Remedies for inauspicious births

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

Remedies for inauspicious births:

Brihat Parasara Hora sastra

Ch. 85. Inauspicious Births

1-4. The Venerable Sage said. O Maitreya! Now I will describe to you the circumstances, in which the births are inauspicious in spite of Lagn and the Grahas being well disposed. Although Lagn may be well disposed, births will be inauspicious, if they take place on Amavasya (last day of the Krishna Paksha), on Chaturdasi (14th Tithi), in Krishna Paksha (dark half of the month), in Bhadra Karan, in the Nakshatr of the brother, in the Nakshatras of father and mother, at the time of entry of Surya in a Rashi, the time of Pata, at the time of solar and lunar eclipses, at the time of Vyati Pata, in Gandantas of all the three kinds, in Yamaghant, Tithikshaya, in Dagdha Yog etc. The birth of a son after three daughters and birth of a daughter after three sons and the birth of a freak are inauspicious. But there are remedial measures for obtaining relief from the evil effects of such births, which are being described in the following chapters.

Ch. 86. Remedies for Amavasya Birth

1-9. The Sage Parasara said. O Maitreya! The person, born on Amavasya, is always poverty stricken. It is therefore essential to adopt remedial measures to obtain relief from the evil effects of such births, which are, as follows. Take a Kalash (water vessel) and then put in it fresh leaves of Goolar (wild fig), Vata (banyan), Pipal, mango and Neema (mango) trees and cover it with two pieces of cloth. Then install the Kalash in the South-West direction after reciting … etc. and … etc. Mantras. Then worship the idols of Surya and Candr, ruling deities of Amavasya, made of gold and silver, mixed with copper, respectively, by recitation of … etc. Mantras for Surya and … etc. Mantras for Candr 16, or 5 times. Thereafter perform Havan with 108, or 28 oblations of the mixture of prescribed fuels (…) and cooked food (Charu) with recitation of Mantras of Surya and Candr. Later sprinkle the water on the child, that is born and his parents and offer in charity gold, silver and a black cow together with feeding the Brahmins, according to one’s means. By performing these remedial rites the child born gains freedom and protection from the evil effects of the birth on Amavasya

Ch. 87. Remedies from Birth on Krishna Chaturdashi

1-3. The Sage said. Divide the span of Chaturdashi in 6 parts. The birth in the first part is auspicious. Second part causes destruction, or death of father. Third part causes death of the mother. Fourth part takes away the maternal uncle. Fifth part destroys the entire family (Khula - generation). Sixth part causes loss of wealth, or destruction (death) of the native. Therefore it is essential to take immediate remedial measures to escape these evil effects. 4-5. Have an idol of Lord Shiva, made of one Karsha (equal in weight to the former silver Rupee) of gold, or of weight one can afford. The idol should have a New Moon on the forehead, have a white garland round the neck, have three eyes (one being on the forehead), be dressed in white robes, be seated on a bull, be two-armed and carry Vara and Abhaya. 6-13. Then after invocation with Varun Mantra worship should be performed by chanting … etc. Mantras. Thereafter a Kalash should be placed in the North-East direction with chanting of ‘Imah Mai Varun’, ‘Tan Tva Yami’, ‘Tvan Nai Agni’ Mantras, followed by Japa of … etc. and ‘Bhadra Agni …’ Suktas and the chanting of … Mantra. Then, after sprinkling water over the idol of Lord Shiva (Abhisheka), the nine Grahas should be worshipped. This should be followed by Havan, by using Ghi, powder of sesame seeds, Urda, Sarson and wood pieces of Pipal, Pakar, Palas and Khadir trees. 108, or 28 oblations should be made separately for the nine Grahas. Thereafter, along with chanting of … etc. Mantras, Havan should be performed with sesame seeds for the nine Grahas. Lastly the water of the Kalash should be sprinkled on the native and his parents and the Brahmins should be fed, according to means.

