Om Shri Maha Ganapathaye Namah!
Om Shri Sai Ram!
R. Ramanathan, works as an Assistant
Section Officer in Tamil Nadu Secretariat.
He is an ardent lover of astrology and
started learning it from a very young age.
He is a member of Saptarishis Astrology
Team and displays his approach to the
subject with utmost humility & open
mindedness which apart from his deep
knowledge of astrology is a very note
worthy feature.
300
Thandavamalai -1
By
R. Ramanathan, India
Saptarishis Astrology Team
We continue our mission of translating
ancient works & presented below is a
humble attempt of a Tamil work with
commentary by this scribe.
History of Thandavamalai
‘Thandava Malai’ was compiled by a
scholar ‘Shri. Thandava Bhoopathy’, who
was a prime disciple of Shri. Appavu
Aiyar, a renowned astrologer.
Shri.Appavu Aiyar was a disciple of Shri.
Govinda Dheekshita, thus goes the Guru
Parampara. The worthy disciple has
compiled his master’s teachings in verses
and named after the book by his name.
This book is rich in content and lucid in
style. The verses resemble some verses of
Brihat Parasara Hora as well as Udu Daya
Pradeepika. The author Shri. Thandava
Bhoopathy is a Sakthi Upasaka. His son
Shri. Kacchhalai Murthy was also a
famous personality. Nothing could be
ascertained regarding the period of the
text. Roughly, considering the style of the
verse, this text might not been written
earlier than 17th century.
Normally, authors of astrological treatises
give salutations to God (particularly
Ganesh, Saraswathi or their Ishtadevata)
in their initial verses, so as to complete the
noble task successfully, without any
hindrance. But, Thandavarayar, author of
this text is an exception. Being a Sakthi
Upasaka (vide verse 68 infra) he might
have prostrated to Parasakthi in his initial verse hence it is assumed that the prostration
verse is possibly lost while copying of the original text.

æ¬ó ºîô£ à¬ó‚°‹ ܬõò£¾‹

æ¬ó Þîóºî «ô£˜‰¶¬óˆî ‐ ð£KL‰îˆ
ìõ ñ£¬ôŠð®«ò î‚èM«êìŠðô¬ù
݇켜i ó£óPMm˜ (1)

“O men of sixth sense! special effects of Hora (Ascendant), etc. should be

known as per Thandavamalai, which is the result of deep study of various Horas
(astrological texts), etc.”

In this verse, the author has utilized the word ‘Hora’ twice, firstly as ‘Ascendant’ and
secondly as ‘astrological texts’. This usage itself shows the brilliance of the author, since
even if we interchange the words, we can get an appropriate meaning (i.e.) “....the Hora,
etc. (referring this text Thandavamalai and other texts) should be utilized to understand
the Hora (Ascendant), etc.” (here etc. stands for other bhavas) Actually, Hora is the
word, which has multitudes of meanings in astrological parlance. The etymological origin
of the word goes back to ‘Ahoratri’, which means day and night. Leaving aside the prefix
and suffix, we get ‘Hora’. Of course, some of the western commentators assigning Greek
origin to ‘Hora’ from ‘Hour’ based on the classic “Yavana Jataka”. Hora is a common
term referring to any astrological text. More particularly, this may refer to Brihat
Parasara Hora. Whatever, it may be the word ‘Hora’ stands for ‘Astrology’ in general.
This can be understood by the following chart.

By calling astrologers as ‘men of sixth sense’, the author tried to establish the rationality
of astrology.

«è£œèO¡ 𣘬õ

𣘊ð«ó â™ô£¼‹ ðƒ°°¼ «êŒ Í¡Á

𣘊ðˆ¬î‰ ªî£¡ð£ù£¡ ð¡Qò«è£œ ‐ «ê˜Š¹Á°
↴«ñ 𣘊ð˜ âNô£˜ Þ÷ƒªè£ƒ¬è
ñ†ìM› ̃«è£î£Œ ñFˆ¶ (2)
301
 3

Planetary Aspects

“All the planets aspect 7th house therefrom; Saturn specially aspects 3rd and 10th
house therefrom; Jupiter specially aspects 5th and 9th therefrom; and Mars
specially aspects 4th and 8th therefrom”

This verse onwards, the author has adopted a poetic style known as ‘Mahadoo Munnilai’
in Tamil. According to this style, the entire content of the verse will be compiled in a
manner as if it was addressed to a young beautiful girl. In our present translation, those
parts were not included.

This verse is clearly explaining the basic aspects of all the planets. Angular distance
between the planets and the earth are considered as aspects. Astronomically, planets are
classified as inferior and superior. Special aspects were considered for superior planets
only viz. Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, whereas the inferior planets and luminaries were
assigned with 7th house aspect only.

The basic presumption is that the superior planets which are in the outer orbits exert
more influence, whereas the inferior planets cannot exert such influence. But they can
sway over the angular distance of 1800 apart only. In the geocentric approach, this is
quite rational

For all the planets, most of the classical texts are assigning 1/4th aspect on 3rd and 10th
houses; 2/4th aspect on 5th and 9 th; and 3/4th aspect on 4th and 8th, besides the special
aspects of the Saturn, Mars and Jupiter.

