Bollywood Celebrities believe in Astrology?

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What is Vidya Balan’s Date of Birth?

AstroCAMP.com, Today I was reading analysis of Vidya Balan’s birth chart by astrologer Sameer Upadhyay in daily news paper Hindustan. The point that attracted me is the time of birth. Sameer ji mentioned date of birth as 1st January 1978 whereas Wikipedia and Vidya Balan’s official website mention her date of birth as 1st January 1982. Recently the release of Kismat Konnection added fuel to her date controversy and it has gives me a reason to spend some time on birth time rectification/ verification.

After spending a little time, time used by Sameer ji looked more approporate to me and I made slight adjustment by rectifying her birth time as 10:25 PM (10:25:40 PM to be more precise) and able to verify many important events. I used Ruling Planet method in KP System for birth time rectification. From the Vedic astrologers perspective the change in time from 10:35 PM to 10:25 PM will not matter much because it doesn’t change rasi kundli.






Detailed birth chart of Vidya Balan can be found here.

I have found that Moon and Ascendant defines the look of a person. Moon sign lord is Mercury and Moon Nakshatra lord is Sun. Ascendant Sign lord is Sun and Ascendant Nakshatra lord is Venus. In totally Sun, Mercury and Venus will define her look. Sun gives majestic look and it adds ojas to the personality. Venus adds the beauty to it. Overall lagna and moon sign looks OK to me. Strong impact of Mercury in a birth chart makes one starting career early. Vidya started her career in 1995 when she was just seventeen it justifies her Virgo sign and strong impact of Mercury.

2nd sub lord Mercury indicates that she knows a lot of languages especially because it is lord of 2nd as well. Apparently she knows Tamil, Hindi, English, Malayalam, and Bengali.

Though Mars in neecha Rasi and strongly signifying 12th didn’t allow her to get any success in Mars dasa. Mars mahadas delayed her career. Her career kicked off after the dasa of Rahu. Unfortunately for her, Kismat Konnection released during Mars antardasa and this movie failed at box office. It looks like upcoming time is much better for her and we will see more successful movies from her.

As per this time, Venus bhukti under Rahu maha dasa has started from July 2007. How will be this dasa for her? Accordingly to classical astrology Venus is Rajyogakarak by the virtue of Kendra and trikona association. Lagna lord Sun is in 5th house with lord of 10th Venus constituting a powerful Rajyoga. Also generally Venus bhukti under Rahu mahadasa is regarded very good in classical astrology. Though as per KP, Venus is lord of 3rd and 10th in 4th. Due to the absence of 2nd and 11th involvement, I am finding it difficult to predict drastic improvement in her career.

Though there is definitely some positive. I checked the date of release of Lage Raho Munna Bhai and found that Sun was transiting in Venus’s start that time. We know that it was the biggest hit for her in her career. Which shows that if the improvement is not going to be drastic, still it should be significant. Also the impact of Venus will definitely add a lot of glamour to her and we will see more masala and mainstream films rather than films like Parinita. We have already seen this impact in Kismat Connecting where she played more glamorous character than before. Mercury is the lucky planet for her and it is the planet which helped her in giving successful movies like "Lage Raho Munna Bhai". Mercury antardasa will be there from December 2009 to May 2010 and it is the period where I see another blockbuster coming from Vidya. My best wishes to her.

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1. Katrina Kaif Horoscope

Gandant & Gand Mula Shanti

Getting a birth chart done is the first thing Hindus do after the birth of a baby. The objective of doing it immediately after birth is to check various yogas and dosha in the birth chart and perform any remedies if required. Especially there are certain doshas for which shanti (remedy) is required almost during initial few days of the birth.

Some of the important considerations in baby astrology are Gandant/ Moola, Yamal birth, Trik Birth/ Trikhal Dosha, birth with the teeth, same nakshatra as parents, sankranti birth, birth during eclipse (Grahan), amavasya birth, krishna chaturdasi birth etc. Recently I talked about the natal and neonatal teeth in a recent article. In this article, the first topic that I want to take is Gandant or Gandmoola.

Gand means inauspicious in Sanskrit. Certain part of nakshatra, lagna and tithi are called Gandant. Mathematically speaking, Gandant is nothing but a sandhi (junction point). Three sandhi areas are considered here – combined position of Sun and Moon (Tithi), Moon alone (Rashi and Nakshatra) and Lagna. Generally Sandhi areas are considered inauspicious in Vedic astrology. It is how Gandant is defined -

* The last 2 Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Purna Tithi (5th, 10th, 15th) and the first 2 Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Nanda Tithi (1st, 6th, 11th) are known as Tithi Gandanta.

* Similarly the last two Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Revati and first two Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Ashvini, the last two Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Aslesha and first two Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Magha and the last two Ghatikas (48 minutes) of Jyeshtha and first two Ghatikas of Mula are known as Nakshatr Gandanta.

