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Lead Article
Biochemistry in
Ancient India
T
HE GREATEST DISCOVERIES and inventions of
the modern generations, are already lying prefigured
in the unlimited ocean of Aryan Sciences, A credit which
belongs to one nation for what it has achiceved should
not be grudged to be given to it if it makes good its claims-
India has long been before the intellectual world. The
Vedas and Puranas the Yogas and the Sankhyas, the
Grammar and the Logic, the Mantras and the Tantras
are not the work of invention of any laterday priestcraft.
They are perfectly incapable of bringing into existence
that which with all the attempts of the world have not
been able to do Before the Mohome-dans came to India
the Greeks had already admired the wonderful literature
and sciences of India, Three thousand years ago or
more properly five thousand years ago, India showed
signs of intellectual decay while other nations were trying
to make a name in arts and sciences on the ruins of their
Aryan predecessor. After the war described in the
Mahabharata it appears certain that the Aryans in India
lost considerably their intelllectual and physical
supremecy. We can well account for this- Duryo-dhanas
fall meant the fall of a great and consolidated &
prosperous empire. In the ruinous war that was waged
for 18 days, between the Pandus and Kurus almost every
prince and chieftain of any pre-tensions in India must
have taken tome part or other in this famous war and
although Pandus finally overthrew the legitimate Sovereign
Duryodhana they did so at a great sacrifice of relations
and friends. Nations were ruined and there must have
been anarchy for a long time which followed this epoch
until an apology for peace and prosperity pre-vailed The
best men in arts and scien-ces must have perished in the
convolu-tions of this fearful war, and thus the prosperity
and intellectual pride of India attained through vast series
of generations must have received a rude shock from
which, we are of opinion, it never fully recovered. It would
be absurd, therefore, to say that India knew nothing of
physical sciences before the dawn of History,
Mahabharata, appears to be admittedly 5,000 years old,
and if this is taken for grantedas it must be then we
have an older and more valuable book in the shape of
Ramayana com-posed by Valmikibearing the proud
title of Muni-Pungava. He calls it adikavya or the first
epic poem and this must certainly have been immensely
old and highly respected when Vyasa wrote and
composed his Mahabharata, Brahma-tutras and his
immortal Bhagavadgita and the 18 Puranas. Vyasas
acknowledgement of Valmikis superiority, and his non-
disputing the proud title of Audikavi, given to Valmiki is
certainly the best testimony we have, and we can rest
assured that if Valmiki was duly appreciated and
respected by Vyasa, he must have been a most wonderful
personage to exact intellectual homage by its greatest
giant- Valmiki exhibits a profoundity of research into
terrestrial and celestial phenomena that is considered
almost impossible to guage the intellectual reach of this
great Rishi. Valmiki composed a work on the physical
sciences called Bhoota Tatwa Praka-sika. This work
is an exhaustive one and has been condensed into a book
called the Tatwasagard by the learned scientist
Kshiraswami. We have to go into some details before
the expressions used in these sciences could be
understood and the explanations will show the depth of
the intellectual development which the ancient Hindus had
attained at the very start of the Aryan invasion. It is alleged
(This article is reproduced from our old records specially since January 30th happens to be my great grandfather Prof. B. Suryanarain
Raos Birthday - The sacred Ratha Saptami day. In rememberance, we are reproducing his genealogy on page 27 of this issue.)
PROF. B. SURYANARAIN RAO
FEBRUARY 2012 5
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BANGALORE NIRANJAN BABU
V
ASTU AND JYOTISHA are inter-related and inter
dependent. Vasati Iti Vastu means the place in which
you dwell is Vastu. When we speak of a dwelling we
invariably speak of the directions and the five elements
of nature. When we speak of directions we speak of
rulerships. Vastu identifies the rulership of the four cardinal
directions north, east, south and west with Soma or Kubera,
Aditya, Yama and Varuna respectively. The four angular
directions northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest
are assigned to Easha, Agni, Gagana and Pavana
respectively while the central sector of an area is assisgned
to mother earth Prithvi. Astrological texts assign the
four cardinal directions north, east, south and west to
Mercury, Sun, Mars and Saturn while the four angular
directions northeast, southeast, southwest and northwest
have lordships of Jupiter, Venus, Rahu and Moon
respectively.
