WHAT TO DO ON SPECIFIC WEEKDAYS ASTROLOGICAL GUIDANCE---- V K Shridhar

Western astrology is horary or electional provides a little knowledge about the activities which shall fructify on specific weekdays with logic. Extract from Hindu Electional Astrology is here for the benefit of the aspirants. A work gets easily accomplished on a weekday when its lord is strong; but when he is emaciated then, even after extra efforts & facing discomforts, the work does not fructify- Sage Narad. Names of the weekdays are based on many astrological factors in which influence of the planet ruling day is predominant. They are named after ruling planet of the day in Hindu astrology. It is said that the world started on Sunday. Thus week of seven days starts from Sunday who has been assigned as number 1, and in the order Saturdays number is 7. Sunday to Saturday are ruled by the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn in order. In Hindu system, a weekday starts from the local Sunrise & ends at the following Sunrise, which is distinct from the Gorgian calendar in which a weekday along with date starts at expiry of 1200 a.m. of the Zonal Standard Time. Seven days a week system is prevalent throughout the world. Weekdays are given due importance in selection of election as the desired work which easily gets fructified (Siddhi) when its day lord is strong, the same work does not get fructified when day lord is weak / powerless, even after extra efforts & facing of discomforts. To fortify election, a strong day lord (planet) should be properly placed in the election chart. WORKS WHICH FRUCTIFY ON SPECIFIC WEEKDAYS Based on nature & signification of the weekday, day lord (ruling planet), tutelary lord and other electional considerations following works (& works related to the mentioned items) are recommended for conduction & initiation in different weekdays. It is opined that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday all types of works fructify; while on Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday only prescribed activities fructify. SUNDAY: Coronation, service to the government / king, king worship, fire, fire related works, weapon making & usage, war, bravery, service & employment, travel, thief, doctor, transaction of medicine, purchase of cows, bullocks & animals, gold-silver-copper-wood-works, bones-skinhides, auspicious (Manglik) works, Yagya, teaching Mantras (Agni Mantras), religious discourse, music learning, woolen clothes, wearing of new clothes, mountain, stones, dessert, forest, trees, usage of forest items, snake, animal rearing & husbandry, food grain, trade. MONDAY: Agriculture, farming, gardening, fragrant trees, lotus & flowers, milk, food, food-grains, sugar, sugarcane, raw sugar / molasses, Yagya, ornament making & wearing, silver, deer, sale & purchase of cows - buffaloes, gems-pearl & shells, conch-shell, singing & dancing- starting thereof, water related works, popular works, movable works, starting of education, night movements, benefit to mothers brother, Brahmins, article causing phlegm, clothes, female related works, king, road. TUESDAY: Killing, arresting, inciting insurgency, cruel works, piercing, army commanding, treaty, backing off treaty / agreement, fort, igniting fire, weapon, storing of war material, poison, lying, deception, thief, thievery, coral, gold related works & collection thereof, metal work, forest, night worker, doctor, ascetic / religious mendicant, treasurer, business of catching snakes, animal, trees with red coloured flowers, red colour items, works related to blood.

WEDNESDAY: Fine arts, literature-music- dancing & starting thereof; poetry, sculpturing, all type of art, theater, education, writing, learning of Vedas, idol making, Mantra Kriya, meritorious works, marriage, friendship, starting of fast, holy bathing, trade, clever works, ordinary works, science, metal work, war, argument, intelligence, skill, ingenuity, messenger, physical exercise, collection of articles, juices & food grains, green sapphire, earth, clothes, fragrant articles, works which end fast - works which take long time works which finish in the middle. THURSDAY : Auspicious (Manglik) works, Yagya, Havan, worshipping, peaceful religious works, fast, oblation to the deads (Pitri Sharadh) , temple, installing of idol, Alankaar, education, knowledge related works, learning in general, Shaastras, truthful works, wearing new clothes & trading thereof, ornaments, starting living in house, doctor, medicine, trading in medicine, physical works, health related works, physical works, development & expanding works, king, wealth, trees, gold, silver, elephant, horse, bullock, transport, travel. FRIDAY: Good for starting dance, music, singing painting; luxurious works, festivals, wearing new clothes & ornaments, friendship, worshipping sex God (Kamdev), females, passionate women, sex, passion, prostitutes, beds, increase in semen, fragrance, comedy, laughter, cows, trade related to food grain & agriculture, farming, selling & purchase of land, sugar cane, juicy foods, gems, gold, silver, coffer, transport, lotus, earth, medicine. SATURDAY : Entering into new house & city, trading with deceit & forgery, telling lies, dreadful deeds, insurgency, works related to obstruction, trading of arms & ammunition, poisoning, bereft of courtesy, usage of iron & steel, arm & armory, dead, servant, debased person, old persons, thief, buffalo, camel, birds, trapping of elephant, stable works, profession related to capturing, collection of houses, departure, broken utensils, glass, stones, learning secret Mantras from Guru (Deeksha), service. According to Sage Narad, Acharya Garga, Ramdeen, & host of other exponents it is opined that it is beneficial & augurs fortunate effects to initiate & conduct works related to iron on Saturdays. With this the learned readers may help remove doubts / superstition in certain parts of the country that purchase or sale of iron items, & doing works related to iron (steel) on Saturdays is inauspicious.** LOGICS FOR SELECTION OF WEEKDAYS Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus & Saturn in order are the rulers of the weekdays. Depending upon the inherent natures of the ruling planets, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday are auspicious, benefic & good days; while Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday in general are malefic & cruel days. Tuesday & Saturday are maximum malefic, while Sunday is partially malefic. Auspicious & Manglik works are done on benefic days; while cruel, sinful (Paap Karamas), unethical works in general; & the specified works are done on Saturday, Tuesday & Sunday. Some benefic works also fructify on malefic days depending upon the nature of the work & special dictums regarding Muhurt. There is no very tight demarcation of the allocated works for the weekdays, and the day is selected based on the type of work, planet signifying the work, time of starting & host of other factors related to the weekday. Nature of Sunday is fixed / stationary; of Monday is movable; of Tuesday is cruel; of Wednesday is mixed / ordinary; of Thursday is small / short; of Friday is sweet; & of Saturday is sharp / horrible. When constellation (occupied by the Moon) & day lord are of same nature then, the combined

efficacy increases many folds like when asterisms of Rohini & 3 Uttras coincide on a Sunday; fixed / stationary types of works fructify. Thursday, Friday & Sunday are effective during daytime; Monday, Tuesday & Saturday are effective during night-time while Mercury is effective both during daytime & night-time. Malefic effect of Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday does not exist after mid-day. Some opine that Vaar Dosha(evil effects of weekday) does not prevail during night (Acharya Chandeshwar). According to Ratankosh & others, there exists Disha Shula (prohibited directions of travelling on weekdays) on weekdays. But this Dosha does not exist during night-time on Thursday, Friday & Sunday; during daytime on Monday, Tuesday & Saturday. But on Wednesday this Dosha exists both during daytime & night-time. However the relaxation should be applied in emergency only with safeguards. Colour of the work: Consistent with the colour of the ruling planet of the day, it is beneficial to conduct work with that colour on the weekday ruled by the planet (N.S-5/14) .The Suns colour is red mixed with black or blood red; Moons - white; Mars - pale red; Mercurys - grass green; Jupiters - yellow; Venuss - swarthy (dark skin) & Saturns - black. Wearing of the clothes of the above stated colours during planets weekdays is beneficial to the user. Aspirant may also use colours ruled by the rulers of the weekdays. As per Hora Makaranda, copper-red, white, ultra red, blue, ultra yellow, variegated (mixed, spotted) & black are the colours ruled by the planets from the Sun to Saturn. However as per Jyotisaar, for travel purposes, aspirant may wear clothes of blue colour on Sunday; of mixed colour on Monday; of red on Tuesday; yellow on Wednesday; white on Thursday & Friday; & of black colour on Saturday, to propitiate the day-lord & achieve all success (Sarvasiddhi). Like for election of white washing / painting of a house certain criteria have been laid down. Meeting those requirements, the colour of the white washing / painting if done in yellow on Thursday or in green shade on Wednesday, enhances the beneficence. Similar guidance is taken in respect of other usages of the colours. Saturday is not recommended to sow seeds, but is considered fruitful to sow seeds of black grains, more profitable if Saturn is in the rising sign. Shiva, Parvati, Ganesh, Vishnu, Brahma, Indra & Yama are tutelary lords of the weekdays in the order. Each day has Adhi Devta (superior lords) also, which are Agni, Jal, Bhumi, Hari, Indra, Indrani & Brahma. Desired results are obtained by worshipping (Smaran) tutelary lords & Adhi Devatas on their weekdays. Based on nature & signification of the weekday, day lord, tutelary lord and other electional considerations following works (& works related to the mentioned items) are recommended for conduction & initiation in different weekdays. It is opined that on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday all types of works fructify; while on Sunday, Tuesday & Saturday only prescribed activities fructify. If on a Sunday the Sun is strong, it is extremely beneficial to see king & do works related to king (in the modern context works related to administration & government is beneficial). If the Moon is strong on a Monday then all types of the works fructify. Similarly on Tuesday - war; Wednesday education (study of Shaastras); Thursday - marriage; Friday - travel & on Saturday receiving initiatory Mantras of Yagya (a ceremony in which oblations are offered) are beneficial.

