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Case Study: Rajiv Gandhi

The astrological chart of Rajiv Gandhi, a prominent Indian politician, has long been a subject of debate. Initially, the Astrological Magazine endorsed Kanya Lagna but later revised its position following hypothetical calculations presented by Sri K N Rao, who advocated for Simha Lagna. Sri Rao has introduce many techniques that lack classical validation. In his writings, he frequently employs imaginary D-Charts, which hold no credibility. It is often said that "to err is human," and while all individuals make mistakes, the minor errors made by these esteemed authors have led to significant confusion, particularly for novices who find themselves in a state of uncertainty. The validity of these methods has been questioned, with Prof B J Rao previously addressing these inconsistencies. Nevertheless, the establishment of independent institutions by these authors, which continue to propagate methods contrary to the Arsha Jyotisha system, complicates efforts to promote authentic and traditional Jyotisha practices.

In his book on the Nehru Dynasty, Sri Rao presents Rajiv Gandhi's chart as Simha Lagna, offering several points to substantiate his claims; however, these points lack support from classical texts. Based on my understanding, I assert that Kanya Lagna is the accurate chart, and I have provided classical references to support this view. While Sri Rao is a recognized figure in the field of astrology, his methodologies may not necessarily represent the true essence of authentic Jyotisha. This article should be viewed as constructive criticism aimed at emphasizing the principles of traditional Jyotisha.

Image : Rajiv Gandhi. 
Source : Pinterest.

Note : The statements from Sri K N Rao are written in italics while my (Scribe) interpretations are explained in normal font. The principles from texts are in bold font and the necessary explanation or translations to those dictums are given in [brackets].

Simha Lagna


Rajiv was engaged to an Italian girl, Sonia, on 25 January, 1968, and married to her a month later. It was the period of the Moon, the twelfth lord showing the direction from where his wife came. More so, it being the dasha of the twelfth lord he was in a foreign country then, England.

Scribe : He has not offered any rationale for why Candra should denote the direction of the spouse. As per Jatakadeshmarga -

वास्तेशशुक्रस्फुटराशिदिग्भ्यः। 

[The direction of the spouse is denoted by the sign obtained by the summation of the longitudes of 7th Lord and Shukra.]

Brihaspati is situated at 12°-14'-09" while Kalatra Karaka Shukra is at 18°-48'-29" both in Simha Rasi. On adding the longitudes, we obtain 9s-01°-02'-38". Makara signifies the west direction, while the Amsa obtained is Chara Rasi, suggesting that the spouse will be from a distant location in the west from the native's birthplace. The 7th Lord resides in the Navamsa of Chandra, which also represents the northwest direction. This cannot be predicted with Simha Lagna.

The navamsha which appeared to be the best in this case was, Leo itself, Vargottama with three striking features. Jupiter exalted in the twelfth, Mars in the sixth had lifted him up in Rahu-Jupiter, after the death of his mother. Saturn-Ketu in the seventh house of the navamsha showed a foreign woman as his wife.

Scribe : The Navamsa does not contain any houses, rendering this entire explanation invalid and illogical. Aspects, conjunctions and houses are not considered in Vargas. It is perplexing to suggest that the Rahu-Brihaspati Dasha would elevate him following his mother's demise. According to established principles, Brihaspati is positioned in Mitra Rasi and Ucca Navamsa. Brihaspati is considered relatively favorable as it resides in Labhamsa. In Kanya Lagna, the 7th is aspected by Kuja, Shani and Rahu which will denote a foreign spouse. If it would have been Simha Lagna, the spouse would belong to the same caste. (Rf. SV)

Notes: Readers may refer to the article 'Divisional Charts: A Misnomer' published on this blog page for more details. To read - Click Here

His younger brother, Sanjay, died in Mars-Venus. The third lord, from Leo, is Venus. In the decante lagna, Mars from Virgo and Saturn from Libra aspect the lagna and Venus in the lagna. Could there be a better explanation than this for the death of his brother?

Scribe : His explanation appears to be questionable once again, and a more credible interpretation is presented here. The word 'Drekkana Lagna' is incorrect as there is only one Lagna i.e in the Rashi Chart. Drekkana being a division of the Rashi, it does not have any Lagna.