Fourth House
The fourth house relates to property homes, sites and
ancestral, apart from habitational needs of peace,
happiness, mother, domestic life, conveyances, etc. With
this we see that the proper selection of conveyance and
property based on both Vastu and astrological aspects can
Vastu,
Property and Fourth House
contribute to peace and happiness (to and from mother
too) and harmony in the home. Fourth house in ones
birth chart should be read with respect to the running dasa
and bhukti and transits thereof. Based on this the relevant
directions/sectors should be made Vastu appropriate to
minimize the effects of planetary imbalances and optimize
the benefic planetary strengths. This apart based on your
ascendant certain planets are benefic and certain malefic.
Application
If your birth ascendant (in your vedic horoscope) is Taurus
(Vrshabha), Saturn is the best benefic since he is lord of
the 9
th
and 10
th
houses (trine and quadrant) and becomes
a yogakaraka . This means the importance of west as a
compatible direction is seen for the native. In fact Vastu
texts, referring to West, tell us Paschima
Pushtivardhanam West is increase of prosperity and
welfare. Mercury - north, Mars - south and the Sun
east, are also benefic. By giving West strength in terms
of heavy landscaping in the site and by way of thick walls,
heavy furniture, etc within the home and the room of the
native, negatives indicated by Saturn in ones horoscope
can be minimized considerably. When we consider the
ascendant Cancer (Karkataka Sri Ramas ascendant),
Mars (5
th
and 10
th
lord, yogakaraka)
and Jupiter become the benefic
planets. This means the south and
northeast are the important areas
which one should strengthen.
Verbatim Use
Word for word use of book rules is
not right. For instance, if in your
horoscope, the fourth house is
occupied by Mars or Saturn, the
indication is that one will lose his
property. This means in the property
that you own, the two relevant
sect ors of Sout h and West ,
primarily, and other relevant sectors
are to be made Vastu appropriate
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Yamakanda and Yamakantaka: Which Is Correct?
Are Yamagandakalam and Rahukalam Mahaadoshas or
major afflictions? Opinions are different and diverse. While
some hold that these are to be avoided for electional
purposes others hold that they need not be given much
importance. DR. RAMAN has also opined fully in support
of the contentions that they need not be bothered about,
too much.
By way of clarification some have suggested that
Yamaganda and Yamakantaka are quite two different
factors. They clarify that while Yamaganda is like
Rahukalam and is relevant in electional astrology,
Yamakantaka is an Upagraha like Mandi and is relevant
only to natal horoscopy.
Definite or specific scriptural sanction is found lacking to
clinch the difference between them. However, the popular
view held by scholars like late Mr. V. A. K. Iyer is that
only Yamakantaka, with a faulty pronunciation, came to
be called as Yamaganda, in due course of time. While
there is no dispute to the fact that either Yamakantaka or
Yamaganda, in whatever way it is called, is accepted as
the son of Jupiter, (illicit or otherwise), the Yamakantaka
is held as good as Guru and taken as auspicious. On the
other hand, Yamaganda, by popular convention is held as
inauspicious and unsuitable for auspicious deeds.
Necessarily, therefore, only one of these contentions can
stand the test.
Phaladeepika speaks very clearly about the
auspiciousness of Yamakantaka in chapter 25 slokas 18,
19 and 21. Though later works like Kaalavidhana and
other Muhurtha Granthas give malefic attributes to
Yamaganda and its kala or period, it must be noted that
the earlier works mention only the good effects of
Yamakantaka.
Jyothisha Chinta Nidhi
YAJNAVALKYA
The problem arises because both the Yamakantaka and
Yamaganda periods coincide and there can be no one
period, which can be deemed as harmful as well as
beneficial simultaneously. It is reasonable that the average
reader may want to be kept informed of the correct
position. There is some strength in the argument of late
Mr. V. A. K. Iyer that Yamakantaka is the correct term to
be used to signify the time periods attributed to it to dispel
the mistaken notion by calling it Yamaganda, which name
itself carries with it a specific malefic import. The views
of DR. RAMAN also appear to be in conformity with this.
