Gandanta = one of the many designations related to sandhi = juncture, transitionzone, or cusp.

Gandanta zones = six rashi cusps that form the borders 1. between two rashi 2. between two Nakshatra Chandra lagna or radix lagna is considered to be weakened when lagna occupies a Gandanta zone: The final 3:20 degrees of: 1. Azlesa [= end of Karka] 2. Jyestha [= end of Vrischika] 3. Revati [= end of Meena] - or - the initial 3:20 degrees of: 1. Azvini [= beginning of Mesha] 2. Magha [= beginning of Simha] Mula [= beginning of Dhanusha]

Budha -the final 3:20 degrees of Azlesa, Jyestha, Revati

Budha rules the final 3:20 (fourth pada) of Azlesa, Jyestha, and Revati. Therefore the degree of Moon's gandanta-weakness will depend somewhat on Chandra's relationship to Budha in the rashi and navamsha charts. Old Chandra is friendly toward young Budha (his offspring) but young Budha hates old Chandra (his true but illegitimate father). Therefore a gandanta Moon combined with a dominant Budha (e.g. in Mithuna or Kanya) will cause the person to over-verbalize about their emotional fluctuations, resulting in a psychological fixation on their problems. For example, the nativity with a weakened gandanta-zone RevatiChandra, where Chandra receives drishti of uttama Budha in yuvati bhava, can give a relentlessly verbal-analytical spouse who accurately but painfully dissects all the personality weaknesses of the native . Chandra is weakened and cannot self-defend. But such extremes are rare. Normally, gandanta is a minor factorin evaluating the Moon or lagna. In practice, the end-zones of Azlesa and Revatiare rarely poor places for the Moon unless other influences, in addition to gandanta, would destabilize Chandra. The end of Jyestha is a weakened lunar zone because Chandra is nichha in Scorpio rashi anyway. Any lagna can be weakened if it occurs at the end of Azlesa, Jyestha, or Revati, if its lagnesha is not strong.

Ketu- the first 3:20 degrees of Azwini, Magha, Mula These three portions are
all ruled by weird, earth-alienated, psychic Ketu. The Moon is not especially comfortable in fire rashis generally, because He craves the kapha embrace of water. If Ketu is over-active in the chart, then Chandra or lagna in the first 3:20 of Azvini, Magha and Mula will be emotionally or physically upset from being around too much "heat". Mula Azvini and Magha are more flexible but Mula is always problematic. Mula contains our psychic pipeline to our galactic sun.

At present levels of Dwapara-Yuga consciousness, the psychic information which comes to us over the Mula bandwidth is socially and materially disorienting to most folks. However those with adequate psychic interpretive facilities will recognize Ketu's signals as reliable indicators of the "breaking up" phase of the coagulationscatter cycle which governs all manifestation of life-form in the universe The final 3:20 of Mula can be a confused, mystical place for Chandra or lagna unless the person is otherwise grounded through high social or intellectual confidence (i.e., strong benefics in kendra or trine). Hidden weakness Otherwise healthy Graha -- not only Chandra and Lagna but also the individual Graha - which happen to be gandanta will give a weird twist to the affairs of their rashi and navamsha houses during their periods. The twist is caused by hidden weakness. Often there is throughout the life a considerable "masking" of this hidden weakness via denial or skillful rational management -- until the gandanta planet's period pushes the weakness through the denial barrierand up to the surface consciousness.
Last March the Cassini spacecraft took the above picture of a mysterious phenomenon taking place on Saturn. A hexagonal storm encircled the entire north pole. The hexagon is the form of the crystallized stage of water, like a snowflake. Saturn's nature is cold and crystallizing, so I find it an interesting coincidence that this hexagonal phenomenon was discovered while Saturn was in a water sign, Cancer. For more on the story see http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2007-034. Today Saturn shifted into Leo, a fire sign. As I mentioned in my last post, a physical manifestation of this change may come through increased temperatures, volcanic activity, and earthquakes. Sadly almost to the exact moment of transition, there were two 6+ earthquakes in the ring of fire today in Japan. One quake killed 9 elderly people (Saturn rules old age and death), injured more than 1,000, and triggered a leak of contaminated water from a nuclear power plant. The ring of fire is the earthquake zone where water meets fire. The ring of fire was particularly active while Saturn journeyed through the water sign Cancer, beginning with the 2004 tsunami. Water and fire are opposite elements, each able to support or extinguish the other. In Taoist traditions maintaining their balance in the body is the alchemical secret to immortality. According to Yin-Yang theory, everything in the universe can be divided into two opposite, but complementary, aspects of yin (water) and yang (fire). Yin and yang are relative. One cannot exist with out the other. In Vedic astrology the transition of a water sign to fire sign is called Gandanta. It is traditionally seen as an inauspicious position causing misery to the area of influence of the planet. (ie. Saturn rules earth as in land). In Sanskrit Gand means knot, or node, and anta means end, in particular the last 3 degrees of a water sign, and first three degrees of a fire sign -- at the three distinct junctions of Pisces (Revati)- Aries (Aswini), Cancer (Ashlesha)- Leo (Magha), and Scorpio (Jyeshta)- Sagittarius (Mula). Each of the Fire signs are the portals to soul growth. Aries marks the beginning of the soul's journey, the individuated or inner self; Leo develops the outer self and material; and Sagittarius designates the point at which the soul turns away from the material as it seeks to merge with universal consciousness. When planets are placed in these positions, they take on a special power to unravel the knot of karma and move on to the next level. If a planets falls in the last three degrees of water sign, it is completing an old cycle; if it falls in the first three degree of a fire sign is beginning a new cycle. On a soul level, Saturn in Leo represents the potential to create social boundaries for the outer self and manifest its pursuit of the material.

