sábado, 18 de octubre de 2014

BIRTH CIRCUMSTANCES

Birth Circumstances

Nothing at the moment of birth is accidental; from the number of people in the room to the weather of the day. The circumstances of birth relate to who we are and reveal the nature of our personality and karma. These factors are also very benefical for chart rectification.
Birth is the moment we come out of the womb and enter an ‘individual existence’. This sounds like a simple definition but has actually been a debate among scholars for many millenium. When exactly does ‘individual existence’ start? Advanced astrologers rectify the birth time to 24 seconds using the nadiamsha (D-150) and ardha-nadiamsha (D-300), yet still there are so many variables that there is still disagreement about the exact moment of birth.  Many people get fundamental about this topic (fundamentalism is a disease of Ketu) but we will avoid this and try to understand the sides of each factor of determination, as well as the actual science of being born. Then we will look into details about the circumstances of birth reflected in the rashi and navamsha and what this means about ourselves.
Life
Life starts before we are actually born. A living baby can be born premature or die within the womb-meaning it is alive. So when exactly does ‘life’ begin? There are many theories, we will try to understand this question from both a scientific and an astrological perspective. After we understand some of these theories, we will look at when ‘individual life’ begins.
Creating a new life begins with the sexual act called mithuna. The transiting seventh house shows the emotion between lovers during intercourse. If Mars is in the seventh house, then the individuals are fighting and arguing. If Saturn is present, then there is lack of satisfaction and closeness. If benefics are in the seventh house, the sex will be amorous and playful.  The karmas of the incarnating soul are attracted to the mental state of the man and woman at the time of copulation (which can be seen in the seventh house of the copulation time). The incarnating soul’s mental and physical nature relates to the predominat guna and doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) of the parents at the time of copulation. Sperm is released into the female partner. This is called the nisheka, which literally means sprinkling or infusion and in this context means ejaculation (Moon is käraka). The released sperm travel into the womb to fertilize the female ovum (egg) which can take anywhere from ten hours to five days. Every text containing the topic of nisheka begins with calculations for the menstruation cycle, and how it relates to Moon and Mars. Ovulation (Rtukala[1]) was understood to be sixteen days from the beginning of menstruation or twelve days from the end of it.
The moment of ‘conception’ is called the adhana. Adhana literally means depositing or placing as well as kindling or lighting a fire, in this context it means conception (Sun is karaka). The nisheka can be controlled by man, but the adhana is controlled by a higher power. The semantics of the English term ‘conception’ is debated and not used in scientific literature as it does not differentiate: the fertilization of the ovum (sperm meeting egg) or the merging of the sperm’s nucleus with the egg’s to make a zygote (taking about 30 hours), or the implantation of the resulting cell mass (blastocyst) onto the  wall of the uterus (1-2 days later).
When fertilization happens it is the beginning of a process, yet this actual process was started by the nisheka, and the process is still taking place. When the sperm and egg combine into a zygote all the genetic material that will be used to create that individual is then in place, yet the seed has no field to grow in. This cell mass continues to divide as it travels into the uterus. If there is no implantation then there is no pregnancy. In this regard, the Ayurveda texts define the embryo (garbha) as: the combination of sperm (shukra), ovum (shonita) and soul (jiva) when it has become stationed in the uterus (garbhashaya-stha)[2].
blastocystCaraka Samhita says the combined sperm and ovum go to the uterus and then the jiva, conjoined the mind, descends into the womb (avakrama) to create the embryo[3]. The mind forms the bridge between the physical matter which will become body and the jiva which is transmigrating. Caraka Samhita states that the gross body is a result of the subtle body (sukshmasharira) and can only manifest when associated with the subtle body guiding the formation of the gross body and mind according to the results of past actions[4]. This may seem clear but if the jiva does not enter until in the womb then how was the genetic material which will make the body according to its karma already processed before descending to the uterus[5]? The jiva had to be present even before the nisheka if it was attracted by the parent’s mental state during mithuna. Therefore when does the jiva enter the physical or is the jiva guiding the entire process in a transcendental state. These are the main issues of debate.
It makes minor differences for our calculations but it makes a huge difference relative to the abortion laws and regulations of a country; are drugs that stop implantation to be called as birth control or abortificiant? Did life begin at fertilization, or implantation? If there is no pregnancy (garbha/ embryo formation) can it be said that life has begun?
Jyotisha has various calculations to differentiate the nisheka from adhana; the nisheka is obvious as it is the finishing of copulation, the adhana has some adjustment calculations. For each of these times, a chart can be cast and indications about the pregnancy and future child can be seen. Some astrologers do not differentiate the difference between nisheka and adhana. In the case of In-Vitro fertilization, these times can be drastically different. There is a case where a woman at Israel’s Hadasa Hospital became pregnant with embryos that had been frozen for twelve years[6]. The nisheka and adhana were twelve years apart. BRhat Jataka mentions certain combinations for delayed delivery, one of which refers to twelve years[7]. The nisheka and fertilization were done at one time, then frozen. The conception/implantation/ adhana happened twelve years later.
These conception charts indicate the health of the mother during pregnancy and delivery as well as the formation of the child. For example, if at the moment of conception malefics occupy the twelfth house, and benefics don’t aspect the lagna, or Saturn occupies the lagna and is aspected by Mars the pregnant woman will pass away[8]. Most of the combinations that indicate death of the mother, will indicate delivery complications in this age. Relative to the child, when the lagna of the conception chart is occupied or aspected by a benefic planet, the child will be healthy, prosperous, and strive for all types of knowledge[9]. There are also combinations for producing a female, male, hermaphrodite, or twin children. There are simple and complicated calculations for timing delivery[10]. There are also negative combinations such as: if a malefic conjoins the Moon (with no benefic influence) in the last navamshas of Cancer, Scorpio, or Pisces then the child will be born deaf[11]. There are various combinations to be avoided. For this reason in ancient times, royal families were very particular about times to conceive children. Many traditional Jyotisha texts give detailed information about determining conception time.
The Horasara states that all rules of the nisheka chart are also applicable to a prashna of the same topic. This text also gives various techniques to predict about the gender of the child and the time of delivery using prashna[12].
Conception Chart Calculation
