V K Shridhar

Anusha Ji, Yes, it is not working. When I shall find time, I shall update it. It may take long time, pl bear with us. --- V K Shridhar

Anusha Ji, The website was long back made & I had / have no time to modify the same. You are right, by filling the times corresponding to specific weekday; you can get the starting & ending moments of the various Miuhurtas / Kaalas - there are inbuilt calculations made therein. Should I find time, I shall update the website; but it serves the purpose of the readers like you, who can fill in the data themselves. ... V K Shridhar

RAHU KAAL – TRUTH & MYTH Vedic electional astrology has no reference of Rahu Kaal. Yet it is feared the most in elections resulting colossal waste of time. Its duration on weekdays is incorrectly conveyed by newspapers & Indian ephemerides. In Indian astrology the most misused & misguided is certainly “Rahu Kaal”. It is specific 1/8th daytime part of the weekdays which is assumed to be ruled by Rahu – the Lunar Node. It is not effective during nighttime. In southern part of India it is assumed to be highly malefic that people residing in that part do not initiate any activity even it may be most trifling, what to talk about the important life activity. They do not initiate any activity during this period, & wait for its expiry. Thus colossal time is wasted in this superstition. Most of the news papers published in southern India do mention duration covered by Rahu Kaal along with Yamghanta Kaal, on the top of their front page for guidance of their readers. The people do follow the said time blindly without knowing about the same - this is opined as the worst misguidance by the astrologers to their followers. Three aspects of Hindu / Vedic astrology the most exploited / misused are : a) Marriage compatibility (matching of horoscopes of prospective couple) b) Kaal Sarp Yoga – its interpretation in nativity and its propitiation, & c) Rahu Kaal (Rahu Kaalam) in electional astrology. On examination of compatibility in marriage of aspirant couples, exponents have dilated in lengths in their treatises. Yet of late astrologers have infused an element called “ Kuja Dosha”- (affliction due to Mars; on which there are divergent opinions). However, this is not the topic under discussion in this paper. Those readers who desire to study the subject in length may refer to author’s book titled “ Hindu Electional Astrology”. They may also log on to website “ http://www.besttime-election.com/“, & can have free down load of 52 pages of the book, dilating on “Matching of horoscopes”. Regarding “Kaal Sarp Yoga” there has been illuminating discussions on the subject now-a-days on the Indian TV channels. Shri K N Rao, an authority on Indian Astrology & author of over three dozen books on Indian astrology, has made laudable efforts in dispelling doubts of the millions of the innocent believers of Indian astrology, that there is no reference of the so called “Kaal Sarp Yoga” in treatises on the subject. Of late some astrologers have culled out this yoga from remote references in the treatises. He has explicitly pointed out that there is no authoritative treatise / book on Indian / Vedic astrology having made a reference to this yoga, & one may not fear if he is having this Yoga in his horoscope. Despite this some astrologers have been propagating ill effects of this Yoga perhaps to seek huge sum of money for its propitiation. Such a debate not only dispels doubts in the minds of innocent followers of astrology but renders applaudable service to the mankind, as myths & superstitions / mischievousness propagated by exploiters / novices are brought to the light; & astrology which has withstood test of time, is saved from disrepute. Any how, the said Kaal Sarp Yoga has been found having indirect reference in our electional treatises like Narpatijacharya, Jyotirvidhabharnam, Samarsaar, - where it has been referred that the planets in 13 asterisms (from the asterism occupied by Rahu, to Ketu) yet to be transited by Rahu, in His retrograde motion, as in “Mrit Paksha” (dead side), & when both the luminaries are in the said Mrit Pakhsa, yield adverse results in war, travel & litigation & the like elections. When luminaries loose their efficacy being in the said Mrit Pakhsa, then, why not when all the planets in the said Paksha should loose their potency – can be an argument in its favour. But please note the said aspect has been referred to in the electional astrology, & not in interpretation of nativity. In Indian astrology, nativity, horary & electional are separate subjects, & have separate treatises on each subject & distinct exponents on each subject. And not like western astrology where electional astrology is basically derived from horary astrology. The third, aspect, Rahu Kaal, is the most misunderstood aspect in the electional astrology. How many millions of hours are wasted in fear of the time covered by this electional aspect every day is rather beyond imagination. The author has found on numerous occasions that followers of this myth withhold initiation of ceremonies, writing letters, start meetings, travel, purchase / sale etc etc; you name anything. Rather one enters into state of no action during this duration. DURATION OF RAHU KAAL Length of Rahu Kaal (as being followed) is 1/8th part (Yamardha) of daytime length. Daytime at the specific place of consideration is length of time from local Sunrise to Sunset. On different weekdays different portions of the daytime are allocated to Rahu Kaal. 2nd Yamardha on Monday, 3rd on Satrurday, 4th on Friday, 5th on Wednesday, 6th on Thursday, 7th on Tuesday, & 