Sunday, August 15, 2010

Tourist and potential realty centers in Kerala





The Munambam Estuary, a Tourism Spot

The Munambam beach is a beautiful place to behold. On the west we have the Arabian Sea, a mouth of the sea on the north and the “Life Line of Kerala”, the Periyar River on the east. This estuary is the place where the Periyar River, 244 km long, flows into the sea.

Munambam Beach is also known as Muziris Golden Beach. It is the farthest end of the famous Cherai beach. On the north west side, you can see the Munakkal beach. On the north we have Azheekode in Trichur Dist. The Munambam Azheekode point is the point where Trichur and Ernakulam Districts meet. You can cross the mouth of the sea on the north by Junkar or boat. Just five minutes from Munambam ( Kochi ) to Azheekod ( Trichur ) !

You can sit and enjoy the views, watching the local fishermen fish in their canoes and colourful boats. Photographers find Munambam enchanting, as the glorious sunset is indeed inspiring !



The realty potential of Kochi & Trivandrum

Amongst the 50 cities identified by JLLM as high fliers, Kochi and Trivandrum are from Kerala.

There are reasons for pointing out to these Kerala cities. Both will be having ports. Once the Vallarpadam ICTT becomes operational, Kochi realty will grow by leaps and bounds. Same thing will happen in Trivandrum when the Deep Port ICTT becomes operational.

ICTT will be the second port of Kochi. The first is on Willingdon Island, an artificial island built by Lord Willingdon, the erstwhile governor of Madras. The harbour engineer Robert Bristow played the main role in developing this island and the first building on the island was owned by him. The first liner arrived on 9 Mar 1935 on this island. A port hostel was arranged to accomodate the passengers and this hostel became the Malabar Hotel. Now this port has become an e-port.

Vallarpadam will be the second port of Kochi and Kochi now joins Bombay in having two ports. Hence the importance of Kochi.

Seaports accelerate development and these two cities will be the main economic centers of Kerala. Realty prices will rise. We are talking about 5 years from now on. Not now, when realty is in a state of recession.

There are other properties which have potential, in other parts of the world.

Costa Rica Property holds good potential. Forget not New Bombay, Bombay, Surat, Vizag and other cities which hold equally good promise.



Article by G Kumar, astrologer, writer & programmer of www.eastrovedica.com

He has 25 years psychic research experience in the
esoteric arts. He gives free tips at www.eastrovedica.net and stock market
investment advice can be got at www.stockmarketastrology.com

Astro-Meteorology I



Yesterday, rains hit the southern districts of Kerala. But no rain in Trichur or adjoining areas.

The truth of Global Warming has hit me. Also Climate Change. Also the World Water Crisis !

Rains are rare, even in Kerala, a state fashioned by the rains, where the landscape architecture is done by Nature Herself !

Venus, the watery planet, moves over to Gemini, to the 12th in India’s horoscope. It augurs rains, but how much ?

The hot sidereal months of Kumbham( Aquarius ) and Meenam ( Pisces ) are normal in Kerala. Now we are facing Meda choodu ( the heat waves of Aries ) and there will some reduction of heat when Edavam ( Taurus ) takes over, from 15th May.

Astrologically, Edava Pathi, the last 15 days of the Sun traversing Taurus, is full of rains. Last years, rains were less even in Edava Pathi.

Kerala, normally, is blessed by two rainy seasons, Edava Pathi ( the last half of Taurus ) and Thula Varsham ( when the Sun traverses the 30 degrees of Libra ). Kerala receives rains thrice the national average.

Fierce rains characterise Thiruvathira Jnattuvela, when the Sun traverses the constellation of Aridra, for 14 days and Punartham Jnattuvela, when the Sun traverses the constellation of Punarvasu, for 14 days. Also Makiryam Jnattuvela, when the Sun traverses the constellation of Mrigasira.

Now Kerala has more or less a semi arid, parched look. The rains can change all that. But Global Warming has affected Kerala. Climate Change has already occurred. Water Crisis is here to stay !

The Vedic seers gave prime importance to rains. This is indicated by their prayer

May there be plenty of rains and may the earth become fertile.

( Kale Varshe thu parjanya Prithvi Shasya Shalinee ).


Tomorrow ( 15/05/2010), the Sun moves over to Taurus, thus ending the summer season of Kerala. The summer season is more or less from Dhanus ( Sagittarius ) to Mesha ( Aries ). These five months are reasonably hot. Kumbham ( Aquarius ) and Meenam ( Pisces ) are very hot. Now Mesha ( Aries ) has also become very hot due to Global Warming and Climate Change.

From Edavam ( Taurus ) to Vrischika ( Scorpio ), we have relatively less hot months. Rains are severe during Edava ( Taurus ), Mithuna ( Gemini ) and Kataka ( Cancer ). Then rains become less during the months of Simha ( Leo ) and Kanya ( Virgo ), but still there will be intermittent rains. Rains peak again during Thula ( Libra ) and moderate rains will be there during Vrischika ( Scorpio ) till the summer season takes over.

