Disciple:
Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, Pranam, Pranam.
Disciple:
Gurudev, today, your favorite disciple Santanu and I would like to learn about 'Gana'. If you could tell us a bit about it…
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Gana? Well, there are three Ganas: Deva Gana, Debari Gana (the enemies of Devas, i.e., Rakshasa Gana), and Nara Gana. Nara Gana represents humans, Deva Gana represents the divine/Gods, and Rakshasa Gana represents the Debari Gana. These three have always been a subject of interest. During marriages, many people come to me saying, "A Rakshasa Gana is marrying a Deva Gana" or "A Deva Gana is marrying a Deva Gana," and so on. Now, the thing is, there's a common saying we hear—that a Rakshasa Gana 'eats' a Nara Gana. Regardless of what I say, Santanu will clarify the matter of Ganas further.
Santanu:
Yes, there are many misconceptions regarding Ganas in our astrology. It's because we don't fully understand the subject that these misconceptions persist. As mentioned, Ganas consist of Rakshasa Gana (Debari Gana), Nara Gana, and Deva Gana. These three Ganas represent Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheshwar. We have heard of the 'Tri-loka' (three worlds): Swarga (Heaven), Martya (Earth), and Patala (the Underworld). Now, this is a vast empire—who will take responsibility for it? Who will run it? We have always assigned the place of Gods to Swarga. We can be inhabitants of Earth or the Underworld. The Gods are worshiped by both those on Earth and those in the Underworld.
Santanu:
Now, if we look at the twelve signs of the Zodiac—from Aries to Pisces—they are divided into three categories: Fixed (Sthira), Dual (Dvaita), and Moveable (Chara/Chalaman). By 'Fixed', we refer to Swarga (Heaven), which is constant—the abode of the Gods. Our 'Moveable' or 'Chara' signs represent Patala (the Underworld), which is always moving or changing. And we, the inhabitants of Earth (Martya), fall under the 'Dual' nature. We are both fixed and moving; we exist in a state of duality.
Santanu:
If we discuss this scientifically, Deva Gana represents the Heavenly realm, the Gods—meaning a 'Fixed' Gana. This implies your profession might be something stable, like working in the banking sector, a government job, or a fixed business. If you are a Nara Gana, you fall into the 'Dual' category. Your profession could be fixed, or it could involve traveling or moving around. Rakshasa Gana represents the 'Moveable' signs—those who are always on the go. This means their work is dynamic and they don't stay in one place.
Santanu:
So, Gana, in some way, represents our profession (Karma), which has been mistakenly brought into marriage considerations due to a lack of knowledge. To explain this better through astrology: Ganesha is the 'Lord of Ganas' (Gan-esh). That is why Ganesha is so auspicious for us; we worship Him before starting a business or a job. We all fall under some Gana, which is why Ganesha is auspicious for everyone.
Santanu:
To break it down: Deva Gana is overseen by Jupiter (Brihaspati). Nara Gana is overseen by Saturn (Shani Dev). And Rakshasa Gana is overseen by Venus (Shukra Dev). Consider this: if there were no Heaven, there would be no meaning to Earth or the Underworld because we wouldn't be able to perform selfless actions (Nishkama Karma); desires would overwhelm us. We are all connected.
Santanu:
In reality, astrology says no Gana is 'bad'. Every Gana has its own characteristics and its own identity. We represent our karma through that identity. In marriage, we should look at the energy compatibility between a man and a woman. We should evaluate which Gana they fall under—whether they are Rakshasa, Deva, Debari, or Nara. This represents their professional nature. Astrology suggests calculating this to understand their professional lives, not to reject a bride simply because she is a 'Debari' Gana, claiming the marriage won't last. There is no such explanation in our scriptures.
Santanu:
We should determine our Gana based on our birth constellation (Nakshatra). If you look at your birth chart, you will find you fall under a certain Nakshatra, and calculating that Nakshatra reveals your Gana. This is why you can keep a Ganesha idol at home or worship Him.
Santanu:
Astrology teaches us about three states (Satta) in our birth charts: Brahma Satta, Vishnu Satta, and Maheshwar Satta. Brahma Satta represents the Creator, Brahma—symbolizing the birth of a child. As the child grows, it represents Vishnu Satta—the Preserver—signifying their professional life. When the professional life ends and old age sets in, the focus shifts toward God and meditation until death—this is represented by Maheshwar Satta.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Astrology teaches us so much. From birth to death, there is a cycle. It would be good if you could explain one day what happens when someone is born, the planetary positions at birth, what they should do, and what their future holds. If someone calculates it correctly, I believe they can predict everything. But such detailed calculations aren't common anymore. Earlier, they were done by hand. Now, it's done via computer—calculated like a machine. When done by hand, a 'Thikuji' (horoscope) used to take five to six months to prepare. And it was perfect. That doesn't happen anymore. Regardless, we must move forward with what we have.
Santanu:
I will slowly explain everything—who wrote the astrological scriptures, where they came from, and who wrote the Vedas. I'll provide the full details. I hope this clears up the misconceptions regarding Gana.
Disciple:
Thank you. We learned and understood a lot today. Pranam, Gurudev.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam.