Gandanta Birth

Birth in Gandanta is one of the many flaws that can happen at birth or an event. Depending on the nature of the Gandanta, different Shanti Upayas (Remedies) need to be performed, else, there could be danger to the life of the new born.

BPHS 92.1. The Sage said. O Brahmin! Gandanta is of three kinds, namely of Tithi, Nakshatra and Lagna. Birth, travelling and performance of auspicious functions, like marriage etc., during Gandanta are likely to cause death of the person concerned.

Phaladeepika 13.9: If a birth happens at the extreme end of a Rasi which is occupied or aspected by a malefic planet, the child will surely meet with its death at once. If the birth be at a Gandanta, the father, the mother, or the child itself will die. Should however the child survive, he will become a king. If born at the junction of any of the four quadrants identical with the conjunction of or aspect by a malefic, the death of the child will soon happen.

Moon’s 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.

The first 3 Ghatikas of the starting nakshatra of fiery signs, and the last 5 Ghatikas of the last nakshatra of the watery signs are the precise duration of Gandanta. Since the arc duration of one Nakshatra is 13d 20m or 800 min, which is mapped 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 the 1st nakshatra of the watery signs. Thus the total duration of Gandanta is 106.67 arc minute.

Classification of Gandanta

• Classification 1: Gandanta in day birth is called Pitr gandanta (danger to father), while Gandanta in night birth is called Matr gandanta (danger to mother).
• Classification 2: (1) Revati-Ashvini is called Sva-Gandanta (danger to self). (2) Ashlesha-Magha is called Matr gandanta (danger to mother) and (3) Jyeshtha-Moola is called Pitr gandanta (danger to father).

Types of Gandanta

Nakshatra Gandanta

• Nakshatra Gandanta is the most common form of reckoning Gandanta Dosa, which arises when the Chandra is positioned in the near the end of Budha’s Nakshatra i.e., Revati, Aslesha and Jyestha, or near the start of Ketu’s Nakshatra i.e., Ashvini, Magha and Moola.
• Narada Purana 56.449. Nakshatra Gandanta occurs at the junctures of the ending sixteen nadikas of the three asterisms Aslesa (Sarpa), Indra (Jyestha) and Revati (Pausna) with the first padas of the respective succeeding asterisms (viz., Magha, Mula and Asvini). 16 nadikas is equivalent to 3º33’20”, which is little more than 1 pada.
• The end position of Budha’s Nakshatra coincide with the end of Jala Rasis, while the start of the Ketu’s nakshatra coincide with the beginning of the Agni Rasis. The Gandanta occurs due to incompatibility of Jala and Agni Tattva. The coming together of Jala and Agni needs a delicate balance between these tattvas, to kick start the creation process. They represent the Female and male principles respectively. Shukra is Jala while Mangal is Agni. Similarly Chandra is Jala while Surya is Agni. Both of them must come together to create, but they must maintain a balance.
• Budha and Ketu have nothing to do with the concept of Gandanta, it is the tattva that is important and not the Graha lordship of the Nakshatras.
• Not only Chandra, but any graha when occupy the last Navamsa of Jala Rasis or the first Pada of the Agni Rasis suffer from teh Gandanta Dosa. This causes serious troubles to the living significations to the Bhavas owned by the Graha.

BPHS 92.3. The last two Ghatikas of Revati and first two Ghatikas of Ashvini, the last two Ghatikas of Ashlesha and first two Ghatikas of Magha and the last two Ghatikas of Jyeshtha and first two Ghatikas of Mula are known, as Nakshatra Gandanta.

Lagna Gandanta

• Narada Purana 56.448. Lagna Gandanta occurs for half a nadika each at the junctures of Karka-Simha, Vrschika-Dhanu and Meena-Aries; this time is deadly.
• Pt. Sanjay Rath, Vedic Remedies: In the junction of water & fire signs Lagna Gandanta exists for duration of 1 Ghatika 15 Vighatika. Since the 24 hours day is mapped to 60 Ghatikas, 1 Ghatika is equivalent to 24 minutes, and 1 Ghatika 15 Vighatika is equivalent to 30 min.
• 1 Ghatika 15 Vighatika is a duration of 1 hour. The second half of water sign and first half of fire signs have this Gandanta. However, most authorities agree that the Gandanta is in the related constellation.The Lagna falling in any of these points causes Lagna Gandanta while the Moon in these quarters causes Rasi Gandanta.

