The first edition published in 1980 has been out of print for
the past six years. Due to my other literary commitments,
publishing the second edition had to be delayed, though there
was great demand for the book.
It is my hope that this new edition will aid both the students
and savants of astrology in their studies and researches and
contribute to a better understanding and appreciation of the
novel methods of horoscopic interpretation presented in these
pages.
Thanks are due to the well-known publishers Motilal
Banarsidass for having brought out this edition attractively.
Bangalore
29-4-1991 B.V. RAMAN
## Page 14
PREFACE
It is with justifiable feelings of pride and humility that
I present herewith an English translation of Prasna Marga
(Part I) a celebrated work on astrology largely in use im
Kerala.
The idea to bring out an English edition of Prasna
Marga first occurred to me in 1940. This was largely due
to the persuasion of one Mr. P. G. Subrahmanya Iyer, then
working as an assistant in my office. Mr. Iyer was well
versed in astrology besides being a scholar in Sanskrit and
Malayalam. With his help and co operation a rough or
tentative transjation was made and the matter left there.
For bealth reasons, Mr lyer had to relinquish the job in
my office and return to his native land. I feel indebted to
Mr. Iyer for the initial help given to me.
I should say that the pericd between 1942 and 1962
was perhaps the most creative part of my life as it was
during these years that the greatcr part of my intellectual
productions in the shape of books were made available to
the public. It was again during these years that I was busy
building up THF ASTROLOGICAL MAGAZINE, organising
tesearch work etc.
Hence It was only in 1964-65 that the translation of
Prasna Marga could be completely revised and re-written
with copious notes and illustrations. But for various reasons
the manuscript had to be zgain kept in cold storage.
In 1977, thanks to the persuasion of my son B. A. Kumar
Babu and daughter Gayatri Devi Vasudev, I took up the
## Page 15
Xviii
final revision of Part I asd completed the notes and the
manuscript was made ready for the press
I do not claim infallibility. Some of the stanzas may
not have been correcily translated ora meaning piven
which may not have been intended by the original author.
Iam therefore open to correction .
It is heped that the book will be received with the
same warmth by my indulgent readers as all my other
publications have been received by them.
Each part of this great work is self-contained and can
be used without refereuce to the other. Hence ove need
not have the apprebension that in the absence of Part IE,
Part I may not be useful.
Though the title Prasna Marga suggesis that the book
deals with Prasna or horary astrology, I have to make it
clear that the text gives equally valuable info: mation bear-
ing on natal astrology which ca ibe used with advantage.
The translation of Part Il (Adhvavas 17 to 32) is also
ready and I hope to bring it out in 1981.
In bringing the book to its final shane, considerable
assistance has been given tome by my daughter Gayatri
Devi Vasudev aad I must record my appreciation of this
help.
My special thanks are due to my esteemed friend and
colleague Dr. P.S Sastri who has kindly prepared ‘An Index
of Technical Terms’.
T have also to thank Prof. M. R. Bhat and late Mr.
L. Narain Rao for their helpful hints and my sons
B. Niranjan Babu and B. Sachidananda Ba»u why have been
of much help to me in proof-corrections etc.
I must put on record the helpful attitude that is being
displayed by my esteemed friends P. N. Kamat aad B. K.
Anantharam of IBH Prakashana in coming forward to
publish this bock.
Bangalore. B. V. RAMAN.
11-8-1980.
## Page 16
INTRODUCTION
To the ancient astrological literature of the Hindus
traced to Sage Parasara there belong a certain number of
complementary works without whose assistance, the student
of astrology may not be able to understand the deeper
implications of the subject. Prasna Marga may be consi-
dered as one such work. It is an exhaustive treatise on
the various aspects of Prasna or Horary astrology.
This work can be considered as of exceptional interest
and value.