8th (last) on Sunday are called Rahu Kaal. 2nd Yamardha on Monday means that after expiry of the first 1/8th part of the daytime, after the local Sunrise, Rahu Kaal starts, & ends at expiry of the second 1/8th part of the local daytime. Thus if duration of daytime is 12 hours on a specific day at specific locality, & local Sunrise time is at 6.00 S.T. & the Sunset time is 18.00 S.T; duration of the daytime shall be 12 hours. Thus on different weekdays the Rahu Kaal shall be prevailing as following : Monday : from 07.30 to 09.00 S.T Saturday : from 09.00 to 10.30 S.T Friday : from 10.30 to 12.00 S.T Wednesday : from 12.00 to 13.30 S.T Thursday : from 13.30 to 15.00 S.T Tuesday : from 15.00 to 16.30 S.T Sunday : from 16.30 to 18.00 S.T The above system is followed by the newspapers & duration of the Rahu Kaal is published for guidance of the users. Local ephemrides also refer the same. MISTAKE IN CALCULATIONS The advisors do take fixed duration of the Rahu Kaal as 1 hour & 30 minutes irrespective of the daytime length. They do not calculate this time based on local daytime length. Thus error creeps in & people are misguided. Why proportional length of the daytime length is to be taken, is argued as below : a) In all the malefic durations due to Gulika, Kulika, Mandi, Muhurt, Vish Ghati etc. with reference to weekdays; calculations are based on length of daytime. b) Rahu Kaal does not have any effect after the local Sunset time; it is primarily a phenomenon during daytime (even if one has to assume its adverse effects). c) If duration of daytime on a specific place & weekday is less than 12 hours then, the Rahu Kaal shall extend beyond the local Sunset time. Kindly note that malefic durations of an element of an a daytime nowhere ingresses into nighttime, as their effect ceases to exist after the Sunset; & different set of malefic durations prevail after the Sunset time. d) Each of the seven planets have their own Upagrahas (sub planets). Kaal, Paridhi, Kantaka (Dhooma), Ardhayama, Yamaghanta, Kodanda & Gulika are Upagrahas of planets counted from the Sun to Saturn. They rule different parts of Yamardhas (1/8th part) of daytime & nighttime. Classical books on electional astrology give their ruling durations during daytime & nighttime. Further during nighttime different Upgrahas rule & during daytime different Upgrahas rule. None of these durations during daytime ingresses nighttime. AMENDMENT REQUIRED IN RAHU KAAL CALCULATIONS From the above arguments its clear that the present mode of reckoning Rahu Kaal needs amendment & proportional time based on length of local daytime should be considered, if one has to consider Rahu Kaal. Example: Rahu Kaal on a Friday having length of daytime as 11h 20m at a place where the Sun rise is at 05h 20m S.T. shall be: Duration of the Rahu Kaal = (11h 20m) ÷ 8 = 1h 25m (1/8th part of the day ) Staring moment = (Sun rise time) + (time of expired Yamardhas ) of Rahu Kaal = ( 05h 20m ) + {( 11h 20m ) × ( 4 –1) ÷ 8} = ( 05h 20m )+ ( 4h 15m ) = 09h 35m S.T. Ending moment = (09h 35m )+(1h 25m ) = 11h 00m S.T. Thus Rahu Kaal shall prevail from 09.35 S.T. to 11.00 S.T. & not from 09.50 to 11.20 S.T. (as advised in local newspapers & almanacs). WHY RAHU KAAL In the electional treatises each of the seven planets viz. the Sun to Saturn have their Upgrahas (sub planets), & have been allocated their durations during daytime & nighttime separately. But Paat & Upketu which are Upagrahas of Rahu & Ketu (Lunar Nodes) respectively, are not allocated any time during daytime or nighttime. Then why Rahu Kaal – a malefic duration has been subsequently felt to be inducted in electional astrology – which has no reference in treatises. Mandi & Gulika, both are sons of Saturn & are considered as highly malefic, & their maleficence is compared to that of the Saturn. They are given due importance in natal, horary & electional astrology. Their rising times are considered as highly malefic. Electional treatises do recognise them. Their durations are different from the duration given to Rahu Kaal. They are effective during daytime as well as during nighttime also, but the new element of Rahu Kaal is effective during daytime only – with ruling durations distinct from Mandi & Gulika. Rahu is given significant importance in the elections of travel, war, litigations, & the like activities. But they are considered in altogether different mode like Jeeva & Mrit Paksha (positions of luminaries in between Rahu & Ketu), Maas Rahu (directions ruled based on Lunar month), Pathik Rahu (dispositions of the luminaries in four sets of asterisms), Khanda Rahu (residence of Rahu in different directions based on the Tithi – Lunar day), Vaar Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu on different weekdays), Yamardha Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu during daytime & nighttime), & Muhurt Rahu (directions ruled by Rahu during different Muhurtas). But nowhere reference of Rahu Kaal has been found in the treatises. From the above, readers shall draw their own conclusions as to how much misguidance has been provided to them by induction of so called Rahu Kaal. Why to fear from such an element. Why to stop routine & special activities during its currency; & if some self styled innovative astrologers have to be followed then, why not follow its proportional length during daytime. Aspirants may seek malefic time in Muhurtas (elections) somewhere else & not as attribution of Rahu Kaal. ... V K Shridhar ------------------ http://www.besttime-election.com "Hindu Electional Astrology"-- the largest compendium on Vedic Muhurt (electional) astrology.