Saturn is unique in that it is more powerful as it matures, thus gaining strength in the later degrees of a sign. It increased its potency in May when it entered the last three degrees of Cancer, which is part of the Ashlesha nakshatra. The ruling deity of Ashlesha is the Naga or serpent. Saturn has finally finished shedding its skin and is now, though still a little raw, ready to grow a new one. Saturn will be Gandanta through early August. The Gandanta experience can be extremely painful, but it is necessary for the soul to grow into another dimension. At the Magha/ Leo stage, the soul is finally getting ready to experience life at a material level. While in Leo, the sign of kings, Saturn may also have a sobering effect on world leaders. The nakshatra of Magha is ruled by the Pitris, the great Fathers of humanity, who function as guardian angels giving protection in the event of major calamities on earth. Perhaps they were at work in Japan as there were only nine deaths -- of elders, who now have transitioned and have become ancestors. ASTROLOGICAL JUNCTIONAL POINTS (SANDHI KAAL) DREADFUL PERIODS IN ELECTIONAL ASTROLOGY

In Vedic / Hindu Electional Astrology considerable importance has been emphasized to shun universally prohibited durations. Junctional Point (Sandhi Kaal) is one of dreadful prohibited period which cause weak link in the election chart resulting in high certainty in failure of the activity started during the said period. Currency of plurality of the Junctional Points in election must be avoided as severity of adverse effects increases many folds. JUNCTION POINTS Junctional Points means intermingling periods or junctions of astrological elements. When one astrological element is completed, & second similar element starts, there is a junction point in-between them, called Junctional Point (Sandhi Kaal / Gandanta). Like a day is divided in two parts day & night, constituting Dina Sandhi; as evening twilight (junction between daytime & night-time), & morning twilight (junction point of nighttime & daytime). Similarly mid-day & mid-night also form Sandhi Kaal, in respect of junctional points with reference to day & night. Sandhi Kaals are considered in respect of junctions of years, solstices, seasons (Ritu), lunar & solar months, Bright Half & Dark Half, Tithis, groups of Tithis, constellations, Yogas, Karans, day-night, sign (ascendant), navamshas. However three Sandhi Kaals viz., constellation, ascendant & Tithi are called Nakshatra Gandanta, Lagna Gandanta & Tithi Gandanta, are given high consideration in order. Nakshatra Gandanta being the most malefic in nature. Junction points of houses, in house division charts are also considered week points in nativity, & the planets placed therein are considered powerless. Likewise such junction points & areas, or their converted lengths of time are prohibited durations, which must be shunned with efforts. The best of the Sages have unanimously agreed that a birth in Nakshatra Gandanta is inauspicious which needs propitiation. Some junction points are reserved for Punya Kaal in

which charity if done bestows Punyas. Such times are suitable for Japa, Tapa, Daana, Sanaana, Yagya & Homa, & not for auspicious elections. Birth in Nakshatra, Tithi & Lagna Gandanta respectively destroy mother, father & self; hence must be shunned (Sage Garg). Birth in Gandanta occurring at daytime destroys father; at night-time mother; & at either of the twilights destroys self (Acharya Lalla). Marriage held in the Gandanta causes death; on taking birth destroys family, on undertaking journey completely destructs (Sarvanash) the traveller or his aim; & also destructs any other work undertaken in the Gandanta period (Fal Pradeep). Effect on activities initiated in junction points are: in year, Ayana, season, Maas - results in poverty; Tithi - distress; Nakshatra - destruction of son / fear; eclipse - destruction of every thing (Sarvanaash). If marriage is held in month end then, the bridegroom dies; during end of Tithi - there shall be deficiency of son; end of asterism - death of a spouse; during Bhadra death of couple. Sage Narad opines that the three Gandanta & three junctions are very fearful. Marriage, travel & birth in these results in death. When Gandanta & Sandhi Kaal combine together, maleficence become many folds, like Nakshatra Gandanta coinciding with twilight at birth makes the native full of diseases & faces early extinction (Hora Ratan). Obviously when two Gandantas coincide, maleficence shall be extremely detrimental. Like last navamsha of Pisces which covers Nakshatra & Lagna Gandanta; is not recommended for marriage election even when navamsha is vargottama. DURATION OF JUNCTIOINAL POPINTS YEALY JUNCTIONS - SAMVAT SANDHI : First 4 days of Chaitra lunar month from which Vikrami Samvat starts and also the last 4 days of Falguni are Samvat Sandhi Kaal. In certain places the year starts at different time which may be followed as Samvat Gandanta. (However first 9 nights of Chaitra (Bright Half) are covered in Vasant Navratris, which are considered as very auspicious). According to Vasist Samhita, the year is reckoned on the basis of the Sun, the Moon & Jupiter. Three days in the beginning & end of these years should be left in all the elections. Sage Brihaspati agrees as by accumulation of Doshas the said period becomes like poison, however the year should be reckoned as per the local customs. SOLSTICE JUNCTIONS - AYANA SANDHI : First 16 hours (40 Ghatis) of Uttrayana (Suns northerly course) i.e., from ingress of the Sun in Capricorn, and first 6h 24m (16 Ghatis) of Dakshinayana (Suns southerly course) i.e., ingress of the Sun in Cancer sign are called Ayana (solstice) Sandhi Kaal. As

