A Hindu Perspective by Dr. Balliram Chadee. PhD.

www.thehanumanmission.com. bally@thehanumanmission.com or Bally 416-992-2487.

This is the 36th in a series of articles by Dr. Balliram Chadee & Hotshots Newspaper to bring a Hindu Perspective to educate our community. Comments & suggestions are welcome.

Question: Astrology and its Relevance…why is it important to Hindus?

  Ans : Hindus have traditionally followed the principles of Astrology and Astronomy, for centuries. The question among the minds of Hindus, as well as non Hindus, always surround the question of why is this science so important? Why does Astrology play a major role in our lives? Why are we governed under this discipline, which on some occasions inhibit our activities or restrict us from doing certain activities or pursuing certain paths when we want to do so at our pleasure? In the study of Basic Vedic Astrology, I have learnt how important is it, moreso now finally started to comprehend why this science has played such an important role in our lives as Hindus. I have seen the impact of Astrological calculations and the effects of Numerology on the daily lives of people, through the analysis of Birth charts, the correct method of calculations and the understanding of Vedic Astrology and how it impacts us, should we pay attention to it. As Hindus in the Caribbean Region, we have always relied on our Pundits and Spiritualists, for accurate Astrological predictions and calculations, for most major life activities, including Birth, Marriage, Sickness and Death. We also rely on astrology and its information when we buy or build a house, start a new business initiative or embark on a major life decision. Why did we do it? How do we know the information provided was correct? What if we know now that information is wrong? How does it change our lives? Do we adjust our living and standards of daily lives? All questions I was asked by various people who have astrology readings in the past, or even recent, but somehow did not like the answers the got. They were not pleased with their results or calculations. So what now? Live your live from today onwards is my advice to all.

According to the basic system of astrology which Hindus follow, we have “ Nine Planets” called “Nav Grahas ” in Sanskrit, namely “ Surya -Sun, Chandrama - Moon, Mangala - Mars, Budha - Mercury, Guru - Jupiter, Shukra -Venus, Shani -Saturn, Rahu- Ascending Node (Dragon's Head) and Ketu -Descending Node (Dragon's Tail). We also use the Lunar month based on 30 lunar days or “Tithhi ”, which determines the activities for the most part, based on astrological calculations. Hindus also use the two fortnight's system as Dark half called “ Krishna Paksha” and the Bright half called “ Shukla Paksha”. The first 15 lunar days or “ Tithis” start on the New Moon day called “Amawasya” in the dark half of the month or “Krishna Paksha ” and continues through for the next 15 days to the Full Moon day called “Purnima” ending the 2 nd half or the Bright half called Shukla Paksha, where another Lunar month then begins and the 30 day cycle is restarted, as above. The tithis or lunar days are as follows “ Pratipada -Day 1, Dwitiya – Day 2, Tritiya –Day 3, Chaturti- Day 4, Panchami – Day 5, Shashti - Day 6, Saptami –Day 7, Ashtami - Day 8, Navmi –Day 9, Dashami - Day 10, Ekaadashi -Day 11, Dwaadashi – Day 12, Trayodashi - Day13, Chaturdashi Day 14 and Purnima - Day 15….this count then gets reset and restarted. One important point to note is that the western date is calculated from Midnight to Midnight , which is completely different from a lunar day or Tithi, which is calculated from “ Sunrise to Sunrise ”. This difference is what makes it confusing and troublesome for many Hindus when celebrating occasions like Shiva Raatri, Pitri Paksha, Purnima, Nav Raat or Full Moon puja dates etc. We sometimes hear of a day being celebrated on Monday for example in the English or Western Calendar, but the Hindu calendar celebrated it on Sunday, thereby confusing everyone. How is this possible? Why is it so? You see the Lunar day or Tithi goes from Sunrise Sunday morning to Sunrise Monday morning, NOT Sunday midnight to Monday midnight, which is different in scope, causing the misunderstanding. Therefore I ask you to Reflect on the explanations above and you would comprehend the idea, it is easy, it just takes some time to understand it. This is my humble attempt to help you do so, hopefully my efforts will work. Basic difference is that we work with a Lunar Day or Tithi from sunrise to sunrise and NOT a Western Day from Midnight to midnight. If you grasp that, you understood the difference.

Astrologers and Spiritualists have relied on the above calculations and system of approach as the fundamental pieces of information which are integral to the calculation, along other pieces, put together to arrive at the point of decision making. In simple terms, Astrology is humongous and this article in no way implies this information is extensive, rather I share some of the basics which many have asked me to do for their individual understanding and appreciation of events like celebrations of festivals, observances of fast, calculation of birth and deaths etc. The above system is used to calculate among those listed above, exact times for rituals, ceremonies, performance of rites, calculations of birth “Rashi or Horoscope Sign” among other things. These dates are recalculated annually and reflected on annual Panchangs used by Pundits, Astrologers and Spiritualists for daily readings, predictions and calculations, based on updated dates and times. What we must remember is how the Hindus use Astrology and how such method of calculations and predictions affect our daily lives. The effects of Astrology and Numerology (study of numbers) have played a critical role in the lives of Hindus, it can in yours too. Our saints, sages, rishis, gurus and forefathers paid tremendous importance to the relevance and impact of Astrology, as a science and way of live. We should embrace, respect and accept this Science and doctrine practice by Hindus for centuries. It is important and has serious adverse effects on our daily lives, whether we believe or not. History would tell us so, look around and some of the people you know and reflect on their experiences, before and after the exposure to Astrology and its calculations, then you'll see or appreciate. You do not have to live your life by astrology but it is certainly a guide for you, should you wish to use it. Many have changed their lives, others have benefited from various goods, while some have had their lives saved as a result. Progress or failures, success or loss, sickness or health, many of these sometimes lie in the hands of Astrology. It is your choice to take the advice, suggestions or ideas. Now that you know, you be the Judge!