Itihaas :
May 1st, 2001
“Jyotirgyan” is the new buzzword. As “Jyoti” means Light and “Gyan” Knowledge “Jyotirgyan” could translate as ‘Knowledge of the Luminaries Aspecting Mortals and Having Effect Upon Their Fates and Fortunes’ or Astrology, which the RSS want included as a discipline for study in ‘general’ or non-specialist Universities. There are specialist institutions already catering to the needs of those who wish to study “Jyotish” which used to be the name for Astrology. With the inclusion of Astrology as a subject in general, non-specialist Universities diplomas and degrees can be awarded on a mass scale in “Jyotirgyan” and those with certificates can practice soothsaying as duly qualified personnel duly certified to crystal-gaze and predict auspicious times etc.
All human beings are aware of the Sun [Surya] and the Moon [Chandrama or Soma] which light up the day and the night. The other luminaries of consequence to Astrologers are, Mars [Mangal], Mercury [Buddha] Venus [Shukra], Jupiter[Brihaspati] and Saturn [Shani]. These heavenly bodies are believed by Astrologers to influence the fate of men and of nations. Not only light but also darkness affects Fate. The dark shadows called Rahu and Ketu are also taken into reckoning in the casting of horoscopes.
The idea of including Astrology as part of the normal curriculum of all Universities has been opposed by many people. The Human Resources Development Minister and the Chairman of the University Grants Commission are desperate to defend Astrology as they have labelled it “Vedic” and thus given it sacred cow status. In their frenzied argumentation it has been alleged that the decision to have degrees and diplomas on Astrology by Universities and Institutes is being attacked because in India whatever the Hindus do is attacked etc. etc.
The RSS in general and the HRD minister Murli Manohar Joshi and his Chairman University Grants Commission Dr Hari Gautam are both from the science stream. Joshi is a teacher of Physics and Gautam a medic. Both are Brahmins and have closed minds in which everything of any consequence was discovered in India. Indians knew how to fly and all evils came from abroad etc. etc. etc. This mindset is the product of the fascist ideology of the RSS which has nurtured them and brought them to power far far in excess of their ability to cope. They are what the late Professor Raj Krishna would have called “Knowledge proof!”
If they were at all open minded they would know that the Muslims of India are as naïve foolish and gullible in the matter of Astrology as the Hindus.
We can take the example of one of the best known of the Mughal Emperors, Shihaabuddeen Muhammad Shah Jahan Badshah Ghazi, Saheb-I-Qiraan Saanee.
The first part of the address “Shihaabuddeen Muhammad Shah Jahan” was assumed at accession.
“Badshah” [Baadshaah] means ruler king monarch emperor, or in Hindi Samraat. “Ghazi” [Ghaazee] means the warrior for the Faith, what in Hindi will be called “Dharmaveer”.
The next title “Saahib-I-Qiraan Saanee” means the Lord of the Auspicious Constellation is clearly Astrological. “Saanee” means “equal to” or the Second. The title “Sahib-I- Qiraan” “Lord of the Auspicious Conjunction of Two Luminaries” was first used in this dynasty by Amir Timur (Teymour). “Qiraan” means conjunction or the coming together of two heavenly luminaries. Thus “Qiraan-I Saadain” means the auspicious togetherness of the beneficient planets Jupiter and Venus.
The most remarkable sculpture in the Delhi Red Fort is the translucent screen depicting the Mizaan-I- “Adl or “Scales of Justice”. It is located above the Nahar-i-Bahisht” or Paradise Canal flowing from the Rang Mahal through the Khwaabgaah (Sleeping area). The Mizaan-i-“Adl or the Scales of Justice is shown floating in ether in company with assorted heavenly bodies. This is in the private area of the Emperor and the symbolism shows that Fate by having his nativity aspected by beneficient luminaries in conjunction has given Shahabuddin Muhammad Badhah Ghazi the power of dispensing evenhanded justice without fear or favour.
This “Lord of the Auspicious Conjunction of Two Luminaries”, Shah Jahan, was dethroned by his own son in 1658 and kept confined for eight long years until his death.
The city of Shahjahanabad had its foundations laid at the most auspicious time as indicated by astrologers. This was in 1639. It saw its founder imprisoned in 1658 and was itself looted again and again from 1739 to 1947. In 1857 its centre was razed to the ground . Its 100 acre palace fort was vandalised and the pavilions gardens ponds and canals laid out in 85 acres obliterated. The Mughals used all astrologers including those proficient in the Indian systems.
For them astrology did not work.