discussed earlier readers may follow Tropical system instead of Sidereal system for starting of solstices. SEASONAL JUNCTIONS - RITU SANDHI : As per Muhurt Martanda, 26h 24m (66 Ghatis) around mid point of two Ritus (seasons) i.e., 13h 12m at the end of a season & 13h 12m at the start of the following season is Ritu Sandhi Kaal. Each of the six seasons cover two solar months. Vasant - spring (Pisces & Aries); Grishama - summer (Taurus & Gemini); Varsha - rainy (Cancer & Leo); Sharad autumn (Virgo & Libra); Hemanta - winter (Scorpio & Sagittarius) & Shishir dewy (Capricorn & Aquarius) are the six seasons. However as per Jyotir Vidabharnam. the duration is of two days (120 Ghatis) instead of 26h 24m (66 Ghatis). For this also Tropical system may be followed. Junction point between Vasant & Grishama, shall be junction point of Aries & Taurus; & the like in other seasons. MONTHLY JUNCTIOINS - MAAS SANDHI : Last half Tithi (30th of the New Moon) & following first half Tithi of Bright Half i.e., the last half Tithi of a Lunar month, and first half Tithi of the following month is Maas Sandhi. Similarly aspirants may also consider Solar Sankranti i.e., 6 hours 24 minutes (16 Ghatis) before & the same time after the Suns ingress into a zodiac sign as solar Maas Sandhi. However no such reference has been made, but solar ingress is called Sankranti (having Punya Kaal) & ending part as Agni Baana Dosha: both are recognisable prohibited periods in elections. LUNAR DAY JUNCTIOINS - TITHI GANDANTA : Last 24 minutes (one Ghati) of each of the Poorna Tithis (5th, 10th & 15th) and beginning 24 minutes (one Ghati) of each of the Nanda Tithis (1st, 6th & 11th) cause Tithi Gandanta .That means 48 minutes of mid point zone of 5th & 6th, 10th & 11th, & 15th & 1st Tithis are the Tithi Gandanta. Sage Narad also agrees with this general opinion. As per Poorva Kaalamrit (3/49), 48 minutes instead of above said 24 minutes constitutes Tithi Gandanta, to which Sage Kashyap agrees. In addition to the above Muhurt Ganp[ati (8/33) has opined that mid points between 9th - 10th, 5th - 6th, 4th - 5th Tithis have Gandanta of duration in order as 2, 1, 0.5 Ghatis. The three Gandantas viz., Tithi, Nakshatra & ascendant, inflict death (severest problems) in travel, birth, marriage & fast (Vrata), & should be left in election. It has not been specifically stated that Tithi Gandanta also exists at mid point between 30th 1st Tithis, which are Poorna & Nanda Tithis. Rather this has been left, perhaps because this junction point has been separately covered in Maas Sandhi.. It is opined that the said duration of 48 minutes is very highly malefic as this duration has Maas Sandhi & Paksha Sandhi in addition that the

Moon is combust also. This duration may be given status of Tithi Gandanta of the most malefic nature. Tithi Gandanta means that the Moon should not be in exact conjunction, sextile, trine or opposition to the Sun in good election. Their aspectal orb should be beyond 12 (app. equivalent to 24 minutes of time) in the above aspects. CONSTELLATION JUNCTIONS - NAKASHATRA GANDANTA : Among the three Gandantas highest priority is given to Nakshatra Gandanta. The last 48 minutes (2 Ghatis) of each of the Revati, Ashlesha & Jyeshta, & the first 48 minutes (2 Ghatis) each of Ashvani, Magha & Moola are Nakshtra Gandanta. These are the junction points of each triad of constellations. Kaal Prakashika (3/48) recommend that Nakshatra Gandanta of the above said duration is highly malefic, while ending 96 minutes & beginning 96 minutes of the said triads are of mild nature. Junction of the three said pairs of the constellations is also called Abhukta Moola by Sage Vasist, Pitahma & Saunak. Acharya Baala Bhadra also states that Sandhi (Junction) exists in the last 24 minutes (one Ghati) of Anuradha & first 48 minutes (2 Ghatis) of Jyeshta, which should also be considered as Sandhi Kaal (junction) - (Hora Ratan- 2/196). For Abhukta Moola different lengths have been given which are applicable to birth of native & remedies. Sage Narad & Kashyap schools of thought prescribe this time as 1h 36m (4 Ghatis) ending & 1h 36m (4 Ghatis) starting of the said constellations. According to Sage Vasist the last 24 minutes of Jyeshta & beginning 48 minutes of Moola is Abhukta Moola. While Sage Brihaspati commends this time as last 24 minutes & beginning 24 minutes of the said constellation. The total duration prescribed is one Pahar (1/8th part of diurnal time). While Pitahma opines that both the 1/16th concluding & starting parts of the said constellations be taken as Abhukta Moola length, which is not always 90 minutes each. Advice of Sage Narad & Kashyap is generally accepted & the recommended period is considered as the most malefic (Maha Dushta). Extensive ritual & remedies have been prescribed in most of the treatises to ward off evil effects of Abhukta Moola. Donations prescribed in Jyotirnibandh are, an ox for Tithi Gandanta, a cow for Nakshatra Gandanta, & gold for Rashi Gandanta. Vasist Samhita advises that three cows may be given in charity. In case of restraint, two cows, or a single cow may be given in charity. Following provide counter to the evil of Gandantas: a) The Gandanta Dosha due to Moola, Ashlesha & Revati will not be active if the ascendant lord is unaspected by the Moon who should be with a weak malefic, & not receiving a benefic aspect - Sage Badarayan ( Hora Ratan -2/21).

