Rahu Kaal & Method to Calculate Rahu Kalam (Rahu Kaal)

In Indian Astrology, each day of the week has been assigned its respective

ruling planet viz. Monday is ruled by Moon, Tuesday by Mars etc. However,

Rahu and Ketu have not been given any specific day as they are treated as

nodes. However, Rahu and Ketu are given one and half hours time in a day

resulting three hours for Rahu and Ketu in which they can cast their malefic

influence since Rahu is a natural malefic.

Rahu Kalam (Rahu Kaal) is an inauspicious period of time for a particular day.

In other words, Rahu Kalam is the time during which Rahu seizes the

opportunity for influence. During this time one should avoid any auspicious

work like starting new business or project, buying expensive items,

investments, business transactions, journeys, meetings, interviews etc. It is

believed that any thing lost during Rahu Kalam is never found.

Rahu Kaal is one-eighth part of the difference between the Sunset and

Sunrise time of a particular place for a specific day of the week. The reason

for its 8th part is that in some Indian astrology systems, Rahu is considered

to be the 8th planet.

To calculate Rahu kalam or Rahu kaal, first find the local Sun-rise time and

sun-set time of the place. This can be found from a local panchang or your

local newspaper. Next divide the difference between the two time periods

into 8 equal parts. There is no Rahu Kalam during the first period of any

weekday. In other words, it is never just after sunrise. From Monday to

Sunday the period of Rahu Kaal or Rahu kalam for each week day is then

calculated as described below:

On Monday Rahukalam falls on the 2nd period

    Saturday                              3rd period

    Friday                                  4th period

    Wednesday                           5th period

    Thursday                              6th period

    Tuesday                               7th period

    Sunday                                 8th period

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JANTAR MANTAR, The Astronomical Observatories of Maharaja Jai Singh II:

The Jantar Mantar Observatory was built by Maharaja Sawai Jai Singh II, as a focal point of his new capital, Jaipur, the first and earliest geometrically planned city in India. Jai Singh II was one of several powerful princes rising to power as the influence of the Mughal Empire decreased. In his attempt to become an almost independent ruler of Rajasthan, he started to build a new capital underlining the link between scientific capacities, urban planning and social control. The construction of the observatory site started in the 1720s and was completed in 1738.

Jantar Mantar is the most complete and best-preserved great observatory site built in the Ptolemaic tradition. This tradition developed from Classical Antiquity through to Medieval times, and from the Islamic period through to Persia and China. Jantar Mantar was greatly influenced by earlier great observatories inside central Asia, Persia and China.

The observatory was very active during the life of Jai Singh II, with around 20 permanent astronomers. After his death in 1743, this key landmark in the centre of the capital city of Rajasthan remained in use almost continuously until around 1800. This is evident from the fact that repairs were carried out at least twice during this period. Nevertheless, during the 19th century the site ceased to function permanently as an observatory, being re-opened from time to time between periods of low activity or complete abandonment. Some important restorations occurred at the end of the 19th century, and mainly in 1902, under British rule. This started a new life for the observatory as a monument of Rajasthan. Other campaigns of restoration occurred during the 20th century and the most recent took place in 2006–07.

The most significant instruments (yantras) among the collection are:

- Brihat Samrat, probably the largest gnomon-sundial ever built. With a gnomon arm 22.6m high and two lateral quadrants of radius 15.15m, it measures local time to an accuracy of 2 seconds.

- Sasthamsa, which has four large meridian dials inside two high black chambers.

- Jai Prakash, a highly innovative sundial made of two hemispherical bowls that produce an inverse image of the sky and allow the observer to move freely around inside to take readings.

- Great Ram is a rare, and perhaps unique, double-cylinder instrument to record the azimuth of celestial bodies;

- Raj comprises a bronze astrolabe 2.43m in diameter, probably the largest in the world.

- Kapala is able to record the co-ordinates of celestial bodies in both the azimuth-altitude and equatorial systems, and permits a direct visual transformation of the co-ordinates of any point in the sky between the two systems;

- Rasivalaya is a unique group of 12 gnomon-dials to measure the ecliptic co-ordinates of celestial objects, each becoming operative when a different one of the 12 zodiacal constellations straddles the meridian.

The Jantar Mantar of Jaipur was inscribed on the World Heritage List in July 2010. It is truly an "Architecture in the Service of Science".

Seva / Sewa - Selfless Service!

We define the terms "selfless "as that which is not performed primarily for ones own benefit and "work" analogous to "useful service" simply as any physical act resulting in gain. 

Though defined the grasp and depth of sewa is far more implicit. Naturally it leads to questions such as "Why?", "How?" and "To whom?" amongst many others. These are important questions that have been considered, debated and contested in depth. The answers have come from and have led to some of the most fundamental aspects of dharma.

Why Sewa?

The motives that inspire human beings to do an act of Sewa have been varied and many. The feelings of compassion, feeling of humanity, and sympathy are usually mentioned as reasons why human beings do Sewa. The cardinal principle is that God is residing in all beings human, animal, bird or plant. The same God who is present in me is also present in other beings. Therefore serving man and other beings is serving God.

To Whom?

As mentioned, this extends to all beings whether human, animal, birds, plants or any other. It also includes the environment and living in harmony with nature.

To What Extent?

This is a very difficult question. To what extent should a person give his time, efforts and wealth in charity? Is there a limit charity? All wealth is given by God and a person receiving or collecting it should not go on accumulating or hoarding it. To hoard more wealth than what a man needs is a sin. The wealth not needed by man should be given to others for use. One can amass wealth with hundreds of hands but distribute the same with thousands of hands.


Scriptures :

Paropakaraya Punyaya, Papaya Parapeedanam
"What ever conduces to the good of others is noble deed and should be followed"

Iswarah Sarva Bhutanam Itruddesha Arjuna Tishtati
"The same God who is present in me is also present in other human beings."

Shatahasta Samahara, Sahasrashasta Sankira
"Earn with hundreds of hands, and distribute with thousands."

Datavyamiti Yaddanam Deeyatenupa KarineDeshe Kale cha Patercha Taddanam Sattvikam Smarutam
"That gift which is made to one who can make no return, with the feeling that it is one's duty to give, and which is given at the right place and time and to a worthy person, that gift is held sattvik."

You can do the same!!

Chand Baori: India’s Most Famous Stepwells

PLEASE READ, SHARE AND HELP US SPREAD THE KNOWLEDGE! 

Located in the village of Abhaneri near Jaipur, Rajasthan, is a famous stepwell constructed in the 9th century. Chand Baori consists of 3500 narrow steps over 13 storeys and extends approximately 100ft into the ground, making it one of the deepest and largest stepwells in the world. 

Built during the reign of King Chanda of Nikumbha Dynasty, the stepwells provided surrounding areas with a dependable water source centuries before modern water delivery systems were introduced. The apparently complex geometric architecture of the stairs and steps ensured that the Rajput people had access to water at any time of the year and from all sides. No one is sure why the steps were built so elaborately but every drop of water was precious in Rajasthan and Chand Baori also became a community gathering place for the Abhaneri locals, especially during summer due as the air at the bottom of the well is always 5-6 degrees cooler than at the top.

The steps surround the well on three sides while the fourth side has a set of pavilions built one atop another. The side that has the pavilions have niches with beautiful sculptures including religious carvings. There is even a royal residence with rooms for the King and the Queen and a stage for the performing arts. A temple is situated right across these stepwells.

Chand Baori was featured in the movie The Fall and also made a small appearance in Christopher Nolan’s blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises.

The well is now a treasure managed by the Archaeological Survey of India


Akshit Kapoor

Significance and Meaning of "ORANGE" / "SAFFRON" color

In India, colours play a very important role in religion and cultures, showing a very deep significance that transcends purely decorative values. Artists use color on the deities and their dresses signifying their qualities. Proper use of colors creates an environment, which should keep a person cheerful. Some of the main colors used in religious ceremonies are red, yellow (turmeric), green from leaves, white from wheat flour. etc. The main color that most Eastern religions and cultures use is Saffron.

