Suffering is a part and parcel of life. Everyone has to suffer the brunt of negative karmas accumulated in past lives and manifested in present birth. However, Astrological remedies minimise the sufferings considerably.

Learned astrologers prescribe various remedies to curb evil effects of planets. Some advise to wear gems while others prescribe mantras. There are scholars who stress on Yantra-pooja or wearing Rudraksha. Some of them go for propitiating planets or for that matter tantrik remedies. There can obviously be differences among astrologers as to which remedy is the best and quickest for a particular native. I cite here one anecdote of such difference amongst Rishis.

King Parikshit got to know that his death is imminent on seventh day by snake-bite. So he estranged himself from his kingdom and wealth and straight away went to the holy Ganges. There he sought advice from various Rishis regarding ways to Moksha - eternal freedom from vicious cycle of life and death. One of the Rishis came with a prompt reply, - "O king ! Holy dips at holy places are very much fruitful. So you go for that." Another Rishi said - "You sit for a Yajna instead. It will wash away all your sins." The third one said, - "You better donate wealth to Brahmins as that's the best kept religion." Then came the fourth Rishi who held, - "As worship and chanting (of mantras) for Gods washed away all your sins, so that is advisable." Thus all the Rishis, one after another, came with their views but none of them was thoroughly convincing. So lastly, king Parikshit, with his folded hands, spoke his mind, -"O learned sages, all of you came with great suggestions, but all of them are time consuming and my days are numbered on this planet. Therefore, I request you all to advise a remedy that can be accomplished within the stipulated time of seven days." While the discussions were going on, there came 15 year old Param Hans Shukdevji Maharaj - inspired by none other than great sage Narad. Every one present there, got up in his respect. They offered Shukdevji the highest seat. There only the latter's grandfather Parashar ji announced, - "Shukdev ji is the most junior in age whereas, he is at the top in knowledge. He will make you absolutely clear which deed is the most advisable to get rid of the vicious cycle of life and death. I am sure you will attain Moksha that way." Thus on request of Parikshit, said Shukdev ji - "O' King! Those, whose days are numbered on this earth must listen to Krishna Kathas and memorise the same. That is the best way to cross over this `Bhavasagar'. So now I will recite "Shirmadbhagvat Mahapurana" for you. It is the greatest of all Puranas and which I have learnt from my father Shree Veda Vyas ji. I will read these Krishna Kathas for you in coming 7 days. You will have Punya ' of listening to all Puranas by this one. Therefore, one should take it as the essence of all the Vedas. Merely listening to this Katha, one gets absorbed in worship of lord Krishna and gets across Bhavasagar easily.

I have cited this instance to prove that though all the remedies bear fruit, but the one adapted according to the situation is the best. However, I have left this for learned astrologers. At this unripe age, with not much experience I have tried to write this book. Hope the book finds your appreciation. As you all know, all the remedies can't be in the scope of this book. So I have focussed on simple ones - for understanding of general mass. Besides, I solicit advice of learned scholars on my address.

Seeking Remedies: For Whom?

How to know the planet is inauspicious for a native? You can know this by analysing horoscope of a native. In case there is no horoscope. I take down certain simple rules to ascertain which planet has put the native in trouble. The ailments and worries caused by Navagrahas are listed below :

Sun

Strained relation with father, trouble from the government, problem in government job, headache, diseases of eyes, heart, skin, bones, jaundice, fever, tuberculosis, mental weakness, etc.

Moon

Strained relation with mother, mental tension, insomnia, asthma, respiratory problem, cough and cold, urinary troubles, menstrual problems, stones of gall bladder, pneumonia, etc.

Mars

Excess aggression, troubled relation with brothers, accidents, blood impurities, leprosy, skin-eruptions, high blood pressure, piles, small pox, plague, etc.

Mercury

Trouble in education, aggressive speaking, strained relation with maternal uncle, loss of memory, epilepsy, nose and throat problems, religious passion, loss of wisdom and business, suspiciousness, fickle mindedness.