b) The Moon having full strength makes Nakshatra & Tithi Gandanta as extinct. And strength of Jupiter eliminates blemishes of Rashi (ascendant) Gandanta Lord Brahma. c) A benefic in quadrant or the Moon in 11th house destroys all types of Gandanta - Jyotirnibandh. d) Strong Moon & Jupiter extinct adverse Yogas, Tithi & ascendant Gandanta. Muhurt Ganpati. e) Strong Jupiter removes Dosha due to Lagna Gandanta & strong Moon removes Dosha due to Tithi Gandanta Shakalya Samhita. f) If Sunday or Wednesday coincide with Hasta, Chittra, Sawati, Anuradha, Revati, Jyeshta or Moola; or Sunday with Ashvani; effect of all the three Gandanta (Nakshatra, Tithi & Rashi) are nullified - Sage Garga referred in Hora Ratan (2/20). g) Sage Vasist opines that Abhijit Muhurt counters evils of any kind of the Gandanta. Muhurt Ganpati. & others agree with this. h) The Moon in her own Varga, in a friendly sign, in conjunction with or aspected by benefics (Kaal Prakashika). i) On donation of ox in Tithi Gandanta; cow in Nakshatra Gandanta; & gold in Lagna Gandnata, Gandanta Doshas are removed. A clue is taken from the opinion of Acharya Baala Bhadra that if during a birth, any of the phenomena viz., Tithi Kshaya, Vyatipaata, Vyaghata, Vishti, Vaidhriti, Shula, Ganda, Parigh, Yamaghanta, Kaaldanda, Mrityu Yoga & Darun Yoga coincide with Nakshatra Gandanta, it will be highly inauspicious for the nativity. The same may well be applied in election, & aspirants may note that the above said & other adverse elements of Muhurt must not coincide. And when two Gandantas are concurrent, they multiply the affliction. Author agrees with the views of Sage Pitahma to consider 1/16th part of constellation as Abhukta Moola, which is a variable time, based on the actual length of the asterism. All the malefic durations & Vish Ghatis etc. are proportionally arrived at based on the actual length of the element with exception of Gandantas. In-depth study is required to understand this exception. ASCENDANT JUNCTIONS - LAGNA GANDANTA : Ending 12 minutes time of Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces, and starting 12 minutes of Aries, Leo & Sagittarius as rising sign is called Lagna (ascendant) Gandanta. The total duration of 24 minutes of the junction point shall be the length of the each Gandanta. In the opinion of some astrologers, the first & the last 2 minutes (5 Vighatis) of each sign (as ascendant) should also be left in election.

If Jupiter is strong then Lagna Gandanta & if the Moon is strong then Tithi Gandanta are powerless (Shakalya Samhita). DIVISIONAL CHART JUNCTIONS - NAVAMSHA SANDHI : First navamsha of Aries, Leo & Sagittarius signs; and last navamsha of Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces are Gandantamsha. In another opinion the first & the last 24 seconds (one Vighati) of all the navamshas (as rising navamsha) should be left in election. Last navamsha of the above signs are more malefic. But the last navamsha if Vargottama, can be used in marriage election (Muhurt Chitamani - 6/85). However some Acharyas do not recommend usage of Pisces vargottama navamsha in marriage. DAY NIGHT SANDHI : Evening twilight & morning twilight are the junction points of day & night. Their duration is taken as 1h 12 m (3 Ghatis). Evening twilight is also called Pradosha, prohibited in election. MID DAY & MID - NIGHT : As per Muhurt Prakash (2/10) & Muhurt Chitamani (1/32) 4 minutes each, before & after, of mid-day (LNT) & also of mid-night (Mahanisha) are left in election. In another opinion the said duration is of 6 minutes instead of the above said 8 minutes. This is Sandhi of first half & second half of the day; & similarly for the night EPHEMERAL JUNCTIONS - KARAN & YOGA SANDHI : There is no specific reference of Karan Gandanta, but as per Tithi Gandanta; starting 24 minutes of 1st Bright Half(or Kinstughna Karan) & ending 24 minutes of 30th Dark Half (or Naga Karan) covers this Karan Sandhi also; as portions of the first & the last Karans are prohibited. Different Views : As per Jyotir Vidabharanam, starting & ending 13m 36s (34 Vighatis) of all the Yogas be left. It is opined that 16m (40 Vighati) starting & ending 16m of all the Tithis; 14m 48s (37 Vighati) starting & ending 14m 48s of all the constellations ; 36 seconds each of start & end of Cancer , Scorpio & Pisces signs be left. (Jyotir Vidabharanam .-12/112). This is in addition to the Sandhi Kaals in respect of year as 8 days (from 12th Dark Half of Falguni to 4th Tithi Bright Half of Chaitra), 8 (4+4) days of the two Ayana (solstice) Sandhis, 2 (1+1) days of Ritu (season) Sandhi, & Maas Sandhi as one day (total) Jyotir Vidabharanam (4/37). Poporva Kaalamrit (3/54) recommends Sandhi Kaals as 15 days in year Sandhi, 5 days in Maas Sandhi, 90 minutes in day Sandhi, 48 minutes in Junction points - Gandantas & Sandhis & their durations Name of Gandanta / Sandhi Junction Point Duration