Hinduism:
If there is any colour that symbolizes all aspects of Hinduism, it is Saffron – the colour of Agni or fire. Fire burns away the darkness and brings light and it is symbolic of knowledge burning ignorance. Fire also shows the spirit of Yagna (Ritual of the sacred fire) which is important to Self knowledge. As such, the fire altar is regarded as a distinct symbol of ancient Vedic rites.

A colour of purity, it represents religious abstinence, purging and resultant purity. It is the colour of saints and ascetics, those who have renounced the world. Wearing saffron colour symbolizes the quest for Knowledge of Godhead.

In symbolism, Saffron comprises of the colours of Sun, Mars and Jupiter that relates to:
Driving the Desire (Mars) for Truth or Moksha, liberation (Sun) with the help of knowledge and one who dispels it (Jupiter).

When sages moved from one ashram to another, it was customary to carry fire along. The inconvenience to carry a burning substance over long distances may have given rise to the symbol of a saffron flag. Triangular and often forked saffron flags are seen fluttering atop most Sikh and Hindu temples.

It is the color of holy men and ascetics who have renounced the world. Wearing the color symbolizes the quest for light. It is the battle color of the Rajputs, the warrior caste.

Buddhism:
In Buddhism, Saffron is the color of illumination, the highest state of perfection. The saffron colors of robes to be worn by monks were defined by the Buddha himself and his followers in the 5th century B.C. The robe and its color is a sign of renunciation of the outside world and commitment to the order. The candidate monk, with his master, first appears before the monks of the monastery in his own clothes, with his new robe under his arm and asks to enter the order. He then takes his vows, puts on the robes, and with his begging bowl, goes out to the world. Thereafter, he spends his mornings begging and his afternoons in contemplation and study, either in a forest, garden, or in the monastery.

Sikhism:
In Sikhism, orange or saffron appears in the form of Nishan Sahibs (the Sikh flag), the cholas (warrior attire) worn by Panj Pyaray and Sikh turbans. This is the colour of deep joy and bliss. It absorbs shocks, nasty experiences and trauma. It’s about letting go of what holds us back or what is not helpful. Orange is the colour of connection, a sense of community, belonging and social aspects of being.

Orange is also the colour of second mediation Chakra - Sacral Chakra/ Hara / or Swadhisthana chakra. This Chakra holds the energy that gives pleasures of life (Swad-histhana) ... everything from taste and pleasure of food, relationships, worldly possessions, money, property, sexual energy etc. Everything that gives the taste of life! Those who wear saffron clothes, symbolically say that they have mastered the Swadhisthana chakra - or they have raised above the worldly pleasures.

Saffron is also one of the three colours in the Indian flag, signifying courage and selflessness. India has a history of brave and loyal freedom fighters. Saffron indicates the strength of this nation and its will to give away all for the benefit of its people.


Akshit Kapoor

Cursed Gem of Indra

Stolen by British during Plassey Revolt.

At first glance, the Delhi Purple Sapphire is nothing special to look at compared to the Hope diamond and the Koh-i-Noor diamond. In fact, it is not even a sapphire but rather a plain looking oval-cut amethyst set in blackened silver setting, marked with astrological signs and framed by two scarab carved gems on either side. Despite its very unremarkable appearance, the Delhi Sapphire is considered to be the most notoriously cursed gems to date.

Obscure from the world until chanced upon by Peter Tandy, a curator at the Natural History Museum in England. The gemstone was accompanied by a typewritten from its last owner, Edward Heron-Allen which read, “This stone is trebly accursed and is stained with the blood, and the dishonor of everyone who has ever owned it ,” and, “Whoever shall then open it, shall first read out this warning, and then do as he pleases with the jewel. My advice to him or her is to cast it into the sea.”

This warning was not enough for Heron-Allen. He had taken extra precaution of wrapping the gem in protective charms and sealing it in seven boxes before donating it the museum. The note further gave account of the gemstone’s dark history that he knew, starting from Cawnpore after the Indian mutiny at the Temple of Indra in 1857. A Bengal cavalryman by the name of Col. W. Ferris took the amethyst from temple as his own personal loot, shortly after which both him and his son were beset by health and financial ruin. The sapphire was given to a family friend who committed suicide soon after.