How many people actually have their conception chart? Very few. The Rshis also had this issue and therefore discovered techniques to work backwards from the natal chart to get the conception time. A few rules have been listed below to determine the conception time from the birth chart. There are other techniques available but these are simple guidelines which give relatively accurate results.
1. Count 273 days backward from the birthdate. [This technique will not work if the individual was born premature.] A sidereal lunar month is 27.3217 days. This multiplied by 10 months is 273 days. (Thirty days in a solar month multiplied by nine results in 270 days).
2. Notice whether the lagnesha is in the visible (dRshya) or invisible (adRshya) half of the zodiac. The invisible side is the middle (15º) of the ascendant to the middle of the seventh house. If the lagnesha is in the invisible side then the the birth took less time while if it is in the visible portion it took more time.
3. Saturn and Gulika are the karakas for the papa-karma, un-wholesome action, which leads to your re-birth. They represent suffering and its results. Calculate the difference in degrees between Saturn and Gulika, then reduce by multples of thirty to have a number under 30. Turn these degrees into days and either subtract or add this to 273 days depending on whether the birth took less time or longer.
4. The Moon at conception should be in kendra to the natal Moon. This is used to rectify the day calculation to the appropriate Moon sign.
5. The lagna of the conception chart is the seventh from the child’s Janma Lagna. That which was the seventh house of the conception chart becomes the lagna [or navamsha lagna] of the individual. There is a great revelation hidden in this technique. The seventh house of the conception chart shows the mental and emotional qualities between the parents at the moment of creating the individual. This seventh house sign then becomes the rashi or navamsha lagna of the individual’s birth chart. In this way, the guna (levels of rajas and tamas) and doshas (levels of the elements) of the parents dominant at the time of conception influences the nature of the child as stated in the Ayurveda texts.
Creating the Perfect Child
180px-Views_of_a_Foetus Leonardo da Vinci.How to make the child you want to have. If only there was a good recipe that was sweet and simple. Can you control the birth time? Or at least the circumstances of the birth?
As you will see below, there are all types of combinations showing the nature of the individual soul and how this reflects in the circumstances of birth. One such combination in the child’s chart shows whether the father was present at the birth or not, so then is that the father’s decision or the child’s. My wife’s father was in the delivery room for many hours waiting for her arrival. After the night had passed he left to get a morning coffee. When he returned twenty minutes later, his daughter had been born. In her chart, the Moon does not aspect lagna or lagnesha. He missed the birth even though he was right there trying to be present.
In my own daughter’s navamsha chart, Sun and Ketu were conjunct and in trine to Jupiter. Wow, if Jupiter could be in the navamsha lagna and Sun and Ketu in the fifth, then she would be an incredible astrologer. I put the ghee lamp in the northwestern direction to allow the Sun to be in the fifth. There were complications during labor and we had to go to the hospital for final delivery. Now, with that Jupiter in the navamsha seventh and in trine to Sun and Ketu she’ll marry a good astrologer.
An associate of mine was consulted by a gentleman who wanted a chart to have his child born through cesarean (when the doctor surgically removes the child). He asked for a chart best for politics and wealth. There was no reason for the mother to have a cesarean birth except that the father was trying to control the child’s destiny. In these cases, negative combinations show up in the chart which were overlooked by the astrologer, or other such things happen. We must be careful how we try to control destiny- as destiny is daiva, which comes from the devas, and it is not our job to play god.
We get what our karma gives us. A child is only the power of ones own fifth house. Caraka says that the child resembles those things which the mother thinks in her mind during conception[13]. Therefore instead of trying to control the destiny by fixing the lamp in the room in a certain way or manipulating the birth we must instead focus on inner cultivation of ourselves. Everything in our life is just a reflection of our own growth and consciousness- therefore we must clean the dirt from ourselves not from the mirror. Garbhadhana-samskara is the purification process done before two prospective parents decide to conceive.
Tradition teaches us that before conceiving we should do various sadhanna and rituals to purify and prepare ourselves. In our Jyotisha tradition, the paramguru fasted for forty days and went on pilgrimage to the temple of the kuladevata (family deity) before conceiving. In this way, Freedom Cole says that one must perform spiritual penance, and pray to the divine for a child. How to get an artist- pray to the goddess Sarasvati and perform her rituals. In this way, we ask destiny (daiva) to bless us and we earn this blessing. The moment of nisheka is also to be performed with intention and at a beneficial muhurta. Then you surrender (prapatti) and trust in the Supreme. Muhurta is like archery. You take your time, eye the target, watch your breath and mind, and at the right moment you release the arrow. Once it is released there is nothing you can do but surrender, if the wind blows or you didn’t aim properly then the arrow will miss. It is the intention and action at the beginning that determines the outcome. In this way we strive for the proper intention when we create a child.
When people come to the astrologer with the wrong intention, it is almost impossible to find a good muhurta. While people of good actions with pure intention choose beneficial muhurtas by chance. So what happens when a pregnancy comes by accident? We often end up with a child who does not know their purpose in life. Their intention for creation was accidental and unconscious and this lack of clarity gets reflected in their life. The fifth house (which is the basic representation of offspring) is our mindfield (chitta) and desires, therefore what we create. As individuals we need to be conscious of what we are trying to create in this world, where we are headed, and what we are trying to achieve with our life. An individual who prays to Vishnu everyday to be of service to the Lord and offers their life to the betterment of the world, or one who prays to Sarasvati everyday to create things that bring more light into this creation are sure to have their creations blessed and guided by a higher power. Therefore, an accidental birth of such an individual will carry the same intentions. In this way, to create a wonderful child, we purify ourselves; our actions and desires.
The Months of Pregnancy
Birth and Birth-time
Birth and Death: the Cycle of Life
Casting the Chart: the Child is Born
Circumstances of Birth
Nurses in the Room
The Dipa
Pain to the Mother
Absence of Father
Adoption Combinations
Birth Marks and Body Markings
Naming
The complete article is available in Jyotish Digest Vol. V/Issue 1 or as Chapter 6 in Science of Light Vol II

TURMERIX EXTRACT SUPERIOR TO PROZAC FOR DEPRESSION- SRI JAGANNATH JOURNAL

Groundbreaking Study Finds Turmeric Extract Superior to Prozac for Depression

Gelbwurz / CurryA new study published in the journal Phytotherapy Research has confirmed for the first time in a randomized, controlled clinical trial that the primary polyphenol in turmeric known as curcumin is both safe and effective in treating serious states of depression.
Authors: Sanmukhani J1, Satodia V, Trivedi J, Patel T, Tiwari D, Panchal B, Goel A, Tripathi CB.
Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat,India.