BPHS 92.4. The last half Ghatika of Meena and first half Ghatika of Mesh, the last half Ghatika of Karka and first half Ghatika of Simha, the last half Ghatika of Vrschika and first half Ghatika of Dhanu are known, as Lagna Gandanta.

Tithi Gandanta

• Narada Purana 56.447. Tithi Gandanta occurs for two nadikas each at the junctures of the Purna tithis and the Nanda tithis, (i.e., between the 5th-6th, 10th-11th, and 15th-1st.). This time is deadly in the matter of birth, travel, marriage etc.
• Another view: The starting 2 ghatika of Nanda tithi and the ending 7 ghatika of the Purna tithi is known is Tithi gandanta. Birth during this time is considered highly inauspicious.
• The Purna Tithis are governed by Vayu while the Nanda Tithis are governed by Agni Tattva. The other govervance are, Bhadra-Prthvi, Jaya-Akasha, Rikta-Jala.
• Tithi classification: Nanda=1/6/11, Bhadra=2/7/12, Jaya=3/8/13, Rikta=4,9,14, Purna=5/10/15.
• Pt. Sanjay rath, Vedic Remedies: The junction between Poorna and Nanda Tithi are called Tithi Gandanta. Here the junction in defined as four Ghatika (two Ghatika in the end of Poorna Tithi and two Ghatika in the beginning of Nanda Tithi). The Gandanta extends for 1º on either side of the junction. This is not a very serious Dosha. However, the remedy lies in worshipping the Luminaries.
• Just like the Rasi and Lagna Gandanta occurred at the junction between two groups of signs having the four Tattva, the Tithi Gandanta occurs in the junction of the Tithi when one group of the five elements ends and another begins.

BPHS 92.2. O Maitreya! The last 2 Ghatikas of Purna Tithi (5th, 10th, 15th) and the first 2 Ghatikas of Nanda Tithi (1st, 6th, 11th) are known, as Tithi Gandanta.

Difference in Gandanta Results

• Pt. Sanjay Rath: While Chandra is the governor of the mind and body (psycho-somatic), Lagna being the governor of intelligence (Dhi). Thus, while Rasi Gandanta affects the health, longevity and sustenance, Lagna Gandanta results in the loss of intelligence, provided the Lagna or the Lagnesha are also afflicted.

Nullification of gandanta Dosha

Pt. Sanjay Rath. Birth in Abhijit Muhurtha and good yoga’s occurring at birth tend to nullify the adverse effect of birth in Gandanta.

Pt. Sanjay Rath. Female birth in daytime and male birth at night are exempt from Ganda dosha. However, this only reduces the extent of the evil and does not fully nullify it.

Pada Phala: Birth in different padas of nakshatras

Results of birth in different quarters of the constellation causing Gandanta. The results are taken from Janma Kundali Darpan by Krsnakant Bhardwaj (Hindi) and then tallied with Pt. Sanjay Rath’s Vedic Remedies. There are few differences between the texts.

Revati Nakshatra: (1) kingly status (2) Ministerial status (3) Gain of wealth and happiness (4) Many adversities

Ashvini Nakshatra: (1) Danger to father (2) Happiness (3) Ministerial status (4) Kingly status

According to Pt. Rath, 2nd pada indicates Loss of wealth and happiness.

Ashlesha Nakshatra: (1) No Dosha (2) Loss of wealth (3) Danger to mother (4) Danger to father

According to Pt. Rath, 1st pada indicates kingdom.

Magha Nakshatra: (1) Danger to mother (2) Danger to father (3) Happiness (4) Gain of wealth and knowledge

According to Pt. Rath, 3rd pada indicates Loss of wealth and happiness, while the 4th pada indicates Loss of wealth. However, one may note that the last 2 padas of Magha Nakshatra is away from the Gandanta junction, so the results of happiness and Gain of wealth and knowledge appear to be more accurate. I will leave it to the readers to experiment and conclude.

Jyeshtha Nakshatra: (1) Danger to elder brother (2) Danger to younger brother (3) Danger to mother (4) Danger to father

According to Pt. Rath, the results of the last 2 padas are different. According to him, the results of the 3rd pada is Loss of wealth and happiness and the 4th pada is Danger to self.

The Moola Gandata

Abhukta Moola

Narada Muni has stated that of these six constellations, the “Abhukta Moola Gandanta” comprises of the last two Ghatika of Jyestha and first two Ghatika of Moola constellation.

