Astrology And Religion In Indian Art

In India, Astrology Is Not Merely A Method Of Divination, But An Integral Part Of Its Religious And Cultural Traditions. The Book Explores The Interrelatedness Of Astrology, Art And Religion. In The Beginning It Deals With The Foundations Of Hindu Astrology And Its Rich Symbolism. It Then Goes On To Describe The Various Representations Of Astral Symbols In The Traditional Arts Of Sculpture And Painting. Finally, The Book Shows How Artistic Representations Of Astral Deities Such As Planets And Stars Are Used In Ritual And Worship.

Astrologers play an important role in Indian society, but there are very few studies on their social identity and professional practices. Based on extensive fieldwork carried out in the city of Banaras, Words of Destiny shows how the Brahmanical scholarly tradition of astral sciences (jyotiḥśāstra) described in Sanskrit literature and taught at universities has been adapted and reformulated to meet the needs and questions of educated middle and upper classes in urban India: How to get a career promotion? How to choose the most suitable field of study for children? When is the best moment to move into a new house? The study of astrology challenges ready-made assumptions about the boundaries between "science" and "superstition," "rationality" and "magic." Rather than judging the validity of astrology as a knowledge system, Caterina Guenzi explores astrological counseling as a social practice and how it "works from within" for both astrologers and their clients. She examines the points of view of those who use astrology either as a way of earning their living or as a means through which to solve problems and make decisions, concluding that, because astrology combines mathematical calculations and astronomical observations with ritual practices, it provides educated urban families with an idiom through which modern science and devotional Hinduism can be subsumed.

The Great Ones- Vol. IiiLike Its Predecessor Volumes, One And Two, The Great Ones, Volume Three Continues To Deal With The Life And Work Of The Great Ones Who Have Contributed To The Advancement Of Human Civilization And Culture. As In The Earlier Volumes, The Great Ones Dealt With Fall Into Tan Categories:1. The Great Ones In Art (Painting, Sculpture & Architecture).2. The Great Ones In Literature (Poetry, Drama & Fiction).3. The Great Ones In Science.4. The Great Ones In Medicine And Biology.5. The Great Ones In Exploration (Scientists And Voyageurs).6. The Great Ones In Philosophy.7. The Great Ones In Public Life.8. The Great Ones In Social Reform.9. The Great Ones In Business (Technology, Economics & Management).10. The Great Ones In Entertainment (Music, Movies, Theatre & Sports).As In The Earlier Volumes, The Artistic And Literary Skill Of The Famous Author-Artist Combine To Make The Volume Pleasant To Peruse And Rewarding To Read.This Volume, The Third In A Ten-Volume Series, Would Be An Ideal Presentation To All School And Collage Students, Enabling Them To Learn About The Achievements Of The Great Ones In Diverse Fields Of Human Endeavour And Encouraging Them To Adopt Their Own Role Models To Emulate And Spurring Them On The Discovery, Achievement And Success.

Like Its Predecessor Volume, The Great Ones, Volume Two Is The Rare Book, Wherein The Artistic And Literary Skills Of The Famous Author-Artist, V.K. Subramanian, Are Applied To An Ennobling Theme: The Life And Work Of The Great Ones Who Have Contributed To The Advancement Of Human Civilization And Culture.This Book Is The Second Volume In A Ten-Volume Series. Each Volume Dealing With 100 Great Ones. It Will Be An Ideal Presentation To Every School And College Student, Eager To Learn About The Great Ones Who Have Made A Difference To Life On Their Planet By Their Life Work, And Adopt Rolemodels To Emulate.Like Its Predecessor Volume, The Great Ones, Volume Two Is The Rare Book, Wherein The Artistic And Literary Skills Of The Famous Author-Artist, V.K. Subramanian, Are Applied To An Ennobling Theme: The Life And Work Of The Great Ones Who Have Contributed To The Advancement Of Human Civilization And Culture.This Book Is The Second Volume In A Ten-Volume Series. Each Volume Dealing With 100 Great Ones. It Will Be An Ideal Presentation To Every School And College Student, Eager To Learn About The Great Ones Who Have Made A Difference To Life On Their Planet By Their Life Work, And Adopt Rolemodels To Emulate.

