Janma, the Birth - Part B: A Journey into the World of Vedic Astrology

Part B of Book 5 deals with three significant matters: the Birth Time Rectification, Nashtajatakam and the birth in different time elements. Accurate assessment of a Janmakundali is dependent on accurate birth time. However, not in all cases, the birth time is accurately recorded. Unless there is someone present to record the birth time for casting Jyotish Kundali, the birth time is likely off by 5 to 30 minutes.

Besides, the birth time is affected by changes in time zone, wartime, local meantime, local standard time, daylight savings time, etc. When the birth time is inaccurate, the Kundali is also approximate. If one wishes to make use of higher Vargas, such as Shashthyamsa, or lower-level Dasas, such as the Prana or Deha Dasa, the birth time must be precise. Therefore, the recorded birth time must be rectified using the rules stated in the Jyotish canon.

Even though this is an important topic, a structured method of rectifying the birth time is hardly found. The Jyotish classical texts contain several principles to verify the Lagna; however, there is a general lack of a systematic approach to bring them together under one umbrella. The book provides a structured approach to integrate these principles to arrive at the rectified birth time.