There are difference in the opinion of the seers what extent of Jyestha and Moola nakshatra constitute the dreaded Abhukta Moola? However, it is safe to assume the last 2 ghatikas of Jyestha and first 2 Ghatikas of Moola as the Abhukta Moola as per Narada Muni’s suggestions.

1. According to Narada Samhita, the 2 ghatika at the end of Jyeshtha and 2 ghatika the beginning of Mula is Abhukta-Moola.
2. According to Vashistha, 1 ghatika at the end of Jyeshtha and 2 ghatika at the beginning of Mula is Abhukta-Moola.
3. According to Brhaspati, only 1 ghati at the end of Jyeshtha and the 1 ghatika at the beginning of the Mula is Abhukta-Moola.

What does the 1 or 2 ghatika mean in the the context of the Moola Nakshatra? It means that when the Nakshatra pada of 800 min or 13º20’ is divided into 60 parts, then each part measure 1 ghatika. Thus 1 ghatika equals to 0º13’20” and 2 ghatika means 0º26’40”.

BPHS 92.5. Amongst these Gandantas the last 6 Ghatikas of Jyeshtha and first 8 Ghatikas of Mula are known, as Abhukta Mula.

According to Narada Muni, the child should (or given away) or any form of hope from him should not be made. Since this is the pitr gandanta, if the child survives, father should not see the face of the child 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 today’s context. Thereafter suitable remedial measures should be performed. When the child is born in Abhukta-Moola, the father and mother should not see the face of the child without performing the nakshatra-shanti.

Moola-Nivasa: The Residence of Moola

Depending on the Vedic month of the birth, the Moola is said to reside in one of the three lokas (spiritual planes), the (1) The Patala Loka, (2) The Prthvi Loka and the (3) Svarga Loka. Depending on its residence, the results are auspicious and inauspicious.

So, before deciding on the evils caused by the birth in the Moola Nakshatra, one should ascertain the Surya’s Rasi as well as the Lagna Rasi at birth. When Moola is residing in this world (Prthvi Loka), birth in the Moola Nakshatra (Chandra in the Moola Nakshatra), great evil will fall on the child.

1. Patala loka (lower worlds): Auspicious: When birth happens in Vaiśākha, Jyeṣṭha, Mārgaśīrṣa or Phālguna.
2. Prtvi loka (this world): Inauspicious: When birth happens in Chaitra, Śrāvaṇa, Kārtika or Pauṣa.
3. Svarga loka (heaven): Auspicious: When birth happens in moths Āṣāḍha, Āśvina, Māgha or Bhādrapada.

The months of the Prthvi Loka can be translated to the following. If there are two Sun-Moon conjunction in a Rasi, then the 2nd one should be considered as the Nija Masa (original month), while the previous one is considered as the Adhika Masa (extra month).

1. Chaitra Masa: Sun-Moon conjunction in Meena
2. Śrāvaṇa Masa: Sun-Moon conjunction in Karka
3. Kārtika Masa: Sun-Moon conjunction in Tula
4. Pauṣa Masa: Sun-Moon conjunction in Dhanu

The Lunar Months as per Indian Calendar:The months mentioned here the Lunar Amanta months, which starts with the Sun-Moon conjunction in the following sidereal signs.

1. Meena : Chaitra
2. Mesha : Vaiśākha
3. Vrshabha: Jyeṣṭha
4. Mithuna : Āṣāḍha
5. Karka : Śrāvaṇa
6. Simha : Bhādrapada
7. Kanya : Āśvina
8. Tula : Kārtika
9. Vrschika: Agrahāyaṇa, Mārgaśīrṣa
10. Dhanu : Pauṣa
11. Makara : Māgha
12. Kumbha : Phālguna

Moola Nivasa Lagna

1. Sthira (Fixed) Lagna — Moola Nivasa in Patala Loka
2. Dvisvabhava (Dual) Lagna — Moola Nivasa in Prthvi Loka
3. Chara Lagna (Movable) Lagna — Mooa Nivasa in Svarga Loka

Great evil will befall on the child birth in Moola Nakshatra, when the Moola nivasa is in Prthvi Loka both with regards the Vedic month (Chaitra, Śrāvaṇa, Kārtika or Pauṣa) and Janma Lagna (Dvisvabhava Lagna).

Phaladeepika 13.8c: If a birth occurs when the Moon is in Moola and if the Lagna should also have no connection with any of the benefic planets either by occupation or by aspect, the destruction respectively of the father, the mother or of the family itself should be expected according as the Moon is in the 1st, 2nd or the 3rd quarter.