* The last half Ghatika (12 minutes) of Meena and first half Ghatika (12 minutes) of Mesh, the last half Ghatika (12 minutes) of Kark and first half Ghatika (12 minutes) of Simh, the last half Ghatika (12 minutes) of Vrischik and first half Ghatika (12 minutes) of Dhanu are known as Lagn Gandanta.

Tithi, Nakshatra aand Lagna calculation can be found in various astrology software. You can use our free online astrology software www.astrosage.com for this purpose.

It is said in Saravali that the baby born during Gandant doesn’t live. If fortunately she lives, it will be inauspicious for the mother but the native will be rich and fortunate.

In my opinion the birth chart of the baby should be analyzed in totality on Vedic astrology principles and we should perform any remedy only if we find problems after analyzing overall birth chart. Gandant and other doshas can be one of the considerations but should not be the only consideration. If an astrologer doesn’t see any defect in the birth chart from the health and age perspective, there is no need to fear of anything. For a baby, health is for utmost importance and it is what an astrologer should analyze thoroughly after the birth. In fact, all Vedic astrology books talk about balarishta in detail.

I am not aware of any research done in the area of above doshas like Gandant, so I must say that we don’t have enough information to accept or reject it. Generally, there are lots of points made in classical astrology texts and most of these cannot be taken literarily and I believe the same for Gandant and other above mentioned doshas. I also sometimes suspect the authenticity of classical texts as all our classical texts are known to be modified over a period of time. For example take ‘Brihat Parasha Hora Shastra’ the most exhaustive and referred about text in Vedic astrology. Graha Shanti prakaran has been dealt in the end of the book and that gives me some reason to think that it has been added on later by pundits. Though I am not a historian and I’ll leave authenticity of these texts as a topic of research for them only, but I want to suggest reader of my blog not to be scared of these doshas. In case you believe in remedies, you can perform those just to get mental peace.

Remedies for Gandant
Parashar Hora talks in detail about remedies for Gandant. I am attaching this file which give you the detailed procedure for the remedies for Gandant dosha.

Related Posts:
1. Natal and Neonatal Teeth
2. Hindu Baby Names Table for Rashi and Nakshatra

Hindu Baby Names Table for Rashi and Nakshatra

In India, babies are generally named on Nakshatra and Charan. There are total 27 Nakshatra (constellations) and each Nakshatra contains 4 padas or charanas. This is a table from which you can select the namakshar (first character of the name). For example, the baby birth happened in 4th charan of Chitra nakshatra, so you have to select fourth character in the last column in front of Chitra row. The table suggests that the name should begin with 'Re' (री) alphbet of Devanagri (Hindu/ Sanskrit) Varnamala. You can find nakshatra and charan using any vedic astrology software. http://www.astrosage.com/ is a free software and you can use that as well.

No	Nakshatra	First Letter of Baby's Name for all four charan/ pada
1	Aswini	Chu (चू) , Che (चे), Cho (चो), La (ला)
2	Bharani	Lee (ली), Lu (लू), Le (ले), Lo (लो)
3	Krithika	A (आ), E (ई), U (उ), Ea (ऐ)
4	Rohini	O (ओ), Va (वा), Vi (वी), Vu (वू)
5	Mrigashiras	We (वे), Wo (वो), Ka (का), Ki (की)
6	Aardhra / Arudra (Telugu)	Ku (कू), Gha (घ), Ing (ङ), Jha (झ)
7	Punarvasu	Ke (के), Ko (को), Ha (हा), Hi (ही)
8	Pushyami	Hu (हू), He (हे), Ho (हो), Da (डा)
9	Ashlesha	De (डी), Du (डू), De (डे), Do (डो)
10	Magha/Makha	Ma (मा), Me (मी), Mu (मू), Me (मे)
11	P.Phalguni/ Poorva Phalguni / Pubba (Telugu)	Mo (मो), Ta (टा), Ti (टी), Tu (टू)
12	U.Phalguni/ Uthraphalguni / Uttara (Telugu)	Te (टे), To (टो), Pa (पा), Pe (पी)
13	Hastha	Pu (पू), Sha (ष), Na (ण), Teha (ठ)
14	Chitra	Pe (पे), Po (पो), Ra (रा), Re (री)
15	Swaathi	Ru (रू), Re (रे), Ro (रो), Taa (ता)
16	Vishaakha	Tee (ती), Tue (तू), Teaa (ते), Too (तो)
17	Anuraadha	Na (ना), Ne (नी), Nu (नू), Ne (ने)
18	Jyeshta	No (नो), Ya (या) Yi (यी), Uu (यू)
19	Moola	Ye (ये), Yo (यो), Ba (भा), Be (भी)
20	P.Shada/Poorvashaada	Bu (भू), Dha (धा), Ea (फा) Eaa (ढा)
21	U.Shada/Uthrashaada	Be (भे), Bo (भो), Ja (जा), Ji (जी)
22	Shraavan	Ju (खी), Je (खू), Jo (खे), Sha (खो)
23	Dhanishta	Ga (गा), Gi (गी), Gu (गू), Ge (गे)
24	Shathabhisha	Go (गो), Sa (सा), Si (सी), Su (सू)
25	P.Bhadra/Poorvabhadra	Se (से), So (सो), Da (दा), Di (दी)
26	U.Bhadra/Uthrabhadra	Du (दू), Tha (थ), Jha (झ), Jna (ञ)
27	Revathi	De (दे), Do (दो), Cha (चा), Chi (ची)