Year Ending & starting of year / Samvatsar (each) 4 days Solstice a) Summer solstice (starting ) 16h 24m b) Winter solstice (starting ) 6h Season a) Suns ingress into the six solar signs 13h 12m b) Last part of Sun into 6 solar signs 13h 12 m Solar month Before & after solar ingress into all the 6h 12m 12 Signs ( each time ) Lunar month a) 2nd half of last Tithi of Dark Half 12 h b) 1st half of first Tithi of Bright Half 12 h Tithi a) Starting of Nanda Tithis 24m b) Ending of Poorna Tithis 24 m Constellation a) Starting of Ashvani, Magha, Moola 48 m b) Ending of Ashlesha , Jyeshta, Revati 48 m Yoga a) starting of Vishkumbha Yoga 1 h 12m b) full length of Vaidhriti Yoga full Yoga Karan First (Kinstughna ) & last (Naga) full yoga period Mid - Day / Night Mid-day & Mid night 4 m Day & night a) Morning twilight (before the Sunrise) 1 h 12 m b) Evening twilight (after the sunset) 1 h 12m Ascendant a) Beginning of Aries, Leo, Sagitt 12 m b) Ending of Pisces, Cancer, Scorp. 12 m Navamsha Starting & ending of each navamsha 24 sec. each hours (h) / minutes (m) / seconds ( s) Nakshatra Sandhi, 48 minutes in Yoga Sandhi, 24 minutes in Karan Sandhi; 24 minutes in Lagna Sandhi, 72 minutes in each twilight, 48 minutes in mid-night. According to Sage Mandavya, 75, 68, 80 Pal before & after as Sandhi of Kaal should be left in case of nakshatra, Tithi & Yoga; 10 Pal before & after of Cancer, Scorpio & Pisces Sandhi Kaal; & for other signs 5 Pal before & after should be left. Antidotes : Gandanta & Sandhi Doshas are destroyed when the Moon is in 11th house. According to Sage Kashyap, a benefic planet in angle destroys Doshas due to year, Ayana, season, Paksha, Tithi, nakshatra. A strong Moon destroys Tithi Gandanta, & a strong Jupiter destroys Lagna Gandanta. N.B. Lengths of Sandhi Kaals given hereinafter are fixed & proportional change based on actual length of the element is not required; & no such reference is

found to have been made in the treatises, except by Pitahama in respect of Nakshatra Gandanta (Abhukta Moola). There are different modes of start of year & lunar months, as such the Sandhi Kaal as per the local customs may be followed
GANDA MOOLA The combinations of 'Moola Nakshatra' with 'Jyestha' and of 'Revati Nakshatra' with 'Ashwini Nakshatra' till the period of 7 Ghatikas cause 'Ganda Moola'. These combinations are considered to be the most inauspicious moment, which cause undesired calamities. The combination of Moola and Jyestha Nakshatra is called 'ABHUKTA'. A child, an animal or a servant born during this particular 'Abhukta' brings misfortune to his family or master. For the welfare of the child, who has taken birth in the above mentioned combinations of Nakshatras, it is necessary to pacify the Nakshatras in 27 days, when the same Nakshatras reposition themselves. If a child, born in this Abhukta ,survives, he brings name, fame and wealth to his family. A child born in the 1st Charana (part) of this Moola brings misfortune to his father, a child born in the 2nd Charana brings misfortune to his mother and a child born in the 3rd Charana of this Moola is the destroyer of wealth, but a child born in the 4th Charana is considered to be lucky and brings wealth to his family. TITHEE GANDA The combinations of two Ghatikas of Poorna and Nanda Nakshatras i.e. the combination of Panchami (5th day) and Dashmi (10th day), Full Moon (Purnima) and Pratipada (1st day), Shashthi (6th day) and Ekadashi (11th day) are called 'Tithi Gandant', that means the last Ghatikas of each of Panchami, Dashmi and Purnima and the first Ghatikas of each of Pratipada, Shashthi and Ekadashi are called Tithi Gandant. It causes difficulties at the time of birth, travel, marriage and other ceremonies. LAGNA GANDA The half Ghatis combination of Cancer and Leo, Scorpio a nd Sagittarius, and Pisces and Aries are called 'Gandanta'. That means, the first 15 Palas of each of Leo, Sagittarius and Aries and the last 15 Palas of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces are Gandatas which cause difficulties at the time of birth, travel, marriage etc. PREVENTION OF THE ILL-EFFECTS OF THE GANDAS A powerful Moon neutralises the ill effects of a child born in 'Nakshatra Gandanta' and 'Tithi Gandanta'. A powerful Jupiter neutralises the ill effects of a child born in 'Lagna Gandanta', provided, if both Moon and Jupiter themselves are not tormented by an inauspicious planet

GandaMoola Dosha Meaning The fear of Ganda-Moola or Gandants is

highly prevalent in our society. At the time of birth pandits often terrorise the parents if a child born under certain nakshatra. It is important to understand the myth and reality first. The Ganda means Knot and the anta means end. The Zodiac or the path of moon is divided into 12 raashis or in 27 nakshatras. So, it is the junction point in the zodiac which can be found at three places. Concept Interestingly the nature of each sign repeats after every 4 signs. For Example Aries is first sign. It is of firey nature.The sequence is as followsAries,Leo,Sagittarius- Firey Taurus,Virgo,Capricorn-Earthy Gemini,Libra,Acquarius-Airy Cancer,Scorpio,Pisces-Watery We all know that fire and water are enimical.The border between AriesPisces,Cancer-Leo and Scorpio-Saggitarius act like danger mark or in otherway