Edward Heron-Allen was an English polymath, writer, lawyer, scientist and Persian scholar who translated the works of Omar Khayyam. A close friend of Oscar Wilde, he became the next owner of the gem in 1890. A man of science, Heron-Allen was not someone who believed in superstition easily but too many incidences led him to believe that the stone was cursed. He tried twice to give it away to friends, both times receiving it back after they met with ill luck.

Heron-Allen even threw the sapphire into Regent’s Canal and again he found it in his possession 3 months later after being found by a dredger. The jeweller who bought the stone recognized it and promptly returned to Heron-Allen whose belief in the curse intensified. He had the stone locked away only to be taken out after his death in 1904 when the amethyst was given to the museum under the request the box not be opened until 3 years after his death.

In 2004, the gem came into the possession of John Whittaker, a member of the Natural History Museum. He was tasked with transporting the sapphire to the Heron-Allen society for an event. During the trip, both he and his wife were trapped in their car amidst the most horrific thunderstorm of their lives.

Tasked with transporting the gem on another occasion, Mr. Whittaker fell violently ill with a stomach bug. Before the stone could be transported for the third time, he found himself in severe pain that ended up with him passing a kidney stone.

Whether the stone is cursed or not, it is ironic to note that the Delhi Purple Sapphire belonged to the temple of the Hindu god of war and weather. The story may seemed to be plucked out of an old black and white horror movie, but it is strongly believed that through its theft from the ancient idol a curse was cast.


Akshit Kapoor

Koh-i-noor - Mountain of Light

Once known as the largest diamond in the world, the Koh-i-noor is a 106 carats diamond. Previously it had belonged to various rules in India but today lies in the hands of the British royal family and is part of the Crown Jewels. 

Legend has it that Koh-i-noor is 5000 years old and is the Syamantaka jewel that is referred to in Sanskrit writings. This jewel is supposed to have originally belonged to the Sun god, who wore it around his neck. It is said that any land it that possessed it would never encounter any calamities in the form of natural disasters and would always be full of prosperity and plenitude.

Current name of the diamond, Koh-i-noor is in Persian and means `Mountain of Light`. Up until 1304, the diamond was in the possession of the Rajas of Malwa but was not called by its current name.

First document that verifies the existence of Koh-i-noor dates back to 1526 when it came into the possession of the Indian conquerer, Babur, mentioning the previous ownership by the Raja of Gwalior in the 13th century.

The diamond continuously changed hands between Indian and Persian rulers as they fought bitter battles throughout history.
The diamond ended up being mounted on the Mughal throne of India – the Peacock Throne. It is said that when Shah Jahan , the ruler who commanded the building of this throne and the Taj Mahal, was imprisoned by his son, that he could only ever see the Taj Mahal again through the reflection of this diamond.

The diamond once again was lost to India when it was stolen to Nadir Shah and made its way to Persia in 1739, again making its way back to Punjab in 1813 when Shuja Shah Durrani, the deposed ruler of Afghanistan, took it to India and made a deal to surrender the diamond in exchange for help in winning back the Afghan throne.

The diamond was 186 carats before the British acquired it by conquering Punjab and the stone was given to Queen Victoria by the then British Colonial Governor-General of India. Prince Albert carefully searched for a diamond cutter and gave the missions to a certain Mr. Cantor in Netherlands, who began the difficult task of cutting it which took 38 days to accomplish. Cut into an oval shape, the diamond lost its lustre and was reduced to its current form and weight of 108.93 carats. Apparently, Prince Albert wasn`t too happy with the end results.

The Koh-i-noor was mounted on the Royal Crown along with over 2000 other diamonds.

There is apparently a curse on the diamond that affects all men who wear it but women are immune. The Crown was used by Queen Victoria, Queen Alexandra, Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth and is only worn by the female members of the British Royal Family as per Queen Victoria`s last will and testament.
Both India and Pakistan each claim the diamond be handed back to them by the British. However, as of February 21, 2013 British Prime Minister refused to hand it over, saying `I certainly don`t believe in “returnism”, as it were. I don’t think that’s sensible`.

The Crown is currently on display at the Tower of London and it looks like it is going to remain there indefinitely.


Akshit Kapoor