(Note: The content in this article has been taken from my published write-up “Solemnizing Marriages need not be Prohibited!” at Express Star Teller October 2015 issue)

Hindu astrology has suffered from lots of superstitions in the last few centuries. One of the main reasons for the spread of wrong beliefs in astrology is the overemphasis being given to the results of some astrological combinations given in the classical texts. The astrological classics written during the era of agrarian society had very exaggerated language which, if interpreted wrongly, can lead to many wrong beliefs or customs. One such astrological belief that comes down to us since thousands of years is about forbidden marriages during the ‘Simhastha Brihaspati’ or ‘ Jupiter in Simha’. As per many Hindu astrologers the year when Jupiter transit from Simha (Leo) rashi is consider inauspicious for marriages at places between Ganga and Godavari.Continue Reading