The argument is that Yamakantaka, being the son of Jupiter
can only be auspicious because Jupiter unquestionably is
a benefic according to astrological scriptures. Gulika,
deemed to be the son of Saturn, is termed as malefic in
horoscopy. However, its kala or period is taken as good
for auspicious deeds. So, it goes without saying that the
nature of the Upagrahas and their role in natal horoscopy
are not in agreement with their benefic or malefic qualities
for their respective kalasor periods of time.
Now, how can an average reader and believer in astrology,
get out of this confusion? Definitely he will have no other
option but to compromise with one of the following two
options. As a first option he can take the Yamakantaka
Kalas as good except on Thursdays and ignore the adverse
Yamaganda Kala results enunciated for the other
weekdays. Or else, he can stick on to the Yamaganda
Kalas, mentioned in the panchangas as bad and reckon
the Yamakantaka Upagraha for natal horoscopy alone, by
following its rising time schedules and ignore them for
Kala calculation.
With everything said and done, these Kalas of Muhurthas
are followed only in some parts of the land and their
importance is only strictly regional. On the other hand,
the Upagraha calculations have wider connotations, in
applied astrology.
(Our senior contributor Yajnavalkya provides you, every month, especially students some succinct notes on
select astrological topics of interest )
pees ef Le<e ef evlee ef veef Oe
FEBRUARY 2012 9
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V. R. SOUNDAR RAJAN
Mr. V.R.Soundar Rajan, with a
Diploma in Mechanical Engineering,
has served Anna University,
Chennai for over thirty years. He
has been rendering astrological
counseling for two and half decades.
Mr. Soundar Rajans training has
been under Pandit Asuri
Venkatachary .
Next
Prime Minister
India
of
Unhappy is the man or the nation which, when the divine moment arrives, is found sleeping or unprepared
to use it, because the lamp has not been kept trimmed for the welcome and the ears are sealed to the call.
But thrice woe to them who are strong and ready, yet waste the force or misuse the moment; for them is
irreparable loss or a great destruction. Sri Aurobindo
I
ndias independence is such a period; our nation accepted the moment and welcomed the situation.
In Indias independence chart, Lagna was Taurus and Moon sign is Cancer. Starting Dasa was Saturn
and sub dasa was also Saturn. Saturn Dasa was completely headed by Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru.
During Mercury Dasa, the nation was led by Mr. Lal Bahadur Shastri and Mrs. Indira Gandhi. During
Ketu Dasa, it was Mr. Rajiv Gandhi. The complete confusion arose during Venus Dasa when Mr. P.V.
Narasimha Rao, Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee and (now) Mr. Manmohan Singh were the popular Prime
Ministers. The table indicates Sun Dasa, for the independence chart, began in September 2009.
Mahadasa From To
Saturn 1946-09-10 1965-09-10
Mercury 1965-09-10 1982-09-11
Ketu 1982-09-11 1989-09-10
Venus 1989-09-10 2009-09-11
Sun 2009-09-11 2015-09-11
Moon 2015-09-11 2025-09-11
Mars 2025-09-11 2032-09-11
Rahu 2032-09-11 2050-09-11
Jupiter 2050-09-11 2066-09-11
Navamsa
Mercury
Jupiter
Moon
Saturn
Venus
Rahu
Sun
Ketu
Mars
Ascendant
India
Rasi
Mar s
Moon
Saturn (R)
Sun,Venus
Mercury
Ketu
Ascendant
Rahu
Jupiter
FEBRUARY 2012 17
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A
NCIENT INDIAN EPICS and festivals have both
religious and moral implications. Moral values are
disguised in them and have to be drawn out. Even the
religious practices or rituals like prayer, homa (havan)
and so on are full of moral values, if we understand their
inner meaning. Those moral values are to be imbibed by
humanity to meet the materialistic onslaught. Here an
attempt is made to analyze
Mahasivratri, one of the
important Hindu festivals to
bring out its significance and
inner meaning or its moral
ethical side. Generally, people
follow rituals mechanically,
which does not help to realize
the purpose of festivals. It is
hoped that this short article
would help the reader to
understand the values
underlined this festival, to
assimilate them and practice in
their day to life, thus making
life more wholesome and
derive enduring happiness.