Abstract

Curcumin, an active ingredient of Curcuma longa Linn (Zingiberaceae), has shown potential antidepressant-like activity in animal studies. The objectives of this trial were to compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Herein, 60 patients diagnosed with MDD were randomized in a 1:1:1 ratio for six weeks observer-masked treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg) and curcumin (1000 mg) individually or their combination. The primary efficacy variable was response rates according to Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, 17-item version (HAM-D17 ). The secondary efficacy variable was the mean change in HAM-D17 score after six weeks. We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM-D17 scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58). Interestingly, the mean change in HAM-D17 score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.

Views

The research was performed at the Department of Pharmacology, Government Medical College, Bhavnagar, Gujarat, India, and involved patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).  The objective of the trial was to compare the efficacy and safety of curcumin with fluoxetine (Prozac) in 60 patients diagnosed with MDD. Subjects were randomized to receive either a six week treatment with fluoxetine (20 mg) and curcumin (1000 mg) individually or their combination. Success of the treatment was evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17). The results were reported as follows:
We observed that curcumin was well tolerated by all the patients. The proportion of responders as measured by the HAM-D17 scale was higher in the combination group (77.8%) than in the fluoxetine [Prozac] (64.7%) and the curcumin (62.5%) groups; however, these data were not statistically significant (P = 0.58). Interestingly, the mean change in HAM-D17 score at the end of six weeks was comparable in all three groups (P = 0.77). This study provides first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD without concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders.

viernes, 17 de octubre de 2014

KUJA MANGALA DOSHA

The nature of Mars (Kuja) is fire. He is deemed to be malefic. He is the lord of two houses in the Zodiac, namely Mesham (Aries) and Vruschikam (Scorpio);Makaram (Capricorn) is house of exaltation (Utach) and Karkatakam (Cancer) is the house of debilitation for Mars. Budha (Mercury) is enemy to Kuja (Mars).Ravi (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Guru (Jupiter) are friends to Mars (Kuja; Mangala); Sani (Saturn) and Sukra (Venus) are neutrals (neither friend nor enemy) to Mars. But Mars is enemy to Saturn. Mars is neutral to Raahu and Kethu. Venus and Mars are mutually neutrals. Sun and Mars are mutually friends. Mars is neutral to Moon. Mars and Jupiter are mutual friends.Mars has retrograde (vakra-gathi) motion and also stand-still (sthambhana) state. Due to this stand-still characteristic Mars (Kuja) can stay in a house (rasi) for more period than is usually destined). 
If Mars (Kuja) is ill-disposed in any horoscope, some remedies are prescribed in Hindu astrology. 
(1)Recite (Japam) of Sri Subrahmanya manthra 108 times thrice a day. Perform milk abhisheka and ashtothara puja to Lord Sri Subrahmaneswara on one Tuesday every month. Do japam (recitation) of Kuja sthothra manthra 7,000 times every month during Kuja periods.
2) You can chant the following mantra for Kuja dosha nivaaranam, 108 times daily, during the malefic periods of Mars: "Om Namo Mangale, Mangala-adhaare, Maangalye, mangala-pradhe, Mangala-artham, mangaleshi, sou-maangalyam che dehi me; aayu, arogya, aiswaryam dehime dhiyam !"
(3) Wear a gold ring with a coral (pagadam) to the left hand ring finger (anamika).
(4) 
Give (alms-offering) daanam 7 lbs. of redgram (Kandulu; toor daal) to a temple-priest / purhohit / Brahmin ; the sincere practice of these three remedical measures can reduce the ill-effects. (to be discontinued) ================== You can get my full particulars from my web-site :



THE NINE PLANETS. NAVAGRAHA

Navagraha Nine Planets Hindu Astrology

Navagraha or the Nine Planets has great importance in Hinduism and Hindu rituals. Navagrahas are considered to play a major role in deciding the destiny of man. The Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). It is believed that these nine planetary deities influence human lives and is responsible for all good or bad times, one faces in life.

Navagrahas – The Nine Planetary Deities in Hindu Astrology

The details of the nine planetary gods in Hindu religion are given below.

Lord Surya – The Sun God

Lord Surya or the Sun God occupies the central place amongst the navagrahas facing the east. Also known as Ravi, Surya is the Lord of ‘Simha Rashi’ or Leo sign in Zodiac. Surya’s  vahana is a chariot drawn by seven horses. The seven horses represent the seven colors of the white light and seven days of a week. He presides over ‘Raviwar’ or Sunday, his color is red and gemstone is ruby. The practice of doing Surya Namaskar is a good practice for a healthy life.Konark Sun Temple in Orissa and Suryanar Kovil near Kumbakonam in Tamilnaduare two famous temples of Lord Surya.

Lord Chandra – The Moon God

Chandra is a lunar deity and is also known as Soma. The Moon represents the mind, feminine nature, beauty and happiness. He is believed to ride his chariot across the sky every night, pulled by ten white horses or an antelope. He is also called ‘Nishadipati’ and ‘Kshuparaka’. Lord Chandra is also one of the Gods of Fertility. Chandra is the god of Karka rashi or cancer zodiac sign. The mental stability and well being of a person largely depends on the placement of the moon in his horoscope. As Soma he presides over ‘Somavar’ or Monday and gemstone is pearl. Thingaloor Kailasanathar Temple near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu is one of the main Lord Chandra Temples in India.