According to Brihat Jaatak (104/61-63) works allocated to the weekday gets fruition when conducted on the same weekday & when either of the following also coincides: a) day lord is in Upchaya (3,6,10,11) signs from J.R. b) day lord is in the election ascendant. c) sign ruled by the day lord is rising, or d) day lord is in angle. The Acharya has stressed that on non- compliance to the above, aspirant may not get any fruitful result; like as one does not get a drop of water even after going to the sea. Thus accordingly, if an aspirant wants to start education, he may choose auspicious day as Thursday. Better if he selects Hora of Thursday, and the ruling planet of the day Jupiter is in the rising sign. To further fortify the election, he may select Sagittarius or Pisces as the rising sign; and if either of these signs are 3, 6, 10 or 11th sign from his radical ascendant or from the natal Moon sign ; the election shall be extremely fortified. To find such highly beneficial election one may have to wait for a long time. Readers may refer to chapter 13 on Purification of Ascendant, for fortification of election. The day when the Moon is weak, or Mars or Saturn is retrograde, is not auspicious. But if such a day lord is in 11th in the election chart, then the said Dosha does not prevail, & benefic results are felt. A day is inauspicious, when the day lord is set or afflicted (Brihat Daivygya Ranjan). That day whose lord is retrograde, causes destruction in many ways if used in election of travel. Acharya Shripati opines that if the day-lord is in Upchaya (3,6,10,11) houses from the election ascendant, the work fructifies. And if it is not in the said Upchaya houses then, it does not fructify even after efforts (Brihat Daivygya Ranjan). Here the opinion is different (ascendant instead of natal Moon sign) from that advised by Acharya Varah Mihir. (But nevertheless worth considering as an alternative). The extract for the article is taken from Hindu Electional Astrology a compendium on Vedic Election (Muhurt) astrology. Comments can also be sent to e-mail : besttime.astrology@gmail.com ASTROLOGICAL JUNCTIONAL POINTS (SANDHI KAAL) DREADFUL PERIODS IN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY In Vedic / Hindu Electional Astrology considerable importance has been emphasized to shun universally prohibited durations. Junctional Point (Sandhi Kaal) is one of dreadful prohibited period which cause weak link in the election chart resulting in high certainty in failure of the activity started during the said period. Currency of plurality of the Junctional Points in election must be avoided as severity of adverse effects increases many folds.

JUNCTION POINTS Junctional Points means intermingling periods or junctions of astrological elements. When one astrological element is completed, & second similar element starts, there is a junction point inbetween them, called Junctional Point (Sandhi Kaal / Gandanta). Like a day is divided in two parts day & night, constituting Dina Sandhi; as evening twilight (junction between daytime & nighttime), & morning twilight (junction point of night-time & daytime). Similarly mid-day & mid-night also form Sandhi Kaal, in respect of junctional points with reference to day & night. Sandhi Kaals are considered in respect of junctions of years, solstices, seasons (Ritu), lunar & solar months, Bright Half & Dark Half, Tithis, groups of Tithis, constellations, Yogas, Karans, day-night, sign (ascendant), navamshas.

However three Sandhi Kaals viz., constellation, ascendant & Tithi are called Nakshatra Gandanta, Lagna Gandanta & Tithi Gandanta, are given high consideration in order. Nakshatra Gandanta being the most malefic in nature. Junction points of houses, in house division charts are also considered weak points in nativity, & the planets placed therein are considered powerless. Likewise such junction points & areas, or their converted lengths of time are prohibited durations, which must be shunned with efforts. The best of the Sages have unanimously agreed that a birth in Nakshatra Gandanta is inauspicious which needs propitiation. Some junction points are reserved for Punya Kaal in which charity if done bestows Punyas. Such times are suitable for Japa, Tapa, Daana, Sanaana, Yagya & Homa, & not for auspicious elections. Birth in Nakshatra, Tithi & Lagna Gandanta respectively destroy mother, father & self; hence must be shunned (Sage Garg). Birth in Gandanta occurring at daytime destroys father; at night-time mother; & at either of the twilights destroys self (Acharya Lalla). Marriage held in the Gandanta causes death; on taking birth destroys family, on undertaking journey completely destructs (Sarvanash) the traveller or his aim; & also destructs any other work undertaken in the Gandanta period (Fal Pradeep). Effect on activities initiated in junction points are: in year, Ayana, season, Maas - results in poverty; Tithi - distress; Nakshatra - destruction of son / fear; eclipse - destruction of every thing (Sarvanaash). If marriage is held in month end then, the bridegroom dies; during end of Tithi there shall be deficiency of son; end of asterism - death of a spouse; during Bhadra death of couple. Sage Narad opines that the three Gandanta & three junctions are very fearful. Marriage, travel & birth in these results in death. When Gandanta & Sandhi Kaal combine together, maleficence become many folds, like Nakshatra Gandanta coinciding with twilight at birth makes the native full of diseases & faces early extinction (Hora Ratan). Obviously when two Gandantas coincide, maleficence shall be extremely detrimental. Like last navamsha of Pisces which covers Nakshatra & Lagna Gandanta; is not recommended for marriage election even when navamsha is vargottama. DURATION OF JUNCTIOINAL POPINTS YEALY JUNCTIONS - SAMVAT SANDHI : First 4 days of Chaitra lunar month from which Vikrami Samvat starts and also the last 4 days of Falguni are Samvat Sandhi Kaal. In certain places the year starts at different time which may be followed as Samvat Gandanta. (However first 9 nights of Chaitra (Bright Half) are covered in Vasant Navratris, which are considered as very auspicious). According to Vasist Samhita, the year is reckoned on the basis of the Sun, the Moon & Jupiter. Three days in the beginning & end of these years should be left in all the elections. Sage Brihaspati agrees as by accumulation of Doshas the said period becomes like poison, however the year should be reckoned as per the local customs. SOLSTICE JUNCTIONS - AYANA SANDHI : First 16 hours (40 Ghatis) of Uttrayana (Suns northerly course) i.e., from ingress of the Sun in Capricorn, and first 6h 24m (16 Ghatis) of Dakshinayana (Suns southerly course) i.e., ingress of the Sun in Cancer sign are called Ayana (solstice) Sandhi Kaal. As discussed earlier readers may follow Tropical system instead of Sidereal system for starting of solstices.

SEASONAL JUNCTIONS - RITU SANDHI : As per Muhurt Martanda, 26h 24m (66 Ghatis) around mid point of two Ritus (seasons) i.e., 13h 12m at the end of a season & 13h 12m at the start of the following season is Ritu Sandhi Kaal. Each of the six seasons cover two solar months. Vasant - spring (Pisces & Aries); Grishama - summer (Taurus & Gemini); Varsha - rainy (Cancer & Leo); Sharad - autumn (Virgo & Libra); Hemanta - winter (Scorpio & Sagittarius) & Shishir - dewy (Capricorn & Aquarius) are the six seasons. However as per Jyotir Vidabharnam. the duration is of two days (120 Ghatis) instead of 26h 24m (66 Ghatis). For this also Tropical system may be followed. Junction point between Vasant & Grishama, shall be junction point of Aries & Taurus; & the like in other seasons. MONTHLY JUNCTIOINS - MAAS SANDHI : Last half Tithi (30th of the New Moon) & following first half Tithi of Bright Half i.e., the last half Tithi of a Lunar month, and first half Tithi of the following month is Maas Sandhi. Similarly aspirants may also consider Solar Sankranti i.e., 6 hours 24 minutes (16 Ghatis) before & the same time after the Suns ingress into a zodiac sign as solar Maas Sandhi. However no such reference has been made, but solar ingress is called Sankranti (having Punya Kaal) & ending part as Agni Baana Dosha: both are recognisable prohibited periods in elections. LUNAR DAY JUNCTIOINS - TITHI GANDANTA : Last 24 minutes (one Ghati) of each of the Poorna Tithis (5th, 10th & 15th) and beginning 24 minutes (one Ghati) of each of the Nanda Tithis (1st, 6th & 11th) cause Tithi Gandanta .That means 48 minutes of mid point zone of 5th & 6th, 10th & 11th, & 15th & 1st Tithis are the Tithi Gandanta. Sage Narad also agrees with this general opinion. As per Poorva Kaalamrit (3/49), 48 minutes instead of above said 24 minutes constitutes Tithi Gandanta, to which Sage Kashyap agrees. In addition to the above Muhurt Ganp[ati (8/33) has opined that mid points between 9th - 10th, 5th - 6th, 4th - 5th Tithis have Gandanta of duration in order as 2, 1, 0.5 Ghatis. The three Gandantas viz., Tithi, Nakshatra & ascendant, inflict death (severest problems) in travel, birth, marriage & fast (Vrata), & should be left in election. It has not been specifically stated that Tithi Gandanta also exists at mid point between 30th 1st Tithis, which are Poorna & Nanda Tithis. Rather this has been left, perhaps because this junction point has been separately covered in Maas Sandhi.. It is opined that the said duration of 48 minutes is very highly malefic as this duration has Maas Sandhi & Paksha Sandhi in addition that the Moon is combust also. This duration may be given status of Tithi Gandanta of the most malefic nature. Tithi Gandanta means that the Moon should not be in exact conjunction, sextile, trine or opposition to the Sun in good election. Their aspectal orb should be beyond 12 (app. equivalent to 24 minutes of time) in the above aspects. CONSTELLATION JUNCTIONS - NAKASHATRA GANDANTA : Among the three Gandantas highest priority is given to Nakshatra Gandanta. The last 48 minutes (2 Ghatis) of each of the Revati, Ashlesha & Jyeshta, & the first 48 minutes (2 Ghatis) each of Ashvani, Magha & Moola are Nakshtra Gandanta. These are the junction points of each triad of constellations. Kaal Prakashika (3/48) recommend that Nakshatra Gandanta of the above said duration is highly malefic, while ending 96 minutes & beginning 96 minutes of the said triads are of mild nature. Junction of the three said pairs of the constellations is also called Abhukta Moola by Sage Vasist, Pitahma & Saunak. Acharya Baala Bhadra also states that Sandhi (Junction) exists in the last 24