Jupiter

Disenchantment with worship, loss of faith in Gods, Gurus and Brahmins, fall in income and expense of accumulated wealth, delay in marriage and child birth, epileptic fits, stomach disorder, ear-problem, arthritis, constipation, insomnia, etc.

Venus

Hindrance in conjugal life, dejection in love, vehicle-problem, disenchantment with make-up, impotency, hernia, diabetes, semen problem, urinary problem, problem in womb etc.

Saturn

Trouble with servants and in service, gastric trouble, paralysis, trouble in spinal cord, fear of evil spirits, small pox, leprosy, epilepsy, impotency, ailment in feet, etc.

Rahu

Strained relation with grandfather, ego problem, skin and brain disease, ghost phobia, etc.

Ketu

Strained relation with maternal grandfather, trouble inflicted by witchcraft, contagious diseases, impurity of blood, pain, small pox, cholera, etc.

Once the troublesome planet is ascertained, remedies can be pondered over.

First, note the following points if remedies are to be prescribed according to horoscope:

• Positioning of Kendra and trine.
• Which planets are combust and retrograde?
• Which planets are posited in enemy quarters?
• What is the position of Yogakaraka planet?
• Which planets are debilitated and which are exalted?
• What is the inter-relationship between the lords of major and sub periods?
• Which house is more troubled?
• Which planet is more distressed?
• Which Yogas are significant in the horoscope?
• What is the position of the house, lord of the house and Karak of the house under consideration?
• See whether the lords of Mahadasha and Antardasha are Yogakarak, obstructing or fatal for the horoscope.
• What is the position of planets in different groups?

Only after contemplating the above points, it is ascertained which planet needs to be propitiated.

What remedies should be prescribed?

Make a fair guess of the behaviour of the native through positioning of Moon and Lagna in his horoscope. Advise him remedies accordingly. If his Moon, Jupiter and ninth house are disturbed, he will not follow the worship even after your suggestion. It is then better to advise him gems or Tantrik remedies.

Thus, position of a planet in sign decides the effective remedy. If the planet is in a fiery sign then Yajna, fasting, etc. work. But if it is in an earthy one then gems, Yantra, metals are effective whereas if the planet is in an airy sign then chanting of mantras will work lastly, if the planet is in a watery sign then medicinal - bath and offering of objects in water does wonders. Note that in case of a weak yogakaraka planet, remedies by gems, Yantra and metals should be prescribed. Inauspicious and fatal planets must be propitiated by worship, donation by offering planet-objects to water.

Verdict of Lal Kitab

Remedies mentioned in Lal Kitab have their own importance. But here, we are not going to discuss them in detail as their laws don't conform to principles envisaged by Parashar. Yet salient features of Lal Kitab deserve a mention here. According to Lal Kitab, all planets can't be propitiated by their own remedies. For some of them, help of other planet- is sought. Remedies of Lal Kitab are prescribed in conjunction with nature and practical science. Some simple and practical remedies are related with planets as well.

Some remedies to reduce the evil effects of various planets.

Sun

• Respect your father. Worship Lord Vishnu.
• Donate wheat, jaggery and copper.
• Develop a good character.
• Offer copper coins in flowing water.
• Don't accept bribe.

Moon

• Obey your mother.
• Worship Lord Shiva.
• Donate silver, rice and milk.
• Take a dip in the Ganges.

Mars

• Serve your brother.
• Worship lord Hanuman.
• Offer lentils (pulse) to a flowing water.
• Wear pure silver on your body.

Mercury

• Get blessings of own sisters, and sisters of mother and father.
• Offer copper coin with hole in a flowing water.
• Worship Goddess Durga.

Jupiter

• Worship your Gurus and Brahmins.
• Donate religious books.

Venus

• Respect ladies.
• Worship Goddess Laxmi.
• Donate a cow.

Saturn

• Don't take meat and wine.
• Keep your servants happy.
• Worship Bhairon.

Rahu

• Worship Goddess Saraswati.
• Keep electric - appliances in running condition at your home.

Ketu

• Worship Lord Ganesh. 1 Keep a black-white dog at your home.

Note: In Lal Kitab, remedies of each planet have been prescribed as per their house, detailed description of which is not given here.