Anusha Ji, "Rahu Kaal" has no significance in our Vedic astrology, like Kaal Sarpa Dosha. For details please go through my blog mentioned below. Further, astrology is a matter of faith first. Now for selection of any other Navamsha, they may consult local astrologer. ... V K Shridhar RAHU KAAL -- TRUTH & MYTH <TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=j>2 May 2008 by Shridhar Vedic electional astrology has no reference of Rahu Kaal. Yet it is feared the most in elections resulting colossal waste of time. Its duration on weekdays is incorrectly conveyed by newspapers & Indian ephemerides. ... Electional Vedic Hindu astrology & Inventions - http://foolproofsyringe.blogspot.com/</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Please read "Horaratanam" by Balabhadra or "Hindu Electional astrology" http://www.besttime-election.com ... V K Shridhar

Vic, As per the Western astrology, a plenet becomes "Cazimi" when a plenet is withn 17 minutes from the Sun, and is said to be very powerful. See following website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cazimi But as per Indian astrology, it becomes powerless, being in deep combustion. When one have such a concept influenced by ancient western astrologers, no amount of quoting referencs of Vedic astrology can prove the point. You may also find some information about combustion from the above website. ... V K Shridhar

Anusha Ji, 72 Minutes before the Sunrise is not called "Brahma Muhurt" in Muhurt parlance. But any how, this duration is being referred as "Brahma Muhurt" in general parlance. The terminology "Brahma Muhurt" has reference to "Do-Ghadi Muhurt" referred in Puranas. According to which mid-day & mid-night Muhurtas having duration of Do- Ghadis have been named as "Brahma Muhurt". I could not understand "Prayanas, parasthala & other such activities" mentioned above by you. .... V K Shhridhar

In Kaliyuga from 1<SUP>st</SUP> Bright Half of Chaitra, in Dwaperyuga from 1<SUP>st</SUP> Bright Half of Ashada, in Tretayuga from 1<SUP>st</SUP> Bright Half of Magha & in Satyayuga 1<SUP>st</SUP> Bright Half of Ashwin lunar months, Navaratris are celebrated. However, “Vasant Navratris” is celebrated from 1<SUP>st</SUP> Bright Half of Chaitra lunar month up to end of 8<SUP>th</SUP> Tithi, and “Shardiya Navaratris” from 1<SUP>st</SUP> Bright Half of Ashwin lunar month up to end of 8<SUP>th</SUP> Bright Half . <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p></o:p> Those who keep fast on these days get four objects of human pursuit; viz., Dharma, Artha, Kama, & Moksha (virtues, wealth, sensual enjoyments, and final beatitude) are fulfilled through the blessings of the Goddess Devi. Accordingly these days are considered as one of the most auspicious period to initiate new activities & and Manglik works. <o:p></o:p> However it is opined that marriage, starting of house, entry into house & the like works are prohibited during Navratris. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Therefore aspirants are advised to follow the above dictums profitably and not blindly. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> An advice on Muhurtas : A benefic Muhurt can be can be attained by most of the people, high certainty of fruitfulness & auspicious Muhurt can be deciphered by a specialized Muhurt astrologer; the most precise and asuspicious Muhurt Lagna is attainable as a result of meritorious deeds done in the previous births of the aspirant. Such a Lagna is known to Lord Brahma only. An astrologer is merely a tool who might be able to decipher one of the such moments.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> ... V K Shridhar<o:p></o:p> <o:p>----------</o:p> http://besttime-election.com <o:p></o:p> “Hindu Electional Astrology” – the best seller & the largest compendium on Vedic / Indian Muhurt ( Election) astrology<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>