minutes (one Ghati) of Anuradha & first 48 minutes (2 Ghatis) of Jyeshta, which should also be considered as Sandhi Kaal (junction) - (Hora Ratan- 2/196). For Abhukta Moola different lengths have been given which are applicable to birth of native & remedies. Sage Narad & Kashyap schools of thought prescribe this time as 1h 36m (4 Ghatis) ending & 1h 36m (4 Ghatis) starting of the said constellations. According to Sage Vasist the last 24 minutes of Jyeshta & beginning 48 minutes of Moola is Abhukta Moola. While Sage Brihaspati commends this time as last 24 minutes & beginning 24 minutes of the said constellation. The total duration prescribed is one Pahar (1/8th part of diurnal time). While Pitahma opines that both the 1/16th concluding & starting parts of the said constellations be taken as Abhukta Moola length, which is not always 90 minutes each. Advice of Sage Narad & Kashyap is generally accepted & the recommended period is considered as the most malefic (Maha Dushta). Extensive ritual & remedies have been prescribed in most of the treatises to ward off evil effects of Abhukta Moola. Donations prescribed in Jyotirnibandh are, an ox for Tithi Gandanta, a cow for Nakshatra Gandanta, & gold for Rashi Gandanta. Vasist Samhita advises that three cows may be given in charity. In case of restraint, two cows, or a single cow may be given in charity. Following provide counter to the evil of Gandantas: a) The Gandanta Dosha due to Moola, Ashlesha & Revati will not be active if the ascendant lord is unaspected by the Moon who should be with a weak malefic, & not receiving a benefic aspect Sage Badarayan ( Hora Ratan -2/21). b) The Moon having full strength makes Nakshatra & Tithi Gandanta as extinct. And strength of Jupiter eliminates blemishes of Rashi (ascendant) Gandanta - Lord Brahma. c) A benefic in quadrant or the Moon in 11th house destroys all types of Gandanta - Jyotirnibandh. d) Strong Moon & Jupiter extinct adverse Yogas, Tithi & ascendant Gandanta. Muhurt Ganpati. e) Strong Jupiter removes Dosha due to Lagna Gandanta & strong Moon removes Dosha due to Tithi Gandanta Shakalya Samhita. f) If Sunday or Wednesday coincide with Hasta, Chittra, Sawati, Anuradha, Revati, Jyeshta or Moola; or Sunday with Ashvani; effect of all the three Gandanta (Nakshatra, Tithi & Rashi) are nullified - Sage Garga referred in Hora Ratan (2/20). g) Sage Vasist opines that Abhijit Muhurt counters evils of any kind of the Gandanta. Muhurt Ganpati. & others agree with this. h) The Moon in her own Varga, in a friendly sign, in conjunction with or aspected by benefics (Kaal Prakashika). i) On donation of ox in Tithi Gandanta; cow in Nakshatra Gandanta; & gold in Lagna Gandnata, Gandanta Doshas are removed. A clue is taken from the opinion of Acharya Baala Bhadra that if during a birth, any of the phenomena viz., Tithi Kshaya, Vyatipaata, Vyaghata, Vishti, Vaidhriti, Shula, Ganda, Parigh, Yamaghanta, Kaaldanda, Mrityu Yoga & Darun Yoga coincide with Nakshatra Gandanta, it will be highly inauspicious for the nativity. The same may well be applied in election, & aspirants may note that the above said & other adverse elements of Muhurt must not coincide. And when two Gandantas are concurrent, they multiply the affliction. Author agrees with the views of Sage Pitahma to consider 1/16th part of constellation as Abhukta Moola, which is a variable time, based on the actual length of the asterism. All the malefic

durations & Vish Ghatis etc. are proportionally arrived at based on the actual length of the element with exception of Gandantas. In-depth study is required to understand this exception. ASCENDANT JUNCTIONS - LAGNA GANDANTA : Ending 12 minutes time of Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces, and starting 12 minutes of Aries, Leo & Sagittarius as rising sign is called Lagna (ascendant) Gandanta. The total duration of 24 minutes of the junction point shall be the length of the each Gandanta. In the opinion of some astrologers, the first & the last 2 minutes (5 Vighatis) of each sign (as ascendant) should also be left in election. If Jupiter is strong then Lagna Gandanta & if the Moon is strong then Tithi Gandanta are powerless (Shakalya Samhita). DIVISIONAL CHART JUNCTIONS - NAVAMSHA SANDHI : First navamsha of Aries, Leo & Sagittarius signs; and last navamsha of Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces are Gandantamsha. In another opinion the first & the last 24 seconds (one Vighati) of all the navamshas (as rising navamsha) should be left in election. Last navamsha of the above signs are more malefic. But the last navamsha if Vargottama, can be used in marriage election (Muhurt Chitamani - 6/85). However some Acharyas do not recommend usage of Pisces vargottama navamsha in marriage. DAY NIGHT SANDHI : Evening twilight & morning twilight are the junction points of day & night. Their duration is taken as 1h 12 m (3 Ghatis). Evening twilight is also called Pradosha, prohibited in election. MID DAY & MID - NIGHT : As per Muhurt Prakash (2/10) & Muhurt Chitamani (1/32) 4 minutes each, before & after, of mid-day (LNT) & also of mid-night (Mahanisha) are left in election. In another opinion the said duration is of 6 minutes instead of the above said 8 minutes. This is Sandhi of first half & second half of the day; & similarly for the night EPHEMERAL JUNCTIONS - KARAN & YOGA SANDHI : There is no specific reference of Karan Gandanta, but as per Tithi Gandanta; starting 24 minutes of 1st Bright Half(or Kinstughna Karan) & ending 24 minutes of 30th Dark Half (or Naga Karan) covers this Karan Sandhi also; as portions of the first & the last Karans are prohibited. Different Views : As per Jyotir Vidabharanam, starting & ending 13m 36s (34 Vighatis) of all the Yogas be left. It is opined that 16m (40 Vighati) starting & ending 16m of all the Tithis; 14m 48s (37 Vighati) starting & ending 14m 48s of all the constellations ; 36 seconds each of start & end of Cancer , Scorpio & Pisces signs be left. (Jyotir Vidabharanam .-12/112). This is in addition to the Sandhi Kaals in respect of year as 8 days (from 12th Dark Half of Falguni to 4th Tithi Bright Half of Chaitra), 8 (4+4) days of the two Ayana (solstice) Sandhis, 2 (1+1) days of Ritu (season) Sandhi, & Maas Sandhi as one day (total) Jyotir Vidabharanam (4/37). Poporva Kaalamrit (3/54) recommends Sandhi Kaals as 15 days in year Sandhi, 5 days in Maas Sandhi, 90 minutes in day Sandhi, 48 minutes in Junction points - Gandantas & Sandhis & their durations Year Ending & starting of year / Samvatsar (each) 4 days Solstice a) Summer solstice (starting ) 16h 24m - b) Winter solstice (starting ) 6h Season a) Suns ingress into the six solar signs 13h 12m - b) Last part of Sun into 6 solar signs 13h 12 m Solar month Before & after solar ingress into all the 6h 12m - 12 Signs ( each time )

Lunar month a) 2nd half of last Tithi of Dark Half 12 h - b) 1st half of first Tithi of Bright Half 12 h Tithi a) Starting of Nanda Tithis 24m - b) Ending of Poorna Tithis 24 m Constellation a) Starting of Ashvani, Magha, Moola 48 m - b) Ending of Ashlesha , Jyeshta, Revati 48 m Yoga a) starting of Vishkumbha Yoga 1 h 12m - b) full length of Vaidhriti Yoga full Yoga Karan First (Kinstughna ) & last (Naga) full yoga period Mid - Day / Night Mid-day & Mid night 4 m Day & night a) Morning twilight (before the Sunrise) 1 h 12 m - b) Evening twilight (after the sunset) 1 h 12m Ascendant a) Beginning of Aries, Leo, Sagitt 12 m - b) Ending of Pisces, Cancer, Scorp. 12 m Navamsha Starting & ending of each navamsha 24 sec. each - hours (h) / minutes (m) / seconds (s) Nakshatra Sandhi, 48 minutes in Yoga Sandhi, 24 minutes in Karan Sandhi; 24 minutes in Lagna Sandhi, 72 minutes in each twilight, 48 minutes in mid-night. According to Sage Mandavya, 75, 68, 80 Pal before & after as Sandhi of Kaal should be left in case of nakshatra, Tithi & Yoga; 10 Pal before & after of Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces Sandhi Kaal; & for other signs 5 Pal before & after should be left. Antidotes : Gandanta & Sandhi Doshas are destroyed when the Moon is in 11th house. According to Sage Kashyap, a benefic planet in angle destroys Doshas due to year, Ayana, season, Paksha, Tithi, nakshatra. A strong Moon destroys Tithi Gandanta, & a strong Jupiter destroys Lagna Gandanta. N.B. Lengths of Sandhi Kaals given hereinafter are fixed & proportional change based on actual length of the element is not required; & no such reference is found to have been made in the treatises, except by Pitahama in respect of Nakshatra Gandanta (Abhukta Moola). There are different modes of start of year & lunar months, as such the Sandhi Kaal as per the local customs may be followed.
SELECTION OF LUNAR DAY TITHI IN VEDIC ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY--- by Anuradha Hindu ephemeris has five fundamental components / elements viz, Lunar day (Tithi), Weekday, Constellation, Half Lunar day (Karan) & Yogas (combination of weekday & constellation). No election (Muhurtha) is thought possible without their considerations, especially suitability of the selected Tithi. Suitability of each of these elements are prescribed separately for specific elections, in addition to suitability of host of astrological factors like ascendant, favorable transit, current progression periods, omens, natural malefic / prohibited periods, age-place-religion-social considerations of the aspirant, nature of the activity etc. Lunar day (Tithi) is a fundamentally important component of electional astrology. It has an intimate bearing on the fixing /selecting of auspicious time. No election is fixed without considering suitability of a Lunar day (Tithi). Majority of Hindu festivals have reference to Lunar day (Tithi) . There is a custom to celebrate birth anniversary on the Tithi of birth, as in Hindu astrology birth day signifies Tithi of birth. Lunar day (Tithi) represents lunar energy, and lunar energy represents mental energy & status of the mind. Other two components of the Hindu Panchang (ephemeris) viz. Yoga (luni- solar day) and Karan (half a

