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India Today
2 days ago
- General
- India Today
Reading the stars: Understanding the real role of astrology
Astrology is often perceived as a tool for predicting the future, but its true essence goes far beyond that. In the Vedic tradition, astrology is regarded as a profound spiritual science rooted in the ancient Vedas. With over three decades of experience in the field, Pt. Umesh Chandra Pant emphasises that astrology is not merely about forecasting events—it serves as a guide to understanding one's karma, life patterns, and spiritual journey. This article explores the deeper purpose of astrology, highlighting its role in self-awareness, alignment, and personal previous article, 'The Power of Astrology', gives a five-part overview of how Jyotish is a life-changing tool. In this feature, let us explore the real purpose of astrology from the Vedic and Upanishadic lens, showing how it helps us connect to cosmic order and inner truth."Yadaa Deveshu Karmani pravartate, tadaa sarvam sukham bhavati." Upanishads(When actions align with divine forces, life becomes joyful.)Through the sacred science of Jyotish, we can decode our karmic patterns, understand life's timing, and evolve with greater ASTROLOGY FOR SPIRITUAL GROWTH: A VEDANGA ROLE EXPLAINEDAstrology, or Jyotish Shastra, is one of the six Vedangas, the auxiliary limbs of the Vedas. The ancient seers declared:"Jyotisham Vedanaam Chakshuh"(Astrology is the Eye of the Vedas)This phrase beautifully conveys the meaning of 'Jyotisham Vedanaam Chakshuh' astrology offers spiritual vision. Just as eyes guide us in the physical world, Jyotish guides us through the karmic and cosmic realms, helping us live in tune with dharma and divine Vedic astrology for spiritual growth is not superstition, it is a discipline that awakens consciousness and aligns us with higher IN VEDAS AND VEDANGAS: DIVINE COSMIC ORDERVedic astrology is embedded in ancient scriptures like the Rigveda, Atharvaveda, and Puranas. The planetary system is seen as a reflection of divine intelligence. Each graha (planet) is not just an astronomical object but a conscious force representing a deity and psychological trait:Surya (Sun) – Soul, truth, authorityChandra (Moon) – Mind, intuition, emotionBudha (Mercury) – Intelligence, logic, speechShukra (Venus) – Love, harmony, wealthMangala (Mars) – Energy, drive, courageGuru (Jupiter) – Dharma, expansion, wisdomShani (Saturn) – Karma, patience, disciplineRahu and Ketu – Shadow forces, illusion, past-life karmaThe Bhagavad Gita also reinforces this principle, stating that action depends on factors like time, body, and consciousness. Astrology "decodes" the unique energies and influences of celestial bodies (planets, signs, houses) on human lives, offering insights into personality, relationships, and potential life USE OF JYOTISH IN MODERN LIFE: BEYOND SUPERSTITIONSo, is astrology more than predictions? Yes, and its relevance today is stronger than ever. Here are some practical uses of Jyotish in modern life:Career Astrology – Identify favorable fields and growth cyclesadvertisementMarriage Compatibility – Match charts to ensure emotional harmonyHealth Astrology – Understand health vulnerabilities based on planetary doshasFinance and Property – Analyze timing of gains, investments, and inheritanceSpiritual Progress – Guide meditative practices based on planets like Jupiter and KetuAstrology enables conscious decisions aligned with cosmic timing (Dasha, Gochar or transit), reducing confusion and empowering Astrology Helps in Self-Realization: One of the noblest purposes of astrology is to guide us toward self-realization. Through Jyotish, we can recognize our Svabhava (inherent nature) and Svadharma (life purpose). The natal chart becomes a karmic blueprint that reveals strengths, weaknesses, past debts, and future observing planetary placements, transits, and yogas, astrology helps us understand:Why specific patterns repeat in lifeWhat karmic lessons are we meant to learn?Which remedies or changes bring spiritual growth?In this way, astrology is not merely predictive, it is transformative and reflective, bringing us closer to our inner Between Astrology and Superstitio: Pt. Umesh Chandra Pant says" I've often emphasized the importance of distinguishing between genuine Jyotish and blind superstition. Vedic astrology is rooted in logic, timing, karma, and remedy, not fear-based beliefs".advertisement'Graha yatha karma' – Planets reflect your karmas; they do not dictate your fate superstition promotes helplessness, astrology encourages empowerment. Vedic remedies like mantra chanting, Rudraksha wearing, gemstone wearing, daan (charity), and puja are not magical cures, they are energy-balancing disciplines that work alongside effort (Purushartha).What Is the Real Purpose of Astrology?The real purpose of astrology is not to induce fear or passive waiting, it is to guide, awaken, and liberate. As one of the six Vedangas (They are: Shiksha (phonetics), Kalpa (rituals), Vyakarana (Sanskrit grammar), Nirukta (etymology), Chhanda (Vedic meter), and Jyotisha (astronomy for auspicious timings), Jyotish connects human consciousness to divine rhythm. It helps us live with awareness of karma, fulfill dharma, and walk the path to when practiced as per Vedic principles, becomes:A spiritual compassA map of karmic evolutionA mirror for soul transformationLet us remember, astrology is more than predictions. It is a light for those walking the path of wisdom and a sacred mirror for those seeking purpose."""Let Jyotish, the eye of the Vedas, guide you toward inner clarity and divine timing" says is more than predictions, it is a Vedic science that aligns human actions with divine timing and deeper karmic astrology plays a vital role in self-realization, helping individuals uncover their life's purpose, karmic patterns, and spiritual Umesh Chandra Pant, in this article, explains how Jyotish as one of the six Vedangas serves as a guiding light for conscious and dharmic Watch
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
TTD ghee scam probe targets former top officials
Tirupati: The investigation into the adulterated ghee scam linked to Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has entered a decisive phase, as the Special Investigation Team (SIT) is preparing to issue notices to two former senior officials of the temple body. This is the first time the probe has extended to the higher ranks of TTD's past administration. Sources suggest one of the former officials may be summoned shortly, possibly in the presence of Appanna, a close aide to ex-TTD Chairman YV Subba Reddy. Appanna, who served as one of five personal assistants during Reddy's tenure under the YSRCP government, was recently questioned by SIT officials in Tirupati. Regarded as Reddy's most trusted aide, Appanna is believed to possess crucial information regarding the internal handling of ghee procurement and supply, which was later found to be adulterated. Investigators are now examining how ghee contracts were awarded, any informal agreements that may have taken place, and the beneficiaries of such deals. Appanna is also known to have wide-reaching contacts in political and business circles, spanning Hyderabad to Delhi. A joint interrogation team, including three CBI Deputy Superintendents of Police and one from Andhra Pradesh Police, is leading the inquiry. Proceedings are being recorded in both audio and video formats. Since the SIT launched its probe in November 2023 under Supreme Court direction, eight arrests have been made – six from dairies and two TTD staff. Until now, the investigation had largely avoided former trust board members, but Appanna's questioning has redirected the focus toward TTD's former top leadership. In a related development, the SIT has detained Jyotish, a Kolkata-based businessman allegedly linked to the scam. A close associate of Bhole Baba Dairy's director Pomil Jain, Jyotish reportedly supplied raw materials, without formal invoicing for manufacturing the adulterated ghee. After initially evading authorities, he was traced to the outskirts of Kolkata and brought to Tirupati for questioning. Jyotish claimed ignorance about the ghee's end-use, insisting he acted on Jain's instructions.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Astrology's credibility crisis: The dangers of unrealistic promises
Dr Soham D Bhaduri is an eminent public health physician turned Vedic astrologer and inner change life coach. His works spanning healthcare to spirituality have appeared in several prestigious peer-reviewed journals and national dailies. He has served as Chief Editor of The Indian Practitioner for over six years. An exponent of Existential Monism, his no-nonsense attitude towards astrology stems from years of philosophical self-exploration, which taught him that the cornerstone of spirituality is to felicitously balance both reason and intuition. He sees astrology as rooted in the science of 'complex systems', which must be embraced as an invaluable tool for mapping and steering life instead of being dismissed as mystical fortune-telling. LESS ... MORE A few days ago, I stumbled upon two impassioned conversations on a popular social media platform which bore testament to the wildly unrealistic proportions an average client's expectations from astrology have assumed. Even worse is how such expectations continue to be indulged and abetted by some astrologers who make promises that are way out of line. In one instance, an enthusiast claimed that the true hallmark of an astrologer was the ability to make pinpoint predictions from the Lagna chart (the basic chart in Vedic astrology) alone, without bothering to even glance through any of the divisional charts. To this, respondent astrologers thought it fit to nod their heads in agreement. One of them even went so far as to propose that divine faculty is indispensable for astrological prediction. In yet another instance, one astrologer confidently expressed that astrologers must not enquire clients about their problems and questions. Instead, they should be able to perfectly predict what questions their clients must be having on their minds. No one bothered to communicate the true purpose that divisional charts serve in astrology, or the fact that at any point of time, one's horoscope can suggest several problems, many of which may not even be perceived by them as problems to begin with. Put