Anusha ji & readers, 72 minutes (3 Ghadi - nominal time) before the Sunrise, and after the Sunset; are called Prataha & Sanya Sandhayas. The actual duration of these Sandhi Kaal is 3/30 of the length of night-time on a given day. These durations are auspicious for performing Puja & the like spiritual activities, and not the worldly activities. However most of the exponents have eulogised "Gow Dhuli " time (12 minutes just before and after the Sunset) as auspicious for various Muhurtas; but there are lot of exceptions & conditions attached to it. In short there is no specific time (covering any specific Tithi, weekday, Nakshatra, Yoga, Muhurt Yoga etc . etc.) which can be considered as unconditionally benefic / auspicious for all types of life activities, for all the persons. Subtleties of Muhurtas is extremely intricate. We are blessed with valuable guidelines by our exponents. ... V K Shridhar ----------------------- http://www.besttime-election.com "Hindu Electional Astrology" - the largest & the best seller on Vedic / Indian Muhurt (Electional) astrology.

Dear Vic, Please first check my reply in the thread " Planets' Rise/ set " started on 08-3-2008, where I had given the following reply. I had quoted "Vasist Samhita" in the above reply on 09-26-2008. Now you may quote any standard treatise or book on astronomy where combustion of the planets has been dealt with, to support your above arguements, especially regarding combustion of the Moon. ... V K Shridhar ======================================= Copy of the reply --------------------------- Anusha,<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> First confusion is regarding Rising & Setting in the horizon :<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> If you mean like Sun-rise & Sun-set timings. you can see details in ephemeris. Further about rising of a planet: it rises when its longitude is coinciding with the ascendant. About Sun-rise we take when it is half risen, and not when it is visible. Please study astronomy for this aspect in details. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Set & Combustion : <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> When a planet is not visible to the naked eye, being close to the Sun, it is called set or combust or Ashta. According to Indian astrology, a combust planet is the weakest & thus fails to give its effects. However western astrologers consider Cazimi (when the longitude of the Sun & the planet is the same – go to wikipedia for details) as a very powerful status for the planet. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> May log on to : <o:p></o:p> http://www.srigaruda.com/wordpress/wp-content/astangata-asta.pdf<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> to read a good article on combustion. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Standard books give difference of degrees of the planets and that of the Sun, and also arc of combustion, when the specific planet becomes combust. But when you check Hindu ephemeris these are different. Reason being that the said longitudinal difference depends upon not only on the longitudes of the planet & the Sun but declination and latitude & longitude of the place from the planet is seen. So consider the starting & ending timings & dates from the ephemeris. This gives accurate date & time.<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> In horoscopy, all the exponents consider that Combust planet is the least powerful. But some give exception to the Mercury. Some opine the planet loses its weakness (some-what) if it occupies Navamsha different from that of the Sun. Some exponents opine that when the Moon is combust (even when severely combust during New Moon day – or within 12 degrees from the Sun) it should not be understood that the native has no mind and all the adverse effects of the Moon shall prevail in his life. <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> In Electional (Muhurt) astrology:<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Not only the duration when the planet is combust, the related auspicious activity should not be initiated but few days before it is set and for few days after it rises; the duration should be avoided. If the weekday lord is combust, the weekday must be shunned. for details on electional astrology may read book titled “Hindu Electional Astrology”<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> http://www.besttime-election.com<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> May also please go to wikipedia – electional astrology - Hindu vs Western electional astrology : where I have contributed to inform the world that Vedic system of electrional astrology is proven & time tested for 5 millennium <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electional_Astrology<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> In a forum like this full details can not be discussed but I feel enough guidelines are with you on the subject .<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> .... V K Shridhar<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p>