Picture of Navagrahas the Nine Planets in Hindu Astrology

Mangala - Planet Mars

Mangala, also called Angaraka, is a ferocious god with four hands. He is considered to be the son of Prithvi or Bhumi. Mars is referred to as a ‘hot planet’ and protector of Dharma. He holds weapons in his two hands while the other two hands are held in abhaya and varada mudras. Mesha rashi (Medam) and Vrischika Rashi (Vrischigam) (Aries and Scorpio signs) are ruled by Mangala or planet Mars. He controls the muscular system of the body an also rules over nose, forehead and circulatory systems. His vehicle is Ram (a type of sheep) and his color is red. The day of Mangala or Mars is Tuesday and gemstone is coral. Pullirukkuvelur Vaitheeswaran Koil in near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu is one of the famous temples of Mangala or Kujan.

Read about Remedies for Mangal Dosha

Budha – Planet Mercury

Budha is generally represented with four hands, three of his hands holding a sword, a shield and a mace respectively while the fourth one is held in usual varada mudra. He rides a carpet or an eagle or a chariot drawn by lions. Mercury represents one’s intelligence and communication. The planet governs the nervous system. His color is green his day is Wednesday or ‘Budhwar’ and his gemstone is Emerald. Budha is the God of Mithuna Rashi and Kanya Rashi in Astrology. Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple near Sirkazhi in Tamilnaduis one of the main Lord Budha Temples in India.

Brihaspathi – Planet Jupiter

Brihaspati also known as Brahmanaspati is the guru of Devas and is praised in many hymns of Rig Veda. Brihaspati is described of yellow or golden color and holding a stick, a lotus and his beads. Jupiter symbolizes knowledge, love and spirituality. The planet rules the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fat and arterial system. The day of Jupiter is Thursday and gemstone is Sapphire. Dhanu Rashi and Meena Rashi are ruled by Brihaspati or planet Jupiter. One of the famous Brihaspati Temples in India is the Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

Shukra - Planet Venus

Lord Shukra or Planet Venus is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. Sukra is of whit complexion, middle aged and is generally shown with four hands riding upon a golden or silver chariot drawn by eight horses. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow. Shukra Dasha actually remains for twenty years in a person’s horoscope and this planet is believed to give more wealth, fortune and luxury living, if positioned well in one’s horoscope. Venus symbolizes love and passion. The day of Venus is Friday and gemstone is diamond. Vrishaba Rashi (Edavam) and Tula Rashi (Thulam) are ruled by Lord Shukra or planet Venus. Kanjanoor Agneeswarar Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one famous Lord Shukra Temples in India.

Shani - Planet Saturn

Lord Shani is regarded as a troublesome god and is capable of breaking fortunes by his influence and position in the planetary system. Lord Sani is generally shown with four hands riding upon a chariot or a buffalo or a vulture. Shani is seen holding a sword, arrows and two daggers. Saturn is often referred to as ‘dark planet’ and symbolizes longevity, misery and grief. The day of Saturn is Saturday and gemstone is Blue Sapphire. Kumbha rashi and Makara rashi in zodiac signs are ruled by Lord Shani or planet Saturn. Shani Shingnapur Temple in Maharashtra and Thirunallar Darbaranyeswarar Temple in Tamilnadu are two famous Lord Shani Temples in India.

Read about Remedies for Shani Dosha

Rahu

In Hindu mythology, Lord Rahu is described as the head of a demonic snake that swallows the sun and moon, causing eclipses. Rahu is a shadowy planet and do not have any special day dedicated to him. He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding on a chariot drawn by eight black horses. When Rahu is affected one faces several miseries and obstacles in the way of success. The gemstone of Rahu is Gomedh or Honey Colored Hessonite. Tirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one of the famous Lord Rahu temples in India.

Kethu

In Sanskrit, Kethu (Dhuma Ketu) means comet. It is also a shadowy planet and is depicted as the tail of a demon snake. In the images he is usually shown with a poke marked body, riding upon a vulture and holding a mace. Lord Kethu is the representation of karmic collections both good and bad, spirituality and supernatural influences. The gemstone of Ketu is Cat’s Eye. Kethu Naganathaswamy Temple in Nagapattinam District of Tamilnadu is a famous Lord Kethu temple in India.

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WORSHIP AT THE TEMPLE

Vaitheeswaran Temple Pullirukkuvelur Tamil Nadu

Vaitheeswaran Koil or Pullirukkuvelur Temple is one of the nine Navagraha Temples in Tamilnadu and is the Navagraha Stalam associated to Angaraka or Sevvai or Kuja (Planet Mars- one of the Navagrahas). Located near Sirkazhi, the shrine is about 24 km from Chidambaram, 50 km from Kumbakonam, and 4 km from Mayiladuthurai on the Chidambaram Road. Similar to other Navagaraha Temples, the main deity of Vaitheeswaran Kovil is Lord Shiva as Vaidyanathaswamy and Goddess Parvathi Devi as Thaiyalnaayaki. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Vaitheeswaran, which literally means the "Lord Doctor" who can cure all diseases. Thaiyalnaayaki is seen carrying the "Sanjeevi Thailam", the medicinal oil for all illness.

Angaraka or Mangal (Planet Mars) worship is of great importance here and this is the uniqueness of this temple. Also known as Sevvai or Chevvai, the bronze image of Angaraka is placed in this shrine. This is taken out in procession on a goat mount every Tuesday, as Tuesday is considered as an auspicious day to worship Sevvai.

Picture of Vaitheeswaran Temple, Angaraka or Mars Navagraha Temple in Tamilnadu

Lord Muruga is worshipped here as Selvamuthukumaraswamy (Selva Muthukumara Swamy). The temple also has a shrine dedicated to Lord Dhanvantari or Dhanwantari, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and the God of Ayurvedic medicine. Another important feature of the temple is the shrine dedicated to Jvaraharesvara (Lord of Fevers). There are around eighteen theerthams (holy tanks) seen here, out of which the Siddhamirtham tank is of most important one. The nectar with which the Sidhas worshipped Lord Shiva is said to have flown into this theertham.