The authorship of the work is attributed to a Namboo-
diri Brahmin of Kerala, written in Kollam 825 (1649 AD)ina
place called Edakad near Talasseri. It appears that at that
time our author bad an opponent by name Easwara
Deekshita living in Chola country. Another great disciple
of the author was Mochbhattiloyit, a well-known personality
in Kerala in those days. Kerala Varma was also
a gteat astrologer. Kerala Varma’s disciple Punnasseri
Nambi Neelakanta Sarma wrote a commentary in Sanskrit.
And in rendering the work into English reliance has been
placed on this commentary. Unfortunately the Sanskrit
commentary is available only for the first part consisting of
sixteen chapters.
As regards the nature and value of the work, the
author appears to have been a renowned scholar and has
## Page 17
XX
culled information from a number of ancient sources though
his favourite works appear to be Brihat Jataka and
Krishneeya.
The topic of the work, though called Prasna Marga,
covers almost the entire range of the subject: Jataka or
Predictive astrology, muhurtha or electional astrology, pari-
hara or remedial astrolegy and nimittas or the science of
omens.
Here we have, essentially a work that touches on some
of the most important aspects of life—longevity, death,
disease etc. The value of the work is unmistakable. It
not only endorses the ancient principles of astrology but
also extends beyond by giving methods which are not to be
found even in such celebrated books as Brihat Jataka.
The English translation presented herewith, as in the
case of my other translations, is not word for word. It is
maore or less a summary of the stanzas as I have been able
to understand, sometimes with the assistance of Pandits
who are well acquainted with this work. It is possible my
explantation may not render the intended meaning of the
author. Icanonly crave the indulgence of my readers
for any such short comings.
Though Punnasseri Neelakanta Sharma’s Sanskrit text
has been generally followed a manuscript tiaced at the
Oriental Library, Madras, has also been made use of.
Some verses in the former have been omitted and some in
the latter included
As earlier indicated the author of Prasna Marga appears
to have been a scholar of exceptional merits not only is
different aspects of astrology proper but also in such
## Page 18
Xxi
collateral subjects as omens and mantra sastra. Diagnosing
from the horoscope the nature of disease and the *‘ spirits’’
responsible, and prescription of remedies are an important
aspect of Prasna Marga. Today some ‘‘ men of science’*
may smile at the author’s tracing different types of insanity
to ‘‘possession’’? by evil spirits. To rid the world of
mental illness is surely the most ancient aspiration. In
this our author is not alone. Some of the western thinkers
have started believing in ghosts, possession etc., as causing
abnormal behaviour as the various therapies employed by
neuro surgeons cannot be the answer toa fight against
insanity. It is on record that many persons suffering from
such mental troubles (some of them seemingly incurable)
have been helped by mantra sastra.
According to ancient thought, whatever be the modern
jargon—schizophrenia, catatonia, dissociation, paranoia,
reactive and endogenous depression, melancholia, maniac
depressive psychosi3s—insanity is caused nt only by organic
factors but also by ‘spirits’ or disincarnate beings. All
the modern medical magic has not been found enough to
cure insanity. Hence the ancient teachings cannot be
ignored as out of date.
The first part has 16 chapters and the total number of
slokas is 1283. I shall deal briefiy with the contents.
Chopter One begins with an introduction to Astrology,
its branches, and who may study the science with success.
The author tells us what type of karma is indicated by the
birth-chart and Prasna chart under different circumsiances.
How an astrologer should begin his day by prayer and
what all he should note in any person Who approaches him
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XXxi1
with a problem forms the crux of Chapter Two. The
directions indicated by different signs and use of Arudha
Lagna are explained. Answers are to be given according
to Sutra, Thrisphuta, Ashtamangala and Suvarnavastha.
Muhurtas, favourable and unfavourable for queries, are
also mentioned. It also shows how omens, breath-variations
and avastha or the mental state of the astrologer are used in
answering queries. Syparsa or the part of the body touched
by a querent comes in for discussion. The persons or
objects encountered on the way to an astrologer, through
direction, the first syllable uttered, the way he stands, or
the object with him are all dealt with in this chapter.
Facial expressions and the sight of certain creatures in
interpreting prasna form the rest pf the chapter.
