!!Ekargala Dosha and Kharjur Chakra!!
Several techniques are used in predictive and horary astrology. The
‘Chakras’ represent the mutual positions of certain planets over signs or stars
arranged in various forms and styles, and are renowned for their practical utility.
One of them is ‘Kharjur Chakra’, which tells about the presence of the ‘Ekargala
Dosha’ in a horoscope or at a given time for Muhurta.
What is Ekargala Dosha:-
The
Sanskrit/Hindi term ‘Upa’ is comparable to the English prefix ‘vice’. Thus, the
terms ‘Pada’ and ‘Upapada’ can be understood similarly to ‘president’ and ‘vice
president’; we might even say ‘Pada’ and ‘vice Pada’ in English. Suppose the
ascendant is considered the 'president,' with its Pada being the main Pada. In
that case, we must identify which house, next to the ascendant, can govern the
horoscope if the ascendant is weak or compromised. ‘Anuchar’ means a follower,
the one who is next and can assume power in the absence of the principal.
Upapada is also known as ‘Gouna Pada’; ‘Gouna’ is a Sanskrit/Hindi word
signifying secondary status.
The
Preferential Methodology of Divisional Charts
In Vedic astrology, the intricate tapestry of a birth chart is further refined by numerous
divisions (Vargas) of ascendants and planets. These divisions serve to pinpoint predictions with greater precision, differentiating individual nativities even when celestial bodies linger in a sign for extended periods, or when the ascendant holds sway for approximately two hours, encompassing multiple births. Through the subtle nuances of these divisional charts, each unique life can be distinguished.
There
are 16 Vargas (subdivisions) of ascendants and planets in Vedic astrology, to pinpoint
any prediction and make a difference between nativities. Planets stay at a sign
for a long time, and even ascendant rises for about two hours. Several births
took place during this duration. We can differentiate every birth by using the Varga
chart. The Navamsa is their most important sub-division. Some astrologers emphasize
that ‘Navamsa’ is more valuable than Rasi itself. I also agree with their view.
It had been my greatest problem for a long time: how to use it! How do you use
it with the Rasi chart? Various classical texts of astrology have several hints
about its uses.
Gulika /
Mandi and Rahu’s Astamsa
There has
been considerable debate among astrologers regarding the identities of Gulika
and Mandi. Some consider these two names to represent the same
sub-planet of Saturn, while others insist they are distinct entities. There is
also disagreement concerning the correct method of calculation. Sage Parashara
emphasizes the beginning of Saturn’s Astamsa, whereas Kalidasa
supports the ending.
Astansh vs. Rahu Kaalam and
Choughadia
Several time divisions, related to
real and imaginary celestial figures or bodies, are used in completing a
horoscope or determining a Muhurta (auspicious time). Often, more than one
method is in vogue to calculate these, sometimes resulting in different
conclusions. Some methods are akin to ‘Shavar Mantras’. The great poet Tulsidas
has said about them:
Seven or
Eight Chara Karakas? A Critical Evaluation
There has
long been a debate in astrological circles regarding the number of Chara
Karakas (variable significators) to be used in Jaimini astrology. While most
learned astrologers adhere to the traditional scheme of seven Chara Karakas, others
advocate for an eight-Karaka scheme, incorporating the shadowy planet Rahu.
In mundane
astrology, one of the major challenges is to accurately determine the geographical
location associated with a future event. Although certain traditional rules
exist, they often fall short, especially when applied beyond the Indian
subcontinent. Most of these methods are either incomplete or filled with
inconsistencies.
One such
classical approach is that of Varahamihira, the great ancient Indian
astrologer, who tried to map the Earth's regions through the Kurma Chakra
system. This method assigns specific stars to the eight cardinal directions and
the central point. However, a key flaw in this system is the lack of a
clearly defined center. Without identifying a precise central reference,
the allocation of directions becomes arbitrary. Moreover, even if we fix a
center, it would cover vast areas—entire countries—within a single directional
segment. This greatly dilutes predictive specificity.
It is a
major challenge in mundane astrology to ascertain the precise location
associated with any incoming event. There exists no definitive rule in this
regard. Although some methods have been proposed, they often contain
limitations or are confined to specific geographical regions, such as within
India. Varah Mihir, the ancient Indian astrologer, attempted to address this
issue through the Kurma-Chakra system, which assigns directions to certain
stars. However, this system remains incomplete and ambiguous. For example, it
is unclear how to establish the central reference point. Even if the center is
fixed, vast territories—encompassing multiple countries—fall within each
directional segment. Moreover, events do not always conform to a singular
direction at a specific time. For instance, during a certain period, Bihar in
India experienced devastating floods, while simultaneously, cyclones affected
Haiti and Cuba—located in completely different directions.
Here I am arguing in favor of the oldest style of the division of
the Trimshamsa chart, which is based upon equal thirty divisions each of one
degree, regularly counted from the sign Aries, on the practical and logical
ground. We shall call it the Vedic Trimshamsa(D-30).