A caution about mid-night Muhurt <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p> </o:p> Abhijin Muhurt covers mid-day; while corresponding period during mid-night is called Brahma / Dhata Muhurt. Most of the books on Muhurt consider the latter also as benefic Muhurt; except that it should be avoided on Monday & Friday. <o:p> </o:p> Some opine that the said Muhurt of the night was chosen by the famous astrologers late Shri Hardeeo Shastri and Surya Narayan Vyas, as benefic and suitable Muhurt for Indian Independence. <o:p> </o:p> It felt that they not only erred in calculations for the said mid-night Muhurt, but also ignored the special dictums in authoritative treatises like “Vasist Samhita” (32/110) & others who have clearly prohibited (parivarjaneeya) that mid-night period must be avoided in Muhurt related to all types of auspicious activities. <o:p> </o:p> Readers are cautioned that for important life activities (which are performed once in life time), the job of selecting/ electing a suitable time (Muhurt) should be left to expert astrologers. ... V K Shridhar ----------------------- http://www.besttime-election.com "Hindu Electional Astrology" - the largest & the best seller on Vedic / Indian Muhurt (Electional) astrology. <o:p> </o:p>

Dear Visitor, My field of astrology is basically Muhurt (election). I am not that knowledgeable in prediction. ... V K Shridhar

Anusha Ji, My software is still not fullt operative, hence the delay. Having fixed date of marriage of the said couple, now job is to find out one of the most suitable Muhurt. I have worked on it & find that Sagittarius Lagna & Sagittarius Navamsha is a good one. Scorpio Lagna is not recommended by most of the exponents. Most opine that first half of Sagittarius is preferred than 2nd half. But here I do not find that first half can be a good one, so I preferred Vargottama rising sign - to which most of the exponents agree. Please note that Muhurt of marriage is a very specialised job- should be left to experts only. If you want venture in this field, please update your knowledge first. To become astrological guide of some-one like this, is not recommeneded. Best of luck. ... V K Shridhar ----------------- http://www.besttime-election.com

Dear Vic, I feel that rather you are confused while giving reply in an another thread. Therein I have given following reply today on 26.9.2008: Your statement that " The moon is never combust. This is a principle evident from any classical Jyotisha scripture. The nodes also do not combust. -- is not correct. I do not know which scripture you are referring to. Please quote any standard treatise on Hindu / Vedic astrology. As per Vedic astrology the Moon is considered combust when its longitude is within 12 degrees from that of the Sun. Further the Moon should be avoided three days before its combustion , and half day after it rises, for the purposes of electional (Muhurt) astrology. (However for the above said durations there are different opnions of the exponents, but there is unanimity about the combustion). For this refer to chapter 32 aphorism 13 of "Vasist Samhita" - an authoritative text in Electional astrology. ... V K Shridhar ------------------- http://www.besttime-election.com "Hindu Electional Astrology" - the largest compendium & best seller on Vedic astrology

Dear Vic, Your statement that " The moon is never combust. This is a principle evident from any classical Jyotisha scripture. The nodes also do not combust. -- is not correct. I do not know which scripture you are referring to. Please quote any standard treatise on Hindu / Vedic astrology. As per Vedic astrology the Moon is considered combust when its longitude is within 12 degrees from that of the Sun. Further the Moon should be avoided three days before its combustion , and half day after it rises, for the purposes of electional (Muhurt) astrology. (However for the above said durations there are different opnions of the exponents, but there is unanimity about the combustion). For this refer to chapter 32 aphorism 13 of "Vasist Samhita" - an authoritative text in Electional astrology. ... V K Shridhar ------------------- http://www.besttime-election.com "Hindu Electional Astrology" - the largest compendium & best seller on Vedic astrology

Anushaji & readers, First fundamental of Muhurt is that it is for auspicious activities and for Samskaras. Where initiation of the auspicious activity can wait, we must ensure that Jupiter and the Moon are not combust. For muhurt of marriage Venus must not be combust. Exponents of Muhurt consider Mercury, Venus & Jupiter in order of benefics; Jupiter being the stongest for bestowing beneficence. The Moon is of fundamental consideration. Exponents on Muhurt are silent regarding the role of Venus in Upanayana Samaskar, perhaps Venus is considered a planet for wordly attachment; and Upanyayana is purely a spiritual samaskar. While for ornamentation, travel, entry into house and the like worldly activities - strong Venus is a must. However, for fruitful Muhurt none of the seven planets must be combust. During their combustion only debased activities fructify, which finally end in the worst results. However Muhurt is one of the most intricate subject, where combustion of the planet(s) is one of the factor under consideration with due weightage. ... V K Shridhar