Kala Hora and the significance of the different quaricrs
(east, south-east, south, south-west, west, north-west, north
and north-east) occupied by the Sun during his passage
across the sky; the indications of omens appearing in these
quarters; are a}] discussed in Chapter Three.
Details for conducting Prasnakriya are explained in
the next chapter. A lighted Lamp a Rasi Chakra, flowers,
gold pieces, betel leaves and nuts, fruits and other similar
articles are necessary for divining the future. The lamp
plays a very significant role. The shape, the size and
depth of the flame, the oil and its quality, the wick and its
quality as well as the container are all taken into account
before coming to any conclusion. Next comes the Rasi
Chakra. The thickness or otherwise of the lines constitu-
ting the chakra and ary articles found in it are also indi-
cative of results. Again there is some elaboration on
## Page 20
xxiii
‘sparsa’ or the thing touched by the querent and different
gestures as der. oting different results. The manner in which
the astrologer must next pray and invoke Ged, Guru and
the planets is outlined. After that. predictions are to be
made onthe basis of rules enumerated in the pre vious
chapters.
Chapter Five deals with determining various factors
which are necessary in mziking predictions. Without the
correct rising sign, Do previction can be made. It shows
how the Lagna Sphuta wing the shadow-method, and the
Chandra Sphuta ate to be found out. These methods
bearing on astrcncmical caiculaticns are not in vogue any
more and they may be ignored. Determination of Trisphuta,
Chatusphuta, Pranasphuta and ovher sphutas such as
Mrityu and Kalasphutas, Mrityu Rasi and Mrityu Chakras
form the rest of the chapter. It also shows how the
Arudhasphuta is 10 be calculated.
How the different Sutras become Jeeva, Roga or Mrityu
depending upon the disposition of the Arudha Lagna is
explained in Chapter Six. Jeera, Rogaand Mrityu are capable
of giving differeut results. Nakshatra and Adhipathi Sutras
refer to the present. Samanya Sutrarefers to the past.
Amsaka and Maha Sutras iefer to the future. The whole
chart of a querent with reference to Trisphuta, Dasas,
Antardasas and Duta Lekshana must all be carefully
assessed. Different resulis are atiributed to Trisputas
falling in different signs and Navamsas. The results vary
with reference to Nakshatras also. There are enumerated
certain Nakshatras which when they coincide with Tri-
sphuta indicate death. Chapter six limits the period of
## Page 21
xxiv
prognostication to one year which contains all the Dasas in
proportion to their Vimshottari duratioa
How the science of a Sunkhya or numbers can be applied
to Horary Astrology, is beautifally detailed in Chapter
Seven. The 3 digits ofa root number starting with the
unit number pertain in a reverse order respectively to the
future, the present and the past. The eight planets, the
yonis of 8.creatures, the Panchabhutas, etc., are assigned
numerical values. Depending upon the nature of each of
these, results can be good, bad or indifferent. The root
number or the Ashtamangala divided by 30, 27, 7, 12, 9
and 5 respectively gives as the remainder the lunar day, the
constellation, the week-day, the zodiacal sign, the planet
and the element in respective order. These reckoned from
the Janma Rasi and Nakshatra are used in indicating the
immediate future confined to a day or a year.
Chaptcr Fight is comprehensive dealing with the effects
of Arudha Lagna, Navamsa Lagna, Chatra, Sprishtanga and
Janma results depending up-n benefic or malefic associa-
tions to which they are subject. The different avasthas or
planetary states are capable of indicating different types of
reactions and states of mind of the questioner. Prepounde-
rance of Gulika indicates death. The 8 cardinal points
beginning from Eist are signified by Arudha and the tweive
Rasis. Different planets rule different types of vegetation
which can be made use of in locating lost articles and
missing persons. The lay of the gold piece is again dis-
cussed in drawing conclusions. The Navamsas of Mandi,
the Moon and Lagna are indicative of illness, death or
incurable disease depending upon the signin which they
## Page 22
XXV
fall. Lagnain the Vargas of different planets gives diffc-
rent results. Association of Chandra Navamsa Rasi with
planets gives results varying with the nature of the planets.