lunar day) are derived from Lunar day (Tithi). Therefore, to understand Hindu electional astrology readers will have to be familiar with Tithi. Samhita Pradeep (a treatise on Hindu elections) opines that Tithi personifies body, the Moon mind; ascendant soul (Atama); & other signs members of body (Avayava). Only when a body is healthy & pure, other said components can be thought of. Therefore purification of Tithi gains significance & is one of the most important electional element. In the presence of sullied Tithi, strength of the Moon, ascendant, constellation are baseless. The election is generally fixed primarily considering constellation, weekday, ascendant & Tithi, and other components are given lesser importance. Even though Gunas (mathematical strength) allocated to Tithi is less; but exponents have not dilated on any election without reference to the Tithis. Tithi indirectly refers to the strength of the Moon, which lays foundation of strength of all the planets, & electional Yogas. Like the New Moon Tithi destroys cluster of all the benefic Yogas; & presence of an Amrit Siddha (Yoga) Tithi annihilates all the malefic Yogas. Even a malefic Tithi when forms a Muhurt Yoga, gets sanctified & augurs beneficence & fruition of the desires, therefore, special emphasis is required of selection of Tithi in elections. HOW TO FIND TITHI FROM EPHEMERIS The length of time during which the difference of increment between longitudes of the Sun and the Moon amounts to the multiple of 12 is called a Tithi. From the exact New Moon, first Tithi starts and ends when difference between the Sun and the Moon is 12. Thereafter up to the next 12 difference, second Tithi prevails. Thus there are 15 Tithis upto the Full Moon when luminaries are 180 apart. As during this time the Moon shall be increasing / waxing these 15 Tithis belong to the Bright Half ( B.H. - Shukla Paksha). Similarly there are 15 Tithis from the Full Moon to the New Moon when the Moon is decreasing / waning which belong to the Dark Half (D.H. - Krishna Paksha). There are in all 30 Tithis, from the New Moon to the next New Moon (a lunar month). Mean duration of a Tithi is 23h 37m 28.096s. It is different from astronomical lunar day which is reckoned from the Moonrise to the next Moonrise which has a mean duration of 24h 48m 45.838s. Tithi just before the exact Full Moon is shown as 15th Tithi, while the Tithi just before the exact New Moon is shown as 30th in the ephemeredes. Indian ephemeredes following Sidereal System give starting or ending moments of each Tithi and also refer to prevailing D.H. or B.H. To find number of the Lunar day (Tithi) current at a particular time, divide difference between longitude of the Sun from that of the Moon by 12. By adding 1 to the quotient, Tithi prevailing at the time is obtained. If the longitude of the Moon is less than that of the Sun, add 360 to the longitude of the Moon. Current Tithi No. = [Moons longitude Suns longitude] 12 + 1 The Tithi number shall be the same in both Sidereal System and Tropical System. SELECTION OF TITHIS FOR ELECTIONS - a guide to professional astrologers Election of different components of Hindu ephemeris (Panchang) is an holistic approach. Tithi inculcates its nature of increasing / expanding of work done in an election consistent to the increasing rays of the

Moon in B.H., and the vice versa. For benefits of the electional astrologers, criteria of selection of Tithi for elections are given below:

Selection of B.H./ D.H.: If the Moon is favourable to a native in transit on 1st Tithi of B.H. then, full B.H. becomes favourable to him. If it is unfavourable in transit on 1st Tithi of D.H. then, complete D.H. becomes favourable. Vice versa of the both are also considered. For progressive works B.H. is better than D.H.

Natural beneficence: From the prescribed Tithis for the election (Muhurt), select Tithi which is in the auspicious / benefic triad. Rikta Tithis ( 4th, 9th & 14th Tithis) are least effective for auspicious works. Yoga: A malefic Tithi becomes benefic or highly benefic when concurrent with specific weekday or constellation, and vice versa. Select a suitable Yoga with a suitable Tithi consistent with nature of work. Allocation: Works which especially fructify in specific Tithis have been prescribed, and also those to be avoided. Favourable /suitable Tithis for specific Muhurt have been specifically prescribed by the Sages & Acharyas.

Name of the doer: Based on first consonant of the name of the doer (Maatra Swar), certain group of Tithis (Nanda, Bhadra etc.) are Baal (infant), Kumar (Young), Yuva (adult), Vridth (old) & Mrityu (dead). Order of their increasing beneficence is dead, old, infant, young & adult.

Moon birth sign (Janma Rashi) of the doer: Based on sign occupied by the Moon in radix of the doer, favourable group (Nanda, Bhadra, etc....) for the native may preferably be selected & may avoid Ghaata Tithis, Ghaata Maas etc.

Tutelary Lords: When tutelary lords of a Tithi is the same as that of constellation / weekday / Yoga then, works prescribed in the said constellation / weekday / Yoga can be conducted in the said Tithi. Malefic Tithis: Tithis like Chidra, Maas- Shunya, Galgraha, etc. should be shunned or avoided depending on their malefic nature & type of the work. Transit: When the Moon is benefic in transit in respect of sign, constellation, navamsha, Astakvargas etc. for a native, then coinciding Tithi becomes favourable in election. Sarvatobhadra Chakra: This unique system gives when a particular Tithi is afflicted (Vedha) by transit of benefic or malefic planet(s) making a particular Tithi auspicious or unfit for election. Unfavourable durations: Aspirants must shun Vish Ghatis, prohibited periods, Gandanta, Pradosha etc. of the selected Tithi. Kshana Tithi: Suitable selection of a favourable Sub- Tithi on the guidelines strengthens the election. Emergency requirement: Provision has been made to use certain malefic Tithis ignoring their poisonous / prohibited portions in emergent situations, which should be chosen provided antidotes exist & election chart is fortified.

After finally selecting a Tithi ensure that the election ascendant is not Ghaat Lagna for that selected Tithi. It is certainly beneficial to use Amrit Ghatis ( auspicious parts of Tithis) of the Tithi.
SUBTLETIES OF VEDIC ELECTION / MUHURTHA HINDU ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY

Only Propitiation & Election branches of Hindu astrology are advised in Vedas, which has withstood test of time for the last 5 millenniums. Other branches of Hindu astrology have been subsequently derived thereafter. Electional astrology, called Muhurtha or Muhurt, is indeed the most useful predictive, preventive & prescriptive branch of Hindu astrology capable of guiding aspirants for fruition of their activities & desires.

The fundamental challenge & aim before a human being is improvement in his existing status & to attain fruition of individual desires to the maximum extent, simultaneously warding off visible & invisible obstacles. Election branch of Hindu / Vedic astrology is the only futurity sciences fully capable to render guidance in culling out the most fortuitous time (day, hour & up minutes) to initiate life undertakings for achieving highest degree of success, has the required ingredients to meet this challenge. Muhurt (election) is soul of the time VEDIC DIRECTIONS - Hindu sages through their intuitive foresight (trikaal darshita) had indepth knowledge of election (called Muhurt / Muhurtha in Vedic astrology) & had prescribed propitiations through incantation of Mantras (recitation of sacred hymns), Yagna (oblation through fire), ritual bathing, gem therapy, donations & various other modes in Vedas. The knowledge has with stood test of the time for the last over 5 millenniums, & is still followed without modifications. Vedic dictums deal with election & not other branches of present day astrology, which have been subsequently derived from Vedic spiritualism. Hindu Sages & Gurus have prescribed elections for all the life activities right from conception to the last rites after the death, & have gifted us numerous treatises, for the most useful branch of Hindu / Indian astrology. HINDU SYSTEM OF ELECTION -guides an aspirant to choose the most suitable time for initiation of life activities after examining natives horoscope, mundane influences, phonetic (Swar Shaastra) astrology, portents & omens, religious & social customs etc., and on complying with the best time selected through election astrology, when the planetary vibrations are harmonious, for the doer which is ingenuously selected by the specialist astrologer, & the event is performed after physical, mental & spiritual purification, for the highest certainty of success. It is not thought possible in any other branch of knowledge other than available in the Vedic election, which can render advice to an aspirant to initiate any life activity, for the best fruition of the event. Even in the modern day branches of different knowledges have not been able to render such guidance to cull out a propitious time to initiate an activity. Only knowledge available in Vedas about election can guide an aspirant in this direction, & does render predictive, preventive & prescriptive advises, not only for spiritual uplift but for mundane benefits also. HIGHEST EXPERTISE REQUIRED No activity used to be performed by the kings in historic era without elections. To cite an example; the Indias first great emperor, Chanragupta Maurya ( 4th century B C) had 3 cabinet members ( Navrantanas) out of the total 9 cabinet ministers, who had expertise in the field of astrology. One of them was Acharya Kalidas, who was expert in election astrology, to render astro advices on day-to-day governmental activities. Only after in-depth study of astrology, one can venture into the field of election astrology. There were exponents in Vedic electional astrology who have written treatises only on electional astrology. This establishes the fact that in the history of Indian astrology we had specialist in the different fields of astrology not like now-a-days we have astrologers who claim specialization in all the fields of astrology claiming to render astro advice in all the fields. The subject is so deep & intricate which requires huge efforts to cull out a figure of heaven for birth of a life activity for an aspirant. Perhaps only one in over 10,000 Hindu astrologers ventures to

study & master the subject to guide aspirants achieve the desired eventual outcome of an undertaking. The fact the readers shall like to digest from information that in the last over 100 years, there has been no compilation / addition / research work in the field of electional astrology even in form of a commentary / compendium / treatise, yet thousands of books on predictive branch of Hindu astrology have been published. In Indian / Vedic system of astrology, predictive part has been given much lesser importance compared to advisory role expected to be played by an astrologer. CONSIDERATIONS IN SELECTION OF AN ELECTION : To arrive at precise (Sukshama) election for a specific activity, specialist election astrologer has to put in hard work considering following main factors: Nativity of the aspirant, his name, birth ascendant, lunar sign, lunar asterism (Nakshatra), his status (social status, age, religion, cast), place where activity is to be performed, social & religious considerations. Time range / limitations available to the doer, nature of activity degree of its signification / importance. Some events are time bound like first feeding, Jaatakaram (propitiations just after birth). Availability of universal purified time length, Panchangs Shuddhi (suitable availability of fundamental five elements of Hindu ephemeris day, asterism, Tithi, Karan & Yoga), Special Muhurt Yogas, selection of purified time ( year, month, solstice, Lunar half, hora ). Absence of universal malefic / prohibited time (like Gandantas juntional points, eclipses, solar ingresses, Vishti Karan, Mahapaatas, Latta-Paata-Baana-Sangrahas- Kartari-Dash Doshas, malefic Yogas, blind / deaf signs-months-Tithis, combustion of Jupiter & Venus, etc. etc.), malefic / poisonous Yogas, ; the list is long to mention here all the factors. Favourable transits of planets for the native selected through various Hindu systems like Gochar, Ashtakvarga, Vaam Vedha, Karam Vedha, auspicious asterism, Ansha Chakra, Sarvaobhadra Chakra etc., favourable Dasha (Hindu progression system), Omens, portents, proper Swar (mode of breathing), presence of auspicious & luminous Moon is basically required Absence of malefic time for the doer adverse transit of the Moon & significator of the event, adverse asterisms, adverse (Ghaata) ascendant-Tithi- day- part of the day- Yoga-Karan. The unsullied Muhurt without any maleficence is the best but is rarely available. Next middling Muhurt having more beneficence & less maleficence is used by specialist astrologer through his expertise after balancing the election & examining the antidotes. The Muhurt having lesser beneficence is used in emergency. In Hindu system, other styles of Muhurtas like Do Ghati Muhurt, Shiv prokat Muhurt, Chaughadia Muhurt & Brihaspati Muhurtas are also in vogue. Antidotes: No election is feasible unless antidotes to the maleficence is available & is balanced by specialist astrologer. He has to examine compliance to the laid down logics, purification of divisional charts; arriving at the precise moment to start the event for the best benefits of the aspirants explaining him the limitations & constraints, as perceived by the specialist. It is not feasible to concise all the factors considered in selection of an election. N.B. Learned readers may note that Muhurt / election is available to lucky individuals who have done meritorious deeds in this as well as in their past births; and even if such a propitious time is

prescribed to him, he may not be able to fully utilize for his benefits. Purity of mind & consciousness are essential to comply & reap benefits from expert guidance in election.

RAHU KAAL TRUTH & MYTH

Vedic electional astrology has no reference of Rahu Kaal,. Yet it is feared the most in elections resulting colossal waste of time. Its duration on weekdays is incorrectly conveyed by newspapers & Indian ephemerides.

In Indian astrology the most misused & misguided is certainly Rahu Kaal. It is specific 1/8th daytime part of the weekdays which is assumed to be ruled by Rahu the Lunar Node. It is not effective during nighttime. In southern part of India it is assumed to be highly malefic that people residing in that part do not initiate any activity even it may be most trifling, what to talk about the important life activity. They do not initiate any activity during this period, & wait for its expiry. Thus colossal time is wasted in this superstition. Most of the news papers published in southern India do mention duration covered by Rahu Kaal along with Yamghanta Kaal, on the top of their front page for guidance of their readers. The people do follow the said time blindly without knowing about the same - this is opined as the worst misguidance by the astrologers to their followers. Three aspects of Hindu / Vedic astrology the most exploited / misused are a) Marriage compatibility (matching of horoscopes of prospective couple) b) Kaal Sarp Yoga its interpretation in nativity and its propitiation, & c) Rahu Kaal (Rahu Kaalam) in electional astrology.

On examination of compatibility in marriage of aspirant couples, exponents have dilated in lengths in their treatises. Yet of late astrologers have infused an element called Kuja Dosha- (affliction due to Mars; on which there are divergent opinions). However, this is not the topic under discussion in this paper. Regarding Kaal Sarp Yoga there has been illuminating discussions on the subject now-a-days on the Indian TV channels. Shri K N Rao, an authority on Indian Astrology & author of over three dozen books on Indian astrology, has made laudable efforts in dispelling doubts of the millions of the innocent believers of Indian astrology, that there is no reference of the so called Kaal Sarp Yoga in treatises on the subject. Of late some astrologers have culled out this yoga from remote references in the treatises. He has explicitly pointed out that there is no authoritative treatise / book on Indian / Vedic astrology having made a reference to this yoga, & one may not fear if he is having this Yoga in his horoscope. Despite this some astrologers have been propagating ill effects of this Yoga perhaps to seek huge sum of money for its propitiation. Such a debate not only dispels doubts in the minds of innocent followers of astrology but renders applaudable service to the mankind, as myths & superstitions / mischievousness propagated by exploiters / novices are brought to the light; & astrology which has withstood test of time, is saved from disrepute.

Any how, the said Kaal Sarp Yoga has been found having indirect reference in our electional treatises like Narpatijacharya, Jyotirvidhabharnam, Samarsaar, - where it has been referred that the planets in 13 asterisms (from the asterism occupied by Rahu, to Ketu) yet to be transited by Rahu, in His retrograde motion, as in Mrit Paksha (dead side), & when both the luminaries are in the said Mrit Pakhsa, yield adverse results in war, travel & litigation & the like elections. When luminaries loose their efficacy being in the said Mrit Pakhsa, then, why not when all the planets in the said Paksha should loose their potency can be an argument in its favour. But please note the said aspect has been referred to in the electional astrology, & not in interpretation of nativity.

In Indian astrology, nativity, horary & electional are separate subjects, & have separate treatises on each subject & distinct exponents on each subject. And not like western astrology where electional astrology is basically derived from horary astrology.

The third, aspect, Rahu Kaal, is the most misunderstood aspect in the electional astrology. How many millions of hours are wasted in fear of the time covered by this electional aspect every day is rather beyond imagination. The author has found on numerous occasions that followers of this myth withhold initiation of ceremonies, writing letters, start meetings, travel, purchase / sale etc etc; you name anything. Rather one enters into state of no action during this duration. DURATION OF RAHU KAAL

Length of Rahu Kaal (as being followed) is 1/8th part (Yamardha) of daytime length. Daytime at the specific place of consideration is length of time from local Sunrise to Sunset. On different weekdays different portions of the daytime are allocated to Rahu Kaal. 2nd Yamardha on Monday, 3rd on Satrurday, 4th on Friday, 5th on Wednesday, 6th on Thursday, 7th on Tuesday, & 8th (last) on Sunday are called Rahu Kaal. 2nd Yamardha on Monday means that after expiry of the first 1/8th part of the daytime, after the local Sunrise, Rahu Kaal starts, & ends at expiry of the second 1/8th part of the local daytime. Thus if duration of daytime is 12 hours on a specific day at specific locality, & local Sunrise time is at 6.00 S.T. & the Sunset time is 18.00 S.T; duration of the daytime shall be 12 hours. Thus on different weekdays the Rahu Kaal shall be prevailing as following : Monday : from 07.30 to 09.00 S.T Saturday : from 09.00 to 10.30 S.T Friday : from 10.30 to 12.00 S.T Wednesday : from 12.00 to 13.30 S.T Thursday : from 13.30 to 15.00 S.T Tuesday : from 15.00 to 16.30 S.T Sunday : from 16.30 to 18.00 S.T The above system is followed by the newspapers & duration of the Rahu Kaal is published for guidance of the users. Local ephemrides also refer the same.

MISTAKE IN CALCULATIONS The advisors do take fixed duration of the Rahu Kaal as 1 hour & 30 minutes irrespective of the daytime length. They do not calculate this time based on local daytime length. Thus error creeps in & people are misguided. Why proportional length of the daytime length is to be taken, is argued as below : a) In all the malefic durations due to Gulika, Kulika, Mandi, Muhurt, Vish Ghati etc. with reference to weekdays; calculations are based on length of daytime. b) Rahu Kaal does not have any effect after the local Sunset time; it is primarily a phenomenon during daytime (even if one has to assume its adverse effects). c) If duration of daytime on a specific place & weekday is less than 12 hours then, the Rahu Kaal shall extend beyond the local Sunset time. Kindly note that malefic durations of an element of an a daytime nowhere ingresses into nighttime, as their effect ceases to exist after the Sunset; & different set of malefic durations prevail after the Sunset time. d) Each of the seven planets have their own Upagrahas (sub planets). Kaal, Paridhi, Kantaka (Dhooma), Ardhayama, Yamaghanta, Kodanda & Gulika are Upagrahas of planets counted from the Sun to Saturn. They rule different parts of Yamardhas (1/8th part) of daytime & nighttime. Classical books on electional

astrology give their ruling durations during daytime & nighttime. Further during nighttime different Upgrahas rule & during daytime different Upgrahas rule. None of these durations during daytime ingresses nighttime.

AMENDMENT REQUIRED IN RAHU KAAL CALCULATIONS From the above arguments its clear that the present mode of reckoning Rahu Kaal needs amendment & proportional time based on length of local daytime should be considered, if one has to consider Rahu Kaal. Example: Rahu Kaal on a Friday having length of daytime as 11h 20m at a place where the Sun rise is at 05h 20m S.T. shall be: Duration of the Rahu Kaal = (11h 20m) 8 = 1h 25m (1/8th part of the day ) Staring moment = (Sun rise time) + (time of expired Yamardhas ) of Rahu Kaal = ( 05h 20m ) + {( 11h 20m ) ( 4 1) 8} = ( 05h 20m )+ ( 4h 15m ) = 09h 35m S.T. Ending moment = (09h 35m )+(1h 25m ) = 11h 00m S.T. Thus Rahu Kaal shall prevail from 09.35 S.T. to 11.00 S.T. & not from 09.50 to 11.20 S.T. (as advised in local newspapers & almanacs). WHY RAHU KAAL In the electional treatises each of the seven planets viz. the Sun to Saturn have their Upgrahas (sub planets), & have been allocated their durations during daytime & nighttime separately. But Paat & Upketu which are Upagrahas of Rahu & Ketu (Lunar Nodes) respectively, are not allocated any time during daytime or nighttime. Then why Rahu Kaal a malefic duration has been subsequently felt to be inducted in electional astrology which has no reference in treatises. Mandi & Gulika, both are sons of Saturn & are considered as highly malefic, & their maleficence is compared to that of the Saturn. They are given due importance in natal, horary & electional astrology. Their rising times are considered as highly malefic. Electional treatises do recognise them. Their durations are different from the duration given to Rahu Kaal. They are effective during daytime as well as during nighttime also, but the new element of Rahu Kaal is effective during daytime only with ruling durations distinct from Mandi & Gulika.

Rahu is given significant importance in the elections of travel, war, litigations, & the like activities. But they are considered in altogether different mode like Jeeva & Mrit Paksha (positions of luminaries in between Rahu & Ketu), Maas Rahu (directions ruled based on Lunar month), Pathik Rahu (dispositions of the luminaries in four sets of asterisms), Khanda Rahu (residence of Rahu in different directions based on the Tithi Lunar day), Vaar Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu on different weekdays), Yamardha Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu during daytime & nighttime), & Muhurt Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu during different Muhurtas). But nowhere reference of Rahu Kaal has been found in the treatises. From the above, readers shall draw their own conclusions as to how much misguidance has been provided to them by induction of so called Rahu Kaal. Why to fear from such an element. Why to stop routine & special activities during its currency; & If some self styled innovative astrologers have to be followed then, why not follow its proportional length during daytime. Aspirants may seek malefic time in election somewhere else & not as attribution of Rahu Kaal. HELP TO ASPIRANTS Those aspirants still desire to follow Rahu Kaal, but want to know the exact duration on a specific weekday

may log on to website http://www.besttime-astrology.com On the home page they may click Elections for you your Muhurtas Thereafter may click to any of the cities mentioned there viz, Delhi , Mumbai, Kotkatta, Hyderabad , Banglore. Thereafter fill in local time of the Sunrise & Sunset against the desired weekday, ignoring entry against under the date. They shall automatically get starting & ending moments of Rahu Kaal for that weekday.

In addition to Rahu Kaal they shall also get starting & ending moments of Yamghanyta Kaal, Abhijin Muhurt & Gulika Kaal. If they fill in dates & corresponding Sunrise & Sunset timings on various dates , they can take a printout for their records, & can plan their elections / activities accordingly. The data has been fed for some specific dates & weekdays, which can be used profitably for any other place, but aspirants shall have to fill in local Sunrise & Sunset timings against the desired weekday.

Hindu / Indian have unique system of examining compatibility based on horoscopes of the aspirant couple. Horoscope matching is an art of the highest ingenuity of an astrologer. All the factors cannot be detailed in small space like this. The fundamental concept of matching horoscopes emanates from constellations occupied by the Moon at the time of births of bride and bridegroom. Individuals inherit qualities of the birth constellation. Various constellations represent different nature in respect of their casts, animals presented by them, sex, Gana (God / man / demon), humour, birds ruled, primordial elements, Gotra, directions ruled, consonants and vowels, mutual harmony and repellent with certain stars, beneficence to the other stars by virtue of mutual distance etc. In addition host of other factors like, longevity of the individuals, character (sexual), widowhood, poverty, progeny, their body status, radical strengths and indications, planetary nature and afflictions, currency of major and minor periods, Marakaas (death inflicting planets), placement of Mars in their nativity (Mangal Dosha), time of query, omen (Shagun), antidotes, propitiations, auspicious time for marriage etc. should be examined to arrive at suitable union of the couple. Based on the birth constellations following aspects are examined Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Gana, Graha Maitri, Bhakoota, Nadi, Mahendra, Vedha, Rajju, Stree Deergha, Linga, Gotra, Pakshi, Yoni, Chandra Yoga, Ayya Varga and Yujja for checking compatibility. In another system, only eight of these factors are given importance and are assigned numerical values - Varna (1 point), Vashya (2 Points), Tara (3 points), Yoni (4 points), Graha Maitri (5 points), Gana (6 points), Bhakoota (7 points) and Nadi (8 points). The total of these factors adds up to 36 points and horoscope is considered to be matched if the compatibility score is more than 18. Significance of various aspects in compatibility are as follows: Varna : Grade of spiritual development, obedience Vashya : Mutual control friendship. Tara : Mutual beneficence-luck-auspiciousness Yoni : Sexual aspects, affinity, urge, compatibility. Graha Maitri : Psychological disposition, friendship.

 Gana : Nature: Dev Manush Raakshas Bhakoota : Children, growth of family. Nadi: Temperaments, hereditary (astrological), affliction and death to other Mahendra : Promotes attachments, increase in longevity. Stree Dergha : Service to husband. Rajju : Felicity and duration of married life. Vedha Varga : Mutual repellence and enmity. Varga : Mutual friendship / enmity judged from their names Yujja : Type of mutual love from one side both sides. Based on the above aspects, mathematical computation is done to arrive at the totality of the matching. In certain cases need based matching is done and the astrologer has to use his skills in examining compatibility. It is felt essential to match the horoscopes before further marriage negotiations are done. The above system is in practice for the last two millennia.

Rules for setting a good muhurta, Taara bala, chandra bala, panchaka rahitha
Muhurtha means a moment. We live our lives moment by moment. When we receive good planetary energies, that moment is called auspicious moment and if the planets deliver bad energies, then it is called bad moment. In Astrology, we prepare the bir th chart of an individual based on the moment of his/her birth. This birth chart indicates whether the individual becomes successful or not in his life depending upon the type of planetary energies at that moment. In the same way, when we start a new venture or business, we can construct a chart for that moment. This chart represents whether that new venture or business will be successful or not. This chart which is prepared to know the outcome of a venture or event is called Muhurtha chart.

Importance of Muhurtha

If the Muhurtha chart shows good planetary energies, then that venture becomes a successful one. So it is better to select an auspicious moment (good Muhurtha) for starting any venture so that the chances of success will increase. This applies to all important events in life. For example, if a person gets married in a good Muhurtha, then his married life will be good. Some Astrologers are of the opinion that a beggar can become a king by starting his works in good Muhurthas. This is wrong. It happens only if the beggar has the planetary position to become a king in his birth chart. By following good Muhurtha, the beggar can become a king in less time and with less effort. This is how Muhurtha helps. Let us take another example. In a natives birth c hart, there is an indication that he will not get children. But if a good Muhurtha is set for his marriage and nuptials, then the chances of getting children will increase and he may be blessed with children. Setting good Muhurthas for all important events of life in such a way that the person will become highly successful in all areas is called Electional Astrology. Indian Astrologers have done considerable research on Electional Astrology and came up with books like Muhurtha Chinthamani , Muhurtha Marthanda, Muhurtha Darpana, Kaalamritha, and Uttara Kaalamritha, etc.

General rules for setting a good Muhurtha - Setting a favorable star (Taara bala): Count from the birth star of a person to the star where Moon is located at the time of the Muhurtha and divide the number by 9, if divisible. The remainder represents the following: 1 Janma represents danger to body. 2 Sampath indicates wealth and prosperity. 3 Vipath dangers and losses and accidents. 4 Kshema prosperity. 5 Pratyak obstacles and enmity. 6 Sadhana realization of ambitions through effort. 7 Naidhan dangers and death. 8 Mitra friendly and good. 9 Parama Mitra Very favorable. From the above list, the favorable numbers are 2, 4, 6, 8 and 9. F or example, if a persons birth star is Bharani. The person wants to join the new job on a day when the star is Visakha. Counting from Bharani to Visakha, we get the number 15. Divide this number by 9 and the remainder will be 6. This number represents Sadhana which is favorable. Hence the person can join the new job on that day.

Setting a favorable sign (Chandra bala): In the Muhurtha chart, the Moon should not occupy the 6th, 8th or 12th house from the persons birth sign. For example, the persons birth star is Bharani which falls in Aries sign. The person wants to start a new business on a day when the star is Visakha 4th quarter. This part of the star falls in the sign Scorpio. Counting from the birth sign Aries to the Muhurtha sign Scorpio, we get 8th. This is inauspicious and hence that Muhurtha should be avoided by the person.