In certain section of India, especailly north India, the name is selected based on the Rashi (Moon Sign). Here is a table for names based Rashi -

Naming baby based on rasi (North India)

Rasi	First Letter of Baby's Name
Mesa	A, L, E (अ, ल, ई)
Vrishabha	Ba, Va, U (ब, व, ऊ)
Mithuna	Ka, Gha (क, छ, घ)
Karka	Da, Ha (ड, ह)
Simha	Ma, Ta (म, ट)
Kanya	Pa, Tha ( प, ठ, ण )
Tula	Ra, ta (र, त)
Vrischika	na, ya (न, य)
Dhanu	bha, dha, pha, dha, (भ, ध, फ, ढ)
Makar	kha, ja (ख, ज)
Kumbha	ga, sa, sha, Sh (ग, स, श, ष)
Mina	da, cha, tha, jha (द, च, थ, झ)

How to find profession of a person astrologically?

In this article I want to talk about various methods available in astrology for predicting profession of a person. This article will give summary of the some of the popular methods available as well as my view on vocation astrology. Please note that the methods mentioned here is no way exhaustive as there are hundreds or may be thousands of different methods available in astrology.

Popular view is that the 10th is the house of profession and the planet influencing 10th house gives the idea of the nature of the profession. If there is no planet in 10th house and also 10th house is not aspected by any planet, Parashar, Kalyan Varma and Varahamihira as suggested that the sign occupied by the lord of 10th house in Navamsa gives indication to the nature of profession. This is among the popular classical views.

J.N.Bhasin and several other Vedic astrologers give importance to 1st house more than 10th house for ascertaining profession.

Dr. B. V. Raman in his “How to Judge a Horoscope” says that “the lordship, aspects, location and the general strength of a planet capable of influencing the 10th house determine the nature of the results of the planet produce in its dasa.” In most of his examples, he has used 10th house only that too from the birth chart for determining the nature or profession.

Brihad Yavana Jataka suggests the sign in 2nd house, 4th house and 11th house gives the clue of the profession. Brihad Yavana Jataka talks signification of each sign in above houses in detail.

Saravali and Jatak Bharanam gives more important to house number 2, 11 and the Kendra houses – 1, 4, 7 & 10.

We must note that generally in Vedic astrology, a house needs to be judged from ascendant or Moon whichever is powerful. Mantreshwara suggests taking 10th house from the most powerful of ascendant, Sun and Moon. Though Bhattotapala suggested using all three charts i.e. Lagna, Sun and Moon and then combining the results for conclusion. This view of Bhattotapala is also supported by Garga.

Some astrologers also suggested judging 10th house in Navamsa chart the same way we judge the 10th house in birth chart. I don’t agree to this view as it goes against my understanding of the varga judgment rules.

Some classical texts suggest using Karakamsa the same way as Lagna chart, and hence some astrologers consider 10th house from Karakamsa as well.

Sephariel, one of the most popular western astrologers, has given importance to planet in angles and the planets aspecting the Sun and the Moon. Of course, when he is talking about aspects, he means western aspects and not the Vedic aspects.

Some astrologers also pay special attentions to the yogas for judging the profession. For example, presence of Rajyoga in a chart gives a clue of authority and higher position.

In some Marathi editions of Parasari Hora Sastra predictions about profession in respect of each Shasti Amsa of Janma Lagna are made. There is a table which gives possible profession for each Shasti Amsa (1/60 of a sign). This is a ready reckoner but my success rate with this table is not very high. I believe that this table needs to be rewritten keeping modern professions in mind.

K. Subramaniam, son of KS Krishnamurti, suggested judging 2nd, 6th and 10th house. He also suggested studying rasi, nakshatra and sub lords of the 10th cusp. A table having professions related to 249 subs can be found in various KP texts. This table, though gives some idea of professions related to a group of planet, cannot be used as a ready reckoner.

SP Khullar, astrologer who popularized “Cuspal Interlink” system, suggests examining 1st, 10th and 11th houses for profession. Though while examining, his emphasis is more on the house linked to above mentioned houses and not the permanent (naisargaika) nature of planets and signs.

