Article by ex IIT Prof. Dr. A. P.Rao
Vedic astrology has a utilitarian value to see success in human efforts by using auspicious times for good activities. It may not be possible always to wait for an auspicious time for routine activities; but it is prudent to elect a good time if option is there. Vedic astrology has abundant information about electional astrology or muhurta. For electing a good muhurta or auspicious time to start an activity like marriage requires extensive calculations and in depth professional expertise.
Vedic calendar system consists of Years Ayanas, Rutus, Masas or months, Pakshas and panchangas of tithi vaara nakshatra yoga karanams. All these components have dos and don’ts for a specific activity. There are further derivative functions, which define a bad muhurta, based on combinations of the above components of panchangas – even if the individual component is acceptable for muhurta. These are complex and require professional expertise. Also the Muhurta is functional specific – A Muhurta suitable for one purpose may not suitable for other purposes.
Human life is supposed to occur as a result of debt owed by us. There are three main debts one has to clear before progress or elevation comes to the soul. All rituals are meant to clear these debts as duties. These are Pittru Runam (Father mother and ancestors) Deva Runam (Gods) and Acharya (Guru or Society from where knowledge and skills are acquired). The Muhurta assumes a concerted and concentrated effort to clear these debts and hence does not allow mixing up of rituals in paying back these Runam or debts. Hence a day devoted for rituals to ancestors is not suitable for other rituals including special puujas to god even.
Each component of the calendar – year, seasons, months, panchangas of tithi vaara nakshatra yoga and karanams and their derivative combinations and their role in avoiding a particular activity is well documented. The derivative components include many subdivisions of a day like Tyajyam rahu kalam etc.
These basic components of Vedic calendar vary with place. Three dimensional astronomical calculations are needed for planetary positions. The sun set and sun rise also need to be calculated for the place.
Selecting a good time depends on year, seasons, months, each component of panchangas and many combinations of panchanga components. Many of these vary with local cultural history. For eg some years are linked with rivers (Kumbha mela) and marriages are prohibited in that year near that river. Similarly in rainy season pilgrimage is prohibited. Certain months (whether it is solar or lunar month) are not suitable for marriage. As narrated in Mahabharata Bhishma has to wait till Uttarayana for his demise even when he was mortally wounded. The derivative functions of panchaga are so complex that only a professional can select a good Muhurta – which is specific for each activity.
Only God decides the result of a muhurta – human effort with competent professional knowledge should be used wherever possible to elect a good Muhurta- specially if the activity can be done at a convenient time.