About The Temple

Pullirukkuvelur (Pul - Irukku - Vel – Ur) obtained its name as Jatayu (Pull), Rig Veda (Irukku), Skanda (Vel) and Surya (Ur) are said to have worshipped Shiva here. Vaitheeswaran Koil has several mandapams and four rajagopurams and a significant feature in the temple construction is that the western tower allows the rays of the Sun to fall on the Shivalingam (Shiva Linga) for a few days every year. Inscriptions from the period of Vikrama Chola (12th century CE), the Nayakas (16th century CE) and the Mahrathas (18th century) are seen here. The temple is situated on the northern side of the Cauvery River.

Vaitheeswaran Koil History

The term Vaitheeswaran means ‘Lord Doctor’ in Tamil. Legend has it that Angaraka was suffering from leprosy and was cured by Lord Vaidhyanathaswamy. Hence, it is believed that a bath in the holy waters of the Siddhamirtham tank will cure all diseases. It is also said that Lord Ram and his brother Lakshman did the rituals for Jatayu here (Jatayu is the divine bird mentioned in the Hindu epic Ramayana). As such a pond is found here called Jatayu Kundam. Another importance of the temple is that the Saptarshi or Saptarishi (Sanskrit word which means "Seven Sages") have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Prasadam

The ashes here, referred as Thiruchandu Urundai, is supposed to cure all the diseases. It is prepared from Homa Kundam. Another medicine is Chandan (sandalwood powder) with Saffron.

Offerings 

As Sevvai is attired in red colour, he is offered with Thoor dhal and red arali flowers during Poojas. Besides, Milagu (Pepper) and Salt with Jaggery are offered in the Siddhamritam to get rid of diseases. Offerings of unrefined sugar are also placed here.

Worship

Tuesdays are preferred for the worship of Angaraka. If one observes the fast on Tuesday for 21 times, the unlucky influence of Mangal (Tuesday) can be got relieved. Generally, six worship services are offered daily. Kartikai (Karthigai) is celebrated in a great manner. The annual Brahmotsavam is celebrated during the Tamil months of Pankuni and Thai with much religious fervor.

Temple Timings

Vaitheeswaran Kovil is opened from 7 AM to 12.00 PM and 4 PM to 8.30 PM daily. The opening and closing timings may change during special pujas and festive occasions.

How to reach Vaitheeswaran Temple 

Vaitheeswaran Kovil is 24 km from Chidambaram, 50 km from Kumbakonam, and 110 km from Thanjavur, in Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Kumbakonam railway station is the nearest railhead. The Mysore Express train passes through Mayiladuthurai from Mysore via Bangalore, Salem, Erode, Trichy, Tanjore and Kumbakonam.

Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport is the nearest domestic airport. The nearest international airport is the Chennai International Airport.

Nearby Attractions

Nadi Jyotisa or Nadi astrology is a popular form Hindu Vedic astrology practiced here. It is believed that Hindu sages in ancient times have written down the past, present, and future lives of all human being in Nadi Grantha or Palm Leaf Manuscripts. If you believe in astrology you can try Nadi Jyotisha near Vaitheeswaran Kovil.

Bhramapureeswarar Temple at Sirkazhi, in Nagapattinam District is just 20 km from Mayiladuthurai. Thirukkazhiseerama Vinnagaram Perumal Temple andThiruvenkadu Swetaranyeswarar Temple (Budha Stalam) are located nearby.

LORD MANGAL KUJA NAVAGRAHA PLANET MARS

Lord Mangal Kuja Navagraha Planet Mars

Lord Mangal, also known as Angaraka or Kuja or Chevaai, is one of theNavagrahas worshipped according to Hindu Vedic Astrology. Mangala, the red planet Mars, is the son of Prithvi or Bhumi, the Earth Goddess and hence is also known as Bhauma. He is the God of War and is celibate. Lord Kuja is the owner of the Aries and Scorpio signs and the teacher of the Ruchaka Mahapurusha Yoga. Mangala is depicted in red or flame color, with four arms carrying a trident, mace, lotus and a spear. Kujan is mounted on a ram and presides over Tuesday.

According to Astrology, Mangala dominates three Nakshatras, namely, Mrigashirha, Chitra and Shravishtha or Dhanista.

Picture of Lord Mangal or Kuja Chevvai, Planet Mars, one of the nine Navagraha

Associations of Lord Kuja 

Color – Red
Metal – Brass
Gemstone – Red Coral
Element – Fire
Direction – South
Season – Summer
Grain – Toor dhal (split pigeon peas)

Temples of Mangala or Kuja 

Lord Angaraka worship is of great importance at Vaitheeswaran Koil or Pullirukkuvelur Temple which is located near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu.

THE SPARK OF PASSION AND THE 5TH HOUSE

For most people, if they could pull off making a living doing what they loved, they would. There’s plenty of advice out there that encourages us to follow our passion and live an inspired life, but how often do we associate these qualities with the 5th house? Not often enough, in my opinion. Yet, that is exactly what we should do, because the 5th house represents our spark of passion. Why? Let’s take a look.

The Dharma Houses and the Fire Element
The 5th house is a trinal or trikona house and as such is a member of the Dharma House Trine - 1, 5, and 9. Dharma means life purpose. When we’re living in accordance with the dharma houses we’re motivated because our life has meaning and purpose. These are considered “fire houses,” because they correspond to the fire signs Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius respectively. When we’re aligned to our dharma, we’re on fire, excited, our passion is sparked, and we feel moved by spirit. The word inspire comes from the Latin word spirare, the root word of spirit, to breathe life into. So the dharma houses can show us what would help us live feel alive, connected to spirit, and inspired. We need that spark to feel motivated enough to overcome the obstacles we’ll inevitably face.