it is like a knot or point of junction. That is why when moon is about to cross the dividing line or has just cross it then it is considered as a warning signal. It is believe that a person born under this situation suffers numerous miseries in life. Since each raashi can be sub divided into nakshatras, so the nakshatras falling at the beginning of Aries/Leo/Saggitarius i.e. Aswini, Magha and Moola and the nakshatras falling at the end of Cancer/Scorpio/Pisces i.e. Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati can be trouble causing. But this rule is too general and the pandits make full use of it as a weapon to terrorise the parents of a new born. Since the nakshatra can be further subdivided into 4 padas therefore 4th pada of Revati, Ashlesha, Jyestha and the 1st pada of Ashwini, Magha and Moola should be put into scanner. The first three Ghatis(1 ghati=24 mints) of Ashwini, magha & moola nakshatras and the last five Ghatis before the end of the ashlesha, jyeshtha & revati are important. Views 1.First If birth is in the daytime, it is called Pitri (father) Gandanta while a night birth during Gandanta is called Matri (mother) Gandanta. 2. The second view is if birth in Revati Aswini junction is called Swa (self) Gandanta, if birth in Ashlesha Magha junction is called Matri (mother) Gandanta and if birth in Jyestha Moola junction is called Pitri (father) Gandanta. 3. Consideration of Moola-Nivasa (Residence of Moola) a) In months of Margasirsa, Phalgun, Vaisakha and Jyestha the residence of Moola is in Patala Loka b) In Sravana, Kartika, Chaitra and Pausa the residence of Moola is in Martyu Loka c) In months of Ashada, Aswina, Bhadra and Magha, the residence of Moola is in Swarga Loka If birth is in Gandanta and the residence of Moola is in the Martyu Loka then great evil is indicated. The evil is lesser for the other Loka. Also Movable, Fixed and Dual signs as the (Lagna) are said to give Moola residence of Swarga, Patala and Martyu loka respectively. 4. The number of the Janma Nakshtra is multiplied by three (3). The numbers of birth tithi as recknoed from Sukla Paksha prati pada and the day of birth (as reckoned from Sunday) are added and the sum is divided by eight (8). The remainder indicates the Ganda Dosh (Error/Evil). Following are the effect if the remainder is Complete destruction Loss of wealth danger to mother Loss of physical power Destruction in maternal relations Destructions to Co borns Loss to Father Complete loss Conclusion As per traditions various remedies and rituals has to be performed in case of gandamooldosha. But the above negative effects will accrue only when other supporting yogas are present in the chart. Birth on Abhijit muhurat counters the evill effects as per Sage Vashistha. Also, moon in own vargas and aspected

by benefics can ward off the ill effects. So, no need to fear when remedies are here!!!

Gandanta: The Junction of Fire & Water

The birth during Moon's transit at some specific positions in the zodiac is considered as extremely inauspicious. Gandanta positions are one of those inauspicious positions among others such as usna ghatikas, visha ghatikas etc. The person born under gandanta suffers numerous miseries in life and based on the exact nature of the gandandta even the parents and other relations can be severly affected. To alleviate the troubles from the Gandanta birth, it is advised to do shanti puja for birth during this time. Gandanta is comprised of two terms Ganda and Anta, where Ganda means "a node" and anta means "the end". The whole zodiac is visioned to have three nodes at zero degree Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, which are also called the brahma randhra (eye of Brahma, the creator) or Vishnu Nabhi (the navel of Vishnu, showing the beginning of creation). To understand why Gandanta is known to be inauspicious, we need to understand the creation process. The creation process is cyclical, which starts with the emergence of creation impetus and ends with dissolution of the whole creation to nothing-ness. This cycle can be mapped to the four elements of nature in the oder of Fire, Earth, Air and Water and the whole process of creation and dissolution happen under the ambit of the Ethery element. In the zodiac the whole creation process repeats thrice from the beginning of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, the three fiery signs. While mapping the creation process with the nakshatra scheme of zodiac reckoning, the three cycles start from Aswini, Magha and Moola. However, before the creation starts the end of the watery signs namly, Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, shows the dissolution of the creation. Thus the beginning of the mentioned three fiery signs shows transition from the dissolution phase to creation phase and hence they represent as three nodes in the zodiac, each starting its own process of creation. Hence the person born near to these nodes are caught in the process of transition from destruction of old creation and start of new creation and hence suffer the burnt of it. Like the start of creation is shown by the beginning of Aswini, Magha and Moola, the end of destruction is represented by Ashlesha, Jyeshtha and Revati, which falls in the ending part of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces. Thus the gandanta nakshatras are these six nakshatras with the 4th pada of last nakstras of watery signs and 1st pada of first nakstras in the fiery signs. They are the 4th pada of Revati (Pisces), Ashlesha (Cancer), Jyestha (Scorpio) and the 1st pada of Ashwini (Aries), Magha (Leo) and Moola (Sagittarius). Thus the gandanta happens whenever there is a transition from watery element to fiery element. Anyone born during such transition has to suffer the trouble due to this transition and suitable remedy is required to alleviate the troubles. NAKSHATRA GANDANTA Moons motion in one Nakshatra is supposed to be 60 ghatikas and hence the duration of the Nakshatra which is affected by the Gandanta dosa is measured in terms of the Ghatikas. For the first constellations of fiery signs, the first three Ghatika and the last five Ghatikas before the end of the last constellation of watery signs are the precise duration of Gandanta. Since the arc duration of one