Ch. 88. Remedies from Birth in Bhadra and Inauspicious Yogas

1-2. The Sage said. O Brahmin! Now I am going to describe the remedial measures for relief from the evil effects of birth in Bhadra, Tithi Kshaya, Vyatipata, Paridha, Vajra etc. inauspicious Yogas and Yamaghants etc. The remedial rites should be performed on the day, when the same inauspicious Yog operates again. 3-5. The remedial rites are to be performed in the following order by the parents of the child in the above inauspicious Yogas. Puja of Lord Vishnu and other deities on an auspicious day and auspicious Lagn on the advice of a proficient Jyotishi, burning of Deep with Ghi in a Shiva temple, Abhisheka of Lord Shiva, going round a Pipal tree 108 times prolongs longevity and perform Havan with 108 oblations along with the recital of ‘Vaisneh Raratmachityadhi’ Mantra of Lord Vishnu and feeding Brahmins to the best of one’s means. The observance of these remedial measures will give deliverance to the native from all the evil effects of his inauspicious birth and he will enjoy happiness.

Ch. 89. Remedies from Nakshatr Birth

1-7. The Sage Parasara said. O Maitreya! If the birth takes place in the Nakshatras of the brother and the parents, death takes place, without doubt, of the brother and the father, or mother, or they have to undergo death-like suffering. Therefore I am going to describe the remedial measures to be adopted to escape from these evil effects. The remedial rites should be performed in a Muhurta, when Candr and stars are favourable on a day, on which there is no Rikta-Bhadra Dosha. The remedial rites should be performed in the following order. Instal an idol of the Janm Nakshatr on a Kalash in the North-East direction from the fire. Cover it with a red piece of cloth and then warp two pieces of cloth round it. Worship the idol by chanting the Mantras of the Janm Nakshatr. According to one’s Gotra, perform Havan 108 times with the recitation of the same Mantra, facing the fire, with Ghi and other Havan material. Then the priest, performing the Puja, should sprinkle water on the parents and brother (whoever is concerned). Give presents in cash (Dakshena) to the priest and his colleagues, associated with the ceremony, to the best of one’s means and then feed the Brahmins to the best of one’s means.

Ch. 90. Remedies from Sankranti Birth

1-2. The Sage said. O Brahmin! The names of the Sankranti on the seven days of the week, beginning from Sunday, are Ghora, Dhavankshi, Mahodari, Manda, Mandakini, Mishra and Rakshasi. The person, born at the Sankranti (entry of Surya in a new Rashi), is poor and unhappy, but he becomes well-to-do and happy, if remedial measures are undertaken. I am now going to describe the remedial measures to nullify these evil effects. 3-6. The Yagya of the nine Grahas should be performed to obtain relief from the evil effects of the birth at Sankranti. A clean spot in the eastern part of the house should be purified by besmearing with cow dung. Then prepare three separate heaps of the following: 5 Dronas (80 Seers) of paddy (Sadhi), 2½ Dronas (40 Seers) of rice, 1¼ Dronas (20 Seers) of sesame seeds (Til). On these heaps of grains make a figure of lotus with eight leaves (Ashtamdhal) and then decorate them with flowers. After doing this, select and invite a priest, who is well versed in the performance of religious rites and recitation of Mantras. 7-18. The religious rites are then to be performed in the following order. Install Kalashas without any holes on all the three heaps and put in each of them water from holy places, Saptamrattika, Shataushadhi, Panchapallava and Panchagavya. Then wrap the Kalashas with pieces of cloth. Place small earthen pots, wrapped with thin cloth, on the Kalashas. Then install the idol of Sankranti along with the idol of Adhideva and Pratyadhideva. (Here Surya is Adhideva and Candr Pratyadhideva). Their idols should be placed on either side of the main idols of Sankranti. Two robes may be given, as offering to each of the idols. Perform worship of all the three idols, according to the prescribed procedure. The main idol should be worshipped with the chanting of ‘Trayambakam’, ‘Yajam Hai’ etc., the idol of Surya with Mantra ‘Ut Surya’ and the idol of Candr with Mantra ‘Apayayashava’ etc. The worship should be performed with Shodshopchar, or Panchopchar, as may be possible. After touching the main idol, Mrityunjaya Japa should be recited 1008, 108, or 28 times, as may be possible. Make a small platform in the West of the installed Kalashas, kindle fire on it and perform the prescribed rites. Then perform Havan 1008, 108, or 28 times with Samidha, Ghrit (Ghi) and Charu (powder of Til) within one’s means along with chanting of ‘Trayambakam’ etc. Mantra. 8) Again perform Havan, first with the fuel of sesame seeds along with recitation of Mrityunjaya Mantra. After performing another Svistkrita Havan, sprinkle the holy water on the child born and his parents. Lastly feed as many Brahmins, as one can afford. By performing the remedial rites, described above, the evil effects are nullified and the native and his parents enjoy happiness.

