“Marriages are made in heaven” is a well-known saying. So one can also say, “Divorces happen in hell.” The fabric of Indian society is woven tightly around the well established and proven institution of marriage built on well thought out procedure and social sanction. It is as rigorous as any ISO certification. “Once married, married for life” is the slogan or motto of Indian society. It is firmly and rightly believed that marriage between a man and a woman approved by law is not only a civil and social contract between two people, but also the union of two different families and their harmonious relationship into the future.
The starting point before a boy’s family ‘sees’ a girl of similar status for mutual acceptance of the marriage proposal is the involvement of an astrologer to judge the astrological ‘match’ or compatibility of horoscopes. In the so-called ‘love marriages’, this aspect is not important and, therefore, only a suitable ‘muhurta’ is fixed (if necessary) according to elective astrology for the celebration of the marriage ceremony. That the ancient Hindus have devised a method to judge the marriage compatibility of the bride and groom in all aspects (physical, mental, spiritual, and biological) speaks volumes about her foresight, insight, and skills in social architecture.
As soon as a ‘go-between’ mentions a possible ‘match’, families submit the boy’s and girl’s horoscopes to their astrologers for astrological examination regarding compatibility, commonly known as a ‘match’. There are three main factors to consider:
1. The longevity of the boy and the girl.
2. The strength of the 7th and 8th houses
3. 12-factor friendliness or ‘Koota Milan’
The seventh house in a horoscope belongs to the couple. If Venus and Mars are in the 7th house, the boy or girl will have strong biological impulses and therefore that person should be married to someone similar for compatibility. Longevity judgment requires experience and novices shouldn’t even attempt it. Once the minimum kindness requirement is met, the astrologer gives the family the go-ahead, otherwise he suggests skipping the proposal.
In ‘Koota Milan’ twelve (12) pairing factors are considered. The sixteen ‘Kootas’ are Dina, Gana, Mahendra, Stree-Deergha, Varna, Vasya, Graha-Maitri, Yoni, Rasi, Rajju, Vedha and Nadi. Of them, the most important are Yoni, Rajju and Nadi. The maximum of ‘marks’ or matching units are 36 (thirty-six) and a minimum of 18 (eighteen) are considered essential apart from the satisfactory matching of Yoni (sex), Rajju (marital life span) and Nadi ( physiological temperament). ). For the matching process, only the birth stars of the boy and the girl are needed. There are 27 (twenty seven) ‘nakshatras’ or constellations in Indian astrology, not counting ‘Abhijit’. Each ‘nakshatra’ is subdivided into four ‘padas’ or rooms. The constellation in which the moon resides at any given time is the ruling star at that time. The one who is at the time of birth is the birth star. Some astrologers give greater importance to the ‘Graha-Maitri’ or friendship between the lords of the ‘Janma Rasis’ (sign of the moon in horoscopes) since it determines the psychological dispositions of the couple. Some exceptions are also provided as otherwise the marriages would not take place!
What if the ‘Janma Rasis’ and/or the ‘Janma Nakshatras’ of the couple are the same? The commonly accepted verdict of ancient Indian astrologers and sages, in case the ‘Janma Rasis’ are the same, is that the birth star of the boy must precede that of the girl. In case the ‘Janma Nakshatras’ of the couple are the same, they must belong to different ‘Padas’ (quarters). It is essential to avoid the match if the common star is one among Bharani, Aslesha, Swati, Jyesta, Moola, Dhanista, Satabhisha or Poorvabhadra. However, if the common birth star is related to two different ‘rasis’ (signs), and the girl’s ‘Pada’ is related to the previous sign, it is acceptable. In case the common birth star belongs to two signs equally (Mrigasira, Chitta, etc.), the ‘Pada’ of the child should relate to the previous sign. A few more exceptions have been made to account for matching if there is strong alliance demand. However, the honest and sincere astrologer must present his objections without prejudice.
‘Kuja Dosham’ or ‘Mangalik’ is a big hurdle for marriages in India. This arises due to certain placements of Mars (‘kuja’ or ‘mangal’ or ‘angaraka’) in a horoscope with respect to the Ascendant, Moon and Venus. Certainly this ‘dosh’ or evil is feared by any parent, particularly a girl! Mars in the 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house causes this incompatibility. There are two shortcomings committed by most astrologers. One is to consider the position of Mars in the ‘Rasi’ (sign) and not in the ‘Bhava’ (house), while the other is to ignore to determine if there is this ‘dosh’ of the Moon and Venus. Evil is stronger if it is from Venus, less strong from the Moon and less from the ‘Lagna’ (Ascendant). Also, not all positions of the five locations mentioned above will endanger the life of the spouse. The second house means family, the fourth happiness, the seventh spouse, the eighth longevity and the twelfth pleasures of bed. ‘Kuja Dosh’ is canceled if it is present in both horoscopes. There are several other exceptions that must be carefully considered before declaring the incompatibility of horoscopes.
The Western astrologer can greatly benefit from a deeper understanding and application of the compatibility methods adopted by his Indian counterpart and save the large number of disastrous marriages in the West which have an indelible effect on the unfortunate offspring of such marriages. Of course, the new Indian generation has begun to emulate the undesirable premature practices of the West. They will benefit themselves and the nation if they try to understand India’s time-tested value system and avoid the pitfalls of Western society.