According to our calculations, the Lagna is Kanya. Sanjay Gandhi, his younger brother, is represented by the 3rd Bhava. The 3rd Lord, Kuja, also serves as the 6th Lord, while Shukra is identified as the Maraka for his brother, as referenced in Sri Sarvārtha Chintāmani. This context clarifies why death occurred during the Kuja-Shukra Dasha. Additionally, Shani in Gocara was positioned in trines from the Navamsa occupied by Budha. The 8th from the 3rd is occupied by Shani in a Vayu Rasi, and the 8th Lord is aspected by Shani. Sanjay Gandhi tragically lost his life in an aviation accident, which cannot be adequately explained by the Simha Lagna.

His father, Feroze Gandhi, died in Sun-Rahu period. Here the Sun is the seventh lord of the dwadashamsha lagna (the twelfth division of the horoscope). Here Sun is the seventh lord and Rahu is in the seventh house.

Scribe : There are no houses in divisions. According to Sri Rao's reasoning, the native's mother should also experience death within the same timeframe, as the Lomasa Samhita indicates that D12 pertains to both parents rather than solely the father. However, this assertion does not hold true. Parasari rules of Yogakaraka, Maraka, etc are applicable only in Rasi Chart. Sri Ramanujacharya, in his work Bhāvārtha Ratnākara, asserts that the Surya-Rahu Dasa periods are detrimental to the father. A similar dictums is found in Gopala Ratnākara, which is a very popular classic from Kerala tradition. This principle is firmly established based on the Karakatvas of the Graha. Additionally, both Sani and Guru were transiting through Dhanu during that time, which is the 8th house from the 9th. (Rf. SSC)

Notes : Readers may refer to the works of Sri J N Bhasin to know more about the rules of Bhavartha Ratnakara.

Kanya Lagna




There would be Mars in the lagna with no benefic. In the case of Leo all the benefics would be in the lagna. Rajiv was handsome.

Scribe : Brihat Jātaka states that the Lagna Navamsa Lord represents physical characteristics, while the Chandra Navamsa Lord signifies skin tone.

Chandra is described as -

तनुवृत्ततनुर्बहुवातकफः प्राज्ञश्च शशी मृदुवाक् शुभदृक्।। (Rf. VH)

The physique of one born in Navamsa ruled by Chandra will reflect the brilliance of gold. He will neither be tall nor short, will have a broad body, thick hair and charming eyes, be complete in of respect wealth, be righteous, virtuous, fond of bodily pleasures and will dress attractively. (Rf. HR)

If Virgo was to be the lagna, both Saturn from the tenth house and Mars from the lagna would aspect the seventh house which would have delayed his marriage. But Rajiv was married before he reached the age of 24, unlike his younger brother, Sanjay, who, with Saturn in the seventh house aspected by Mars from the twelfth house got married in his 28th year.

Scribe: The reasoning behind Kuja and Shani postponing the marriage is not adequately explained by Sri Rao. It is a well-established principle that events transpire during the Dasa periods of the Graha that influence the Bhava. Sri Rao presents a partial truth in this context. Rajiv Gandhi's marriage occurred during the Candra - Sani - Candra Dasa. It is important to note that Candra is the Navamsa dispositor of the 7th Lord Brihaspati and is in conjunction with Brihaspati, while Sani aspects the 7th Bhava. Sri Rao conveniently excludes the Sani Antardasa, as it does not align with his narrative.

Rajiv had a happy married life. His wife, Sonia Gandhi, had adjusted to her Indian life with ease and grace.

Scribe : This point is merely stated without any astrological explanation. It is unclear whether he is referring to the previous point or has something else in his mind. 7th Lord in Ucca Navamsa has promised a happy married life.

If Virgo was to be his lagna, Saturn in the tenth house would have brought him into politics during 1977 to 78, in the Mars-Saturn period, to be precise.

Scribe : Again, no explanations have been given. What led him to form such a conclusion? Let us ascertain the profession. The 10th Bhava from the Lagna is occupied by Sani in Vayu Rasi. Sani is positioned in the Kumbha Navamsa. The 10th Lord is Budha, located in the 12th and influenced by Sani. The 10th from the Candra is governed by Sukra, who is also in Budha's Amsa. 5th and 6th Lord Sani in 10th while the 10th Lord giving it's Amsa to the 4th denotes that the native will be working with the government. The 10th Lord and it's Navamsa dispositor are associated with royal planets Surya and Chandra. He initially worked in the aviation sector before transitioning into politics during the Rahu Dasha.

Notes: Using Dashamsh for professions is one of the many absurd concepts propagated by few individuals.

If Virgo was to be the lagna, he would have settled down abroad.

Scribe : He did not settle down abroad. However he had frequent foreign trips as the Lagna is Dwiswabhava and Navamsa is Chara. The Lagna and 10th Lord is in Sthira Rasi and Dwiswabhava Navamsa (Rf. SSC).