Dear Coolgimmy, Horasaar (5/46-47) and Phaldeepika ( 13/10-11) refer to Mrityukar Ansha for ascendent in different signs. If Lagna is Cancer then, 20th degree of Cancer shall be Mrityukar Ansha, not 7th house Capricorn 20th degree shall be Mrityukar Ansha. If some software interpret MBs for each sign / houses then, it is their interpretation- I may not agree with that view. Prashara software also indicate the distance of planets & Lagna from the said Mrityurkar Anshas. I opine that the maleficenece of planet increases (for horoscopy) as it is nearer to their respective Mrityukar Ansha; but I have not come accross such reference in Muhurt treatises. ..... V K Shridhar http://www.besttime-election.com "Hindu Electional Astrology" - the largest compendium on Muhurtas.

Dear Coolgimmy, I am not aware about the term : "Mrityu Bhag of houses". Please let me know from where you have culled out this word , so that I may be able to refer the issue. Let some one may throw light on the matter ..... V K Shridhar

Dear Coolgimmy, Further regarding tolerance applied to the said degree is nil. The full degree is called "Mrityukar Ansha". It is opnied that the planet in the said degree in the said sign gives negative effects. ..... V K Shridhar http://www.besttime-election.com

Dear Coolgimmy, I feel that Pt Aaaditeya Pandey has replied in general, & not to your specific question. Mrityubhaga is also called "Mrityukar Ansha". Further Venus is considered in the said Mrityukar Ansha when she is in the 17th degree in Gemmini ( From 16 degree 0 minute to 17 degree). Refer Horasaar (5/46-47) and Phaldeepika ( 13/10-11) for details of such degrees in different signs for different planets. ..... V K Shridhar http://www.besttime-election.com

Anusha, In my opnion the above referred two horoscopes match well, including ith 25 Gunas, as per Ashtakoot mode of matching. Best of luck, ... V K Shridhar

<?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p>Anusha,<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> First confusion is regarding Rising & Setting in the horizon :<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> If you mean like Sun-rise & Sun-set timings. you can see details in ephemeris. Further about rising of a planet: it rises when its longitude is coinciding with the ascendant. About Sun-rise we take when it is half risen, and not when it is visible. Please study astronomy for this aspect in details. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Set & Combustion : <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> When a planet is not visible to the naked eye, being close to the Sun, it is called set or combust or Ashta. According to Indian astrology, a combust planet is the weakest & thus fails to give its effects. However western astrologers consider Cazimi (when the longitude of the Sun & the planet is the same – go to wikipedia for details) as a very powerful status for the planet. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> May log on to : <o:p></o:p> http://www.srigaruda.com/wordpress/wp-content/astangata-asta.pdf<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> to read a good article on combustion. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Standard books give difference of degrees of the planets and that of the Sun, and also arc of combustion, when the specific planet becomes combust. But when you check Hindu ephemeris these are different. Reason being that the said longitudinal difference depends upon not only on the longitudes of the planet & the Sun but declination and latitude & longitude of the place from the planet is seen. So consider the starting & ending timings & dates from the ephemeris. This gives accurate date & time.<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> In horoscopy, all the exponents consider that Combust planet is the least powerful. But some give exception to the Mercury. Some opine the planet loses its weakness (some-what) if it occupies Navamsha different from that of the Sun. Some exponents opine that when the Moon is combust (even when severely combust during New Moon day – or within 12 degrees from the Sun) it should not be understood that the native has no mind and all the adverse effects of the Moon shall prevail in his life. <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> In Electional (Muhurt) astrology:<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> Not only the duration when the planet is combust, the related auspicious activity should not be initiated but few days before it is set and for few days after it rises; the duration should be avoided. If the weekday lord is combust, the weekday must be shunned. for details on electional astrology may read book titled “Hindu Electional Astrology”<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> http://www.besttime-election.com<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> May also please go to wikipedia – electional astrology - Hindu vs Western electional astrology : where I have contributed to inform the world that Vedic system of electrional astrology is proven & time tested for 5 millennium <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electional_Astrology<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> In a forum like this full details can not be discussed but I feel enough guidelines are with you on the subject .<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> .... V K Shridhar<o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p> </o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p> </o:p> </o:p>