There are the seasonal cycles of Kerala but then Global Warming and Climate Change are changing all seasons !

Indian Farmers do the planting basing on the Vedic Astronomical Calender. The knowledge of sowing and reaping. Such a subject is Bio Dynamics, which is part of Organic Farming and Anthroposophy.

Here is the Vedic Astrologic Calender



Date Month ( Malayalam ) Sanskrit English



14 Apr - 14 May Medam Mesha Aries

15 May - 14 Jun Edavam Vrishabha Taurus

15 Jun - 16 Jul Mithunam Mithuna Gemini

17 Jul- 16 Aug Karkatakam Kataka Cancer

17 Aug - 16 Sep Chingam Simha Leo

17 Sep - 17 Oct Kanni Kanya Virgo

18 Oct - 16 Nov Thulam Thula Libra

17 Nov - 15 Dec Vrischikam Vrischika Scorpio

16 Dec - 13 Jan Dhanu Dhanus Sagittarius

14 Jan - 12 Feb Makaram Makara Capricorn

13 Feb - 14 Mar Kumbham Kumbha Aquarius

15 Mar- 13 Apr Meenam Meena Pisces


There can be a one day variation, because of Leap Year.

The Global Freshwater Crisis




The vata (airy) planet Saturn in Virgo has precipitated a Water Crisis. Let
us see what are the solutions. ( Yesterday Mumbai reported a severe water
crisis, like Hyderabad. More bad news are coming in ).

Water is only a finite resource, even though it is universally assumed that
global supply is infinite. Only 2.5 % of the global supply is freshwater.
The rest is seawater, inacessible in ground water, ice caps and soi. This
supply is limited.

Rainfall is only renewable source of freshwater and per year the global
supply is just 50,000 cubic km. Per year global population is increasing by
85 million. Hence the availability of freshwater per head is fast
decreasing. The whole planet is overpopulated, with more than 6.5 billion
people.

That limited source of freshwater is polluted, diverted and depleted by
foolish humans. ( " Lord, what fools these mortals be", said Shakespeare ).
More than one billon people lack access to safe, drinking water. UN says 31
countries face water stress and scarcity. The water stress countries are
UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, India, Israel, Mexico etc.

By 2025, when the earth will be populated by an additional 2.5 billion
people, 70% will be living in conditions of serious water shortage and 30%
will be living in conditions of acute water scarcity.

A great warning has been given by the World Resources " The world's
thirst for water is likely to become one of the most pressing resource
issues of the 21st century. In some cases, water withdrawals are so high,
relative to supply, that surface water supplies are literally shrinking and
groundwater levels are being depleted faster than they can be replenished by
precipitation".

In the Arab world, use of ground is three times than groundwater recharge.
Saudi is running towards depletion in the next 50 years. Africa's aquifers
are non-recharging and the current depletion is estimated at 10 million
cubic meters. Water tables are falling everywhere in India. Mexico is water
scarce. In Bangkok overpumping has taken its toll. Northern China has eight
regions of water scarcity. Beijing suffers from a massive water crisis.

Reports from Mumbai that the city has only water for a month, if there are
no rains. Cause for alarm and despondency

Water Cycle or the Hydrologic Cycle

Due to transpiration and evaporation, water molecules form clouds and rains
fall to the earth as precipitation.

This transipration and evaporation normally comes from plants, rivers,
lakes, lagoons, water basins or water reservoirs. If the earth's surface is
paved over, then there will be reduced water to evaporate.
Divesting the earth of wells, lagoons, lakes, rivers which are water
reservoirs can only mean that there will be less evapotranspiration and
hence less precipitation or rains !

The causative factors for Water Bankruptcy

The destruction of the natural habitat
Destruction of water reservoirs like wells, ponds etc
Destruction of forest, flora and fauna
Groundwater mining
Contamination of Aquifers
Massive urbanisation
Diminishing water capital
Earth's hot stains ( dried up regions ) contributing to the impasse.

Rainy Solar Transit of Lamda Orionis ( Makiryam Njattuvela ) strikes Kerala




Fierce rains lash Kerala. It is now raining heavily, here in Trichur. Rains started at 1130 AM and are now continuing at 0400 PM. (110610)

We had indicated in our columns that rains will accelerate after Makiryam, Thiruvathira, Punartham and Pooyam Njattuvelas . These four Njattuvelas are considered to be fierce, compared to other Njattuvelas. Markiryam Njattuvela started on the 8th of June.

Kerala receives almost 2500 mm rainfall from the South West Monsoon and almost 500 mm from the North East Monsoon.

