Man by nature is inquisitive. It is his inquisitiveness which makes him the unparalleled monarch of the universe. Observation is another name of inquisitiveness. Since the ancient times we find detailed planetary observations truthfully recorded. The Chaldeans and the Egyptians and our own Sages were past masters in not only observing planetary and stellar movements, but also in understanding and predicting their influence on individual human beings. In these lines some astronomical observatory facilities that developed at Shantikunj Haridwar. Is it incidental or by chance that this observatory was suddenly demolished one day before the devastating earthquake hit Armenia.

The whole Universe is one family of which planets and constellations are members. They are all parts of a system and are thus intimately connected with each other. IN FACT, THERE IS A REGULAR GIVE AND TAKE GOING ON BETWEEN EACH OF THEM. Had they been independent of each other they would not have survived. The planets and satellites of our solar system are not only held in orbit by the Sun's gravitational field, but they also receive considerable benefits from it.

THE PLANET EARTH RECEIVES CONTRIBUTIONS ON A LARGER AND BALANCED SCALE NOT ONLY FROM THE SUN AND ITS SOLAR SYSTEM BUT ALSO FROM OTHER PLANETARY SYSTEMS OF THE UNIVERSE. That is the main reason why earth, enjoys such a special status of an extraordinarily developed state. THE NORTH POLE OF OUR PLANET IS KNOWN TO DRAW ENERGY FROM INTER-PLANETARY FORCES. The subtlest beneficial effects arising anywhere in the Universe are received here. All that is useful is absorbed by the earth and, WHAT IS NOT REQUIRED IS PASSED OUT INTO SPACE FROM THE SOUTH POLE. What the earth receives thus from the Universe is the source of wealth she possesses. She receives similar gifts from the various planets and constellations and is influenced by them. These influences are good as well as bad at a given time. Similarly the animal and plant life and the more sensitive human beings living on the earth are also influenced, which in turn affect the entire environment if our planet and occasionally bring about violent changes therein.

The field of knowledge and science dealing with extraterrestrial influence is known as Astrology. With its help one can know the whereabouts and positions of different planets, stars and constellations in the Universe. The planets of our solar system are nearer and more closely connected to the earth and therefore cast greater influence. If we could have advance knowledge of the astronomical events taking place around our planet, we could take preparatory steps to meet different situations arising out of such influences. Cold, heat and rain are essentially caused by extra-terrestrial events. If we could have timely information about rain, hail and thunderstorms we could undertake safety measures well in advance. The phenomena of day and night are also due to planetary movements. Thus it is clear that we are very much affected by the movement of planets for good or bad. Our intellectual and physical abilities are primarily engaged in either taking advantage of these influences or in saving ourselves from their sinister effects. Human prosperity is also intimately connected with such astronomical events. Excess or paucity of rains can make all the difference to the prosperity of a region just as, floods and droughts bring in havoc.

What has been mentioned above is well known and acknowledged, even though it is not realized by all and sundry in daily life. Those who are aware of the full import of these external influences, however, realise that what all we see and hear on the earth does not represent the totality of influences and forces we survive on. WHAT IS NOT EVEN IMAGINES AS A POSSIBILITY IS THAT EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL EVENTS AND FORCES ARE IN TURN AFFECTED BY THE STATE OF MIND OF PEOPLE LIVING ON THE EARTH AT A GIVEN TIME. How can such influences be known? It would not be out of context to assert here that the science of astrology can be helpful in determining these effects, as well and suitable steps be taken in advance TO PREVENT OR MINIMISE FUTURE CALAMITIES CAUSED BY PERVERTED THOUGHT PROCESSES OF PEOPLE RESIDING IN DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE WORLD. IT SHOULD THUS BE RECOGNISED THAT ASTROLOGY IS NO LESS AN IMPORTANT BRANCH OF KNOWLEDGE AS ANY OTHER AVAILABLE TO HUMANITY TODAY. Man today is no longer contented with what is available on this planet alone and is struggling to surge forth into deep space. Mere jet flights do not satisfy any more. Considerable time, skill and money is now being invested in rocketry for interplanetary flights and launching of satellites and space shuttles for defense and other poses requiring precise knowledge of astronomy. The branch of astronomy dealing with the science of space is precisely what astrology is.

What it attempts to work out is, how different planets, their satellites and their movements influence the earth and in what manner? Man must be able to formulate a long range view and must be prepared to meet any contingency. Otherwise we would be no better than insects, birds and animals, who live from moment to moment. A science indicating the influence of planetary situations on the earth, its environment, its flora and fauna and on people living thereon cannot be considered of less importance than other branches of knowledge. That is why astrology has been regarded as a science providing us a window to the Universe and what is obtained there from. The most important task in this science is to know the precise position of planets. Sophisticated observatories equipped with modern instruments, radar telescopes have been set up in different parts of the world for this purpose. What is, indeed, surprising is that in the olden days sages and Rishis had set up simple observatories of brick and mortar which gave them precise information, about the movement of planets, which sophisticated instruments are making available today to modern scientists. The Indian science of astrology has been deeply concerned with the subtlest influences caused by planetary movements as against a purely physical approach of modern day scientists.

