BIRTH PLACES OF THE PLANETS

                           ARUN ROY MUKHERJEE

In Astrological text we find a Sanskrit Sloka which reads as followd :

“Chandrajna-Shukra-Dhumarka-Paribesara-Karmmuka:

Guru: Pata: Shani: Keturgraha: Syurdhadashakramat.”

Astrologers claim that the Sloka is composed  by Rushi Parashara, which when translated means that Ravi (Sun), Chandra (Moon) Mangal ( Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus) and Shani (Saturn) are the seven planets which are visible in the sky and are called as “Prakash Graha.

In Astrology, it is believed  Sage Parashara stated that even the Sun and the Moon are planets and belong to the group of the seven planets which are visible. We have already discussed in one of our previous posts about the point whether such astrological treaties were really composed by the Vedic sage Parashara or by some other person at a much later date either having assumed the pseudonym Parashara or having Parashara as his name also. We will now take up the subject on what Astrology states about where the Planets were born or in other words what are the birth places of the different planets according to the Sloka quoted above..

Where do you think was the Sun born ? I would say that the Sun was born somewhere in space within the Milky Way galaxy in the sky above and I believe all of you will agree with me. But no. We are all wrong if we have faith in Astrology and particularly the one most revered as the Vedic Astrology, followed by the astrologers in India.  I quote the Sloka written in Sanskrit :

“Utpannaharka: Kalingeshu Yamunayancha Chandrama:

 Angarakastvbatyancha Magadhesu Himangshuja:

Saindhabesu Gururjata: Shukro Bhojkatey tatha.

Shanishcharastu Sourastre Rahurvainatikey Pure

Antarvedyang Tatha Keturityeta Grahavumaya.”

Now we know that the Sun was not born in space within the Milky Way Galaxy but was born on earth in Kalinga, India. Yes Sire. It is in India where the Sun was born and the place of its birth is in Kalinga (the place known as Odisha in present time). However, how and when the Sun went to its present position in the sky above is not known. Astrological texts also do not enlighten us on that point.  Not only the Sun but all other planets were born on this poor earth only and fortunately for us in India itself.  Though we could not find any other Sloka to find out the dates and times of birth of those planets but we hope our learned astrologers have some records to give us the details. If our learned astrologers help us with the information, we can prepare the horoscopes of all of them and know their future. Now let us note down the birth places of those planets on the basis of the Sloka quoted above :

The Sun was born in Kalinga , Moon in Yamuna. We do not know whether it is the river named  Yamuna or a city, town or village known by that name. Mangal (Mars) was born in Avanti Desha and Budh (Mercury) in Magadha (i.e., a place in present day Bihar). Guru or Jupiter was born in Sind (now in Pakistan), Shukra or Venus in Bhoj and Shani or Saturn was born in Saurashtra. It did not stop at that. Even Rahu and Ketu, the two imperceptible planets (Aprakash Graha) were also born in Vainatikpur and Antarvedi. However, I must admit that I do not know where these two places were or are now.

Thus we see that the Divine Science of Astrology gives us enough information related to the birth places of our planets which however does not agree in the least to what we have learnt in our school and college days. So in order to be a devout believer of astrology, the so called divine science we have to completely disregard what Aryabhatta, Copernicus, Galileo, Newton, Einstein and the like have taught us and so shall we do to be a pious believer.

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