A B C of Indian Astrology

Dr Ravindra Sharma, a native of Jammu, India, is a surgeon by profession, having retired as professor of surgery. He picked up the basic elements of astrology from his father, Pt Rup Chand Ji Sharma, a renowned Ayurvedic physician of Jammu, at the age of 12. He became ill at the age of 17 when he was a 1st-year medical student at Amritsar. The illness resulted in a prolonged stay at Jammu. This led him to consult his uncle for advice. His uncle, Pt Madan Mohan Ji Shastri, a Jyotishacharya, was a Raj Jyotshi and a famous astrologer. In his curiosity to know the reason for his illness, he learnt the basic principles of astrology from his uncle and acquired a life-long interest in the ancient science of astrology. During the 7 years of stay at Amritsar for medical studies, he came across a number of local astrologers, notable among them being Pt Devi Dass Ji and Professor M. L. Bhatia of DAV College. They were well-known astrologers of Amritsar and his regular interactions with them enhanced his interest and knowledge further in this hobby. Later, during the pursuit of surgical studies in London, he came in contact with Mr M. K. Gandhi, a well-known Indian astrologer based in London. He developed a close family friendship with Mr Gandhi due to his keen interest and passion for this hobby. Mr Gandhi was an internationally acclaimed astrologer at the time. Many famous public figures of London at the time were his clients. His expert counsel was keenly sought after by the mighty and the rich. His fame led him to undertake several world tours to the USA, Europe, Africa and India, and he had many millionaires among his clients. The author had regular interactions with his friend for an extended period of well over 10 years and added many finer points and subtle nuances of astrology in his repertoire. As a practising surgeon, he kept alive his interest and passion for his hobby through regular interactions with contemporary hobbyists. Well known among them were Mr K. N. Bhakri and Shri Vidya Vinayak Ji Sharma. Mr Bhakri, a retired Tehsildar, had made quite a name for himself in the higher echelons of administration for his uncanny knowledge and skills. Shri Vinayak Sharma Ji, the younger brother of the author, had learnt astrology from late Master Phool Chand Ji, a famous astrologer of Jammu. He had enhanced his knowledge further by his own studies and research. The author has continued to interact regularly with his brother on astrology for well over 40 years. Their mutual discussions on horoscopes of different people on an almost daily basis would bring out some intricate points of this science and have helped to broaden the base of their hobby. Besides, the author, through his own practice of looking at the horoscopes of his professional colleagues and their families, his own friends and relatives, has maintained his interest in this fulfilling and absorbing hobby. The author has been a keen and a passionate student of astrology for most of his life. He has pursued this hobby in a quiet and unobtrusive manner for well over 50 years through his personal study, research and practice.