Average monthly rainfall in Kerala in mm

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
14 16 36 110 252 653 687 404 252 270 158 45

The Ancient Seers prayed for rains, rains which will liberate us from the blistering heat, rains which will water our plants and trees, rains which will give us the much needed water.

May the rulers be just
May the world be happy
May there be plenty of rains
May the earth become fertile
May the good be fearless
May people become angerless !

Swasthi prajabhyam paripalayantham
Nyayena Margena Maheem Maheesa
Go brahmanebhya shubhamasthu nithyam
Loka samastha sukhino bhavanthu
Kale Varshe thu parjanya
Prithvee sasya salinee
Lokoyam kshobha rahitha
Sajjana santhu nirbhaya


Now at 0730 PM on 120610, it is still raining. We have had 30 hours of incessant rain. The water levels in the reservoirs were abysmally low and Kerala Electricity Board was worried two days before. There was only water to generate 8 millions units. ( Kerala’s power is 99% hydroelectric ). The discharge from the heavens was providential. Now this glorious rain must have boosted the water levels. Thank God, no power cuts !

We are still watching the climate. Just to see whether Global Warming has effected a change. We got only 1000 mm rainfall last year. This year we are bound to get more. The 825 km Malabar Coast, from Mumbai to Cape Comorin, gets maximum rainfall and will Global Warming affect this bounty adversely? Let us watch and see !

Nature Divine is homeostatic, Nature is liberal, giving us everything at the correct time. Does She not give us watery fruits like cucumber and water melons during the hot summer season? She knows what is best for us. Natural Philosophy ( Sankhya ) postulates that the main efficient cause is Nature ( pradhanam prakritim prahuh ). Goethe, Paracelsus, Companella, Kapila, Bruno etc were all natural philosophers.

Nature is the Main Cause
For the Causal Equation !
Purusha ( Self ) is He who enjoys
Dejection and Elation.

Karya Karana Karthruthve
Hetu Prakriti uchyathe
Purusha Sukha Dukhanam
Bhoktritvam Hetur uchyathe ( The Holy Geetha )

“To the philosopher, Nature and the Divine are one Being, acting by necessity and by inexorable Law ” averred Spinoza.

What Alexander Pope said about Providence

(Who finds not Providence all good and wise
Alike in what it gives and what denies ?)

should be said about Nature.

Who finds not Nature all good and wise
Alike in what it gives and what denies?

And Wordsworth confirmed Her fidelity

“Nature never did betray the heart that loved Her.”

Astrology, the mother of all sciences?




Solomon saith ‘ There is no new thing upon the earth. All novelty is but oblivion”. Meaning that all new inventions are reflections of thngs heavenly or that the New Science is nothing but Old Science !

Bacon in his essays said ” There is an abstruse astrologer that saith; were it not for two things that are constant, no human being would live.

1) the fixed stars ever maintain their distance from one another and never come closer to one another nor move furthur asunder

2) the diurnal motion perpetually keepeth time ”

Modern Geography talks about the Tropic of Capricorn and the Tropic of Cancer. From which Old Science do these terms Cancer and Capricorn come from ?

Climatology or Meteorology is based on Astronomy. The South West Monsoon was known to Ancient Science as Edava Pathi and the North East Monsoon as Thula Varsham. The Ecliptic of Modern Astronomy was Krantee Vrittam, the Zodiac was Bha or Jyothis Chakram, the Celestial Sphere was Khagola, the Celestial Equator was Vishu Vat Vritta and the Celestial Meridian was Nadi Vritta. The Eastern Celestial Horizon was Udaya Lagna and the Western Celestial Horizon was Astha Lagna

Sun’s day became Sunday. Moon’ day became Monday. Mars or Tiv’s day became Tuesday. Mercury or Woten’s day became Wednesday. Jupiter or Thor’s day became Thursday. Venus or Freya’s day became Friday and Saturn’s day became Saturday. From which Ancient Science do these days of the week come from ?

When a student graduates from a University, he is awarded a degree. Where does this word ” Degree” come from, if not from the 360 degrees of the Zodiac ?

I was surprised to read that Meteorology, the modern science, forecast that the South West Monsoon would start from May 30 onwards. May 29 was the day when the Sun entered the 15th degree of Taurus, thus heralding Edava Pathi. !

Celestial Gravity was known to the ancient savants. Aryabhata postulated that the Sun is at the focus of the ellipse and that all planets revolve around the Sun due to Celestial Gravity. ( Soorya Jagatah chakshu guruthvakarshan ).

Were does the word ” Martial ” come from. Of course, from Mars !

Where does the word ” Venereal” come from. From Venus Veneris, which is Venus !

Where does the word ” Jovial ” come from ? From Jove or Jupiter !

Where does the word ” Saturnine” come from ? From Saturn !

Where does the word ” Mercurial” come from ? From Mercury !

Where does the word ” Lunacy” come from ? From Luna or Moon.