“When you are inspired by some great purpose, some extraordinary project, all your thoughts break their bonds: Your mind transcends limitations, your consciousness expands in every direction, and you find yourself in a new, great and wonderful world. Dormant forces, faculties and talents become alive, and you discover yourself to be a greater person by far than you ever dreamed yourself to be.” ~ Sage Patanjali in The Mahabhasya

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." ~ Harold Whitman

The Dharma Houses as Opposite the Kama Houses
The kama or desire houses, 3, 7, and 11, are opposite the dharma houses, 1, 5 and 9. The kama houses ask, “What do I want to do?” while the dharma houses ask, “What should I do?” or “What am I called to do?“ The kama houses are also social or “air houses,” corresponding to the air signs, Gemini, Libra and Aquarius respectively. Therefore, the question of “What do I want to do?” is usually within a social context. Whereas, the dharma houses ask, “What am I called to do?“ within the larger context of one’s life purpose, which the fire element represents. It’s a much deeper question searching for what makes our life meaningful, rather than just pursuing the fulfillment of desires.

The Dharma Houses as Friendly to the Ascendant
The ascendant or 1st house is the most important house, not only within the Dharma House Trine, but also among all the twelve houses. It’s the starting point for interpreting a chart, and constant reference point, because it’s the house of the self, identity, and one’s main character traits. It’s the filter or window through which all other houses can be seen.

The other two dharma houses, 5 and 9, are considered friendly to the ascendant, being of the same sign element. For instance, if your ascendant is an earth sign, then the 5th and 9th houses will also be earth signs. Also, the three dharma house lords will always be members of the same family of natural friends. The two families of natural friends are: Saturn, Venus, Mercury and Jupiter, Mars, Sun and Moon. Therefore, the 5th and 9th houses will always compliment the ascendant. They will be the most beneficial house lords, along with the 1st lord, due to their collective status as the temporal or functional benefics in the chart. Therefore, if you can identify any houses as capable of giving the most benefit, it’s the dharma houses. For all these reasons, it’s generally advisable to design your life in accordance with whatever the dharma houses represent.

The Dharma Houses and Purva Punya
We typically think of the 5th house as the house of purva punya, or past life merit. But all three of the dharma houses, 1, 5, 9, generally represent where we’ve acquired positive karma from past lives. This is why they’re considered friendly and beneficial to us, and their lords are the temporal or functional benefics in the chart. Their dashas will tend to be periods of the return of our good karma, and are generally more beneficial than the dashas of other house lords. This makes sense based on the principle of Bhavat Bhavam, or house-to-house relationships, because the 9th house is the 5th house from the 5th house, and the 1st house is the 5th house from the 9th house.

The 5th House – Acquired Knowledge, Skills, and Talents
Of the three dharma houses, the 5th house is unique because it’s the 3rd house from the 3rd house. The 3rd house is the house of hobbies and interests. As the higher octave of the 3rd house, the 5th house represents our strong and intense interests, what we’re passionate about. As the primary house of purva punya, it also represents where we’ve focused our energies in past lives, and developed as our acquired knowledge, skills, and talents. To direct our efforts towards these natural strengths is always a good idea, since we’re likely to be met with the most success with the least effort, while at the same time feeling the most inspired.

My Jyotish guru, K.N. Rao, emphasizes the 5th house for career and educational counseling. See the following quote from chapter three of his book, Yogis, Destiny and the Wheel of Time:

"In a series of horoscopes I have tested career patterns, talents, gifts - normal and supernormal, by focusing on the fifth house and the fifth lord from the Lagna (ascendant) and the putrakaraka of Jaimini."

The 5th house corresponds to the 5th sign of Leo, which is the sign of the creative faculty and self-expression. The 5th house is also well known as the house of children, however, when our concept of childbirth expands to include our creative expressions, what we produce, our “creative babies," we gain a broader understanding of its significance.

The 5th House and Educational Counseling
As a stepping-stone to career, decisions about education can be crucial for career outcomes. Therefore, educational counseling is a valuable service that a Vedic astrologer can render. It can save someone a lot of time, money, and unhappiness. If someone can be guided toward their strongest interests, skills, and talents represented primarily by the 5th house, then they’ll have the best chance to succeed, and will be ultimately the most fulfilled.

However, there’s differing opinions amongst Vedic astrologers about which is actually the house of education. Generally, north Indian astrologers attribute the 5th house, while south Indians give the 4th house. Both are right. The 4th house represents education that is acquired at home, as well as at a compulsory foundational education setting which is typically through high school (pre-college). But as soon as there is choice in educational subjects it becomes a 5th house matter, which is what is relevant for counseling purposes.

This is well supported in the classic texts. For instance, the sage Parashara emphasizes the 5th house for education. Here's a quote:

"From the 5th house are to be seen amulets (yantras) sacred spells (mantras), learning, the splendor of the intellect, knowledge (vidya), sons (children), capacity to manage affairs (royalty), and fall from position (8th house from the 10th house)." - Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, verse 6, chapter 13

This quote suggests that the 5th house is the process of learning, increasing knowledge and exercising the intellect. We can see what a person will be interested in studying primarily by the 5th house, 5th lord, and Mercury regardless of whether it's formal or informal education. The 5th house is primarily seen for undergraduate studies, whereas the 9th house, being the 5th house from the 5th house, is the house of post-graduate studies and higher knowledge.

Another hint from classic texts that education can be seen from the 5th house is in the Jaimini Sutras. In the Jaimini system, the karakamsha lagna and the 5th house from it indicate one's professional inclinations and the educational training suitable for that profession. Here's a quote from the sage Jaimini:

"If Venus is alone in the Karakamsha or in the 5th from it, one becomes a poet, an eloquent speaker, and a good critic of literature." - Jaimini Sutram

Synthesizing Many Factors – A Flexible Methodology
Interpreting the horoscope is always a matter of analysis and synthesis: analyzing many factors and synthesizing them into a cohesive logical interpretation. So then it becomes a matter of knowing what factors to analyze and for this there are always varying opinions amongst astrologers.