Eliminating five types of bad energies (Panchaka rahitha): In general Muhurthas where the person wants to join a job or attending an interview or going on a short jour ney, setting good Taara bala and Chandra bala is sufficient. But for important ceremonies like thread ceremony, marriage, nuptials, entry into a new house, etc, we should eliminate bad energies from the Muhurtha which is called Panchaka rahita. Count the number of lunar day (thithi), the number of the week day (1st is Sunday), the number of the constellation (1st is Aswini) and the number of the Ascendant (1st is Aries) of the Muhurtha. Add them together and divide the total by 9. See what the remainder represents: 1 Mrityu Panchka danger to life. 2 Agni Panchaka risk from fire. 4 Raja Panchaka risk from Government. 6 Chora Panchaka threat from thieves. 8 Roga Panchaka diseases. So, the above numbers should be eliminated. If the remainder is 0, 3, 5 or 7 then it is good. For example, if a person wants to start a new business on a day and time when the lunar day is 13th (Triyodasi), the constellation is Pubba, the rising sign is Leo, and the weekday is Monday. Calculating Panchaka, we get: Number of lunar day: 13 Number of constellation: 11 Number of week day: 2 Number of Ascendant: 5 Total: 31 Now dividing this number 31 by 9, we get 4 as remainder. This number 4 represents Raja Panchakam and hence the person will face a lot of troubles from the Government, Police, Taxes and Legal departments. Hence that Muhurtha is not auspicious for the person. Other important yogas to be considered

Panchanga Suddhi: Panchanga represents the five parts namely thithi (the lunar day), vaara (the week day), nakshatra (the constellation), yoga (the combination of Sun and Moon), karana (half of lunar day). These five parts should be good for any auspicious Muhurtha. This is called Panchanga Suddhi. In regard to lunar days, the 4th, 6th, 8th, 1 2th and 14th and full moon day and new moon day should be avoided. In regard to week days, Thursday and Friday are good for all works. It is better to avoid Tuesday and Saturday in most of the Muhurtas. In regard to the constellation, Bharani, Krittika and Aslesha should be avoided for all works. Auspicious constellations for any work are: Aswini, Rohini, Mrigasira, Pushyami (except for marriage), Makha, Uttara, Hasta, Chitta, Swathi, Anuradha, Moola, Uttarashadha, Dhanishta, Sravanam, Uttarabhadra and Revathi. Coming to yogas, out of 27 yogas the following should be avoided: Vishkambha, Vyaghatha, Parigha, Vyathipatha, Vydhriti, Ganda, Atiganda and Soola. In the available 11 karanas, we should avoid Bhadra and Nagavam. Surya sankramana: Once in a month, the Sun changes his sign and enters a new sign. A period of 6 hours and 24 minutes should be avoided before and after Suns entry into a new sign. Karthari dosha: The Ascendant in the Muhurtha chart should not be hemmed between malefic planets. Shashtashta Riphagatha Chandra dosha: In the Muhurtha chart, the Moons position from the Ascendant should not be at 6th, 8th and 12th houses. Udayasta Suddhi: The Ascendant and the seventh should be strong. For example, the Ascendant should be occupied by the lord of the Ascendant or the lord of the Ascendant should be exalted. In the same way, the seventh house should also be strong. It is very good if the Ascendant is occupied by Jupiter, Venus and Mercury. Ashtama Lagna dosha: The Ascendant in the Muhurtha chart should not be 8th from the Ascendants of both the bride and bridegroom. For example, the bride and bridegrooms Ascendants are Aries and Leo, the Muhurtha Ascendant should not be Scorpio or Pisces. Grahanotpatha dosha: The constellations in which the eclipses appear should be avoided in muhurtas. Ashtama suddhi: No planet should be located in the 8th house from the Ascendant of Muhurtha chart. Consideration of appropriate houses: For all Muhurthas, the Ascendant and its lord should be good. To set a good Muhurtha for construction of a house or for house warming

ceremony, we should see that the 4th house and its lord should be good. There should not be any malefics in 4th house and its lord should be with benefics or in his own house or exaltation. Similarly, to set a good Muhurtha for marriage, the 7th house and its lord should be good. To set a good Muhurtha for starting a new business, the 7th house and 11th houses and corresponding planets should be good. According to Sage Bharadwaja, a fully flawless Muhurtha cannot be seen for years together. We should wait for such a Muhurtha for years together and hence it is advised to fix up a Muhurtha with less doshas (bad) and more gunas (good).

WHEN AN ASPIRANT SHOULD APPROACH AN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGER - GUIDANCE IN VEDIC ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY Only Vedic Electional astrology is capable to render complete guidance to aspirants as to when & when-not approach an Electional Astrologer. Limited information is available in western astrology. We have different branches of knowledge; science, history, economics, medicine, ; but none provides us any guidance / clue as to when an important life activity should be initiated so as to ensure highest certainty in its fruition. Here is Vedic Electional astrology which provides complete guidance to aspirants in their evolution. In this paper the author discusses as to when an aspirant should approach for election & when not. Western astrology scantly deals with electional astrology. Hebrew astrologers had formulated some rudiments of Electional astrology. About 200 years ago Ben Franklin formed Farmers almanac for guidance in agriculture elections. William Ramesey touched some topics of elections. Vivian E. Robson in his book Electional Astrology has observed that I am filling a serious gap in astrological literature, for no book on Electional Astrology has ever before been published,..Yet we find a huge numbers of electional astrologers in web sites following western astrology, & professionally guiding the aspirants. Western astrologers, following Tropical system of astrology, have developed this branch based on Horary astrology & collection of stray references in their primitive astrological books; & are guiding aspirants as per their own astrological skill. On the contrary this branch was fully developed & laid down on Vedic literature & canonical treatises. Rather Vedic literature deals with propitiation & electional astrology, and other branches of Hindu astrology were evolved thereafter there from. It has withstood test of time for the last 5 millenniums. Specialization in different branches of Vedic astrology can be gauged from the fact that the exponents of Vedic Muhurtha, did deal with only this specific branch & did not write treatises on other branches of astrology. Only exception is that the great Acharya Varahmihir touched only one topic of election in traveling. Specialization in different fields of Hindu astrology in the inicient era was the hallmark. It is most regrettable that now-a days astrologers deal with all branches of astrology, & do render guidance also. There is emergent need for specialist in different fields of astrology. Aspirants before seeking guidance in electional astrology, may dare to ask one question from his astrologer: how many books on electional astrology he possesses in his library. Has he read about the subject ? The author has met some leading astrologers in the country & has found that there was no book on the subject in their library, still they rendered guidance on events of national importance, what to talk about personal matters. In Hindu system of astrology, astrology is given status of eyes of Vedas, as one can perceive past, present & future through this futurity branch of knowledge; then its most useful branch Election (Muhurtha) has a rightful status of brain; as certain moments are auspicious / fruitful than other, is known through electional astrology only. And

aspirant is rendered guidance to plan birth of life events for fruition of aspirants desires through astrological, spiritual, mundane, environmental omen & sound energies available at the moment of initiation of the selected activity.

Astrology emanates from spiritualism. Thus Vedic system of electional astrology deals exclusively about elections related to spiritual; activities. But simultaneously it also guides the aspirants about his mundane activities. Thus it is essential for an aspirant to know as to when he should approach electional astrologer & when not. WHEN ELECTION (MUHURT) IS REQUIRED Hindu system of Electional (Muhurt) astrology covers all the life activities right from conception to performing of the last rites after death. It also covers some activities on which there is no human control; like puberty & teething; with a view to take precautionary measures in addition to delineating their effects. Like horoscopy deals with only one radical chart at the birth time, Election (Muhurt) deals with figures of the Heaven at each activity conducted by the doer after his birth. Wise men who believe in human effort (Purushartha) & intent to endeavour for the righteous effort at right time, take the benefit of the knowledge blessed by our Sages. The guidance provided by this branch of knowledge is fundamental, & when effectively used along with the sound professional knowledge related to the activity, degree of success & fruition (Siddhi) is almost certainly assured. Hindu electional astrology since the time immemorial from the birth of the Vedas is being profitably used in Yagyas (ceremony in which oblations are offered) & performing Samskaras (pronounced as Sanskaras - sacraments for purification of the body, mind & soul). None of these rites were thought possible without auspicious Election (Muhurt). Without auspicious Election (Muhurt) they lose their purpose of purification. By acting on auspicious Election (Muhurt) for conception & Punvasan Samskaras (sanctification of pregnant woman), one can have choice of sex of progeny; safety & health of foetus can be assured through Seemanta Samskar (for health of foetus); warding of evil effects of planets & adverse birth time through Jaatakaram Samskar (for destroying evil effects on newly born); higher level in wisdom, education, wealth & profession is achievable through Vidyaarambh (starting of education) Samskar; longevity, health, disease free life through tonsure Samskar; continuous gain of ornaments & the like through ear boring Samskar; spiritual development & purification through Upanayana Samskar (wearing a scared thread); health & proper medical development through Aanaprashan (first feeding to a child) & first feeding in milk; peace of the departed soul through proper last rites; are achieved on compliance of prescribed Election (Muhurt) . Regarding marriage related activities, one should seek election for engagement, sending invitation cards, solemnizing of marriage, first sexual union & first return of bride to her fathers house; to ensure mutual love, virtuous wife and, felicitous & harmonious married life. In lot many day to day activities, Election (Muhurt) has its role in achieving higher success through lesser efforts. Measure of pleasure & fruition of the desires are enhanced. Election (Muhurt) has its application in all the times to come including in the present socio-political & religious environments. Head of the state or Prime Minister shall have stable government,

