or aspect the

yoga does not operate in its real sense,

though nominally it may exist. Here

importance is attached to the de facto

rather than de jure presence of this

yoga (ref: 300 Important

Combinations).

Bhadra Yoga

Bhadra Yoga is formed on account

of the presence of Mercury in a

quadrant from ascendant, while

occupying Gemini or Virgo. Please

note that Mercury is the only planet

whose exaltation sign also happens to

be its own house. Consequently this

is the rarest of the Pancha

Mahapurusha yogas because the

probability of the occurrence is only

about 67% compared to the rest of

the Mahapurusha Yogas.

A person born in Bhadra Yoga will

be:

�� Long lived, praised by learned and

of sharp intellect.

Dr. Elavathur Subrahmanyan Neelakantan graduated from

Loyala College of Chennai with distinction in Statistics. As a

qualified Chartered Accountant, he is an Information Systems

Auditor. While his interest in Astrology was activated by going

through books of Dr. B. V. Raman, his formal learning of the

subject was from Prof. K. V. Seshadrinatha Sastri, a renowned

scholar of Astrology and Ayurveda. Awarded with a Doctorate

by the Deemed Sri Chandrasekarendra University,

Kancheepuram for his thesis on Medical Astrology,

Dr. Neelakantan has been a regular contributor to The

Astrological eMagazine. His multi faceted talent also includes

proficiency in Vedic chants.



MESHA (Aries)[Aswini, Bharani and Krittika 1]

This year opens with some difficulties,

but gradually things change and you

prosper despite some setbacks. It ends

on a note of good cheer.

In January/February, you enjoy some good results. Your

investments fetch good returns. You succeed in

purchasing objects of your choice. There will be some

obstacles particularly related to construction etc. But they

will gradually vanish.

In March/April, there will be gains of various kinds.

Those trying for travels may get favourable results. There

will be peace in the family. Marriage proposals may clock.

You may deal with matters tactfully and avoid

The transits are as follows

The Sun: Enters Capricorn on 15th January, enters Aquarius on 13th February, Pisces on 14th March,

Aries on 15th April, Taurus on 15th May, Gemini on 14th June, Cancer on 15th July, Leo on 15th Aug,

Virgo on 15th September, Libra on 16th October, Scorpio on 15th November and Sagittarius on 15th

December.

Mars: Is in Leo in the beginning and enters Virgo on 14th July, Libra on 14th August, Scorpio on 28th

September, Sagittarius on 9th November, and Capricorn on 1st December.

Mercury: Enters Sagittarius on 4th January, Capricorn on 24th January, Aquarius on 10th February,

Pisces on 27th February, back again in Aquarius on 2nd April, Pisces on 6th April, Aries on 5th May,

Taurus on 21st May, Gemini on 4th June, Cancer on 21st Jun, Leo on 28th August, Virgo on 15th September,

Libra on 1st October, Scorpio on 28th October, Libra on 18th November, Scorpio on 6th, Sagittarius on

27th December.

Venus: Venus enters Aquarius on 19th January, Pisces on 3rd February, Aries on 29th February, Taurus

on 28th March, Cancer on 31st August, Leo on 28th September, Virgo on 23rd October, Libra on 17th

October, Scorpio on 11th October.

Jupiter: He is in Aries in the beginning, enters Taurus on May 17th.

Saturn: He is in Libra in the beginning of the year, enters Virgo on 15th May, and comes back to Libra on

4th August.

Rahu : He is in Scorpio in the beginning. He continues to stay in the same rasi.

Ketu : He is in Taurus. He continues to stay in the same rasi.

This Year for You

2012GARGACHARYA

Planetary

Position on

1.1.2012 at

0:00 hrs

Moon Jupiter

SaturnRahu

MercurySun

Planetary

Position on

1.1.2013 at

0:00 hrs

Moon

JupiterKetu

Saturn

Mars

VenusRahu

complications. Yet some general problems continue to

torment you.

In May/June, you continue to have usual gains and favour

of elderly women. General problems continue to remain

unsolved.

In July/August, you feel happy because you find that

some uncompromising opponent is tamed and the obstacles

get removed. Job seekers do very well.

In September/October, you get partial success in

ventures. Your official career receives a boost and your

trials for assistance meet with success. Some of your

kinsmen help you in difficulties.

In November/December, you find that you become a

bit lazy because of some success and the tendency to

Ketu

MarsVenus

SunMercury

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