For the purpose of determining what a person would be strongly interested in studying and developing into a career, we need to primarily examine the 5th house, 5th lord, and karaka of education, Mercury. Mercury will show us what someone is interested in studying. Next, K.N. Rao recommends looking at the 5th house and 5th lord from the karaka Mercury itself.  This needs to also be combined with an understanding of one’s basic personality traits and inclinations represented by the 1st house and 1st lord. Here’s a quote from K.N. Rao from the forward to Naval Singh’s book, Planets and Education:

“It is the lagna and lagna lord who hold the key of everything in life, including education.”

Also, it’s useful to add the examination of the Sun and Moon, karakas of personality, as well as noting the dasha running at the time of study. The Sun becomes doubly important because it’s the karaka of the 1st house of personality as well as 10th house of career. There are many other factors that are worthwhile examining like the other important karaka of education as well as of dharma/inspiration, Jupiter. Looking at the nakshatra of the 5th lord is also very useful. If we’re using the Jaimini system, then we can also focus on the karakamsha lagna and 5th house from the karakamsha, as well as the putra karaka (PK: planet with 5th highest degrees). There’s also great value in examining the D9 navamsha chart and the D24 chaturvimshamsha charts for education. However, in the following example charts we’ll limit our analysis to these three areas:

1. Personality Indicators: 1st house, 1st lord, Sun and Moon
2. House, house lord, and karaka: 5th house, 5th Lord, Mercury, and 5th house from Mercury.
3. Dasha running at time of choosing field of study.

The first two areas are static, unchanging, and the dasha running is dynamic, ever changing. Just looking at the static unchanging indications in the natal chart is not enough, because our interests, values, and priorities all change with changing of the dashas. If you focus on these three areas then many important clues will not be missed. The strongest planet(s) combined with the dasha running will ultimately decide the choice of education and career direction.

Three Questions: What, When, How
There are three kinds of questions that typically arise with regards to education:
1. What to study?
2. When to study?
3. How successful will studies be?

In the following example charts we’ll focus mostly on what to study.

Artistic vs. Technical Planets
K.N. Rao makes a useful broad distinction between benefic and malefic planets for the purpose of educational counseling. He describes the benefic planets: Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, and the Moon as predominately artistic planets, and the malefic planets: Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu as predominately technical or scientific planets, with the Sun as a mild malefic, representing less technical subjects like political science. This provides a basic starting point for deciphering planetary combinations as seen in educational/career patterns.

Example Chart #1: Donald Trump

trump chart

Billionaire real estate developer Donald Trump, has the 1st lord Moon in the 5th house. One of the many indications of the 5th house is speculation, and Trump is the epitome of a speculator. Notice how the Moon is aspected by both the 2nd lord, Sun, from the 11th house, and 5th lord, Mars, from the 2nd house. The ascendant lord, Moon, therefore, is involved in multiple dhana or wealth producing yogas, between 1st lord and 2nd lord, and 1st lord and 5th lord. So, of all the 5th house indications we need to lean toward the financial ones, like speculation and investments to understand what this guy is all about. At first glance, you may think that Trump is a mystic with the Moon debilitated in Scorpio with Ketu. Not with the aspect from two masculine, ambitious planets like the Sun and Mars, from materialistic houses the 2nd and 11th. In this case, Ketu with the Moon indicates that he can be sneaky and deceptive in his dealings. The 5th lord Mars in the 2nd houses says a lot about where his passion lies: to make money, lots of it! Mercury as the 12th lord, in the 12th house, gives him international dealings and ambitions. Looking at 5th house from Mercury, again we’re seeing a strong dhana yoga with the 5th lord, Venus, combined with 9th lord, Saturn, in the 2nd house.

He started business school in his Venus-Rahu dasha. Venus is the 4th lord with the 8th lord, which is a combination for real estate renovation, which is how he eventually made millions. The 4th house is the house of real estate, and the 8th house is the house of transformation. Rahu, the sub dasha lord, is in the 11th house with the 2nd lord, which is a combination that’s showing obsessive and excessive ambition for gains. No wonder he chose to attend business school. He says that he flirted with the idea of going to film school, but ended up choosing business. Rahu with the Sun in the 11th house is a combination for being a bit of a showman, which he actualized later in his life in Jan 2004, during his Rahu-Jupiter dasha when he aired his first episode of his reality TV game show, The Apprentice.

After graduating from business school in his Venus-Jupiter dasha, he went to work at his father’s real estate renovation company in New York and made millions in his Venus dasha. Notice how Jupiter is the 9th lord, representing the father, aspecting the Sun also representing the father. This forms another powerful dhana yoga in his chart between the 9th and 2nd lords, and indicating how he benefitted tremendously from his father’s influence.

Example Chart #2: Bill Gates

gates chart

Similarly to Donald Trump, notice how in the chart of Bill Gates, the multi-billionaire founder of Microsoft Corporation, the ascendant lord, is aspected by both the 2nd lord and 11th lord forming multiple dhana yogas. Likewise, the Sun is also associated with 5th and 9th lords, Venus and Saturn, forming an extremely strong lakshmi yoga. Certainly his passion has been, like Trump, to earn vast sums of wealth, since the 1st lord, Sun, Moon, and 5th lord are all involved in powerful dhana yogas. Because Mercury is exalted in it’s own sign of Virgo in an angular house it forms a bhadra mahapurusha yoga, which also repeats from the Moon (Chandra lagna). When Mercury and/or the 5th lord is strongly placed then it indicates someone with high intelligence. This is certainly the case in Bill Gates’s chart with Mercury exalted, and the 5th lord Venus in its mulatrikona sign of Libra, and both placed in angular and trinal houses respectively.

His ascendant is Gemini, the 3rd sign of the natural zodiac, which along with Mercury represents communication and computer technology, while his ascendant lord Mercury is combined with Mars, a technical planet. This certainly shows his interest in computer technology, especially because Mercury is also place in its exalted sign of Virgo. It was in his Mercury-Saturn dasha that he began his undergraduate studies at Harvard University. This makes sense since Mercury is the karaka of education (along with Jupiter), and Saturn is in the 5th house conjunct the 5th lord, Venus. However, as soon as his Ketu mahadasha began in 1975 he dropped out of college, to go through the preparation stages of forming Microsoft. It was in his Venus dasha following Ketu that his lakshmi yoga involving Venus became activated and he soon became one of the richest men in the world.

