Muhurata - The Auspicious Time Astrology
is a vast subject and its various aspects encompass the
entire gamut of human and celestial existence. From the
birth of universe, the Sun, the Moon, the celestial bodies
and their respective motions, to the life form on earth,
evolution of man, our lives with its exigencies, all this
is covered in the subject of astrology. In India, astrology
is like a philosophy, a way of life. Since ancient times
the study of cosmos and the influence of heavenly bodies
on the life on earth, was known as ‘ Jyotish’,
- Lord of Light. Astrology has been an integral part of
Hindu myth, folklore and culture. It was venerated as the
Vedas and was known as Vedanga, - part of Vedas.
Astrology presupposes destiny. It is believed
that at the time of birth of an individual, his/her, life
pattern is determined. It is an ancient belief that all
existence follows a pre-determined course, and man’s
life pattern can be determined through the study of planetary
configuration present in the universe at the time of his
birth. The very concept that life, or existence, follows
a pre-determined path, is unique since man has been observing
the sky with its myriad stars and planets, and cyclical
changes of seasons along with changes in individual’s
life, culminating in death. It is not amazing then that
men of learning desired to know the reasons for all this
phenomena, supposedly happening involuntarily in the universe.
It is through deep meditation and intuitive sight of seers,
they discovered that there is an order in the universe
and all heavenly bodies, and life form on earth, as also
the seasons and weather, follow a chartered course. A
further study and probe led to the philosophy of astrology.
After having accepted that life is pre-ordained,
ancient seers, like our modern day scientists, were enthused
to further probe and find ways and means to control, or
harness, this cosmic power, for the betterment of mankind.
Once it was discovered, that the key to know
the future lay in the study of planetary configuration
at birth of an individual; it was quite natural to determine
the most auspicious planetary combination that would occur
in future, when if a certain task is undertaken, the results
would be favourable. Thus was evolved the ‘ electional
’ astrology, called ‘Muhurata’, - or
the auspicious time.
It is believed that just like our voyage
in life gets determined at our birth, similarly, the very
time we elect to do anything, will determine its outcome.
The intense study and research by ancient masters resulted
in a large body of work, which became a specialized branch
of astrology called ‘Muhurata’. And since
ancient times man has profited by choosing an auspicious
time before taking important decisions, ensuring success
of the desired objective.
If life is pre-ordained then what role
does ‘free will’ play. As long as man is tied
down to his ‘karma’, he has to follow his
destiny. And as long as he is actively pursuing his objective,
he will use his free will and choice to determine his
path. The outcome of his actions may or may not be under
his control, but it will always be his endeavour to do
his utmost to achieve his desired goal. For such reasons
man has employed all that he can to fulfill his life’s
aim. And seeking astrological advice to select the best
time for events like marriage, long journeys, purchase
of lands, building house or moving into a new home, became
an integral part of man’s life.
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