Solar derives from Sol or Sun. The word ” Heliocentric” is derived from Helios or Heli ( Sankrit for Sun ).

The word ” Nodal ” is derived from the Nodes, the Nodes of the Moon ( Rahu and Ketu ). The Nodal Cycle is 18 years.

Rains which were sporadic during Karthika and Rohini Njattuvelas have strengthened from Makiryam Njattuvela, which began from 8th June onwards. Njattuvelas are Sun’s transits of the 27 constellations which tenant the Ecliptic.

To the ancients, Perihelion was Sheegrocha and Aphelion was Mandoccha. Trignometric reductions were Jya Samskaras. Reduction to Ecliptic was Parinathi Samskara . Retrogression was Vakra and Acceleration was Athichara. Celestial Longitude was Sphuta and Celestial Latitude was Vikshepa. Sin was Bhujajya, cos was Kotijya and tan was Sparshajya !

So Solomon was right. There is nothing new upon the earth and all novelty is but oblivion !

Was Dr BV Raman wrong when he said that Astrology is the mother of all sciences ?

Astro Meterology II



After three days of dark clouds, lightning and rainfall, Kerala is back to normal.

Rains are expected to accelerate after Edava Pathi, which starts on May 29, when the Sun transits the 15th degree of Sidereal Taurus.

Jupiter in watery Pisces, Mars in Leo and Venus in Gemini should bring rains to Kerala.

Monsoons have been defined as sea breezes or wind systems. A wind system which reverses direction seasonally, blowing from the southwest for six months and from northeast for six months. Its extreme examples are in South Asia and Africa. Winds which influence climatic seasons, with concomitant rainfalls !

Annual temperature trends over sea and land are the causes of the monsoons. Monsoons normally blow from cold regions towards warmer regions. They blow from the sea towards land during summer and from land towards sea during winter.

Of all monsoons, the South West Monsoon is the largest. This Asian monsoon is the atmospheric response to the shift of the overhead Sun, from the Tropic of Capricorn in December to the Tropic of Cancer in June.

India lies exactly on the Tropic of Cancer, the apparent position of the Sun at the summer solstice. It is 23 degrees and 27 minutes ( which is the maximum declination of the Sun ) north of the Equator. India also lies on the equator. Pakistan lies north and is more drier than India. Pak does not get these monsoons.

Edava Pathi, the South West Monsoon

In June, Sun is almost at the Tropic of Cancer and northen part of the Indian subcontinent becomes very hot. During summer, the northern and central side of India and the Thar desert heat up considerably, causing a low pressure area over central and northern Indian subcontinent. The Indian Ocean sends moisture laden winds, to fill this void. These moisture rich winds move towards mighty Himalayas, creating wind blowing storm clouds towards the subcontinent. Himalayas block these winds from entering Central Asia, thus propelling them to rise. The clouds gain immense altitude, temperature drops sharply and thus precipitation occurs !

Thula Varsham, the North East Monsoon

In Dec, Sun is almost at the Tropic of Capricorn ( 23 degrees 27 minutes south of the Equator ) and the Indian Ocean becomes hot and the northern land mass of India becomes cool. Hence winds rush from the cold North to the South . The cold winds blow from the northen subcontinent, sweeping down on the Himalayas and the Indo- Gangetic plains, towards the comparitively hot Indian Ocean. This is known as the North East Monsoon or rather the Retreating Monsoon and this causes Thula Varsham, the rains caused by the Sun’s ingress into sidereal Libra. These cold winds from the North pick up some moisture from the Bay of Bengal and rains hit Sri Lanka & India. Madras receives rains and 60% of the rains received by Tamil Nadu is from this monsoon.

The eastern parts of the Western Ghats do not get the SW Monsoon and hence places like Madras do not get its blessings. Madras gets the North East Monsoon in Oct-Nov, after Karkyadi ( when the Sun enters the first degree of Cancer ), when the Sun retreats South ( Dakshinayana ), when the northern side of the Indian subcontinent becomes cool and the cool winds precipitate the North East Monsoon.

Physiologists like Dr Walter Cannon ( The Wisdom of the Body ) talked about self regulating mechanisms or homeostatic control systems in the body physiologic. Arent these monsoons the homeostatic or self regulating control systems of Divine Nature ?

One is reminded of a verse from Longfellow

Nothing that is shall perish utterly
But shall revive again
As clouds restore through rain
The exhalations of the land and the sea !

Rejuvenative Therapy in the Monsoon Season

Monsoons may be the primary cause of Monsoon Tourism in Kerala.

During the monsoon seasons, particularly during the months of Mithuna ( Gemini ) and Kataka ( Cancer ), the body becomes weak and this is an excellent time to take in Ayurvedic medicines.

I am taking in Chyavana Prasam, a rejuvenative and restorative. It is an Anti Aging Medicine, enriched with the essence of gooseberries, the great source of Vitamin C.

Aphrodisiacs like Mucuna Pruriens ( Naikarana parippu ) and Withania Somnifera ( Aswagandha, the Indian ginseng ), can be taken in. This process is called Vajeekarana in Ayurveda. It makes men regain their lost Sapta Dhatus or the Seven Tissue Elements and makes men as fit as horses !

In his book ” Quantum Healing”, Dr Chopra says ” During the coming years, Ayurveda will blossom”.

During Monsoons, the digestive power weakens and vata is aggravated. Moderation in diet is what the doctor orders. Bitter, pungeant and astringent food should be taken in, along with rice and wheat. It is better to avoid excessive sex. It is time to go in for oil bath and massage. Water should be boiled and cooled. Avoid sleeping during daytime. Honey can be taken in, as it is an excellent medicine.

The triune humours of Ayurveda, Vata, Pitta and Kapha( bile, wind and phlegm) should be kept in equilibrium as their disequilibrium is disease. To keep these doshas or humours in balance, Ayurveda prescribes unique diet ( Ahara ), a distinct mode of living ( Vihara ) and routine living ( Karya ). This will help you in coping with the stresses and strains of the changing seasons.

Kerala is one of the states identified by the Center for Monsoon Tourism. Mainly because Kerala gets around 3000 mm rains in three Monsoons. Even the summer rains ( Summer Monsoon ) bring in about 300 mm of rains , the North East Monsoon brings in 500 mm and the South West 2200 mm !

Not blessed by high education alone
Tiny Kerala is graced by three Monsoons !

unnatha vidyagunathal sampannam
Kochu Keralam Thri mazhayal samriddham !

Monsoons may be the primary cause of Monsoon Tourism. But the secondary cause is Ayurveda !

Rejuvenative Therapy

Aswagandha Rasayana is a very effective medicine for regaining vitality. Aswagandha is the Indian ginseng and is used as an aphrodisiac.

Rejuvenative Therapy is called Rasayana Chikitsa and there are lots of benefits attributed to Rasayanas. Gift of the gab or the divine gift of articulate speech, beauty, virility - all these are gained by the Rasayanas ( Vag siddhim vrishatham kantim labhathe cha rasayanath ). Aswagandha Rasayana I used to take in during the months of Mithuna ( Gemini ) and Kataka ( Cancer ), known as the medicinal months of Ayurveda.

I used to apply Narasimha Oil ( a medical concoction based on coconut oil ) on my scalp, which used to make the head cool and give a gloss to hair. Another good cool oil which can be used on the scalp is Kanjunyadi thailam, which is good for hair.

Senescence

Senescence has been attributed to loss of Ojas. Ojas is the essence of the Seven Tissue Elements or the Sapta Dhatus. Ojas is the bio juice which sustains life.

Loss of Lustre or Ojas Kshaya has been attributed to

Anger ( Krodhath )
Grief ( Shokath )
Workaholism - ( Sramath )
Tension ( Dukhath )
Mental ( Dhyanath )
Trauma ( Abhinganath )
Dhatu loss ( Kshayath )

To regain Ojas or Lustre, one should take in life promoting medicines, milk and meat juice. Prohibition of activities which leads to mental tension ( Pariharya Visheshath Manasa Dukha Hethu ) also is the need of the hour. Foods, sweet in taste, cold lighter and easily digestible, viscous and which promotes health should be taken in.

The Sun’s transit of Lamda Orionis ( Makiryam Njattuvela ) is in full swing now. There were fierce rains for half an hour ( 0900 to 0930 AM, 19062010 ) and it is still raining now. Now is the time to take in Ayurvedic medicines and increaseDhatu Pushti ( strengthen the seven tissue elements ) and enhance Ojas ( Bio Juice )

Astro Meteorology and Economics

What has the nation’s GDP growth got to do with the monsoon ? Everything !

The India Meterological Dept is considering declaring the monsoon to be a ” good monsoon “, in sharp contrast with the 2009 monsoon, which was more or less a failure.

A good monsoon means rising water levels in the reservoirs and dams. More power. It will raise farm output, control inflation ( particularly food inflation, which was 17.6% ) and spur economic growth.

60% of arable land is rain-fed. Hence monsoon showers are critical to soya bean, edible oil, sugarcane, rice etc. In India, the Monsoon is the real Finance Minister !

Because of the bad monsoon of 2009, Indian agri growth rose only .2%. On the other hand, this year’s monsoon will trigger 2.5 % agri growth and 8.5 % GDP growth. If India has sufficient infrastructure, the GDP growth will be more than 10%. A 4% agri growth forecast, many feel, will be too ambitious. Also a double digit GDP forecast !