Phaladeepika 13.8d: But if the birth be when the Moon is in the 4th quarter of Moola, there will be prosperity and wealth. In the case of Ashlesha, the result will be reverse.

Moola Vrksha Chakra (Krsnakant Bhardwaj)

• When the span of Moola nakshatra is divided by 60 ghatikas, then the birth in different ghatikas bestow following results.
• When the nakshatra span of 800’ is divided into 60 ghatikas, each part is equivalent to 13.333” or 0º13’20”. Given below are also the ending point in the Dhanu Rasi, mapped to the eight different parts.
• One may observe that most of the 3rd pada of the nakshatra is actually not inauspicious as it gives (1) happiness akin to minister, (2) ministerial status and (3) gains. Only the last 0º53’20” cause danger to the child’s life. On the other hand the 1st 3 Padas of the Nakshatra cause dangers to various family members and the lineage.
• The first 1º23’20” of the nakshatra is highly destructive. Jataka Parijata suggests some variation to the results. According to that, the entire Nakshatra forbade some danger to the child and his kinsmen.

(1) 0–7: Dhanu 1º33’20”: Moola(roots): Destruction

(2) 8–15: Dhanu 3º20’00”: Stambha(trunk): Danger to family lineage

(3) 16–25: Dhanu 5º33’20”: Tvacha(skin): Danger to the mother

(4) 26–36: Dhanu 8º00’00”: Shakha(branch): Danger to the maternal uncle

(5) 37–47: Dhanu 10º26’40”: Patra(leaf): Happiness akin to minister

(6) 48–52 Dhanu 11º33’20”: Pushpa(flower): Ministerial status

(7) 53–56 Dhanu 12º26’40”: Phala(fruit): Gains

(8) 57–60 Dhanu 13º20’00”: Shikha(crown): Short life

Moola Nakshatra Chakra (Jataka Parijata)

When the span of Moola nakshatra is divided into 15 parts, the birth in different parts bestow following results. The Moola Nakshatra falls in the Dhanu Rath and given below are the ending points in the Nakshatra pertaining to the various parts. For example, someone born in the 4º30’00” will fall in the 6th part, which mean danger to the maternal aunt.

(1) Dhanu 0º53’20”: Danger to father

(2) Dhanu 1º46’40”: Danger to paternal uncle

(3) Dhanu 2º40’00”: Danger to sister’s husband

(4) Dhanu 3º33’20”: Danger to paternal grandfather

(5) Dhanu 4º26’40”: Danger to mother

(6) Dhanu 5º20’00”: Danger to maternal aunt

(7) Dhanu 6º13’20”: Danger to maternal uncle

(8) Dhanu 7º06’40”: Danger to paternal aunt

(9) Dhanu 8º00’00”: Great destruction

(10) Dhanu 8º53’20”: Danger to livestock and pets

(11) Dhanu 9º46’40”: Danger to servants

(12) Dhanu 10º40’00”: Danger to self

(13) Dhanu 11º33’20”: Danger to elder brother

(14) Dhanu 12º26’40”: Danger to sister

(15) Dhanu 13º20’00”: Danger to maternal grandfather

Ashlesha Vrksha: Ashlesha Tree (Krsnakant Bhardwaj)

When the span of Ashlesha nakshatra is divided by 60 ghatikas, then the birth in different ghatikas bestow following results.

1. 0–10: Karka 18º53’20”: Phala (fruit): Gain of wealth
2. 11–15: Karka 20º00’00”: Pushpa (flower): Gain of kingdom
3. 16–24: Karka 22º00’00”: Patra (leaf): Danger
4. 25–31: Karka 23º33’20”: Shaakha (branch): Loss
5. 32–44: Karka 26º26’40”: Tvachaa (skin): Danger to mother
6. 45–56: Karka 29º06’40”: Lata (creeper): Danger to father
7. 57–60: Karka 30º00’00”: Skandha (trunk): Pain in the body.

Jyeshtha Nakshatra (Krsnakant Bhardwaj)

When the span of Jyeshtha nakshatra is divided into 10 parts, the birth in different parts bestow following results.