Ch. 91. Remedies for Birth in Eclipses

1-14. The Sage said. O Brahmin! A person, whose birth takes place at the time of solar, or lunar eclipse, suffers from ailments, distress and poverty and faces danger of death. Therefore I am going to describe for the benefit of the mankind the remedial measures, required to be undertaken to nullify the above evil effects. The remedial rites are to be performed in the following order. The following idols should be got prepared, according to one’s means: in gold an idol of the deity of the Nakshatr, in which the eclipse takes place (regarding deities of Nakshatras, see ‘notes’ of verse 18, Ch. 3, Vol. I); in gold an idol of Surya, if the birth takes place during solar eclipse; in silver an idol of Candr, if the birth takes place during lunar eclipse; in lead an idol of Rahu. Besmear a clean spot on the ground (in the house) with cow dung, cover it with a new (unused) beautiful piece of cloth and install the three idols on it. Make offerings of the following to the idols: in case of birth during solar eclipse all things dear to Surya and red-coloured Akshat (Akshata - rice), red sandal, a garland of red-coloured flowers, red clothes etc.; in case of birth during a lunar eclipse all things dear to Candr and white sandal, white flowers, white clothes etc.; for Rahu blackish clothes, blackish flowers etc.; white flowers for the deity of the Nakshatr, in which the eclipse takes place. The worship should be performed, as follows: of Surya with the chanting of ‘Akrishnim’ etc. Mantra; of Candr with the chanting of ‘Imadeva’ etc. Mantra; of Rahu with Durva (a kind of grass) and with the chanting of ‘Kayanshicatra’ etc. Mantra. Thereafter Havan should be performed, as follows: with the fuel of Aak wood pieces for Surya; with the fuel of Palas tree wood pieces for Candr; with Durva for Rahu; with Pipal tree wood pieces for the deity of the Nakshatr. Sprinkle the holy water of the Kalash on the child born (and his parents). Offer worshipful regards to the priest, performing the remedial rites and lastly feed as many Brahmins, as possible within one’s means. By performance of the remedial rites in the manner described above, evil effects of the inauspicious birth are wiped and the native enjoys happiness and is blessed with good fortune.

Ch. 92. Remedies from Gandanta Birth

1. The Sage said. O Brahmin! Gandanta is of three kinds, namely of Tithi, Nakshatr and Lagn. Birth, travelling and performance of auspicious functions, like marriage etc., during Gandanta are likely to cause death of the person concerned. 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. 3. Similarly the last two Ghatikas of Revati and first two Ghatikas of Ashvini, the last two Ghatikas of Aslesha and first two Ghatikas of Magha and the last two Ghatikas of Jyeshtha and first two Ghatikas of Mula are known, as Nakshatr Gandanta. 4. The last half Ghatika of Meen and first half Ghatika of Mesh, the last half Ghatika of Kark and first half Ghatika of Simh, the last half Ghatika of Vrischik and first half Ghatika of Dhanu are known, as Lagn Gandanta. 5. Amongst these Gandantas the last 6 Ghatikas of Jyeshtha and first 8 Ghatikas of Mula are known, as Abhukta Mula. 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 Nakshatr Gandanta, giving gold in charity in the case of Lagn 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. 9-11. Performance of Puja on the holy Kalash of the idol of the deities of Tithi (in case of Tithi Gandanta), Nakshatr (in case of Nakshatr Gandanta) and Lagn (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. Notes. Unless one is himself fully conversant with the performance of religious rites, the remedies, recommended in this chapter, earlier and later chapters, should be got performed by and under the directions of a learned priest, because the full effects will be derived, if the rites are performed correctly and according to the procedure, prescribed in the religious scriptures on this subject.