Astro Meteorology is right again. The South West Monsoon hit Kerala on May 19th, from Karthika Njattuvela ( Sun’s transit of Eta Tauri ) onwards, slightly ahead of schedule. Sporadic rains characterised both Karthika and Rohini Njattuvelas ( Sun’s transit of Alpha Tauri ). Rains accelerated after Makiryam Njattuvela ( Sun’s transit of Lamda Orionis ). From 11th, 1130 AM onwards it has been raining incessantly. It is raining heavily now ( 13062010, 0300 PM ). There were non stop rains for 30 hours.

Tamil Nadu never used to get the South West Monsoon. But this time she got it ! There were rains in Bangalore and Surat.

As Thiruvathira Njattuvela ( Sun’s transit of Alpha Orionis ) will take over from 22nd June onwards, we expect the IMD to declare this monsoon as an ” excellent monsoon”.

Farmers use Thiruvathira Njattuvela for planting seeds, particularly beans and pepper.

Timely onset of monsoon has raised hopes of better production. The sugar output will be around 18.5 million tonnes this year.

As the Summer Season can be destructive ( more than 100 people died due to sunstroke ) monsoons can also be destructive. Fishermen are warned not to venture into the sea. The sea has attacked some 50 houses in Chavakkad Beach. Seven fishing boats were devoured by the sea. Winds at 60 km per hour are lashing Kerala. Those who are living on the low lying areas of Kerala are warned. On the positive side, rivers are overflowing, paddy fields are overflowing and wells, ponds, and lakes are full of water.

Edava Pathi & Its Two Branches

As the Sun enters the 15th degree of Taurus or Edava Pathi, the Arabian Sea Branch of the South West Monsoon first lash the Western Ghats, the rainforests of India, normally around May 29. The Western Ghats of coastal Kerala becomes the first place to receive it. This branch moves northwards along the Western Ghats, with precipitation on the coastal areas. ( coastal Kerala, coastal Karnataka and coastal Maharashtra . Bombay, on coastal Maharashtra, receives it on June 10th ). As the winds do not cross the Western Ghats, the eastern areas of the Ghats do not receive this precipitation.

At around the same time, the Bay of Bengal Branch of the S W Monsoon, picks up moisture laden particles from the Bay of Bengal and moves towards North East India, flowing over the Bay of Bengal. Immense rain mark the entry of these winds at the Eastern Himalayas. Shillong, on the southern slopes of the mighty Himalayas, is one of the most moist places in India. The winds then turn west, travelling over the Indo Gangetic plains at a rate of 7/14 days per state, showering its benign precipitation all along its way.

In the heavens, Venus, the water planet, moved to watery Cancer on 09 June. Jupiter in watery Pisces also augurs well for rains. Last year, Jupiter was in the Saturnine ( hence airy ) sign of Capricorn, which never indicated rains !

The Farmer's Song, a revealed science ( Krishi Geetha )

The International Astronomical Union had standardised all the constellations of the Sidereal Zodia and the exact boundaries fixed in 1930. . But none of the Indian names figure in the list of the IAU, despite the fact that India had one of the earliest astronomical cultures.

That the ancient Babylonians, the Hindus and the Egyptians had deep and independent knowlege of the Heavens is an undisputed fact. The names of fabled heroes, animals and deities were assigned to the constellations. Those who followed the " Star of Bethlehem" had come from these pagan cultures. The ascendency of Sirius marked the resuscitation of the Nile, after a long dry spell. Edava Pathi transformed the hot, parched landscape of Kerala into a lush green Paradise, a tropical wet system, as per the German climatologist Koppen !

The Indian system is far more comprehensive. It deals with the Sidereal Zodiac, which begins from 0 degrees of Beta Arietis ( Aswini ) and ends at the 360th degree of Zeta Piscium ( Revathi ). As the Sun moves roughly one degree per day, the solar transit of a 30 degree Sign is 30 days and a constellation is 13.33 days ( as the constellation is 13 degrees and 20 minutes ). A Njattuvela is a solar transit of a constellation of 13 degrees 20 minutes and hence the duration is 13.33 days.

The Malayalam Era is known as Kolla Varsham and it was compiled by a man from Kollam. It is derived from the Ursa Major Cycle ( The Saptharshi Yuga ). The Ursa Major makes a retrograde circuit of the Zodiac and it stays in a constellation for 100 years, known as the Ursa Major Cycle. Hence the Ursa Major Cycle is 2700 years ( 27*100).

All other calenders deal only with the 12 signs of the Tropical Zodiac .

The book "The Farmer's Song' , Krishi Geetha deals with the effects of the solar transits of constellatons. Legend has it that Parasurama, one of the ten incarnations of the Lord, after destroying the tyrants, was seized with remorse. In order to expiate for his sins, he distributed the lands he had conquered to spiritual people. In higher states of Consciousness, he received higher instructions how to make the land fertile, how to plant, when to plant and when to reap, according to the solar transits. The result of his great pyshic research was ' The Farmer's Song" , the Krishi Geetha. This is a revealed science, like all Vedic sciences.