Mahasivaratri or the great
night of Lord Siva, being one
of the important Hindu
festivals, is celebrated with
devotion and religious fervor
to propitiate Lord Siva. Unlike celebration of other
festivals, Mahasivaratri festival is not celebrated with
festivities, revelry and gaiety;, on the other hand, it is
celebrated with solemnity and piety and devotional
fervor.. This is so because, Lord Siva is the very
incarnation of vyragia or renunciation or sacrifice of
Mahasivaratri
Its Significance
DR. A. SREEKUMAR MENON
physical pleasures. and he is in deep meditation in most of
the times.Lord Siva is the most powerful deity and one
among the trinities,Bhrahma, Vishnu and Mahesvara
among Hindu deities. Siva means being auspicious and
power or energy, the most powerful God of Hindi
pantheon.. This year Mahasivaratri falls on 20th February.
It is believed as the most auspicious time to invoke the
blessings of Lord Shiva by day
long worship.Due to unique
planetary position, a powerful
natural upsurge of energy is
said to occur on that night in
the human system.Worship on
this day is considered
beneficial for ones material
and spiritual wellbeing. Lord
Siva is the destroyer of evil
and protector of good. Those
who utter the name of Siva on
this night is said to be free from
ones past sins and wrong acts
committed and would enjoy
material prosperity and peace.
Celebration starts on the day
of Mahasivaratri. Devotees
wake up early morning and
after ritual bath, wear new
clothes and visit Siva temples
for worship. They observe
strict Vrata or follow acts of discipline. Fasting or going
without food is one such act of self-control or being
oblivious of body consciousness which lead to unholy life.
There are people who do not drink even a drop of water
till next day. Sivalingam or Idol of Siva is worshipped
throughout the night. Abbishekam or ritual bath is most
Dr. Athickat Sreekumar Menon hails from Nallepilly villiage of Palakkad Dist, Kerala . He has excellent academic and professional back
ground with a masters and doctorate in Psychology and Management. Has done post-doctoral work in Australia. Recipient of five post-
graduate and doctoral fellowships including one from the Ford Foundation, U.S.A., he has held senior positions in India and abroad .
Has published five original books on Management of which two have received All India awards. He is also the recipient of N.I.P.M award
and Wills Award of Excellence. Authoring several original articles on Management and Human Values he has delivered many (highly
valued) lectures in India and abroad. He is an original thinker , voracious reader , prolific writer and an eloquent speaker. He is keenly
interested in human welfare and youth development . He continues to have active professional interest dating back to five decades.
FEBRUARY 2012 13
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I
N THE TODAYS WORLD, in
whichever way you turn, you will
find invariably every other person
claiming to know Jyothisha, as
imperfect as possible. However,
those who have really mastered this
divine science of Jyotisha and more
importantly those who could really
predict are extremely rare.
Astrological prediction is a different
set of ball game. It requires specific
skills that can be acquired only by
divine worship or spiritual Sadhana
The truth is, Astrology is not only an
art as well as science but is also an
expression of spiritual evolution of the
Diviner or Astrologer .Our ancients
knew that very well. Gaining of
knowledge in Horas (Text books)
should go hand in hand with the
spiritual sadhana of the Astrologer,
if his prediction has to come correct
was the sermon preached by the great
Masters of yesteryears.
I would like to introduce our esteemed
readers to two gifted Astrologers,
who cared least for any type of
publicity and whom the world of
astrology should and must know.
Chellapan Aasan
Astrology and Kaniyar
community
In the entire world, only in the state
of Kerala, one can find a caste
assigned exclusively for the purpose
of casting and delineation of
horoscopes and for conducting
prasna. They are known as
Kaniyar
Great
Daivagjnas
MADHU N. NAIR
In the caste hierarchy, Kaniyars
come in the low rung of the ladder;
nevertheless, even in those dark age
of untouchables, the Kaniyars
were never denied access to the
house of the Royals and the chieftains
due to their profound knowledge in
Jyothisha with that of Sanskrit and
computational skills.
Kaniyars believe that they are the
chosen ones and learnt Jyothisha
directly from the mouth of Lord
Subramanya, the presiding deity of
Jyothisha. Kaniyars are now re-
christened as Ganakas or one well
versed in computation. Anyway, the
new generation has distanced
themselves from Jyothisha activities.