Ch. 93. Remedies for Abhukta Mula Birth

1-2. The Sage Parasara 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. 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 Janm Nakshatr day, or on an auspicious day, when Candr and the stars are favourable. 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 (Kund), 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. 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. 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 Panchagavya (five articles, yielded by a cow, namely milk, curd, Ghi, dung and urine), Shataushadhi 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 Jal. 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 deliverence 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) Ghi. By the performance of the remedial rites in the manner described all evil effects of the birth during Abhukta Mula are completely wiped out.

Ch. 94. Remedies from Jyeshtha Gandanta Birth

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 (Mandhup), 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. 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 Indrasukta and Mrityunjaya Japas, prayers may be offered to Indra. These measures will wipe out the evil effects of the Gandanta. 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. 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 Yog. If cow, or cows are not available, their actual value should be given in cash to a Brahmin. 10. A girl, born in Jyeshtha Nakshatr, destroys (is the cause of death of) the elder brother of her husband and a girl, born in fourth quarter of Vishaka Nakshatr, 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. 11-13. A boy, or girl, born in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th quarter of Aslesha Nakshatr, destroys his/her mother-in-law and a boy, or a girl, born in 1st, 2nd, or 3rd quarter of Mula Nakshatr, 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.

Ch. 95. Remedies from Birth of a Daughter after Three Sons

1-2. The Sage said. O Brahmin! I will now tell you about other kinds of inauspicious births. The birth of a daughter after the birth of three sons, or the birth of a son after the birth of three daughters is ominous for both the maternal and paternal families of such children. Therefore remedial measures, described below, may be taken to get deliverance from these evil effects. 3-9. The rites should be performed on the morning next to the last day of Sutak, or on any other auspicious day in the following order. After selecting a priest and some Brahmins to perform the remedial religious rites, the priest, after paying obeisance to the nine Grahas, should install four Kalashas on a heap of paddy, place the idols of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha and Indra, made of gold, on them and perform their worship in the prescribed manner. A Brahmin (an assistant of the priest), after taking bath etc., should recite four Rudra Suktas and the whole of Shanti Sukta. The priest should perform Havan with Samidha, Ghi and sesame seeds 1008, 108, or 28 times with the recitation of the prescribed Mantras of Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesha and Indra. Svistkrata and Purnahuti and Abhisheka of the child with his family should be done and presents in cash should be given to the priest and his assistants, according to one’s means. The Brahmins should be fed. The father and the mother of the child should see their reflections in the Ghi, kept in a bronze vessel. Lastly grains and clothes should be distributed to the poor and the needy. By the performance of the above remedial rites the evil effects are wiped out and the child and his parents etc. enjoy happiness.

Ch. 96. Remedies from Unusual Delivery

1-3. The Sage said. O Brahmin! I will now tell you about inauspicious and unusual deliveries by women, which are ominous for the village, town and the country. These may be of the following kinds. Delivery of a child 2, 3, or 4 months earlier, or later from the approximate due date. Delivery of a child without hands, feet, or any other limbs, without head, or with two heads. Delivery of an animal-shaped being by a woman, or a human-shaped being by an animal. 4-5. Deliveries of these kinds by women, or cows etc. in a house are ominous for all the members of the family, living there. Therefore remedial measures are essential for obtaining relief from their evil effects. The best remedial measure will be to abandon (turn out from the Bhava) such women and animals (cows, mares etc.). 6-9. It is considered inauspicious for a girl to become pregnant, or to deliver a child in her 15th, or 16th year from birth. If a cow delivers, when Surya is in Simh, or a female buffalo delivers, when Surya is in Makar, they are disasterous to their owner and the person, who looks after them. Therefore either such cow, or buffalo should be given away to a Brahmin, or suitable remedial measures should be taken to escape from the above-mentioned evil effects. The remedial measures to be adopted are the same, as given in verses 3-9 in Ch. 95. 10. Thus, whenever there is any kind of Aristha, adoption of appropriate remedial measures will ensure long life, happiness and prosperity for the person concerned.

Note: I did not validate any of these remedies given in BPHS.

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My recommended remedy for any inauspicious and auspicious birth:

Feed and Clothe the poor and needy.  Simple and best and with fast results. :-)

ॐ श्री गुरावे नमः !

ॐ नमः शिवाय!

S P Ianala, Montreal, 15 APRIL 2017

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