Nakshatra is 13d 20m or 800 min, which is equivalent to 60 ghatikas of time, 3 ghatikas would be equivalent to 40 arc mins and 5 ghatikas would be equal to 66.67 arc mins. Thus while reckoning the gandanta in terms of the arc of the zodiac, we must take last 66.67 arc min of the last Nakshatra of the watery signs and the first 40 arc mins of Classification of Gandanta Classification 1: If birth is in the daytime, it is called Pitri (father) Gandanta while a night birth during Gandanta is called Matri (mother) Gandanta. Classification 2: Birth in Revati (Pisces) Aswini (Aries) junction is called Swa (self) -Gandanta Birth in Aslesha (Cancer) Magha (Leo) junction is called Matri (mother) Gandanta Birth in Jyestha (Scorpio) Moola (Sagittarius) junction is called Pitri (father) Gandanta. Abhukta Gandanta Narada Muni has stated that of these six constellations, the Abhukta Moola Gandanta comprises the last two Ghatika of Jyestha and first two Ghatika of Moola constellation. He adds that such a child should be abandoned (or given away) or any form of hope from him should not be made. Since this is the pitri gandanta, if the child survives, father should not see his face for 8 years after birth. Other authorities indicate 27 days for this abstraction of father from seeing the face of the child, which seems more practical in todays context. Thereafter suitable remedial measures should be performed. Moola-Nivasa (Residence of Moola) 1. In the Vedic months of Margasirsa, Phalgun, Vaisakha and Jyestha the residence of Moola is in Patala Loka (the hell). 2. In Sravana, Kartika, Chaitra and Pausa the residence of Moola is in Martya Loka (the realm of Dead). 3. In the four Vedic months of Ashada, Aswina, Bhadra and Magha, the residence of Moola is in Swarga Loka (the Heavens). If birth is in Gandanta and the residence of Moola is in the realm of the dead (Martya Loka) then great evil is indicated. The evil is lesser for the other Loka. Movable, Fixed and Dual signs as the (Lagna) are said to give Moola residence of Swarga, Patala and Martya loka respectively. Thus, if someone is born with dual sign as Lagna which Moon in the last quarter of Jyestha or first quarter of Moola, then great evil falls on the native. Ganda Phala: (Results of birth in Gandanta). Lagna being the governor of intelligence and the Moon, the governor of physical body, Lagna Gandanta results in the loss of intelligence while Rasi Gandanta results in premature death or loss of longevity. Remedies (from Vedic Remedies in Astrology by Pt. Rath) The remedy lies in worshipping the Lord of the Lagna/ Moon constellation depending on whether it is Lagna or Rasi gandanta. This deity becomes the Devata who can break the weakness due to Gandanta. Since the affliction comes from an adjoining sign, the lord of the nature of the sign becomes the Adhi-Devata and the lord of the afflicting constellation becomes the Pratyadhi-Devata.

For example, let us determine the deities for Jyestha Gandanta. The Lord of the Jyestha constellation is Indra. So, Indra is the Devata or Chief deity. Jyestha is in Scorpio and the junction affliction comes from the sign Sagittarius having the Moola constellation. Sagittarius is a fiery sign and the God of fire Agni is the Adhi-Devata. Moola is the afflicting constellation and the Lord of this constellation is Rakshas who is the Pratyadhi-Devata.
Nakshatra Deities

Abhijit Nakshatra: Abhijit nakshatra is called the intercalary(IC) nakshatra as it appear as a small (smaller duration as compared to normal duration of nakshatra 13d 20m) nakshatra between Uttarashadha and Sravana. The duration of Uttarashadha is divided into four parts and the first three padas are assigned to Uttarashadha, which makes the duration of Uttarashadha to be 10deg with each pada to be 2d 30m. The remaining one pada of Uttarashadha is assigned to Abhijit, the intercalary nakshatra. Similarly beginning 1/15th part of Sravana is given to Abhijit, making its total length to be 253.33 min, i.e., 4d 13m 20s. The remaining 14/15th part of Sravana is assigned to the four padas of Sravana, making the total duration of Sravana to be 12d 26m 40s Element Detities

The ritual is normally performed in the Eastern or Northern part of the house depending on whether the Gandanta is in a fiery sign (East) or watery sign (North). The Kalasha (water pot) containing Panchagavya, Shastaushadhi and Ganga water is installed. The idol of the Devata is installed on another earthen pot adjoining the Kalasha or a gold coin can be used to represent the deity. Similarly, the Adhi-devata and Pratyadhidevata are also installed and worshipped (For more details refer to BPHS). This is followed by a Yagya (Fire sacrifice) & Abhishek (Ritual bathing with Mritunjaya Mantra). The water from the two Kalash whould be poured on the head of the parents and the child. Donations, Dakshina and breaking of fast ends the ritual. Rudrabhishek as well

as ceremonial bathing of the afflicted persons is necessary. For (1) day Ganda dosha father and child (2) Night birth Ganda dosha Mother & child and (3) Sandhya (Sunrise/ sunset) born Ganda dosha both father & mother and child are protected with Abhishek using four vessels of water etc and Sahasraksha Mantra. People who cannot afford these elaborate rituals should recite the Mahamritunjaya Mantra eight thousand times within 40 days starting from the 12th day from the birth of the child. It maybe noted that remedial measures cannot be performed for 11 days following birth. Other results Besides what has already been stated, there are other methods of determining the results of gandanta. The number of the birth asterism (Janma Nakshtra) is multiplied by three (3). The numbers of birth tithi (as recknoed from Sukla Paksha prati pada) and the day of birth (as reckoned from Sunday) are added and the sum is divided by eight (8). The remainder indicates the Ganda Dosh (Error/Evil).