The author is not accepting the partial aspects of planets. He has neither adopted the
western‐based aspects nor Sage Jaimini’s sign aspects. Because, in the entire course of
the text, there is not a single reference of Rasi Dasas.

«è£œèO¡ ñ b¬ñèœ

䉶 å¡ð£ ùFðó£Œ ò£õ˜ õKÂñõ˜

܉îIL¡ ðŠðô¬ù ò£ŸÁõ£˜ ‐ ܉îºÁ‹
ÜŸðŠðôù£ŸÁõ£˜ Í¡Á Ýø£‹ ðFªù£¡PŸ°
ÜFðFèœ Þš¾ôA «ù£˜‚° (3)

Nature of Planets

“Whoever comes as (1st), 5th and 9th Lord will invariably do good and the 3rd, 6th
and 11th Lords will do much harm to all the individuals of this Universe”

In this verse, the author is discussing about the beneficence of the trinal lords (1,5 and 9)
and the malfeasance of the Trishadis (3,6 and 11). In the subsequent verses he is narrating
302
 4
the nature of the rest of the six In fact, three out of five Maha Purusha Yogas are
lords.
formed when benefics are in exaltation / own sign,
Though the author is not identical to their angles. But, in actual practice, the
mentioning the lagna lord in efficacy of the Maha Purusha Yogas, namely
this verse, lagna lord being the
Kendra as well as Trikona Lord, Hamsa, Bhadra and Malavya Yogas are
a benefic par excellence, is questionable, in most of the cases. The real reason
included in the list. By
is Kendrathipathya Dosha.
mentioning the word ‘whoever’,
the functional beneficence of
trinal lords is established irrespective of the naisarghika nature of the planets.

Except the Luminaries, all other planets own two signs. Therefore, merely by lordship of
planets, they may generally be categorized as benefic or malefic for each lagna. Of
course, certain exceptional rules are suggested by the author in subsequent verses. The
classification may be summarized as below:

Bhavas Verse Effect

No.
1,5,9 (Trines) 3 Good
3,6,11(Trishadis) 3 Bad
4,7,10 (Angles) 4,5 Malefics are good
Benefics are evil
2,12 (Dhana Vyayesh) 6 Neutral – Conditional
w.r.t. disposition,
association, etc.
8(Randhresh) 7 Bad – Except as Lagna
Lord i.e. for Aries and
Libra

Altogether, a comprehensive speculum of benefic / malefic for each ascendant will be

appended at the end of those verses.

«è‰Fó£FðFèœ G¬ô

ªè£®«ò£˜èœ «è‰Fóˆ«î£ ó£AŸªè£ì£˜èœ

ªè£®ò ðô¡ï™«ô£˜ ªè£´Šð˜ ‐ è왹¬ìÅ›
¬õò舫 îƒè†° ¬õ«õ¡ ñô˜MNò£Œ
äòŠð£ ®¡P òP (4)

Angular Lords

“If malefics happen to be angular lords, they will not give bad effects.
Similarly, benefics as angular lords, will not confer any good effects”

303
 5
Most of the astro‐texts are preferring planets in Kendras. In some of the Tamil texts,
there are verses which are praising to have atleast a malefic in Kendra. It is said that the
Buddhists of Sri Lanka used to leave their children, who are not having a single planet in
a Kendra either from Lagna or from Moon, in monasteries. Such is the importance of
planets in angles.

Most of the astro‐texts are admiring benefics in angles. In fact, three out of five Maha
Purusha Yogas are formed when benefics are in exaltation / own sign, identical to their
angles. But, in actual practice, the efficacy of the Maha Purusha Yogas, namely Hamsa,
Bhadra and Malavya Yogas are questionable, in most of the cases. The real reason is
Kendrathipathya Dosha. That is what, this verse is indicating. In this regard, the
following shloka 36(2) of Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra is worth to mention:

I.e. natural benefics do not give auspicious effects when they are lords of the angles, and
natural malefics in angles will not promote auspicious effects. Then does it imply that
Hamsa, Malavya and Bhadra Yogas as unfounded? Nay, their effectiveness (atleast for
Dasa predictions) is conditional with reference to their other lordship. This has been
explained by the author in subsequent verses also.
On this context, it is pertinent to point out a verse from Sambu Hora Prakasa as follows:

“All the angles occupied by benefics while the 2nd contains malefic planets will cause
endless penury. Further, the person will be a source of fear to his family members” ‐
Shloka 14(2)

The abovementioned shloka is a working example of the principles expounded by the

Thandavamalai verse 4 as well as the subsequent verse 6, wherein the author is defining
the nature of 2nd and 12th lords. Therefore, it is stated that the benefics in angles and
malefic in 2nd causes penury.

vî£ù£FðFèO¡ õL¬ñ

ܬø‰î î£ùˆî¬ôõ˜ ò£õ¼ªñ¡ «ñô£Œ„

ªêP‰î ÜšõŠðô¬ù„ «ê˜Šð£˜ ‐ ÜP‰î¼œõ£Œ
õ£˜èô¡ªð£¡ õ‹ð£˜ õùº¬ôŠ ̃«è£¬îï™ô£Œ
ݘèLÅ› ÞŠ¹M »÷£˜‚°. (5)

Strength of the Lords

“The Lords of the houses (in each group) are progressively stronger in their
effects (either benefic or malefic)”
304
 6

As already commented under the verse 3 supra, the author has classified the house
Lords in three major groups viz. (1,5,9), (3,6,11), (4,7,10) besides the 2nd, 12th and 8th
Lords. Assigning strength to houses is commonly known as
1
‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’ . Shri Parasara Maharishi has explained this basic principle
as . . . . . . . . .