Early Years of the legend
Chellapan was born in the Kaniyar
community. As is usual in his
community, at that time, he learnt
Jyothisha in the traditional way
starting with memorizing the slokas
of Brihat Jataka of Varahamihira,
popularly known as Hora in Kerala
and other texts like Prasnamarga and
of course some rare slokas passed
by one generation to the other
including that of Skanda Hora,
supposed to have written by Lord
Subramanya Himself and regarded
as the first text book in Jyothisha.
Appearance and personality
Chellapan stood apart in any crowd
due to his majestic appearance .He
was more than six feet, clean shaven
and with broad shoulders.
Practice and fame
Chellapan started practicing at the age
of 17 and it is said that he rose to fame
in 1950s, in a prasna connected with
a murder case. From the horary,
Chellapan himself was able to tell one
very clearly for what one approached
him and his objectives.
It so happened that a Nair feudal
landlord after murdering his wife and
burying her in the backyard advertised
in the local dailies that apt reward will
be given to anyone who will provide
any information about his missing wife
and lodged a complaint with the
police. The man came to Chellapan
and did a prasna and the former
reportedly told him that he murdered
his wife and buried her in the backyard
of his house. Later when the defence
counsel examined Chellapan how he
could tell about the fact, Chellapans
reply was that it was through
Jyothisha
The word Aasan is a title of
reverence and is synonym with the
master or teacher. Chellapan used to
be addressed as Chellapan Aasan. It
is said that Aasan did the match
making for more than 15,000 couples,
through, three generations, with
precision and infallibility.
This scribe is one of the very few who
knew the Aasans uncanny ability in
Mushti Prasna You take anything
in your hand; close the fist and ask
him what the fist contains. With his
cowries (sea-shells) that he uses for
all the computations, within seconds,
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MESHA (Aries)
Aswini, Bharani and Krittika 1
The Sun helps you. Mercury graces you Venus also helps
you. Others do not.
This does not offer a good picture. Yet some of the
favourable planets give good results. The problems of
dislocation and skirmishes that perturb you continue.
Your problems in the family also give concern. Some
travels, which you do not like also, take place. They
may be the constraints caused by profession. You
succeed partially in your missions, no doubt. But the
overall picture is unsatisfactory. You are often misled
by people with evil designs and when you face the
problems your associates silently keep away. They
may indulge in character assassination and cause
numerous problems. With all these, you get wealth
and acquire valuable goods. Newly weds enjoy
themselves. In conjugal life there will be some
happiness. Proposals for marriage may click with great
effort at times. On the whole, this is a mediocre period.
Aswini: There will be problems of health, giving concern.
You vanquish your enemies and earn wealth. There will
be some unfavourable currents.
Bharani: Many favourable currents cheer you up.
You win disputes. There will be favours of senior
relatives.
Krittika 1: There will be favourable currents and fruitful
exercise of influence. Your health gives concern. There
will be gains from enemies.
VRISHABA (Taurus)
Krittika 2, 3, 4, Rohini and
Mrigasira 1, 2
The Sun is partially favourable. Mercury, Venus and
Saturn grace you. Others do not.
This offers a fairly good picture. It is true that you exercise
your influence and try to cut the Gordian knot at times.
But in the neck and neck fight with your rivals you are
the loser. But there are many good experiences which
cheer you up. You get recognition in profession and get
the well-deserved elevation and enjoy perquisites. There
is flow of money and the development of personality helps
you. Some of your acts get accolades and you feel that
you are a fortunate father.
Your relatives admire you for your abilities. Your integrity
and truthful words also give you a dignified position. In
matters of disputes, your acts of arbitration solve the
problems to the extent of losing your image. Occasionally
you are misled by people particularly in matters of travel.
There are many things to the proud of. But the plans for
travel do not succeed. With all these things this is a good
period from the point of view of prosperity.
Krittika 2, 3, 4: There will be problems of health. Those
with be chronic illness should be careful. There will be
many favourable currents and success in disputes.
Rohini: There will be gains from investments. There
will be success in lawsuits. Many unfavourable currents
cause dissatisfaction.
Mrigasira 1, 2: There will be problems of health. Injuries
are likely. There will be many favourable currents and
the favour of men of consequence.