My experience
Classical text suggests various methods, but I didn’t find any systematic approach for identifying the nature of profession. There are so many rules and almost none of them work uniformly. Based on my own experience I have found following methods work well –

Method 1.
One important observation that I have made is that the Dasamsa lagna lord gives very good clue of the nature of profession. In the Dasamsa chart, check the planet influencing lagna and lagna lord and it will give you very good indication of the nature of the profession.

Method 2.
In KP System, I check the 2nd, 6th and 11th house. This is similar to K Subramaniam’s method, though in place of 10th house, I found that 11th house gives better results. I use cuspal positions only if there are no planets in the above said houses. For example, if there are not planets in the second house, I use rasi, nakshatra and sub lord of 2nd cusp and so on.

I generally mix above to methods and got satisfactory results. We must note though that knowing the planets, signs and houses that will influence profession is not sufficient enough for predicting profession. These all needs to be combined to come up with the conclusion. The above method can give you some indications of the profession but still predicting profession precisely is going to be a difficult task for an astrologer.

If you have any question to above methodology, please feel free to leave a comment with your email id and I’ll try to answer your question.

Related Posts:
Planetary Combinations for IT/ Software Jobs
Book Review: Astrology of Professions by K.K.Pathak

Ganesh Pooja Process & Aradhana

I searched Internet for finding out the Ganesh puja process, but didn't find anything useful. So I thought I will share some articles that I have with me. Here are the three documents - one in Hindi, one in Marathi, and one in English as follows -

Ganesh Pooja Process - Hindi
Ganesh Pooja Process - Marathi
Ganesh Poojar Process - English

I wanted to share Ganesh tantric pooja vidhan as well, but that was too much work. I'll keep it for the next time.

Hope it will be useful.

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Ganesh Chaturthi/ Vinayak Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi/ Vinayak Chaturthi

4th day of Bhadrapad month in Hindu calendar is known as Ganesha Chaturthi. Though the vrat for lord Ganesha is observed on 4th day of Krishna Paksha of every Hindu month, but this is special of all. Ganesha Chaturthi or Ganesha Festival is a day on which Lord Ganesha, the son of Shiva and Parvati, is believed to bestow his presence on earth for all his devotees and hence celebrated as the birthday of Lord Ganesha. It is also known as Vinayaka Chaturthi or Vinayaka Chavithi. Siddhi Vinayak Vrat is also observed on this same day. While celebrated all over India, it is most elaborate in Maharashtra,Goa ( Biggest festival for Konkani people all over the world ) Gujarat, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and other areas which were former states of the Maratha Empire. In this year 2008, this festival will be celebrated on 4th of September.

Swami Sivananda has talked about the religious and spiritual practices that should be performed this day. Please have a look here.

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Ganesh Pooja Process & Aradhana

Hartalika Teej Vrat & Katha

Hartalika Teej (Bhadrapada Shukla Tritiya) is celebrated on the 3rd day (tritiya tithi) of the Bhadrapada month. Lord Shiva and Goddess Paravati (Gauri - Shankar) are worshipped this day. On this day, women keep fast for the long life of their husband similar to Karvachauth. Girls also keep fast on this day for getting a good husband. In this year 2008, Hartalika Teej will be celebrated on 2nd September. It is primarily observed in Rajasthan, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra. In some places, the Vrat is observed for three days but nowadays one day vrat is more common. This ritual is observed as Swarna Gowri Vratam in South India. In Nepal, Hartalika Teej is of great significance and is observed for three days and ends with the Rishi Panchami pooja.

This website talks about Hartalika Teej Vrat and Katha in detail in Hindi. Vrat and Katha can be found in English here.

Hindu Festivals & Calendar for September 2008

From this month, I am planning to share Indian festivals and important events for the coming month. Here are the same for the month of September 2008 -

2nd September – Hartalika Teej
3rd September – Vainayaki Ganesh Chaturthi, Siddhi Vinayak Vrata
4th September – Rishi Panchami
5th September – Surya Shasthi/ Lolarka Shasthi
11th September – Padma Ekadashi
12th September – Pradosh Dwadashi Vrata
14th September – Anant Chaturdashi
16th September – Ashwin Krisna Paksha begins in Hindi Calendar/ Pitru Paksha begins
17th September – Vishwakarma Puja or Jayanthi/ Ashwin solar month begins
18th September – Sankashti Shriganesh Chaturthi Vrata
23th September – Matru Navami/ National Ashwin month
25th September – Ekadashi Shraddha/ Indira Ekadashi Vrata
26th September – Pradosha Dwadashi Vrata
27th September – Month Shivratri Vrata
29th September – Pitru Visarjan/ Pitru Paksh Amavasya
30th September – Navratri Begins/ Ashwin Month Begins

Natal and Neonatal Teeth

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

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

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

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

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