Shloka 36(5) of BPHS

In the present verse, Thandavarayar has upheld this and appraised the strengths of
bhavas.

In the group of Trines, 5th Lord is powerful than Ascendant Lord and 9th Lord is
powerful than 5th Lord. The effect will be good as far as this group is concerned.
Though, this is a general principle expounded here, Ascendant Lord should not be
treated as comparatively weaker than 5th and 9 th Lords. Because, Ascendant being a
Kendra as well as Kona, Ascendant Lord is the strongest representative of the chart as

In the Trishadis group, 6th Lord is stronger than 3rd; and 11th Lord is strongest among the
three. The effect is bad as explained earlier.
In the next group, 7th Lord is powerful than 4th Lord and 10th Lord is powerful than the
7th Lord. The effect will be good as malefics and bad as benefics.
In consummate, according to the strength, the lords may be arranged in descending order
as below:
1,9,5,10,7,4 as powerful benefics; 8(while not owning ascendant), 11,6,3 as stronger
malefics; and 12,2 as neutrals.

Þó‡´ ðQªó‡®¡ Þò™¹

æ¬ó Þ¼ð‚èˆF¡ ÜFð˜èœ â‡μîô£Œ

«ê¼ñõ˜ îƒèìƒèœ YKì‚° ‐ «ïó£°‹
ÜŸðŠ ðômõ£˜ ܬôèì™ Å› ¬õòèˆF™
âŠHøM «ò£˜‚° I¼‰¶ (6)

1
‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’ is a concept as taught to scribe that denotes “assigning strength” in
progressive manner among any group. As we know, the Lords are classified as (1,5,9), (1,4,7,10),
(3,6,11), (12,2,8) (vide shlokas 36(2) to 36(5) of BPHS). In each group, the lords are progressively
stronger as per this ‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’ concept (vide Shloka 36(5) of BPHS). The very word
‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’ was used in that Shloka. According to this concept, among the (12,2,8)
group, 8th lord is strongest. This was supported by the above shloka, wherein the word
“Vyayadwithiyarandhresh” was utilized to denote (12,2,8) group and “Sthananthranurogathe” was
utilized to denote “Progressive strength” by the Rishi. In Tamil, this is called ‘Prabhala Utharam’,
which means ‘Known answer’ (of astrology). This denotes ‘assigning strength’, of course, probably
originating from BPHS.

305
 7
Nature of 2nd and 12th

“By nature, the Lords of two neighboring houses of Ascendant (i.e. 2nd and 12th
lords) will be neutral and feeble in strength. But, by association and disposition
they will confer good or bad results, effectively”

In this verse, a valuable but unfamiliar principle is propounded by the author. In

general, second house is considered as a Marakasthana and twelfth as Vyayasthana. But,
here the author has projected both the houses as value‐neutral, by nature. That is, on
their own they can’t confer any (positive or negative) results, effectively. But, by their
association, ownership (of second sign) and disposition, they can be effectual.

According to Brihat Parasara Hora Shloka 36(5),

i.e., the lords of 12th, 2nd and 8th house give effects according to their association and give
effects according to their second sign. But, Shri. Thandavarayar has not included 8th
Lord in this verse and he reserved next verse exclusively for randhresh for the reasons to
be explained there under.

In astrology, the 2nd and 12th houses represent the right and left eyes of Kalapurusha
respectively as it is said.

vide Shloka I(30) of Jataka Tatva

Both good and evil can be seen by eyes in general, i.e. neutrally. Subsequent, thoughts,
perception, etc. are not controlled by the eyes. But, the objects / events, seen by the eyes
will certainly be the root cause of our thought patterns. Similarly, 2nd and 12th Lords are
neutral on their own. But, by their association, ownership of other sign and disposition
they are conferring the results accordingly. The assessment should be in the following
order:

1. Lords of 2nd/12th confer results according to the lord that associates.

2. If those lords are disposited lonely, then they confer results according to the
ownership of their second sign. If these lords don’t own a second sign as in the
case of Sun and Moon, then results should be assessed according to their
disposition. The assessment is not over with this.

3. When Sun or Moon happens to be 2nd or 12th Lord and the respective lords are in
their own sign, then the results are according to the natural karakatwa of Sun or
Moon and their respective stellar position.