This Month for You
FEBRUARY 2012
VARAHAMIHIRA
The Sun enters Aquarius on 13
th
February. Mercury leaves for Aquarius on 10
th
February and Pisces
on 27
th
. Venus enters Pisces on 3
rd
February. Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are respectively in
Leo, Aries, Libra, Scorpio and Taurus.
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PANCHANGA
February 2012
The Astrological eMagazine
First column gives the English dates and next to it the names of the regional months and dates. The ending moments of
Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana are given in the 24 hour clock extending to 30 hours.
Of the Nityayogas, Vishkumbha, Parigha, Vyatipata, Vajra, Vyaghata, Vaidhruthi, Sula, Ganda and Atiganda are generally
spurned for auspicious events and they are marked in red in the Panchanga. Vydhruti pervades from 34640 to 360 and
Vyatipata from 21320 to 22640 of the sum of the Nirayana longitudes of the Sun and the Moon. Vydhruti and Vyatipata
punyakaala are observed on the day when the yogas prevail for 1 hours or more, when Sraddha is performed by the
astute. These two belong to the shannavati -96- Sraddhas ordained for a householder. Considering the astronomical
implications, the Sayana Vydhruti and Vyatipata days are also indicated in the Panchanga. The auspicious Amritayoga and
Siddhayoga and inauspicious Maranayoga and Prabalarishtayoga come under Amirtaadiyoga scheme and are different
from the Nityayogas.
The Karana is the half of the Tithi. They are mainly classified as Sthira - fixed or immovable and Chara or moveable. The
Chara Karanas are seven in number and the Sthira are only four. The fixed ones are inauspicious. They are Sakuni,
Chatushpada, Naga and Kimsatugna. The seven movable Karanas are in their order, Bava, Baalava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara,
Vanija and Vishti (or Bhadra.) Among the movable Karanas Vishti or Bhadra is considered to be of dreadful. The
forbidden Karanas are marked in red for easy identification.
We have most of our religious observances pegged on to the Tithis. Pournamipooja Chandradarisana,
Sankataharachaturthi Vrata, Shastivrata, Ekadasi Vrata and Pradosha are specially mentioned in the Panchanga.
Pournamipooja is done in the evenings on days the full Moon is prevalent. Chandradarisana is observed on the evening
on the day when the crescent Moon appears for the first time in the west after the Amavasya. Chaturthi of the Krishnapaksha
or Bahula Chaturthi of every month is known as Sankataharachaturthi. The evenings of Sukla and Krishna Trayodasi
days are specially observed as Pradosha Vrata days.
The important dates and festivals for December 2011 are as follows:
1. Wed - Krittikavrata; 3. Fri - Jaya Ekadasi. Bhisma Ekadasi; 4. Sat- Bhisma Dwadasi; 5. Sun - Pradosha;
7. Tue - Maghi Pournima. Taipoosam. Pournamipooja. Vadalur Jyothi Darisana; 10. Fri Sankataharachaturthi;
13. Mon - Sayana Vyatipata. Shastivrata; 14. Tue - Ashtaka (Sakashtaka) Vaikkatashatami (Kerala) Kalashtami;
15. Wed - Ramadasa Navami. Anvashtaka; 16. Thu - Birthday of Swami Dayananda Saraswati (Founder of Arya
Samaj); 17. Fri - Vijaya Ekadasi (for Smarta); 18. Sat - Ekadasi (for Vaishnava and Vidhava) Satilla Ekadasi;
19. Sun - Pradosha. Sivaji Jayanti; 20. Mon - Maha Shivaratri. Sravanavrata; 21. Tue - Sarva Amavasya;
23. Thu - Chandradarisana. Birthday of Sri Ramakrishna; 25. Sat - Sayana Vaidhruthi. Masa Chaturthi;
28. Tue - Shastivrata. Krittikavrata; 29. Wed - Holastaka.
Moon in Mesha enters:
Vrishabha on 1st at 12h.44m; Mithuna on 4th at 00h.07m; Kataka on 6th at 08h.10m; Simha on 8th at
12h.52m; Kanya on 10th at 15h.27m; Thula on 12th at 17h.31m; Vruschika on 14th at 20.13m; Dhanus on
17th at 00h.05m; Makara on 19th at 05h.14m; Kumbha on 21st at 11h.55m; Meena on 23rd at 20h.42m;
Mesha on 26th at 07h.57m; Vrishabha on 28th at 20h.50m.