forthright, as I've discussed in my preceding blogs, the epithet 'cheap, quick, and sensational' characterizes much of astrological practice today. An average client seeks otherworldly levels of accuracy while offering piffling or no money and a truckload of ridicule at the same time. But the decisive nail in the coffin, that which perpetually inflates this dangerous trend, is the way astrologers respond to such demands. Very often, the average astrologer, in a desperate scramble to impress and hook clients, does everything that erodes the credibility and disregards the sanctity of true Jyotish – from being a grovelling Yes-Man to employing sleights of mind and making lofty promises in return for no apparent money. These then go on to fortify the popular public impression that it is only 'fair and normal' to expect astrologers not to ask for rightful remuneration and vilify those who don't oblige. The consequence is unmistakable – little value given translates to little value received, and in the process, credibility of the profession takes the severest blow. The most important trait for an astrologer to imbibe today, apart from learning not to pander to every unrightful taste of their clientele – is honest, upright acceptance, more so in public dealings. While this might entail some short-term pains, ignoring it guarantees much worse long-term repercussions. As wonderful as astrology is, there exist limitations therein just like everywhere, and it is hence that astrology at bottom is more of a tool to 'guide' than to 'predict'. And astrologers failing to acknowledge these limitations has already dealt irrevocable levels of damage to the field. Drawing connections with ethereal and divine stuff only rubs salt on the wounds by further distancing astrology from accepted notions of what is 'credible'. Those who've followed my previous blogs will appreciate that astrology is embedded in complexity science and deals with arguably the most complex system there is – one which is rarely conducive to anything that is perfectly predictive. While this makes Jyotish a highly useful and one-of-a-kind tool to guide and navigate life, it introduces a prominent, ineluctable element of uncertainty and unpredictability which has to be embraced with an open mind. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Astro camp stresses vedic knowledge, research
Varanasi: A 15-day Astrology Knowledge Camp, organised at the Shastrarth Mahavidyalaya in Dashashwamedh area, concluded on Sunday. Seaking on the occasion, astrologer and camp director Acharya Sanjay Upadhyay said that astrology is an important part of the vedas, also known as Vedanga Jyotish, which involves the study of planets, constellations, zodiac signs, and their effects. He said astrological calculations are used to determine auspicious times for rituals. The Rigveda describes the positions of constellations and the gravitational force of the sun while Atharvaveda provides detailed information about constellations, and the Yajurveda contains astrological information. The acharya said that both astrology and religion are important aspects of human experience, and there is a complex relationship between was an integral part of religious rituals and beliefs in many religions, and religion uses astrology in various ways, such as predictions and religious education. Camp coordinator and principal Pawan Kumar Shukla said so far, information related to the Panchang, palmistry, and horoscope creation was taught. Now, the lines on the forehead are being explained. Occasionally, new facts emerge from a research perspective, proving to be new experiments for both learners and teachers, such as horoscope creation through forehead lines. He said that topics related to Vastu will also be covered in the future.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Science
- Time of India
Is astrology science or symbolism? Experts revisit vedic knowledge
Vedic sciences, originating from ancient Indian texts, are gaining renewed academic interest. While areas such as mathematics, astronomy, and Ayurveda are being reassessed for their historical relevance, astrology continues to be the subject of debate. 'Ancient texts show that Indian scholars had a deep understanding of geometry and planetary movements,' said Dr Dev Swarup Shastri, a vedic literature expert. He added that early astronomers tracked cosmic cycles and calculated planetary orbits. Astrology, or Jyotish Shastra, remains one of the more contested aspects. It is still used in India for marriage planning, naming ceremonies, and business decisions. 'Vedic astrology is based on actual astronomical positions,' said Dr Pooja Sharma, a practitioner of Vedic healing. 'It is intended to offer insight into patterns rather than provide fixed predictions.' Astrologer Dr Mahesh Parashar pointed to the lack of scientific reproducibility in astrology. 'Science raises valid concerns,' he said. 'But if astrology is viewed as a psychological or cultural model, it can still be examined for its influence.' Dr Shastri added that ancient texts offer insights across disciplines. He cautioned that astrology should be studied with evidence or viewed through a cultural lens, not as a predictive science.