306
 8 
Üwìñ£FðFJ¡ °í‹

ð£‚Aò ï£êˆF¬øò£‹ ð£õˆî£ ªô†ìFð¡

i‚°õ‹ 𣘺¬ôò£Œ «ñFQ«ò£˜ ‐ 裂èIô£ˆ
¶¡ðe õ¡ Þõ«ù Éò«õ£ ó£Fð«ù™
Þ¡ðe õ¡ Þõ«ù (7)

Nature of Eighth Lord

“Eighth Lord, being 12th Lord from the 9th (Bhagyasthana) will not confer good
results. But, when he happens to be Ascendant Lord also he will bestow good
results”

As stated earlier, Parasara Maharishi has explained the nature of 2nd, 12th and 8th house
Lords in shloka 36(5) of Brihat Parasara Hora. Among these three lords, Thandavarayar
has reserved this verse exclusively for randhresh. Because, though all the three lords
give effects according to their association and second sign, 8th lord being strongest (as per
the concept of ‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’) will confer results according to their second
sign effectively. Therefore, while they are owning ascendant also, their malfeasance will
be nullified.
In order to elucidate the nature of Randhresh, Thandavarayar has adopted ‘Bhavat
Bhavam’ principle. According to the course of the text, group of trines (viz. 1,5,9) is
highly benefic among all other groups and bhavas. Within this group of trines, the ninth
(bhagyasthana) house is superior. In the Bhava Phala Nirnaya, 12th house stands for
“Destruction” (Vyaya). Therefore, destruction to any bhava is symbolized by the 12th
there from. Accordingly, the 8th house (Randhrasthana) is the destruction‐house of the
9 th house (Bhagyasthana). Hence, the ‘destroyer of the supreme benefic’, i.e. 8th Lord is a
first‐rate malefic.
The author has included a conditional clause also in the verse. When the Randhresh
(8th Lord) happens to be Lagnesh (1st Lord) also, he will do good to the native. This is
the case with Aries or Libra ascendants for which Mars and Venus are Lagnesh‐cum‐
Randhresh, respectively.
Here, as already explained, Ascendant being a Kendra as well as Kona, is a natural
yoga‐karaka and a strong representative of the chart, irrespective of its other house
lordship. But, we cannot extend this principle effectively to Taurus and Scorpio
ascendants for which Venus and Mars happens to be 6th‐cum‐1st lord. The reason is the
Moolatrikona houses of Mars and Venus are Aries and Libra respectively. Therefore,
comparatively the strength of 6th house is powerful than 1st for Scorpio and Taurus
ascendants. But, for Aries and Libra, the strength of 1st house is powerful than 8th.
Therefore, in the Aries / Libra ascendant charts, Randhresh could not be considered as
malefic.
However, the other considerations of the Ascendant‐cum‐Eighth Lord need not be
overlooked. Because, their association, disposition, etc. will alter the results
considerably. But, the general implication is ‘that Randhresh’ is not malefic for Aries /
Libra Ascendants’.
307
 9 

«è‰Fó£FðˆFò «î£û‹

è‡ìˆ¶ ÜFðó£‹ ð£ðˆFŸ è£K¬èò£‹

ªè£‡ì°¼ ªõœO ªè£®òKõ˜ î‡ì£ñ™
Ý»Mòˆ F¼Šð£ó£ ñ£A ¬ôòIô£
Mò… ªêŒF´õ£˜ ݃° (8)

Kendrathypathya Dosha

“As angular Lords (by sign), the Jupiter and Venus are dominant killers, if they
occupy 12th (Vyaya) to the 8th (Ayushthana) i.e. 7th house”

In this verse, the erudite author has narrated the marakatwa of Jupiter and Venus.
Though, he has not utilized the word ‘maraka’, he has adopted the word “Ayu Viyam” in
Tamil which means ‘destruction or loss to life’ i.e. Ayush Bhanga.
This is a perfect mixture of two principles viz. “Kendrathypathya Dosha” and
“Bhavat Bhavam”. By being the 12th to the 8th, the 7th house is a maraksthana. As angular
lord, benefic in angles is condemned as Kendrathypathya Dosha, that too the first‐rate
benefics viz. Jupiter and Venus will increase the gravity of dosha. In this regard, it is
appropriate to refer shloka 36(10) of Brihat Parasara Hora as

i.e. the malfeasance due to the angular rulership of the natural benefics should be
considered more significant in the ascending order for the benefics as per
‘Prabhalaschottarathram’.
Among the planets, Venus, Jupiter, well associated Mercury and waxing Moon are
shub grahas in the order of their natural beneficence (naisargika Shubatwa). Therefore,
‘higher the beneficence greater the dosha‐gravity’ is the inference.
Jupiter is the angular Lord for Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius and Pisces. Venus is the
angular Lord for Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Leo, Libra, Scorpion, Capricorn, and Aquarius.
Among the above possibilities, Jupiter as Ascendant Lord will not do much harm to
Sagittarius and Pisces natives. As far as the dosha caused by Venus, for Capricorn and
Aquarius Venus as yogakaraka and for Taurus and Libra as Ascendant Lord will not do
much harm to these ascendants also. Hence, the remaining ascendants, which can suffer
effective doshas are Gemini & Virgo by Jupiter and Aries, Scorpion, Cancer & Leo by
Venus. When the respective planets (Jupiter / Venus) occupy the 7th house, this verse is
effective. Here also, the other side of the effective dosha may be tabulated as below:
Sl. Ascendant 7th house Other side of the
No. disposition of dosha
1) Gemini & Virgo Jupiter Hamsa Yoga
308
 10
2) Aries & Scorpion Venus Malavya Yoga
3) Cancer & Leo Venus Venus in intimate
friend’s house