Additional Points From The Scribe : 

1. According to the calculations of Sri Rao, the Lagna is Simha, Navamsh is Simha and the Dwadashamsh is Kumbha. The Lagna is aspected by Shani. According to Saravali, this is a non-human birth. This is an advanced topic and is purposely not elaborated further. 

2. From the Kanya Lagna, 8th Lord happens to be Kuja who occupies Makara Navamsa. Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a suicide bomber. Again, this is a very complex topic and no further explanation is being provided.

3. If Simha would have been the Lagna, 8th Lord from all three viz. Lagna, Surya and Chandra would be in Lagna under combustion and Paap Kartari aspected by Shani - a malefic and Rogakaraka. This would have caused some chronic diseases which never happened. Similarly, the death cause cannot be justified with Simha Lagna.

The assertion regarding the 'Dwadasamsa Lagna'—preferably referred to as Lagna Dwadasamsa, given that there is only one Lagna—indicating the presence of the Surya and Kuja in the 8th position (noting that D12 lacks houses) as a sign of a non-conventional marriage is erroneous. Furthermore, Sri Rao employs mathematically implausible methods that lack credibility. Those acquainted with classical texts will recognize the absurdity of these claims. He presents a combination from Dwadasamsa to explain the assassination of Smt. Indira Gandhi, the mother of Rajiv Gandhi. However, if one considers Kanya Lagna, this combination is clearly observable in the Rasi Chart itself.

Further, Sri Rao proceeds to highlight the Raja Yoga with Parasari and then Jaimini. This mixture of two systems is not a good idea as both are distinct from each other. The explanations he offers primarily consist of narratives that lack predictive techniques and do not incorporate an astrological viewpoint. The explanations seem to be tailored to align with the events of Rajiv Gandhi's life. He adds that Navamsa and Dashamsa take the Raja Yoga to a higher level but the reason is not mentioned. The Dasha-based approach to birth time rectification, as developed and promoted by Sri Rao, appears to be merely a form of adjustment, akin to the practices of those who utilize multiple D-Charts. This approach can be classified as gimmicky astrology rather than authentic Jyotisa. Adjusting planetary positions to fit specific narratives cannot be accurately described as birth time rectification. The original methodologies were established by Sri Varahamihira in Brihat Jātaka. These methods are more complex than the current adjustment practices, which is likely why they are often overlooked. The calculations and application of standard astrological principles result in inaccurate predictions for Simha Lagna, while Kanya Lagna aligns perfectly. To create new theories is much easier than to abide with the rules of classical texts and consistently apply them in practice. Today's astrological community blindly accepts these baseless researches denying the methods of sages and seers.

This chart is referenced by various astrologers in their publications, where they have correlated the year of death with Sani's placement in the 7th Bhava of the Navamsa. Additionally, they have attempted to estimate the Tithi of death, albeit with an erroneous attribution of Tithi Lordship. This clearly illustrates the flaws in their methodologies too. Further elaboration is unnecessary, as it is apparent that Simha Lagna is incorrect, whereas Kanya Lagna accurately reflects the horoscope of Sri Rajiv Gandhi.

I have endeavored to offer numerous clues and references, accompanied by comprehensive descriptions. I encourage readers to consider this as an effort to emphasize the traditional methods of jyotiṣa.

According to Sri B J Rao - If a horoscope is analysed based only on the natal chart one can achieve atleast 75% correct predictions inspite of ayanamsa bug bear. Even if the chart is drawn with an incorrect ayanamsa and the planets are slightly displaced, the result will not be largely effected.

Conclusions

1. The information regarding celebrities that can be found online may often be deceptive. It necessitates careful verification, which is not a straightforward endeavor. 

2. Relying on the techniques of any astrologer without employing critical thinking and following them unquestioningly is unwise.

Jyotiṣārṇava - Amogh
https://jyotisharnava.blogspot.com/

External References :

Quotations of Sri KN Rao are taken from his book "The Nehru Dynasty: Astro-Political Portraits of Nehru, Indira, Sanjay and Rajiv" for the purpose of reviews and criticism.

Brihat Jātaka (Sri Kedardatta Joshi, MLBD)
Sārāvali (Sri Murlidhar Chaturvedi, MLBD)
Sri Sarvārtha Chintāmani (Sri Surkant Jha, Chaukhamba)
Horā Sāra (Sri R. Santhanam)
Bhavartha Ratnakara (Sri JN Bhasin, Ranjan Publications)


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