Moon/Sun Yogas
If Moon is in anangle from the Sun, little effects will be felt in regard to money, wisdom, skill, learning and modesty. These are medium if the Moon being Panaphara (i.e. 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th) and exceedingly good in Apoklima (i.e. 3rd,6th,9th and12th). [Saravali of Kalyana Varma, English translation, commentary, annotation and editing by R. Santhanam, p.161] In this post, I want to stress some very important factors in chart delineating. These will be: 1) The positions or yogas formed by the Moon in relation to Sun, 2) Moon in visible and invisible halves of the chart, and 3) Moons strength in regard to waxing or waning. These 3 factors are very important in delineating the strength of the chart. Saravali treatise mentions 3 types of yogas formed by the Moon in reference to the Sun. Let me quote Phala Deepika in regard to these yogas: The Adhama, Sama and Varishtha Yogas are formed when the Moon is respectively in a Kendra, a Panaphara and an Apoklima house reckoned from the Sun. The person born with Varishta Yoga, will be wealthy , will possess vehicles, will achieve fame, will enjoy happiness, will acquire knowledge and will have intellectual equipment, modesty, ability , learning and will be generous. The effects will be of a medium nature in Sama Yoga and very little in Adhama Yoga. [Mantreswara's Phala Deepika, English Translation, Commentary and annotation by Dr .G. S. Kapoor] When Moon is on Kendra from the Sun (1, 4, 7, 10), this yoga formed is called Adhama. When Moon is in Panaphara from the Sun (2, 5, 8, 11), this yoga formed is called Sama. When Moon is in Apoklima from the Sun (3, 6, 9, 12), this yoga formed is called Varishta. The position of the Moon in apoklima houses from Sun are seen as best in giving the effects of this yoga. Effects such as wealth, learning, happiness, fame, knowledge, etc. Position of Moon in kendra from Sun is less auspicious, or gives minimum strength in this regard. Moon in the Visible and Invisible Halves In the case of a night birth, if the Moon is with Parivesha (halo). and be declining in the invisible half of the zodiac (i.e. beingposited between lagna Bhava madhya and the centre of the descendant-7th house), or declining Moon in day time be in the visible half (i.e. between the centres of the descendant and the ascendant), even results will be felt in respect of fear, grief etc., (that is these positions confer bad results). The Full Moon gives kingdom: if she be contrarily posited [Saravali, ibd] Moon is weak when it is declining (Krishna Paksha) and strong when Shukla Paksha or waxing. Night birth + krishna Paksha + Moon in invisible half (from 1st to 7th) = fear, grief, etc. Day birth +Krishna Paksha + Moon in visible half (from 7th to Lagna) = medium effects. Night birth + Shukla Paksha + Moon in visible half = native becomes King. Day birth + Shukla Paksha + Moon in invisible half = native becomes King.

So, for good effects, Full Moon (Shukla Paksha) should be in the visible half by night and in invisible half by day. This is similar to the concept of sect in Hellenistic astrology, where night planets guided by the Moon are doing better in the half contrary to that one where Sun is positioned. So, best is when Moon is Shukla by night in the visible half and by day in the invisible half. Worst is when Moon is Krishna and is found by night bellow the earth, that is in the invisible half and by day above the earth. Visible half is called Drishya and invisible Adrishya.

Lets look at Princess Dianas chart. It is a day birth. Moon is Krishna Paksha in invisible half of the chart. Moon is in 9th from the Sun so in good position (in Apiklima). In summary, she has: Day birth + Krishna Paksha + Adrishya which gives + Moon in Apoklima from the Sun. Varishta Yoga gives fame, popularity, wisdom, generosity, etc. However, because the Moon is Krishna Paksha, the indications are weakened.

Gandanta Study Case

Gandanta (End of the Cheek) are called several portions in speciffic Nakshatras which are regarded as malefic or inauspicious, and every planet or ascendant in these portions is weakening factor to a greater extent for that planet or point. The first pada (portion of 3 20) of the fiery signs (Ashlesha, Magha and Mula Nakshatras) and last pada of the watery signs (Ashlesha, Jyestha and Revati Nakshatras) are called Gandanta. These padas are problematic because they are juncture points (sandhi) between two signs but also between two Nakshatras. The two signs that are next to each other are in very much different quality. The juncture happens between a watery sign and between a fiery sign, which is seen as inauspicious as these two qualities or elements are having inherent enmity so to speak (the water is extinguishing the fire, and the hot is making the water to evaporate). Planet in first degrees of Aries, just get out from the watery Pisces and is now coming to a totally opposite environment and thus it is kind of a wild player in this territory, without too much refined behavior. This rule however, may not apply to a planet in its own sign or exaltation perhaps. Jupiter in Sagittarius or Sun in Aries, wouldnt be as harmed in my opinion, since they are on their own territory so to speak. I have seen charts where a planet co-present with such planet, even though not in the Gandanta portions, will be harmed in certain extent by the planet in the Gandanta position. Let me illustrate this with an example.

Sharon Tate was the very beautiful and talented wife of the movie director Roman Polanski. She and her friends were killed by the Mansons women in the rented house they were all hanging out at that fatal night. She died in her 27th year of life (26th birthday) under Moon/Sun Dasha sequence. Moon is Maraka planet for Gemini ascendant because rules the 2nd. I have seen often that the Dasha of Lord of 2nd house brings death (not in all cases of course). Moon is in another place of death (the 3rd house, 8th from 8th) and is co-present with Rahu who is in fact in the Gandanta portions of Leo. I think that this co-presence of Moon with a Gandanta planet (shadow planet) is even more harmful then it would have been the case if Rahu wasnt Gandanta. Her second hou se is actually heavily afflicted by the aspects of 3 malefic planets: Saturn from 12th, Mars from 7th and Sun from 8th. Antardasha Lord Sun is in 8th house of longevity and is aspecting the second house from there. So, one can see that the period of Moon/Sun Dasha was highly critical for her.