In all the above said three sets of Ascendants, the respective planets are powerful by
disposition. But, the intensity of dosha in respect of Sl.Nos.1 and 2 are more, inspite of
the presence of Panchamahapurusha Yoga. Because, they are marakas not only by
disposition but also by ownership. Here, a natural question arises as to whether the
Panchamaha Purusha Yogas are defunct in the above said cases or not. Certainly they
are not defunct, but doshapeeditha, i.e. they may give good results but not without
maraka or equivalent to that effect.
In spite of all the above said assessments, our humble opinion are that the
Randhrasthana (8th house) being not only the house of secrecy but also suddenness is a
hard nut to crack. Therefore, nothing could be deterministic in this regard.

Þ¶¾ñ¶

H¡ùóŠ ð£õˆFŸ «ð˜ªðKò¡ ñ£ô£°‹

H¡ù˜ Üõ¡î‰¬î «ð²ƒè£™ ‐ Þ‰GôˆF™
â†ì£‹ Þ숶 ÜFðªó‡EŸ ªð¼‹ð£õ‹
A†ì£¶ óMñF‚° (9)

Same as above

“Then Mercury is next powerful to cause such dosha, followed by his father
(i.e. Moon). The Sun and Moon will not be subjected to blemish due to eighth
house lordship”

This verse is the extension of the previous one. As explained above, the degree of
naisargika shubatwa (natural beneficence) decides the intensity of the dosha. Therefore,
naturally well associated Mercury and Moon are following next to Venus and Jupiter in
their degree of beneficence. Therefore, the intensity of dosha caused by Mercury and
Moon will also be regressive in the order.
Mercury is the angular lord for dual signs. By being Ascendant lord Mercury can’t be a
maraka for Gemini and Virgo natives. For the rest, disposition of 7th house Mercury
causes “Bhadra Yoga”, one among the Pancha Maha Purusha Yogas. Here also the yoga
may be effective but not without maraka effect.
Moon is the angular lord for Movable signs. By being Ascendant lord Moon can’t be a
maraka for Cancer natives. For the rest of the signs also, the blemishes of Moon will be
far lesser. The reason may be ascribed to the following:
1) Moon’s degree of natural beneficence is far less. Therefore, intensity of dosha too.
2) Moon is having neutral relationship with all the signs of the zodiac in her sojourn.

309
 11
Therefore, in the absence of enmity, Moon is in a pleased mood to confer well.
3) Moon, being manah karaka (significator of mind), is supposed to promote the
bhava in which she is posited.
In the earlier verse, while discussing the nature of ashtamesh (8th lord), the author has
stated that the ashtamesh is a malefic, if he doesn’t own ascendant also simultaneously.
Extending this, we can understand that the other house lordship of ashtamesh amplifies
the malfeasance of the 8th lord. When there is no other house to own, as in the case of
Sun and Moon, (i.e. for Capricorn and Aquarius ascendants) how to judge ashtamesh?
The later part of the verse answers this question. That is, the blemishes of Sun and
Moon as eighth lord is not much. Later part of this verse is the explanation of the shloka
36(7) of Brihat Parasara Hora as

èìè ô‚ù «ò£èè£óè˜

ÝøŸW ¬ó‰î£ƒè‡ ì£F‚èˆ î£¡²ð‹

Y¼Ÿø «è£íˆî£Ÿ Y˜ªð¼«ñ ‐ õ£¼Ÿø
ªè£ƒ¬èò£Œ‚ è„꣬ô ͘ˆF°ñ£ ó‰¬îò£¡
Cƒè£ó ñ£ƒèìè„ Y˜ (10)

Yogakaraka for Cancer Ascendant

“Mars as Lord of 10th and 5th is a best yogakaraka (for Cancer Ascendant). My
son, Kachchalai Murthy’s Cancer Ascendant proves the same”

In the preceding verses, the author has narrated the basic principles to decide the
nature of planets. Accordingly, the best yoga, which can confer Yogakaraka status to any
planet, is any association between Kendra Lord and Kona Lord. By virtue of this single
condition alone, Ascendant Lord is invariably a yogakaraka to any ascendant.
Here, for Cancer Ascendant, Mars is the Lord of Karmasthana (10th), which is the
strongest among the Angles and Lord of Poorvapunyasthana (5th) also. Therefore,
naturally Mars is the Yogakaraka par excellence for Cancer natives.
On this context, it is pertinent to point out a Shloka 1(12) from Laghu Parasari
Sidhant, which says Mars, a malefic, gives good results not by being the Karmathipa
only but by being Konathipa (5th Lord) also as below:

Shri. Thandavarayar has admired the Mars as Yogakaraka for Cancer natives. At the
same time, Mars is the Yogakaraka for Leo natives also, by being Lord of Bhagyasthana
(9th), the strongest trine as well as Lord of Sukasthana (4th). But, the author has not
mentioned anything about this. This proves the intelligence of the author, as the
310
 12
blemish‐ness of Bhadhakasthana attached to 9th house for Leo (a fixed sign) denigrates
the Yogakaraka status of Mars to some extent. Hence, even though, Mars is a
yogakaraka for Leo natives, being a Bhadhka also and thereby it can’t be placed on par
with Cancer natives’ Mars.
In this verse, the author has proudly announced that his son Shri. Kachchalai Murthy
was Cancerian native and Mars proved to be a Yogakaraka for him.