It is indeed, unfortunate that the former has fallen into disrepute and ridicule due to manipulations and interpolations resorted to by vested interests. AN UNHEALTHY OBSESSION WITH PETTY PREDICTIONS, DETERMINISM, SUPERSTITIONS OF LUCKY AND UNLUCKY DAYS, GOOD AND BAD OMENS HAVE BEEN ASSOCIATED WITH ASTROLOGY. Further research and other corrections which ought to have been applied to the old findings, in this science were ignored and neglected. It is well known that the earth does not revolve round its axis once every twenty-four hours, nor does it complete one circuit round the Sun in 365 days; these are approximations arrived at for convenience and for day to day use. The minute difference of seconds and minutes is such that corrections ought to be made after every few centuries by physical observations and mathematical calculations. There is no doubt that some corrections based on standard formulae have been applied but in the absence of precise observations the difference has continuously increased. It is for this reason that there is an urgent necessity for making suitable corrections in our almanacs after proper observations. Unfortunately, Indian astrologers have neglected this aspect and still do not seem to appreciate its importance. In the middle ages, the Indian specialists of the Indian science did move in this direction by setting up observatories at Delhi, Jaipur, Varanasi and other places. They made useful corrections and were generally moving in the right direction but unfortunately these efforts were short-lived and utter in activity prevailed thereafter.

It is for these reasons that revival of the ancient science of astrology had been made an important part of research activities of Brahmavarchas, Hardwar. Accordingly it was decided to set up an observatory on ancient lines at Shantikunj. All the mathematical instruments found any where in India and others which are considered useful today for observations have been assembled here. A unique, though small observatory using the tools used by the great mathematicians of the past is constructed. Another reason for setting up this observatory is that the time span between the years 1980 to 2000 is likely, to witness great upheavals in which natural and elemental forces are going to play a more prominent role than human endeavor. A series of eclipses, solar spots, meteors and other observable astronomical events on the one hand and cataclysmic natural occurrences due to ecological imbalances are likely to rock this planet, some advance knowledge of which may prove helpful. A new almanac has been compiled on the basis of fresh observations of the planets which includes the three new ones Neptune, Pluto and Uranus. This new almanac shall prove very helpful to astrologers to locate the exact position of different planets and constellations in order to work out their influences. An important area of work in astrology is the influence of planets on individuals. This requires the exact time of birth of the individual concerned on the basis of the local time based on local sunrise as against standard time. The almanacs available today are based on the sun-rise time of the birth place where the writer or publisher of the almanac resides, while what is required is, data based on the time of sun-rise at the birth place of the individual concerned on his date of birth. Horoscope of a child born in Calcutta is prepared on the basis of almanac of Jodhpur. The know how to prepare horoscopes on the basis of local time pertaining to birth place of the individual has gradually disappeared and those who are knowledgeable, neglect to practice it. To revive this know-how and facilitate its use the BRAHMAVARCHAS ALMANAC possesses sufficient data to prepare horoscopes on the basis of local time at the place of birth of the individuals.

This is an important land mark in the field of practical astrology. An important activity in these critical times is to locate men and women of talent, character and genius who can be trained and prepared for the numerous responsible tasks that would need to be performed in order to tide over the crisis of confidence facing man-kind. Vivekananda, Shivaji, Chandragupta were men specially selected by their masters who moulded and prepared them for future responsibilities. Shantikunj is preparing horoscopes to identify children and people of talent to seek their contribution in the onerous task of forging a new egalitarian social order. This is an age of crises. No doubt, human perversity in its diverse manifestation is the main cause for many of our problems, the role of outraged nature is no less important. In this context, some advance knowledge of what is likely to take place can be of immense value to work out preventive measures. Extra-terrestrial influences and forces can also in such movements of crises be helpful in averting the same and in paving way for improved situations. The Indian science of astrology can make available to us many a useful advance information which the most sophisticated observatories of modern astronomy cannot. Not only this, Indian astrology can also provide and recommend specific advance measures to avert an impending crisis and also bring about influences and situations beneficial to mankind. In these critical times when the very existence of Homespun is threatened, such extra-terrestrial help can prove crucial. In day to day matters also individuals can be advised and forewarned regarding their personal lives. Small, useful and timely tips to needy persons could get over many personal problems. For these and many other reasons it was decided to set up a properly equipped astrological observatory at Shantikunj with suitable research facilities. Some of the instruments used are: 1. PALABHA YANTRA 2. MAKAR VALAY 3. KARK VALAYA 4. NAADI VALAY 5. UNNATANSH YANTRA 6. CHAKRA YANTRA 7. KAPAAL YANTRA 8. DIGANSH YANTRA 9. BHITTI YANTRA 10. MODERN TELESCOPES It is obvious that only persons with some background in astrology can appreciate the importance of these instruments and know when and how they are used. Others who are interested can contact the guide in charge of this observatory and satisfy their curiosity.