Chandra Kriya (see Appendix) is also given a passing
reference.
The longevity of a person is determined by a consi-
deration of the Arudha Lagna, the Moon’s position,
Gulika and other factors together with any omens that may
be observed at the time of a question. The Ist and 8th
houses and their lords are also important. The author
says that longevity must be judged on horoscopy as given
in Varahamihira’s Brihat Jataka. Certain Drekkanas such
as Sarpa, Kala and Gridhra (see Appendix _) associated
with malefics in the Ascendant cause death. The twelve
houses should be reckoned from Arudha or Lagna, which-
ever is stronger. If Prasna results are similar to results
based on horoscopy, then the astrologer can assertively
predict events. In Chapter Nine a reference is made to
one’s past Karma, a human life being a means to exhaust
it. The horoscope reveals such Karma but it can also be
overcome through atma-jnana or self-realisation. The
author enumerates two kinds of longevity, namely,
Yogayus and Dasayus whlch are common to rrost classical
works. Several combinations and permutations of planetary
lords for Alpayus (shost life), Madhyayus (medium life) and
Purnayus (long life) are explained in some detail.
Chapter Ten treats of determining death on the basis
of the birth and horary charts. Firstly, the Dasayus
system is explained by which the Dasa and Antardasa in
which death may be anticipated are picked out from
## Page 23
XxVvi
numerous candidates. An exhaustive list of maraka
planets is provided. The Kalachakra Dasa system is also
dealt with. Transits, particularly those of Saturn, Jupiter,
the Sun and the Moon can also be effectively applied in
this regard, to narrow Gown the range of time when death
is likely. Ashtakavarga signs, the role of Gulika, when
Niryana planets become dezdly, the time of death, etc.,
receive due attention. On the basis of the last letter
(syllable) of a query, the time of death can also be calcu-
lated aided by omens. Various factors have to be
carefully reconciled before pronouncing the final word on
death.
The nature and cause of death receive special attention
in Chapter Eleven. The Sus, the Moon, Mars, Mercury,
Jupiter, Venus and Saturn respectively in the 8th house
cause death by fire, drowning, weapons, high fever, disease,
th'rst and hunger. Depending upon the planet influencing
the 8th house and the organ ruled by that sign, death wilj
be due to the disturbance of the humour or dhatu signified
by it. The lord of the 22nd drekkana plays a significant
role in causing death. Whether the end will be peacefv}
or unhappy, is to be gleancd from the nature of the planet
in the 7th from the Navamsa occupied by Mandi. Certain
omens coinciding with the lord of Mrityusphuta being a
particular planet are also taken into account. An assess-
ment of the probable time, place and nature of death can be
made with accuracy.
Diagnosing and prescription for sickness are dealt with
in Chapter Twelve. Malefics in houses other than 3 and
11, and benefics in 3, 6, 12 and 8 indicate bad health.
Planets in 6, 8 and 12 give a clue to the disease. The
## Page 24
XXVii
region of the affection is determined «according to the
nature of the Lagna. The thridoshas aud the seasons ruled
by the afflicting planet, etc., also give a ciue to the period
of disease. Diseases are classified into two types—Nija or
natural and Aguntaka or acquired. Nija ailments are
divided into sarirctha or those relating to the body and
chittotha or mental afflictions. Sarirotha afflictions arise
out of imbalance in 1atha (wind), kapha (phlegm), pitta
(bile) or a mixture of the three. They are treated besides
well-known methods of Ayurveda by supplementing the
prescribed flavour or taste in food, viz., sweet, sour, bitter,
hot, salt and kashaya in different combinations, Aguntaka
diseases are sub-divided into Drishtanimitiya or of known
origin and Adrishtanimitiya or arising out of unknown
causes. Ailments caused by curses, incantations and falls
from elevation come under the first. To the second group
belong problems of a psychic nature including lunacy
caused by evil spirits. The causes of madness are enume-
rated and appropriate remedies (including mantras)
Suggested.