The Sun in Sravana enters: Dhanishta Nakshatra on 6th at 23h.52m; and Satabhisha nakshatra on
20th at 04h.24m. The Sun enters Kumbha rasi on 13th February at 13h.58m.
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I belong to the Mulakanadu Andhra section of the Brahmin
Community, and descended from the stock of the venerable
Vasishta and claim that Gotra. Twelve generations ago my
ancestors resided in Walaja Nagar, under the patronage of
the Nawabs of Arcot and the neighbouring Polagars and
they had distinguished themselves by performing sacrifices
or Yagnas, by simple and holy lives and by the religious
fervour of their exemplary and virtuous lives. My family
records give me the following names of my ancestors:
1. Sarana Varjhulu ... Had performed Yagnas or
sacrifices.
2. Konda Varjhulu ... - do -
3. Naga Varjhulu ... - do -
4. Mallava Dhanlu ...Religious and holy Brahmins.
5. Malla Bhatlu ... - do -
6. Lingappagam ... Devoted themselves to
public and private business
and service.
7. Venkatappagaru ... - do -
8. Venkatagiriappagaru ... - do -
9. Parayyagaru
10. Venkataramaniahgaru
This was my grandfather who was born in 1747 A.D. and
died in 1828 A.D. having lived 81 years. He married first
Narasamma and had two sons by her. After her death he
married Naranamma when he was nearly 60 years. He
commanded 500 horse and a suitable corps of infantry under
Hyder and Tippu and changing his life into civil, he was an
Amildar and became Peshkar of Kikkeri, Channarayapatna
and Devanhalli, in which last place Hyder first made his
political entry. My grandfather had two daughters and five
sons by bis second wife and my father Gopala Rao was the
third son and the most lucky among the lot. My father was
born on the 17th July 1816 on Friday, the 10th lunar day of
the dark half of the month Ashadha, at about 15 ghatis after
sunrise when the constellation Bharani ruled with the dasa
of Venus, He was only 12 years when his father died and
My Genealogy*
PROF. B. SURYANARAIN RAO
had to educate himself, as best as he could. He was of
slender build, energetic, strong and extremely active in work
which I have inherited from him to a large extent. My mother
Rukminiamma was an intelligent, quiet going and very
handsome woman and she died when I was about 10 years
old. My father could read and speak about ten languages and
filled various posts in the Ganjam District and became Manager
or Dewan of Parlakimidi Zamindari. He was an expert in Mantra
Sastras, and highly religious and obliging. He would never flinch
from doing an obligation and brought me up with great care
and love. The following is his horoscope :
Mark the positions of planets
in all the kendras. In addition
to his onerous duties, he
completed the gigantic task
of completing with his own
hand, one crore and twenty-
five lakhs of Rama Namas or
names of Sri Rama and
concluded the religious rites
connected with them four
months before his death. He died in his 76th year on the
morning of 27th August 1891 and was therefore 75 years
and 40 days according to English calculations. My mother
bore six children, four daughters and two sons, and I am
the second. My elder brother Jagannatha Rao entered Mysore
Service retired as an Amildar and died in December 1915.
I was born on the Rathasaptami, Tuesday, in the month of
Magha in Rakshasa at about 14 ghatis after sunrise at
Chicacole and my horoscope is given on the next page.
An incident occurred in my fifth year which has influenced
all my life to a. remarkable extent. My first Akshara-bhyasa,
education, began at Parlakimidi in my fifth year and I slept
that night with my father. I dreamt that I was taken to
Suryaloka to the presence of the Sun, made to sit on his
lap, and given some Payasam (wheat preparation) by his
wife Chayadevi and after a greal deal of love, the Sun putting
his hands on my head, observed that I would live long, be
happy and become a great scholar and author. I awoke and
related my dream to my father, who had already anticipated
* Ack;Brihat Jataka published by Ms/: Motilal Banarsidass, New Delhi
Mercury
Rasi
Rahu
Venus
Sun
Moon
Ascendant
Jupiter
Ketu
Mars Saturn