The Fivefold Ephemeris, the Panchanga

The Ephemeris is fivefold

Vaara, Day of the Week, named after the Seven Revolving Heavens
Thaara, the Star, the lunar transit of a constellation
Thidhi, the Lunation, 12 degrees
Karana, 6 degrees or Half Lunation
Nithya Yoga, longitude of Sun + longitude of Moon

Those who follow Astrology follow the Panchanga, which gives all astro information. For corporate mergers, weddings and other auspicious events, the Panchanga is used. The Panchangas use the Indian calculation of Nazhikas ( 24 minutes ) and Vinazhikasa ( 24 seconds ). The Zodiac Software converts these Nazhikas into hours and minutes.

Thaara is the Lunar transit of a constellation while Njattuvela is the solar. The Panchanga and the Astro Calender gives all info about these transits.

The Zodiac Software computes all these transits. We had given the formulae for generating the Panchanga and the Astro Calender.

The six Seasons of the Astro Calender are Vasanta ( Aries, Taurus), Greeshma ( Gemini, Cancer ), Varsha ( Leo, Virgo ), Sarat ( Libra, Scorpio ), Hemanta ( Sagittarius, Capricorn) and Sisira ( Aquarius, Pisces ). Thau Dau Rithu - Two months make a Rithu.

During Makam Njattuvela, Sesame can be planted ( Maghathinte mukhathu ellu erinjal kutathinte mukhathu kaanaam )
Never plant anything during Pooyam Njattuvela ( Pooyathil nattal puzhuthu pokum ).
For planting all , Aswathi Njattuvela is good.
For mango trees, Bharani Njattuvela is best.

Thiruvathira Njattuvela is the most famous. It is known for vegetative propagation.
Rohini Njattuvela is good for trees.
Atham Njattuvela is good for bananas.

Vishu, the Planting Season of Kerala

We have said that Vishu 8 or the Sun’s entry into the eighth degree of sidereal Aries, is the time for the farmers to sow.

Vishu or the solar ingress into Aries, is celebrated all over Kerala. This is the dawn of a good era, as it marks the end of the hot seasons of Kumbha ( Aquarius ) and Meena ( Pisces ). Temperature touching 43 degrees is disconcerting. Vishu is the heralder of the two monsoons, the South West and the North East.

The Vedic Calender is astro-meteorological and the farmers know when to sow and when to reap. So the best time to sow is in Medam or Mesha or Aries. Anything planted after this date will fructify, as the Edava Pathi or the South West Moon takes over in June and the Thula Varsham or the North East Monsoon takes over in Oct-Nov.

In traditional farming, plants and trees need watering on alternative days. Now both monsoons ensure that plants and trees will be watered by Nature !. Hence the green landscape engineering done by Nature makes Kerala beauteous !

When the Sun reaches its maximum declination at 23 degrees 27 mins South, at the Tropic of Capricorn, ( the end of Dakshinayana ), the Indian Ocearn becomes hot & the northern places of the Indian subcontinent becomes cool. Then we find the phenomenon of cool winds condensing to form clouds, picking up moisture laden winds from the Bay of Bengal, sweeping down on the Himalayas and the Indo Gangetic plains and then pouring over peninsular India. Kerala also gets these rains and hence the South West Monsoon which ends in September is replaced by the North East Monsoon and this rainy season or watering by Nature continues till Dhanus, the 15th of December ! Hence the tourists find Kerala enchanting, because of the greeen landscape architecture effectuated by Mother Nature !

India is an agrarian economy, dependent heavily on the monsoons. In 1895, the rains never came and India experienced drought and famine. The monsoons can also be destructive. Trees are uprooted, cables smashed, houses destroyed as a result of poor infrastructure. In 2008, our paddy fields were flooded due to heavy rains and the nearby inhabitants had to be evacuated. Despite its potential for destruction, monsoons are generally welcomed, as it liberate the natives from the blistering heat of Kumbha (Aquarius ) and Meena ( Pisces ).

Vishu marks the beginning of Vasanta Rithu, the first of the six seasons.

Farmers in Kerala say that

the seeds sown on Aswathi Jnattuvela ( the Sun’s transit of the first 13 degrees of Aries )
and mango seeds sown on Bharani Jnattuvela ( the Suns’s transit of the constellation of Bharani )

will fructify.

The best time for planting cocounut trees is on Patham Udayam, the Tenth Rising of the Sun, when Sun enters the tenth degree of Aries.

So Vishu is an agricultural festival, based on the Wisdom of the Heavens and not a religious festival !

Rainfall Cycles

Saturn in Virgo has created a draught like situation, even in water rich Kerala. Green Kerala is beautiful because of the heavy rainfalls and looks gorgeous in June/July, when the Rain gods favour her.