Chapter Thirteen shows how to determine the day on
which sickness commenced, The computations are mostly
on the basis of the constellation occupied by the Moon, or
the Rasi corresponding to the first letter of the word uttered
by the messenger or querent. Recovery is judged by the
Moon’s transit of certain Rasis. The time and possibility
of recovery is also found out by necting of certain
constellations coinciding with the commencement of illness.
The wrath of certain Deities 1s also held as the cause
of even physical ailments. But the primary cause of all
## Page 25
xxviii
affliction is one’s past sins denoted by planets in Anishta
places. Atonement through repentence, gifts, feeding,
prayer and homas as prescribed by Sayanacharya in his
Karma Vipaxa are said to alleviate or cure these afflictions.
Interpreting results and timing events cover Chapter
Fourteen. It begins with how to fix the age of a querent
on the basis of the lord of Lagna. Bhavas are considered
as having two significations—external and internal, or the
gross and the subtle. There are 21 conditions listed in
which a Bhava becomes weak. The karakatwa of planets is
also used in deiineating results pertaining to the concerned
Bhavas. Planets in different vargas—own, frieadly,
vargottama or isimical—also influence results. The effec:s
of Gulika and the 5 Upagrahas (tertiary planets) in various
Bhavas get prominence. The author also shows how the
time of Fructification of results can be ascertained by com-
bining the period aliotted to a planet and the Navamsa
gained by it. The effects of Dasas are attributed to the
Karma which is of two kinds—Dridha and Adridha.
Dridha Karma is due to conscious activity—mental,
verbal or physical. Adridha Karma is caused by uninten-
tional activity. A particular thougbt, word or deed result-
ing in Karma is determined from whether a malefic is io
the Sth, 2nd or 10th respectively. Then the topic of
imprisonment is abruptly taken up. The Sun’s position
determines the place of incarceration. Planetary results
are described in some detail before the chapter comes to 4
close.
What are the reasons for the miseries of mankind? Chapter
Fifteen deals with this subject indetaii. They are eleven
## Page 26
XxiX
in number. The astrologer must first determine the nature
of Karma, favourable or unfavourable, that is to unfurl
itself in the querent’s life. Jupiter’s benefic disposition indi-
cates the Karma as being favourable while his malefic dis-
position implies disfavour. Different planets in different
signs and Drekkanas indicate different Deities as responsible.
Acts of omission or commission that transgress moral codes
lead to different types of bad Karma that accumulates to
show up as misery only at a later stage of time, whether
in this life or some future life. Each type of Karma comes
_under the governance of a particular Deity. By propitia-
ting this Deity, some sort of compromise can be obtained
and the misery alleviated to a certain degree. The Satwic,
Rajasic or Tamasik nature of the Deity involved is ascer-
tained. This enables us to know the nature of the act
that is responsible for bringing about the current misery
suffered by the querent. The lord of the house of harm or
the planet that is responsible for the suffering is called
‘angry planet’. Most of the offences are related to temple
idols, temple property and the cenduct of temple affairs.
Combinations for the displeasure of parents, preceptors,
other elders and Brahmins, as the cause of suffering, are
given. Ghosts cause trouble if Gulika is involved w-th the
house of trouble. Evil eye or drishti badna attaches
itself to people who are in extreme states, whether of
passion, health, fatigue, finance, filth, hysterics of joy or
sorrow, beauty or mental weakness. Women in particular
states are also vulnerable to the evil eye. Drishti badha
is said to arite by seeing mischievous grahas or spirits. A
list of places frequented by these grahas is given. They are
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XXX
of 27 types, 18 being very powerful and 9, secondary and
not so strong. These spirits, said to have origisated from
the anger of Rudra, go under the names of Bali Kama, Rati
Kama and Hanthu Kama, Then we are enabled to diffe-
rentiate the 27 spirits. The position of Aredha also helps
in determining the house of harm. This chapter next deals
with Balagrahas which trouble only children, who may
suffer through poison administered through food. The
particular food causing the dosha can be made out from
Gulika or Rahu and Arudha Lagna. Poison may be
administered either to harm the victim or to gain control
over him. Two types of disorders are discussed, one
caused by a disorder of the thridoshas and the other,
through mantric spells cast by enemies. Finally, the Pari-
hara or the method of destroying the Kshudrabhichara is
detailed out. Different Homas and Balis are prescribed.
The last or Chapter Sixteen begins with how to find
out where the questioner (in cases where someone else
comes to ask a question on another's behalf due to the
latter being away somewhere) is at the time of question.
The nature (movable, fixed or common) of the Arudha
Lagna indicate; the distance at which the questioner is and
the Ams:-sign shows the nature of life he is leading.
Whether the period earlier to the date of question was
fortunate or unfortunate is determined by whether benefica
or malefics occupy the 6 houses from the latter part of the
4th house. This is for persons bornin Libra to Pisces.
For those born in Aries to Virgo, the past is indicated by
houses 4 to 10 and the future by houses 10 to4. There are
4 means of attaining one’s objective, vi: , sama (gentle),
dana (through bribery), bheda (througb intimidation) and
## Page 28
Xxxi
danda (through force) How to find out the means to be
employed in gaining one’s objective is explained. The next
topic dealt with is how to locate treasures, if any, ina
house. The importance of Arudha Lagna in regard to
married partner has been stressed. The chapter also deals
with certain simple methods, popular in rural parts, to
answer queries. In the case of sickness, the Deity respon-
sible for it can be determined by an arithmetical calculation
of the number governing the first letter of the question.
Different propitiatory remedies are also mentioned. The
manner, number and state of betel leaves presented to an
astrologer help us to know which Bhavas or significations
in a chart prosper and which, suffer. On the basis of betel-
leaves Thamboola Lagna can be determined and deductions
made. There is then a mention of the principles by which
queries made by rulers (appliczble to ancient times) on
capture of elephants etc., could be answered. The anxiety
of children as to whether they will be able to perform the
death-ceremonies of their parents etc., are also dealt
with. The Sun and 9th lord well placed indicate a positive
answer. Afilictions to them indicate obstacles, interrup-
tions in the middle and help from third parties to complete
them successfully. Combinations for getting grateful
children, and the nature of relations between son and
father are enumerated.
Acquisition of political power on the basis of the aster-
isms occupied by the Sun, the Moon, Mars, Lagna lord and
10th ford at question time is explained. Then we have the
Kalachakra,a diagram drawn according to specification
marking 28 nakashatras in it including Abhijit. Methods of
## Page 29
Xxxii
locating the positions of Yogini aad Mrityu in terms of zodia-
cal signs and constellations are given. Yogini is symboli-
cally described as a fierce murderous female entity.
Although there is no difference of opinion as to the rising
of Yogini in different week-days, there is some difference,
amongst astrological authors, as to its path. Questions on
ascension to heaven, fall to bell or acquisition of wealth
can be anwsered by making use of 3 factors, viz., Kantaka-
stuna, Raktastuna and Stuna. If these stunas afflict
Lagna or Arudha Lagna, hell after death or life equivalent
to death will be the querent’s lot. The last chapter, also
the longest, ends with the span of life of man. Longevity
in different Yugas (time-cycles) is given. The signs are
also divided as coming undcr different Yugas. Planets
occupying sigas and Navamsas governed by different Yugas
give a proportionate part of longevity to the native.
Persons born in signs or Navamsas ruled by Krita, Treta,
Dwapara and Kali are classified. Thus ends Chapter
Sixteen.
In conclusion we have to observe that Prasna Marga is
aunique work on Natal and Horary Astrology, omens
and remedial measures and a careful study of the work is
recommended to all students ard savants of astrology.
Bangalore. B. V. RAMAN,
11-8-1980,
## Page 30