𣋹èO¡ Þò™¹

ò£ªî£¼ ð£õˆ«î£¡ ò£ªî£¼ ð£«õêÂì¡

bîø„ «ê˜‰F†ì£ ôî¡ðô¡èœ ‐ 裶ø«õŸ
è‡í£Œ è´ƒ«è£†èœ è£CQJ ½œ÷õ˜è†°
â‡í£ñ™ ßõ˜ Þ¼‰¶ (11)

Nature of Rahu and Ketu

“Rahu and Ketu confer results to the men of this world according to the lords of
their disposition and association”

In the preceding verse, the author has narrated the beneficence/malfeasance of all the
planets, as lords of signs. But, how to assess the nature of Rahu and Ketu, which are
houseless? Here comes the necessity of this verse.
In Vedic astrology, among Navagrahas, Rahu and Ketu are included as Chayagrahas.
Actually, Rahu and Ketu are only celestial points intercepting at where the orbit of the
Moon cuts the orbit of the Sun. In other words, Rahu and Ketu are nothing but nodal
points and thereby do not have any physical presence, unlike the rest of the grahas.
Based on this (inclusion of Rahu and Ketu in Navagrahas) one may question the
scientific nature of astrology. But, the planetary status conferred to Rahu and Ketu are
quite rational in Vedic Astrology, considering the subtle difference between a ‘planet’
and a ‘graha’. Because, ‘graha’ means ‘which absorbs’ while the ‘planet’ doesn’t mean so.
Therefore, strictly speaking ‘a planet’ is not equivalent to ‘a graha’. Adopting the
meaning as “which absorbs”, the Navagrahas are being addressed to as such.
Without understanding this, the conception of Navagrahas, which obviously
includes five planets (Mars to Saturn), one star (Sun), one satellite (Moon) and two
nodal points (Rahu and Ketu) is not only illogical but also meaningless. Of course, the
planetary ownership assigned to the planets (Leo to Capricorn in clockwise and Cancer
to Aquarius in anti‐clockwise) in absolutely scientific in geocentric point of view. This
arrangement was explained well as ‘Planetary Cabinet’ by Parasara Maharishi in Brihat
Parasara Hora Sastra.
In the absence of any mass, shape or substance, the Rahu and Ketu were not allotted
with exclusive signs. Of course many classics on astrology are differing in their opinions
even in the co‐ownership of Rahu and Ketu. Therefore, nothing can be inferred
concretely. In the absence of any consensus on the dignity of these Chayagrahas, the best
recourse is to adhere to the natural astro‐principle, viz. ‘association decides the strength’.
311
 13
Thus, this verse of Thandavamalai.

²ð«ò£è‹

«è£í‚«è£œ è‡ì‚«è£œ Ãì½ì «ù𣘈î™

«ðμŸÁ å¼õK™LŸ ªð†¹ì«ù ‐ è£μŸÁ
å¼õŸø£ó£A åN‰«î£ ¼ø£ñ™
Þ¼ ïôˆ¬î ßõ£ Kõ˜‚° (12)

Subha Yoga

“When there exist any relationship between angular lords with trinal lords, like
conjunction, mutual aspect, mutual exchange, etc. and if these lords do not own
evil houses (3,6,8 & 11), then they will confer dual prosperity to the individuals.”

In this verse, Thandavarayar has explained the best among the Rajayogas. According to

­ Shloka 43(28) of BPHS,

the angles are known as Vishnusthana, while the trines are called Lakshmisthana. The
relationship between their lords causes RajaYoga. All astro‐classics are hailing this
relationship in unison. That too, when there is no involvement of evil houses viz. 3, 6, 8
and 11, the Raja Yoga is undoubtedly par excellence. In this regard, the following shlokas
of Brihat Parasara Hora are worth to be mentioned here:

The present verse is a replica of the above said shlokas 36(11) and 36(12) of Brihat
Parasara Hora. Under this verse, this relationship between trinal and angular lords may
be categorized as below:
1. Parivarthana or Mutual exchange;
2. Sama darshana or Mutual aspects;
3. Asama dhristi or Unilateral aspect (i.e. one planet aspects the other but not
aspected by the concerned other planet)
4. Sangama or Conjunction.
Thandavarayar has clarified the planets as Trines, Angles, Trishadhis and 2nd and
12th. As the 2nd and 12th are value‐neutral by nature (vide verse 6 supra), their association
312
 14
with Raja Yoga combination of trines‐angles will not alter the effects. But, the
association of Trishadhis with the Raja Yoga combination of Trines‐angles will
certainly denigrate the Raja Yoga. In order to explain this, the author has reserved the
next verse.
As the current verse is exclusively dealing with unblemished Raja Yoga.
Thandavarayar has granted both material as well as spiritual prosperity as effects. He
has adopted the Tamil phrase ‘Iru Nalamum’, which means ‘two types of prosperity’.
This selective usage of this phrase exhibits the erudition of the author. Because, here
material prosperity was represented by Lakshmisthanas and spiritual prosperity by
Vishnusthanas.