Dear readers, I would like to have comments on the down load. Should there be any difficulty, please let me know. ... V K Shridhar

Now -a-days lot of misconceptions are prevailing on matching of the horoscopes of aspirant couples. It is not merely mathematical computaion of the Gunas by Ashtkoot mode or by other south Indian systems. Further “Mangal Dosha” or “Kuja Dosha” is most misunderstood even by the practicing astrologers. <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:" /><o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> Free down load of 52 pages from the book titled “Hindu Electional Astrology” – a compendium on Muhurt - is made public for their benefit of aspirants and also for professional astrologers. The main purpose of allowing free down load is for providing deatiled knowledge of the Vedic system of horoscope matching and removing misconceptions about “Mangal Dosha”. Even those following western sytem of astrology, can use the guidance given therein for following the Indian / Vedic system. <o:p></o:p> For free- down load Log on to: http://www.besttime-election.com <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> About matching of Horoscopes : Hindu / Indian have unique system of examining compatibility based on horoscopes of the aspirant couple. Horoscope matching is an art of the highest ingenuity of an astrologer. All the factors cannot be detailed in small space like this. The fundamental concept of matching horoscopes emanates from constellations occupied by the Moon at the time of births of bride and bridegroom. Individuals inherit qualities of the birth constellation. Various constellations represent different nature in respect of their casts, animals presented by them, sex, Gana (God / man / demon), humour, birds ruled, primordial elements, Gotra, directions ruled, consonants and vowels, mutual harmony and repellent with certain stars, beneficence to the other stars by virtue of mutual distance etc. In addition host of other factors like, longevity of the individuals, character (sexual), widowhood, poverty, progeny, their body status, radical strengths and indications, planetary nature and afflictions, currency of major and minor periods, Marakaas (death inflicting planets), placement of Mars in their nativity (Mangal Dosha), time of query, omen (Shagun), antidotes, propitiations, auspicious time for marriage etc. should be examined to arrive at suitable union of the couple. <o:p></o:p> Based on the birth constellations following aspects are examined Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Gana, Graha Maitri, Bhakoota, Nadi, Mahendra, Vedha, Rajju, Stree Deergha, Linga, Gotra, Pakshi, Yoni, Chandra Yoga, Ayya Varga and Yujja for checking compatibility. In another system, only eight of these factors are given importance and are assigned numerical values - Varna (1 point), Vashya (2 Points), Tara (3 points), Yoni (4 points), Graha Maitri (5 points), Gana (6 points), Bhakoota (7 points) and Nadi (8 points). The total of these factors adds up to 36 points and horoscope is considered to be matched if the compatibility score is more than 18. Significance of various aspects in compatibility are as follows: • Varna : Grade of spiritual development, obedience • Vashya : Mutual control – friendship. • Tara : Mutual beneficence-luck-auspiciousness • Yoni : Sexual aspects, affinity, urge, compatibility. • Graha Maitri : Psychological disposition, friendship. • Gana : Nature: Dev – Manush – Raakshas • Bhakoota : Children, growth of family. • Nadi: Temperaments, hereditary (astrological), affliction and death to other • Mahendra : Promotes attachments, increase in longevity. • Stree – Dergha : Service to husband. • Rajju : Felicity and duration of married life. • Vedha – Varga : Mutual repellence and enmity. • Varga : Mutual friendship / enmity judged from their names • Yujja : Type of mutual love – from one side – both sides. Based on the above aspects, mathematical computation is done to arrive at the totality of the matching. In certain cases need based matching is done and the astrologer has to use his skills in examining compatibility. It is felt essential to match the horoscopes before further marriage negotiations are done. The above system is in practice for the last two millennia. For free down load log on to http://www.besttime-election.com<o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> then open “Extract from the book” <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> <o:p></o:p> ... V K Shridhar Mail: besttime.election@gmail.com

Dear readers & Anusha, For details about the issue, please read my new thread Need for specialist astrologers in different branches of astrology posted on 8.9.2008. I do not expect professional astrologers to comment on it, as they shall feel shy, rather embarrassed to even read it. I had invited discussion on this topic in Wikipedia, and there also there has been no reponse- reasons are best known to the astrologers. But an advice has been given to aspirants to approach only specialist astrologers in specific field of astyrology. ... V K Shridhar