trouble free from foreign attacks or victory over enemy, better financial status & overall prosperity through oath / coronation at an auspicious Election (Muhurt); war can be won if started at a selected time; safety & defence of army personnel in wearing of arms in specified election has been recommended; aspirants must join service for betterment of career at properly selected time; good yield, more fruits in starting tilling, sowing, harvesting storing in agriculture can certainly be expected if started at a fortunate time; for early removal of illness specific time has been prescribed for preparation & administration of medicine & taking bath on recovery. For constructional related activities; starting digging, laying foundation, fixing door frames & entrance gate, entering into house at a pre-determined auspicious time shall ensure safety, welfare, progeny & fortunes to the habitants. Start of a travel of importance at favourable time for an aspirant shall surely bring success to him; wearing of ornaments & clothes in the prescribed Election (Muhurt) shall lead to prosperity & well being; fast progress, development & profits are assured in new venture & business initiated at felicitous Election (Muhurt). Purchase & sale of animal & their rearing; installation of idol of Gods also require election. Hindu astrology has separate treatises on war & the like activities, in which specific advice is rendered to the aspirant kings. Generally election is advised for important life activities which have important effect on the life of an aspirant. Since astrology emanates from spiritualism, election is generally selected for auspicious activities, & not immoral / malefic activities like making a theft, deceiving some one, terrorist activities etc. Now a days only marriage & Jaatakaram (for destroying evil effects on newly born) ceremony to are performed with Election (Muhurt) by majority of people, & in some other Samkaras, Election (Muhurt) is followed in some regions of India. The last Antyeshti Samskar (rituals after the death) after death is followed by majority due to social customs & compulsions The author feels that one of most important election is the first feeding of the child. It lays foundation of strength for the full life span of the child & ensures regular meals served with love, dignity & pleasure the most sought for blessing by a human being. Importance to this election should be similar to the importance for election related to conception. WHEN ELECTION (MUHURT) IS NOT REQUIRED Election (Muhurt) has emanated from Vedas, Shaastras, Puraanas, Shrutis, Smritis, scriptures, and other canonical, religious & mythological holy books. Thus religious dictums have precedence over the astrological aphorisms. Social environment & customs in which a native lives has over-riding importance over the religious instructions / dictums. Thus customs followed from time to time in family, society & country should also be given due weightage while deciding an election. In the matters of daily routine & the activities performed daily, do not require Election (Muhurt). Like a person who daily shaves, need not follow Election (Muhurt) but shall do better to avoid after-noon & malefic days like Tuesday & Saturday, especially night-time. Special relaxations are made in certain elections like in shaving & hair cutting which can be

done even on inauspicious day during pilgrimage, annual Sharadh (oblation to dead) of parents, before sexual union, on drinking, for servants of the king, artists taking part in plays & cinematography, on order of Brahmin or king, Deeksha related to Yagya, Agnayadhan, marriage, on death of parents, coming out of prison, during 10 days after birth & death (Janma & Maran Ashaucha) & by widows. Like a person who has to travel urgently without having time to consult ephemeris or astrologer, he may travel to meet the exigencies like performance of death rites, to attend marriage & the like rites, on hearing obituary news. But can certainly eat, touch, donate or think of the specific items to facilitate the journey. maleficence (Doshas) in travel are not applicable in journeys performed in war, famine, natural calamities, attack, curse of king etc. A bank or a commercial organisation engaged in daily transactions of crediting, debiting & lending money or sale purchase, may not conduct all the activities in Election (Muhurt), but should certainly avoid lending money to specific person on a malefic day or Wednesday or without Election (Muhurt) when a significant big deal is made. When election for a major event is selected then, it is not required for other related activities. Like in election for marriage, there is no need for separate election for starting travel for marriage, decoration or beautification of the bride. First dating may require election but not the subsequent ones. Trifling matters like taking & receiving gifts, daily / routine visit to place of worship, writing routine letters, purchase of routine domestic letters, washing of clothes, joining a party & celebrations etc. etc. letters ADVISORY ROLE IN VEDIC ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY

In addition to prescribing opportune / auspicious time for initiating an activity, the electional branch of Hindu astrology also advises / warns the doers about the prohibited periods for various activities. It also delineates about the adverse effects when specific activity is performed during malefic / inauspicious/ prohibited time. In addition to prescribing different remedial measures on birth in inauspicious periods; other natural phenomenon like puberty has been very extensively dealt with, along with remedial measures, if it happens on an unfortunate time. Sages have conveyed that in female horoscopy in addition to radical chart delineations, fortune & virtues in a female are indicated from the time of her puberty, engagement, & Nisheka (first sexual union). Indeed the last three acts can be well controlled (made fortunate) through the knowledge; to inculcate virtues to have felicitous married life & to bring fortunes in females lives. Matching of horoscopes of couple for felicity in marriage, relations between two individuals, selection of place or locality for habitation, suitability of certain facets of architecture of house etc. are some of the life activities where knowledge of Muhurt plays a guiding role. It also guides as to when the remedial measures like fast, donations, ritual bath, Yagyas, Homas (oblations) are to be performed for their maximum effects. When to learn & recite mantras, (Japa, Tapa) are covered in this knowledge. Detailed prescriptions have been made to take medicinal baths to ward off evil effect of planets in transit & eclipses. References have also been made to gem therapy & propitiations for portents & omens. The

core concept of the Hindu Muhurt Gian (electional prudence) is to donate Prakash (enlighten) to an aspirant enable him conduct all his life activities at the appropriate moments assuring him achievement of Siddhis(fruition).

SIGNIFICANCE OF OMENS IN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY--- by V K Shridhar Omens play a vital role in execution of elections. Omen seen or heard or even visulised at the initiation of an activity, certainly foretells fate / success of the activity. Omens & portents (Shakun & Utpaats) is a useful branch of India astrology, which includes interpretation of dreams, status of living & non-living items in the environment, sounds produced by human & animals, portents, mode of pacification of adverse omens & portents. It acts as a guide in horary astrology; to clinch the issue when there is a stalemate. Coming events cast their shadows before & it is the ingenuity & skill of the interpreters to decode omens correctly for their profitable usage in their daily life. OPINIONS OF EXPONENTS Treatises on omen (Shakun) have commended that omen has the final say in Election. Omens seen at the start of an action does foretell its success. In case adverse omen is seen or heard or even visualized; the activity should not be initiated. Omen is a wonderful knowledge which acts like a medicine. Vasant Raj in his treatise titled Vasantraj Shakunan - an authoritative book on the subject - has opined that when ephemeral elements (Tithi, Nakshatra, election ascendant etc.) are fully auspicious & efficacious (Uttam & Gunyukta), fortified ascendant & strong Moon is present, but there prevails an inauspicious omen (Shakun) then, nothing materializes regarding election. Some opine that an election clinched only on the basis of an omen, does not have lasting effects. Some has opined that in the matter like making a theft or the like activities, omen is to considered. The treatises on Hindu / Vedic electional astrology have dilated omens in details in travel elections. On seeing an inauspicious omen, the person should return (not undertake journey), & recite Pranayam (a specific Mantras recitation) eleven times & then start the journey. If inauspicious Shakun is again is seen, then he should return & recite Pranayam 16 times & start the journey. And if inauspicious omen is again observed at the third start of the journey, the journey should be abandoned. Best of the sages agree with this, & from this one may infer the importance given to omens in elections. CONCLUSION One must develop faculty of interpretation of omen seen or heard or even visualised at the initiation of an activity, & use it profitably. In case of adverse omen of high potency, execution of an election should be withheld / postponed. INTERPRETATION OF OMENS Exponents have laid down rules to interpret omens, examine potency of an omen & timing of event based on omens. This shall be discussed in another blog. Potency of an omen is examined based on its position with respect from the observer ( front / back / left / right / higher & lower level), position of omen in geographical direction ( East-South-West-North ), time of its observation, motion / speed of the omen, sound

produced / heard, expression, place where it is observed. Here are some items & persons signifying auspicious / favourable & inauspicious / unfavourable omens. The list in no means is exhaustive, but provides adequate information. Omens differ from place to place, country to country & religion to religion. ITEMS SIGNIFYING OMENS AUSPICIOUS ITEMS: Following fifty items are auspicious items & seeing them is auspicious at all the times: Curd, milk, rice, pot filled with water, ripe food, mustard, sandal, mirror, fresh green grass (Durva- a kind of grass), conch shell, meat, fish, soil (wet), a bright yellow pigment prepared from urine of cow ( Gorochan), cow dung, cow, honey, idol of god, Veena (a musical instrument), fruit, seat of king, flower, black items used to decorate eyes (Anjan / Kajal / Surma), ornaments, hand weapon, beetle leaves, conveyance, palanquin (Palki man carried conveyance), a covered pot or box to keep medicine or wine (Sharavsanput) , flag, parasol (Chhatra), hand fan, clothes, lotus, pot ( Kakash), glowing fire, elephant, goats, drums, device to control elephant (Ankush), tail of animal used to whisk flies (Chaamar), gems, gold, silver, copper, herd of tied animals or an animal whose legs are tied, medicine, drink, tree with fruit, fresh vegetables. INAUSPICIOUS ITEMS A sparkle without smoke, ash, fuel-wood-cow dug cake (Upla), rope, mud, device used to make powder by hammering action (Tilkuta), cotton, husk (Tush), bones, opened hair (untied hair), black item, iron, bark of a tree (Valkal), skin of a tree, black sesame (Til) or black pulse, stone, stool, snake, medicine, oil, raw sugar, boneless meat, empty or broken utensil, salt, dry grass, butter milk, wood, iron chain, rain & wind. OMENS RELATED TO PERSONS-AUSPICIOUS PERSONS : Sight of the following persons is auspicious: a king, happy Brahmin, prostitute, virgin girl, gentle person, well dressed person sitting on a horse or ox, a fair complexion lady in white dress & wearing white garland on her fore head; a pious Brahmin wearing white clothessandal & flowers-having properly fed & having received donations, reciting Mantras; a lady with a man or either of them having fruit in his or her hands- seen in front; a child saying something on his own; a beautiful person, person dressed in white clothes-wearing white garland, speaking sweetly if is found coming from front or right side during journey or at the time of entrance- it is an auspicious omen. INAUSPICIOUS PERSONS : A person doing vomiting; hair-less or clean shaved head; having any body part severed; naked; lowest cast; body part oiled; ill; dirty; angry, drunkard; having long hair (Jatadhari); quarrelsome; having black complexion; opened hair; sitting on a camel / ass / buffalo; loudly weeping; eunuch; ascetic; a lady wearing black clothes & black garland on her fore-head; a lady having menstruation; pregnant woman. N B : words in itelics are corresponding words in sanskrit / hindi.