Ashtamangala Prasna

Ashtamangala Prasna, the ultimate diagnosis methodology, is the final word in Indian Astrology. This process was coined and formulated in Kerala applying not only Jyotisha Siddhanta and principles but also using all related Sastras and treatise. Over the years, this process even though complicated and time consuming, proven to be a time-tested methodology for diagnosing all problems/challenges in Vedic Astrology. Ashtamangala Prasna is considered as the ultimate diagnosis process in Jyotisha Sastra for any query. Moreover, this has gained appreciation and recognition in other Indian states and abroad countries.

Ashtamangala Prasna supersedes all diagnosing methodology in Astrology due to its level of complexity in mathematical calculations (Analytical Science) and interpretations (Holistic Science). Unlike other Prasna, which is done by the Astrologer himself, the Ashtamangala Prasna is initiated by a girl child around 10 years of age with due consideration to menstrual cycle or a boy or any person, belongs to the family itself.

In Ashtamangala Prasna, there are six points of references, i.e., six Lagna.

1. Aroodham (Swarna Aroodham)
2. Udaya Lagna (Time of Prasna)
3. Lagnãsam (Lagna Navamsa)
4. Chatram (Rasi derived through Aroodham, Udaya Lagna and Sun Sign)
5. Sprishtãngam (Body part touched by querist)
6. Chandra Lagna

Apart from this, one more additional Lagna, which will be obtained through Tãmbulam (betel leaves) given by the querist. All these points of references itself reveal the complexity of the Prasna.

Ashtamangala Prasna is conducted in the families to know about certain challenges, situations, queries etc. This process is headed by a Chief Astrologer and other Astrologers – based on case-to-case basis. This process will begin on a selected auspicious day, fixed by the Chief Astrologer. This involves a good discussion on various Sastras for facts and findings followed by establishing and finalising the causes/reasons and remedies. The entire Prasna process usually takes 2 to 3 days depending on the scope of Prasna and queries (8 to 10 hrs a day approximately). In some cases, this process can be completed in a day (eg:- for knowing answers to some specific questions for a business etc.)

There are many reasons for conducting Ashtamangala Prasna in families. Below are some of the reasons: -

• To know about why the desired results have not been able to achieve (in
  the family/business/company etc.) even after doing many remedial
  measures
• To diagnose the dosha/sãpa elements further deeply
• To find out Kula Devata, if unknown or to find shortfalls, if any, with respect
  to the present customs and rituals being followed
• To find out all dosha/sãpa (curses) in the family
• To find out dosha/sãpa causing infertility and its solutions
• To find solutions for critical challenges in the family
• To analyse the dosha/sãpa for delay in marriages and progeny
• To find out dosha/sãpa related to health and wealth problems
• To find out major challenges/setbacks related to business establishments
• To find out any other challenges in career, successful relationships, business etc.

We can divide the entire process of Ashtamangala Prasna into three stages: -

1. Invitation Process
2. Ashtamangala Prasna (conducting Prasna)
3. Execution of remedial measures

At the outset, a family or a person who decides to conduct Ashtamangala Prasna, should invite (meet) the Chief Astrologer in person. How to invite? There are NO guidelines to be specifically followed for this invitation. Your instinct is your best guide. This process is called ‘Prichcha’ in Sanskrit. This first meeting with Chief Astrologer would take maximum of 10 to 15 minutes only. After the invitation process, he will select an auspicious date for doing the Ashtamangala Prasna based on Nakshatras and other considerations as per Jyotisha principles.

On the assigned day for the Prasna, two or more Astrologers (based on case-by-case basis) would conduct the whole process headed by the Chief Astrologer. This might take two or three days based on the complexity of the problems, queries or doing the root cause of obstacles/dosha in the family for which the Prasna is being conducted.

This diagnosing methodology involves the interpretation based on the following:-

• Rãsi Puja (A ritual where God Shiva, 12 Rãsi and Nava Graha Devata puja is performed by the assigned priest.) – time taken is 2 hours approximately
• Six Lagnas or six points of references (Swarna Aroodham, Udaya Lagna, Lagna Navãmsa Rasi, Chatra Rasi, Sprishtãnga Rasi and Chandra Lagna)
• Tambula Graha & Rasi (derived out of number of betel leaves provided)
• Priccha (invitation) process includes time, position of planets, words, body language, gestures and other nimittãs at the time of invitation
• Time when Chief Astrologer starts from his place of stay to the Prasna location (Nirgamam)
• Omens during the Chief Astrologer’s journey to the location of Prasna (Mãrgam)
• Nimittas while entering the location of Prasna
• Deepa (lamp), oil and wick
• Prathamãneetam (one item selected out of all items brought for Ashtamangala Prasna by the querist)
• Chakra Lekhanam (drawing pattern of Rãsi Chakra)
• Doota Gamanam (direction to which the boy or girl moves)
• Doota Vãkyam (sentence said by the boy or girl when asked)
• Saram (breathing air flow (through right/left nostrils) of Chief Astrologer)
• Position of gold coin (as kept in the Rãsi chakra by assigned boy or girl)
• Pancha Mahã Sutras (based on calculations)
• Prasna Sphuta (based on calculations)
• Ashtamangala Sankhya (Ashtamangala Number) 

Upon completing the Prasna, a proper written document (soft or hard copy as appropriate) that contains all the details of Prasna, viz., all mathematical calculations/positions, interpretations/findings and remedial measures will be given to the family. Just to mention, the report includes the detail of durita/sãpa (curses), rituals to be performed, time frame for the rituals, name of ãchãrya/head priest for conducting the remedial measures etc.

This is the third and final stage of the Ashtamangala Prasna process, where the actual execution of the rituals (remedial measures) mentioned in the report document (soft or hard copy as appropriate).