Both Trump and Gates have Venus conjunct Saturn, in the dharma houses 1st and 5th respectively. Both are designers (Venus) of structures (Saturn). Trump designs buildings, and Gates designs computer operating systems.

Example Chart #3: Stephen King

king chart

Stephen King is one of the most prolific writers of all time, specializing in contemporary horror and suspense thrillers. His books have sold over 350 million copies and many have become movies as well.

Similar to the chart of Donald Trump, he has Cancer ascendant with the Moon with Ketu in Scorpio. Both Trump and King are highly creative with the lagna lord in the 5th house, and in both cases Mars is connected with the ascendant lord, Moon. In King’s chart the Moon is in exchange with 5th lord Mars, in Cancer. This forms a parivartana yoga and neecha bhanga raja yoga, giving cancellation to the Moon’s debility. The Moon is not only in the 5th house, it combines with the other two dharma house lords, Mars and Jupiter. This also repeats from the Moon (Chandra lagna). This is an extremely creative combination, because the Moon is with Jupiter a benefic artistic planet, in a watery creative sign of Scorpio, and Jupiter also aspects the ascendant from the 5th house, a creative house. He produces book after book and has an abundance of creative ideas. This is further enhanced by the fact that the Sun is with exalted Mercury, the 3rd lord in the 3rd house, along with the planet of creativity Venus. The 3rd house, Mercury and Venus all represent writing. If we look at the 5th house from Mercury, we see that the 5th house and 5th lord, Saturn, is with the 3rd lord, Mars, representing writing. Malefics and the 8th house represent horror. In King’s case, the 5th lord Mars is with the 8th lord, and this from Mercury, the karaka, the 5th lord Saturn, is with the 8th lord, Mars. This is indicates his passion for suspense and horror.

It was in his Venus mahadasha that he began undergraduate studies in literature, a subject represented by Venus. Venus is also conjunct exalted 3rd lord, Mercury, further indicating a direction is writing and literature. Venus also has its debility cancelled by association with its debilitation lord, Mercury. This is a good example chart of why we need to factor in the mahadasha lord as an important influence on our choice of academic studies.

Example Chart #4: Deepak Chopra

deepak chart

Here is the chart of Dr. Deepak Chopra who has been a pioneer in the field of alternative medicine as a prolific writer and speaker. Notice how the 1st lord Saturn is placed in the 6th house of illness and healing. When we read the chart from the Moon (Chandra lagna) Saturn becomes the 6th lord and aspects the ascendant. This shows a strong connection with the medical field. In addition, Mercury, which happens to also be the 5th lord, and the Sun are conjunct Mars, a technical scientific planet. He began his undergraduate studies in Mars-Venus dasha. Mars is with 5th lord, Mercury, and Jupiter, both karakas of education, indicating a dasha focusing on education. Venus represents biology and Mars and Venus form a parivartana yoga between the 9th and 10th lords. The mahadasha lord, Mars, is also with the Sun, karaka of the body and the medical field. To be a medical doctor is also to be in the role of advisor, consultant, and educator. Therefore, the 9th house, the house of teaching, and Jupiter, the guru and advisor, must also be strongly positioned in the chart of medical doctor. It was in the dasha sequence of Mars followed by Rahu, two technical scientific planets, that he became trained as a medical doctor.

As in the chart of Stephen King, Jupiter aspects the ascendant, the 5th house, and the 5th lord, giving him an abundance of creative ideas. The 5th lord, Mercury in the 9th house with Jupiter, the Sun and the 10th lord, gives him the qualities of a teacher and educator. It has been since his 16 year Jupiter dasha, which began in 1983, that he has become known as a new age guru. This makes perfect sense since Jupiter is placed in the 9th house, the house of higher knowledge and wisdom, with his 5th lord. It was in this dasha, that teaching and writing became his passion.

Utilizing the D24 Chart for Birth Time Rectification
Deepak Chopra’s chart is a good example of how we can make use of the D24 chart for birth time rectification purposes. His given birth time is 15:51. However, if you move his birth time back just one minute to 15:50, it changes his D24 lagna from Taurus to Aries. This makes much more sense, because he moved to the USA for post-graduate studies in Rahu-Jupiter dasha in the summer of 1970. With Aries ascendant, Rahu is aspected by 9th and 12th lord Jupiter. The 9th house represents post-graduate studies, and the 12th house represents foreign countries.

Conclusion
In each of these example charts, the 5th house and 5th lord have been shown to have a significant influence on educational choices and career directions. Ultimately, the 5th house, and collectively the three dharma houses, represents the spark of inspiration, which gives our lives meaning and purpose. To focus on these houses, house lords, and karakas, along with an intelligent blending of the dashas that a person is in, is safe ground for an astrologer when making recommendations about education and career patterns. You will likely do him or her a great service.

"Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls.” ~ Joseph Campbell, author of The Hero’s Journey

Vaughn Paul Manley, M.A, (Pavitran) is a full time Vedic astrologer who has been practicing professionally since 1992. He has a master's degree in counseling psychology and an elementary school teaching credential. He is a certified teacher and tutor with the American College of Vedic Astrology (ACVA), and is a contributing author for the ACVA Online Course. He has been a presenter at ACVA Conferences, has taught in Japan, and also in India at K.N. Rao’s school, Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan. His articles have been published in The Journal of Astrology, The Mountain Astrologer, Express Star Teller, CVA Journal, and Zento Magazine. Many of his articles and lessons have been translated into Japanese and Russian.

He has spent 16 months in India studying with such well-known astrologers as his Jyotish guru, K.N. Rao, editor of the Journal of Astrology, and the late R. Santhanam, translator of the classic text, Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. While completing his master's degree in Santa Fe, New Mexico he tutored for three years with Vedic scholar Dr. David Frawley, former president of ACVA, and author of Astrology of the Seers. He lives in Maui, Hawaii.