Predictive Planets And Presaging Palms Is A Unique Book, Dealing Lucidly With The Fascinating Predictive Sciences Of Astrology And Palmistry In A Single Volume. Profusely Illustrated, The Book Highlights The Differences Between Western And Hindu Systems Of Astrology And Explains The Hindu Art Of Predicting, Giving Valuable Information On The Methodology Of Predictions, The Planets, The Signs Of The Zodiac And On Hands ~D What They Reveal. Ihe Special Features Of The Book Include: Chapters On Marriage And Relationship Counselling, Career Counselling, And Health Counselling, Remedial Measures To Counteract ~Dverse Planetary Influences, Techniques To Specify Timing Of Marriages, Birth Of Children, Professional Changes, Purchase Of Property Etc., Analysis Of The Horoscopes And Hands Of Famous People, Highlighting Their Special, Significant Features. The Book Also Explains The Rationale Of Astrology And Palmistry Against The Back- Ground Of The Fatalism Vs. Free Will Controversy And Indicates How These Two Predictive Sciences Can Be Used As Roadmaps Of Life And Optimise And Maximise The Development Of Individual Potentials And The Human Resources. The Astrologer And Palmist, According To The Author Of The Book, Serve A Useful Role In Society In Wiping Tears, Generating Smiles, Boosting Up Morales, Kindling Hope, Fostering Confidence And Setting People On The Path To Success. Predictive Planets And Presaging Palms Is A Must Reading For All Sceptics Of Astrology And Palmistry, Who Brand These Predictive Sciences As Superstitious Beliefs Intended To Hoodwink People.

An authoritative primer to Jyotish, or Vedic Astrology, this book draws on the author's extensive study of the tradition. Andrew Mason explains in detail the practical applications of Jyotish, introduces the planets, signs and houses, as well as the many rich and highly entertaining mythologies of the system with an explanation of how to interpret them. He also covers Vedic Astrology's sister science, Ayurveda, and describes how they interact to provide insight into celestial timing, sustained health and general wellbeing. With sample charts that show the applications throughout, the book provides a complete an accessible resource on Jyotish for students of Indian astrology and Ayurveda practitioners. It will also be of interest to anyone with a passion for astrology.

Provides over 1,000 accessible, informative and authoritative entries that answer any major question about Hinduism, it's mythology, practices, customs and laws India is so vast that each of its regions is a land in its own right, with diverse languages, customs, and cultural traditions. Yet shared social systems, firmly grounded in religious beliefs, provide the cohesive force that unites over a billion people of different backgrounds. Hinduism is the main religion of India, and this new dictionary provides an unrivaled insight to all aspects of Hindu life, past and present. Some thousand illustrated entries elucidate the history of Hinduism, its mythology, art, architecture, religion, laws, and folklore. The development of Hinduism is presented from its ancient manifestations in local cults and epic poems to modern-day festivals and customs worldwide. The complex relationship between the multitude of gods, goddesses, and semi-divine beings is brought to light in the articles on religion and mythology, while its rich imagery is revealed in the entries on architecture, sculpture, painting, dance, and theater, including works of art illustrated here for the first time. Food and etiquette, the caste system, Ayurvedic medicine, love and marriage, and contemporary practices are just a few of the topics explored. Maps and entries on the major cities and places of pilgrimage in India, as well as a concise chronology and a list of principal dynasties, provide a clear overview of the geography, history, languages, and vibrant religious and cultural traditions of Hinduism. This volume will serve as a lively and indispensable guide for those preparing a visit to India, for Indians living in the West, for students, or for anyone interested in the subcontinent. 275 b/w illustrations.