Þó£ü«ò£è‹

õLò£¼ƒ è‡ì‚«è£œ õ£Œ‰î«è£ 킫補

ïLò£˜è ÷£A«ñ Ü™ô˜ ‐ êLò£ñ™
îù ñ£ˆFóˆFŸ ªè£‹ð¬ùò£Œ ìõ¡î¡
d´Á«îœ Yªó¡Á «ð² (13)

Raja Yoga

“When the Lords of powerful trine and angle, i.e. 9th and 10th lords associate,
an extraordinary Rajayoga results, even if their other sign falls on evil houses
(i.e. 3,6,8 or 11). For this witnesseth the Scorpio ascendant of Thandavan”

According to ‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’, strongest among the trines is 9th and

strongest among the angles is 10th. When those lords are associating with each other, a
Raja Yoga results. This yoga is known as ‘Dharmakarmathipathi Yoga’. As these lords
are strongest benefics, the Raja Yoga will also be powerful.
In the preceding verse, Thandavarayar has explained the unblemished yoga caused
by angular‐trinal lords’ association. But, in this verse, the author has established that this
Dharmakarmathipathi yoga is effective even if the lords are associating with the lords of
Trik houses (3, 6, 8, 11), because of the strongest angular and trinal lords involved in this
yoga. In this regard the author has quoted his own chart of Scorpio ascendant as proof of
this Yoga.
Here also association includes the four kinds of relationships viz. mutual exchange,
mutual aspect, unilateral aspect and conjunction.
In this verse, due to the high beneficence of this Dharmakarmathipathi yoga, the
author has overlooked other negative factors, if any. That is why; he praised this
blemished yoga also. But, in our humble view, no shloka or verse can be taken on its face
value alone. Because, astrology as a science of permutations and combinations, is more
about exemptions than about rules.
For example, for Aries ascendant for which Jupiter is 9th and 12th lord and thereby
benefic if associates with benefics. Saturn is 10th and 11th lord and thereby highly malefic.
Association of these two planets is known as Dharmakarmathipathi Yoga, as Raja Yoga
313
 15
(blemished). In the current verse, Thandavarayar has praised this yoga. But, in actual
practice, results are negating. Shri. Ramanujacharya has emphatically denied this Raja
Yoga in Shloka 1(4) for Aries Ascendant in Bhavartha Ratnakara as

In this regard, Dr.B.V.Raman has furnished the following chart and quoted* “the
native lost his appointment in Jupiter Dasa Saturn Bhukti though both the lords are
placed in the 5th house aspected by exalted Mars.” Here, Jupiter and Saturn combination,
that too in a trine house has not rendered benefit to the individual during its dasa
bhukthi periods.

Source: Bhavartha Ratnakara by B.V.Raman, UBS Publishers’ Distributors Ltd., New

Delhi

Þ¶¾ñ¶

î¡ñè¡ ñŠðFè ìƒèOŸø£ ñ£P»«ñ

Ü¡Qòñ£Œ îƒè† °¬ø»I숶 ‐ Þ¡ðºì¡
àŸP´õ£ó£A ªô£Oõ¬÷ò£ Þš¾ô«è£˜
ªðŸP´õ£˜ ò£õ˜ ªðK¶ (14)

Same as above

The Lords of Dharmasthana and Karmasthana will do much good when they are in
exchange or in their own houses. Even in the other houses (i.e. in indignity also), they
will confer benefits to all the individuals.

314
 16
This verse can be treated as an extension of the earlier verse. The relationship
discussed here may be ordered according to beneficence as below:
1) Exchange of 9 th and 10th Lords
2) Both 9th and 10th Lords are in own signs
3) Both the 9th and 10th Lords are not in own signs.
Among the above three, exchange is considered as superior as the own sign
disposition. In the exchange, Trinal Lord will be in the powerful angle and angular Lord
will be in the powerful trine and thereby both of them are strengthened. This is not the
case with own sign disposition. Because, even though the Lords are gaining dignity, the
chance of Kendrathipathya Dosha cannot be ruled out for benefics as 10th Lords. Not
only that, the other house Lordship of those Lords may downsize the beneficence of
them. Hence, own sign disposition is held next to exchange. Obviously, other house
disposition is least beneficial among the three.
Considering its high beneficence, this yoga can safely be extended to the strongest
trine (9 th) and strongest angle (10th) by adopting Bhavatbhavam principle. This is what
is done by both Venkatesa Daivagna as well as Kalidasa as below:

Jataka Parijatha 7(21)

Uttara Kalamrita 4(4)

According to these, if the lords of 9th and 10th houses counted from (i) the Lagna; (ii)
the 9th; and (iii) the 10th be in conjunction, occupy each sign owned by the other, or
occupy mutually aspecting Kendras or be associated with the Lord of the second house,
the person born will be wealthy.

Þ¶¾ñ¶

ÝŒ‰î«è£ íˆî¬ôõ ó£«ó ñ£ñõ«ó£

«ìŒ‰îê‹ ð‰îe ¬ó‰îõ˜‚° ‐ õ£Œ‰F´«ñ™
¬õò ñA¬ñ õ£μîô£Œ ìõ¡«ð£™
ªêŒò èñ¬ô Cø‰¶ (15)

Same as above

315
 17
“If any of the Trinal Lord happens to associate with the 10th Lord, it will
bestow the native fame of the world”

In the preceding verses, it was established that the association of 9th Lord with the
10th Lord as top Raja Yoga. Here, Thandavarayar has extended the yoga to other trinal
Lords also, i.e. to association of (a) first and 10th Lords; (b) 5th and 10th Lords. The author
has highlighted ‘fame of the world’ to the native as effects. He has adopted the phrase
‘fame of the world’ in an appropriate sense. Because, 1st, 5th and 9 th houses stand for
‘Dharma Trikona’ of the individual and 2nd, 6th and 10th houses stand for ‘Artha Trikona’.
Among the Artha Trikona, 10th is strongest as per ‘Prabhalashchotharotharam’ and
Dharma Trikona houses are highly auspicious. When there exists any association
between the Trinal Lords with Karmathipa, surely individual’s public activities are good
and renowned. Therefore, naturally this yoga paves way for ‘world fame’.
In this regard, the following shloka 7(10) from Bhav Kutuhalam is pertinent to be
pointed out

i.e. if in a horoscope there is some kind of relation of the 10th and the 9th Lord or they
have any relation with the 5th Lord and these relation‐making planets are endowed with
strength, then all the four quarters are completely filled with the echoes of the sound of
the groups of elephants and horses in the army of such a king, and the Lord of the
enemies is conquered by him even without making war.

«ò£è F¬êJó‡® Â‡´G¡ «ø£¡F¬ê»‹

«ò£è ðôùOˆî ªô£œOòî¡ ù£èŠ
ðìñ¬ùò õ™°ô£Œ ð£KQô‚ «è£œèœ
àì¬øî L¡«ø à¬ó (16)

“The dasas of both (Kendra and Kona Lords) are yoga dasas and the dasas of the
planets posited therein also be Yoga dasas”

In the preceding verses, the author has narrated the austerity of Trinal and Angular
Lords and their inter‐relationship. Due to such high austerity, those trinal and angular
Lords and the planets deposited in trines and angles are supposed to offer good results
during their directional periods.
Thandavarayar has utilized the word “of both” very intelligently. Because, he
doesn’t express what this ‘both’ stands for, as it may convey the following two
meanings:
(a) The dasas of Yoga Karaka (i.e. Kendra‐cum‐Kona Lord) and the planets deposited in
the angles or/and trines.

316
 18
(b) The dasas of Kendra Lords and
Kona Lords and the planets posited in the
angles or/and trines.
In our view, (a) is superior to (b). But, the
course of the text warrants (b) only.
Readers may take according to their own
intellect.
This verse loosely confers ‘Yoga Dasa’
status to all the dasas of the planets which
are posited in the angular houses. This can
be treated as a general rule only and should
not be taken for granted. Because, negative
factors such as Kendrathipathya Dosha,
Other house lordship of Trishadi houses
(3, 6, 8, 11), etc. should not be overlooked.
Due care should be taken to confer yoga‐
dasa status to the planets, when they are
deposited in angles. When the trinal lords
are in angular houses, or angular lords are
in trinal houses, such lords are capable of
giving benefits to the individuals during
their Dasas. Parasara Maharishi has
praised this in the shloka 50(13) of BPHS
as
To be continued ………..
317
Initiation in a Mantra:
Kalaprakasika, 10th chapter
1) Moveable signs are good, common signs
are neutral; fixed signs are useless for this
function
2) The effects of learning a mantra vary
according to the month in which the
initiation takes place. Chythra produces
misery; Vysakha brings gain of gems;
Jyestha is fatal; Ashada seriously affects
relations; Sravana indicates exalted status;
Badhrapadha leads to loss of children;
Aswayuja shows well being; Krithika
favors mental development; Margasira
produces evil; Pushya inclines to ruin of the
intellect; Magha tends to intellectual
growth; Palguna makes the disciple liked
and loved by all.
3) The 8th house from the rising sign at the
time of initiation should be vacant -10th
Chapter of Kalaprakasika
Madana Gopala Yoga
a) The lords of the asc & the 7th house
should be in exchange. One of them should
be in the company of Venus. What then
formed is called Madana Gopala Yoga
which means such natives will have
association with many females
b) Venus in exaltation in the 7th house
and in aspect to the 7th lord will lead one to
enjoy a hundred women - Chapter 2,
Shloka 199 of Jyotisharnava Navanitam, a
classic as taught by Lord Shiva to Goddess
Parvati