The three-day international astrologers’ convention which began on November 30, focussed on commercialisation of the profession even as it stressed that importance should be given to astrology in selection of a soul mate. In the conference it was also announced that astrology would soon be made an academic course.
In its fourth year, the convention at Shikshakara Sadana was organised to commemorate the birth centenary of B V Raman, renowned astrologer. The theme of this year’s meet, which drew thousands of astrologers and people interested in astrology from across the country, was, ‘Impact of astrology on marital life’.
Many astrologers said the knowledge that astrology throws up can help in the selection of the perfect partner in life.
Stressing that matching of sun sign, rashi (group) and other important aspects of janma kundali (horoscope) were important for a strong bond of a married couple, K G Puttahonnaiah from Mysore said, “The younger generation is disregarding the instructions of Shastras which are based on planetary movements.”
When asked about the role of astrology in success or the failure of marriages, Dr Indudhara, an astrologer who runs Mantreshwara Jyothishya Mahavidyala, said, “Matching of the horoscope of bride and the groom is important since horoscopes are dependent on the date, time and place of birth of the two. Even after marriage, if we find that there are issues, we try to identify the problems and analyse the reason and then search for remedies by performing poojas which is called Agama Shastra.”
As if an explanation to why the youth have lost confidence in astrology, K G Puttahonnaiah said commercialisation has resulted in the profession losing the depth it had in the understanding the ebb and tide of human life. “Today, astrology is commercialised. Inadequate information is given to the public by those who have not mastered the study. It is due to this, that astrology has become a thing of mockery among people,” said Puttahonnaiah.
It was announced in the conference that a certificate diploma course on astrology will be introduced in Karnataka Sanskrit University from the next academic year and those interested to make astrology their profession will have a thorough education in the field.