(1) Vrschika 18º00’00”: Danger to maternal grandmother

(2) Vrschika 19º20’00”: Dangerto maternal grandfather

(3) Vrschika 20º40’00”: Danger to maternal uncle

(4) Vrschika 22º00’00”: Danger to mother

(5) Vrschika 23º20’00”: Danger to self

(6) Vrschika 24º40’00”: Danger to family lineage

(7) Vrschika 26º00’00”: Danger to paternal and maternal families

(8) Vrschika 27º20’00”: Great destruction

(9) Vrschika 28º40’00”: Danger to father in law

(10) Vrschika 30º00’00”: Destruction of family lineage

Ganda Kala: Duration of Danger

The results of the Gandanta Dosa due to birth in different Nakshatras in different time periods. For instance, one born in Ashvini Nakshatra, suffer the Gandanta Dosa in the 16th year. Similarly, different nakshatras have different fructification period. Given below are the periods given by Pt. Krsnakant Bhardwaj in Janma Kundali Darpan.

1. Ashvini: 16 years
2. Magha: 8 years
3. Jyeshtha: 1 year
4. Moola: 4 years
5. Ashlesha: 2 years
6. Revati: 1 year
7. Abhukta-moola: Immediate

Pt. Krsnakant further adds that one can avert the danger by performing shanti remedies. One born in abhukta-moola if survives, then he becomes prosperous (shrimaan), wealthy (dhani), and kula-deepaka (bring fame to lineage).

Remedies for Gandanta Dosa

Pt. Sanjay Rath, Vedic Remedies: Maharishi Parasara adds that if the child survives the Gandanta-ristha, then he becomes very strong and powerful and enjoys many Rajayoga. The point is that the Gandanta are akin to Rudra (Shiva/Hanuman) and symbolises the birth of a powerful individual. They are exceedingly brave and fearless. It is also observed that like Hanumanji, these persons either stay bachelors/ Brahmachari throughout life or marry at a very late age. Thus, suitable remedial measures will also have to be performed for marriage at a later date for them. Tulsidas the author of Ram Charita Manas was born in Moola Gandanta. He lost his mother in childbirth and his father died in a fire accident occurring within 12 days of his birth. Miraculously he survived the fire but was abandoned. He was brought up by monkeys (Hanumanji) in the outskirts of the village! He was fortunate in his Guru and his compositions like the Hanuman Chalisa are considered very auspicious.

The following verses are taken from Brhat Parashari Hora Shastras, regarding the remedies suggested for different types of Gandanta. This is only for reference, and should be performed only by a priest who is conversant with these rites. This should not be attempted by anyone otherwise.

Remedies for Gandanta Birth

BPHS 92.6–8. Now I will tell you the remedial measures to be adopted to release the child, born during Gandanta, from its evil effects. The father should see the child born only on the morning next to the end of the days of Sutaka, or on any auspicious day after the performance of the remedial measures. The remedial measures are giving a bullock in charity in the case of Tithi Gandanta, giving a cow with calf in charity in the case of Nakshatra Gandanta, giving gold in charity in the case of Lagna Gandanta, performing Abhisheka of the child along with father, if the birth is in the first part of Gandanta and along with mother, if the birth is in the second part of Gandanta.

BPHS 92.9–11. Performance of Puja on the holy Kalash of the idol of the deities of Tithi (in case of Tithi Gandanta), Nakshatra (in case of Nakshatra Gandanta) and Lagna (in case of Lagn Gandanta), made of 16 Masas, 8 Masas, or 4 Masas of gold, as may be possible, followed by Havan and Abhisheka, according to procedure already described earlier. At the end as many Brahmins, as may be possible within one’s means, should be fed. These remedial measures will ensure long life, good health and prosperity for the child.

Remedies for Abhukta Mula Birth

BPHS 93.1–2. The Sage Parashara said. The ruling deity of Jyeshtha is Indra and the ruling deity of Mula is Rakshasa. As both the deities are inimical to each other, this Gandanta is considered, as the most evil. A boy, or girl, born during the period of Abhukta Mula, should either be abandoned, or the father should not see the face of the child for 8 years. Now I shall describe the remedial measures to obtain deliverence from the evil effects of birth during this extremely inauspicious period.

BPHS 93.3–4. In view of the extremely inauspicious effects of birth during Abhukta I shall first describe the remedial measures to obtain relief from Mula. The religious remedial rites should be performed after the 12th day after the birth, the next Janma Nakshatra day, or on an auspicious day, when Chandra and the stars are favourable.

BPHS 93.5–8. Erect a canopy (Mandap) with four arched gateways, embellished with festoons, on a sacred spot, besmeared with cow dung paste, to the East, or North of the house. Prepare there a pit (Kunda), or place there a square vessel of clay, or metal for performing Havan. Then, according to one’s means, prepare, or get prepared an idol of Rakshasa of 16, 8, or 4 Masas of gold, as may be possible within one’s means. The idol should be with a horrible-looking face, black in colour, with two heads, two arms, carrying a sword and a shield and seated on a dead body.

BPHS 93.9. In the absence of an idol a piece of gold of the weight, mentioned above, should be used for worship, as gold is dear to all the deities.

BPHS 93.10–20. Thereafter the remedial rites should be performed in the following order. Select a learned priest to perform the religious rites, according to the prescribed procedure. Install a Kalash and put in it Pancha-gavya (five articles, yielded by a cow, namely milk, curd, Ghī, dung and urine), Shat-aushadhi and water of the holy river (Ganga etc.). Then install the idol of the Rakshasa of Mula, facing West, on an earthen pot (Dhata) with one hundred tiny holes. After placing bamboo leaves on it, perform the worship of the idol by offering it white flowers, sandal and clothes etc. Also perform worship of its Adhideva Indra and Pratyadhideva Jala. Then perform Havan to appease the deities. According to one’s means, 1008, or 108 oblations should be offered in the Havan. After this to obtain deliverance from death Mrityunjaya Mantra etc. should be recited and prayers offered to all the deities for the purpose of Abhisheka. The father, mother and the child should thereafter take bath from the water of the two Kalashas. Then the parents, dressed in white clothes and with white sandal paste, besmeared on their foreheads, should give a cow with calf, as a Dakshina to the chief priest and feed the other priests and Brahmins, according to one’s means. Lastly, after reciting the ‘Yatapapan’ etc. (see verse 19) Mantra, the father, mother and the child should see the reflection of their faces in the (melted) Ghī. By the performance of the remedial rites in the manner described all evil effects of the birth during Abhukta Mula are completely wiped out.

Remedies for Jyeshtha Gandanta Birth

BPHS 94.1–5. The Sage said. O Maitreya! Now I will describe to you the remedial measures to be adopted to ensure relief from the evil effects of Jyeshtha Gandanta. The erection of a canopy (Mandap), installation of Kalash, selection of a priest etc. will be done in the same manner, as has been recommended for the Abhukta Mula in the previous chapter. In this ceremony Indra will be the deity-in-chief, Adhideva will be Agni and the Pratyadhideva will be Rakshasa.

BPHS 94.6. Then the remedial rites should be performed in the following order. Install on a Kalash, full of paddy rice, an idol of gold with Indra, seated on Airavat with Vajra Ankusha in his hands. Perform worship of the chief deity Indra along with that of the Adhideva and the Pratyadhideva with the recitation of their appropriate Mantras. Perform Havan, Abhisheka and then feed the Brahmins in accordance with one’s means. In addition to the above, after doing Indra-sukta and Mrityunjaya Japas, prayers may be offered to Indra. These measures will wipe out the evil effects of the Gandanta.

BPHS 94.7. In case the performance of remedial rites, described above, is beyond the means of any person, he should give a cow in charity. This will also appease the deities and promote relief from the evil effects of the Gandanta. Because the giving of a cow in charity has been considered a superior remedial measure than giving in charity all the lands, belonging to a person.

BPHS 94.8–9. According to prescribed remedial measures, 3 cows are to be given in charity in the case of Jyeshtha-Mula and Aslesha-Magha Gandantas, 2 cows in Revati-Ashvini Gandantas and 1 cow in other Gandantas, or in any inauspicious Yoga. If cow, or cows are not available, their actual value should be given in cash to a Brahmin.

BPHS 94.10. A girl, born in Jyeshtha Nakshatra, destroys (is the cause of death of) the elder brother of her husband and a girl, born in fourth quarter of Vishakha Nakshatra, destroys her husband’s younger brother. Therefore a cow should be given in charity at the time of the marriage of such girls to wipe out the above-mentioned evil effects.

BPHS 94.11–13. A boy, or girl, born in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th quarter of Ashlesha Nakshatra, destroys his/her mother-in-law and a boy, or a girl, born in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd quarter of Mula Nakshatra, becomes the destroyer of his/her father-in-law. Therefore suitable measures, as may be possible within one’s means, should be taken at the time of the marriage of such boys and girls. There will be no evil effect, if the husband has no elder brothers.