Interviewer:
Gurudev, pranam.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Pranam, my son.
Interviewer:
On our YouTube channel, "Gupta Sadhaka Shyamapa," we have heard from you about the Dasha Mahavidyas. You have spoken about each Mahavidya in separate episodes. Following that, you discussed the relationship between the Dasha Mahavidyas and various planets. Now, we are curious to know about the stars (Nakshatras) in our sky. What is the relationship between these Nakshatras and the planets or the Dasha Mahavidyas? Also, we have noticed that while the Mahavidyas are all female forms, the planets are not necessarily depicted that way. Regarding the Nakshatras, is there a similar distinction between male and female?
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
There certainly is. First, let me clarify our method of calculation. Previously, we followed the Eastern method, but now Western methods have become more prevalent. In our traditional Eastern method, our sages spoke of the nine planets (Navagraha). However, in Western systems, twelve planets are recognized, and perhaps more will be added in the future. They have added Uranus, Neptune, Pluto, and Eris, making it thirteen planets. But we do not follow that; we stick to the Eastern system.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In our system, we have: Som (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, Ketu. These nine planets constitute the Navagraha. In Western methods, this is expanded, and we see planets like Neptune and Pluto mentioned in horoscopes, but we do not count them. We focus on these nine.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
These nine planets are distributed across the twelve zodiac signs, controlled by twenty-six Nakshatras. There was a twenty-seventh, Abhijit Nakshatra, but it is no longer considered in standard calculations. So, we work with twenty-six Nakshatras.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
It is important to understand that while a seeker might not need to know all of this, I have studied it because there is a profound connection between planetary movements and Tantra Sadhana. This is a "Gupta Yoga" (hidden connection) that most people are unaware of. Since we practice the Dasha Mahavidyas, our primary focus isn't on the planets, but people have a desire to know.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Regarding gender: Som (Moon) is Female. Monday is dedicated to Shiva and also the Moon. Ravi (Sun) is Male. Mangal (Mars) is Associated with Ma Bagalamukhi, but gendered as Male. Budha (Mercury) is Known as the "Child Planet" (Balaka Graha) due to its size and proximity to the Sun. Brihaspati (Jupiter) is Male. Shukra (Venus) is Female. Rahu is a shadow (Chhaya). It is called the "Head." Ketu is also a shadow. It is called the "Tail." Both Rahu and Ketu are shadows and considered troublesome; even the gods fear them. Shani (Saturn) is Eunuch/Neutral (Napumsak). He doesn't give in that way.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Now, regarding the Nakshatras, they control the planets. Planets are not independent; they are under the influence of Nakshatras. As the famous saying of Khana goes: "What is the lunar day or the day of the week? The Nakshatra is the essence."
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
In modern calculations, people often mention which Nakshatra someone was born under, but they don't always analyze it deeply. A Nakshatra can be powerful enough to cause death. If an "anti-Nakshatra" aligns with a certain planet, it can lead to fatality. This is why we pay so much attention to them.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
Each planet is linked to specific Nakshatras: Som (Moon) links to Rohini, Hasta, and Shravana. Mangal (Mars) links to Mrigashira, Chitra, and Dhanishta. Budha (Mercury) links to Ashlesha and Jyeshtha. Brihaspati (Jupiter) links to Vishakha and Purva Bhadrapada. Shukra (Venus) links to Bharani, Purva Phalguni, and Purva Ashadha. Rahu links to Ardra, Swati, and Shatabhisha. Ketu links to Ashwini, Magha, Mula, and Revati. Ketu represents hidden knowledge and the destruction of enemies.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
When we calculate a chart, we look at the "degrees." A planet might sit across two Nakshatras depending on its degree. This is a complex calculation that astrologers handle.
Guru Shyama Khyapa:
The main point is that Nakshatras control the planets. For example, if Mars aligns with a hostile Nakshatra of Rahu, a person might suddenly die—perhaps from a heart attack or an accident—while just going about their daily life. These are the workings of the Nakshatras.