It has not rained for the last two days. Rains are expected in the sidereal months of Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and Leo.

Here are the rainfall cycles of Kerala

Edavam - The sidereal month of Taurus, when rains start to come. After 15 th May. When the Sun enters sidereal Taurus

Edava Pathi - The second half of Taurus, after 01 June. Rains are here to stay.

Makiryam Jnattuvela - After 7th May. This period is characterised by fierce rains. When the Sun enters the constellation of Mrigasira.

Thiruvathira Jnattuvela - After 22 May, when Sun enters the constellation of Aridra. Rains continous.

Punartham Jnattuvela - Fierce but intermittent rains. When the Sun enters the constellation of Punarvasu.

The Vedic seers gave prime importance to rains. This is indicated by their prayer

May there be plenty of rains and may the earth become fertile.

( Kale Varshe thu parjanya Prithvi Shasya Shalinee ).


Dogmatic Theology and their followers are ignorant of the Laws of Nature. They maintain that the Creator and the Created are totally different. It is the Creator who has become the Created and Nature is He in Manifestation.

Cattle like people , devoid of scientifc and philosophic knowledge, have destroyed the holy groves and paid scant respect to Nature. Their ignorance, bigotry and hatred have destroyed the vast treasures of our race. Mass deforestation has been resorted to by them. ( Another set of dogmatists are responsible for increasing labour charges, which had led to owners abandoning their paddy fields, whch are not now viable. The paddy fields have now become parched and have a desert, semi arid look) . Now they are reaping for their misdeeds as they face a water deficient land !

Kerala lies close to the equator, compared to other Indian provinces. A pleasant and equitable climate characterise this Nature blessed land. This is because of the state’s proximity to the sea and the presence of the fort Western Ghats on the east. Kerala would have been an arid land, if not for the Western Ghats which prevent this wind from entering the land. Kerala used to get copious rain ( almost 3000 mm ) in a year. Earlier the temperature used to range from 28 degrees to 32 degrees ( Now it is 42 degrees ) on the plains and 20 degrees in the highlands. The Highlands of Kerala, tourist attraction centers, enjoy a cool and invigorating climate the year-round.

Now the time is ripe for the South West Monsoon, which begins from the end of May or early June, with the advent of the South West Monsoon Winds. Torrential rain characterise this phase. Being the first state to be hit by the monsoon winds and lying on the windward side of the mighty Western Ghats, Kerala receives immense rains.

85% of the rains received in Kerala are due to the monsoons. Monsoon Tourism will take off from June onwards. The slopes of the Western Ghats are amongst the regions in India which receive great rains. The South West Monsoon in Kerala lasts till the end of September.



Article by G Kumar, astrologer, writer & programmer of
www.keralaheritages.com He has 25 years psychic researchexperience in the
esoteric arts. He gives free tips at www.eastrovedica.net and stock market
investment advice can be got at www.stockmarketastrology.com

The Global Green Initiative

The Earth Charter is an international declaration of fundamental values for building a sustainable society. Humanity is called upon to create a global partnership to protect the Environment, human rights, human development and sustainable living.

The Ark of the Gaia Covenant means protecting Gaia, the Earth, the Mother who gave birth to mankind.

Isnt Nature the first teacher of Man ? Didnt Man first experience the Divine in the stillness of the woods ?

In Natural Philosophy, Sankhya, Universal Nature and Universal Time are the two main principles which are responsible for the world.

Time is the Creator, Time is the Preserver, Time is the Destroyer and Universal Nature is His beloved consort !
(Sarvam Kalena srijyanthe, Sarvam Kalena Palayanthe, Sarvam Kalena Samhriyante ).

Time is the all consuming Power
Of mighty Absolute !
The foolish Ego thinks it is the doer
But is afraid of Time !

Prabhavam Paurusham Prahuh
Kala meke yatho bhayam
Ahankara vimoodatma
Karthaham iti manyate


It is time for us to give Nature Her due !

Theology or Anti Paganism tries to convert people into dogmatic and superstitiious believers of an extra cosmic God ! It is time for us to choose between the forces of Darkness and the forces of Light. This is the Golden Age of Enlightenment and the ignorant have no place in the Age of Enlightenment !





Considered as India’s biggest and first social reality show, the Green Kerala Express is a successful S R show, by DD-25, the state run Malayalam channel.

There is a grand jury consisting of Dr Kannan, Dr Vineetha Menon, Dr RVG Menon, Nirmala Sanu George and Heli, and the 1223 Panchayats, the Corporations and the Municipalities of Kerala will get immense publicity. It has received 250 entries so far from the residents of Kerala. A whopping 213,000 USD will be awarded to the best Corporation, Panchyath and Municipality, after 100 days of intense competition. Projects will be selected and there will be video documentation. The leaders of Panchayats who are selected will have to answer the learned Jury’s questions. The august assembly or audience can vote via text messages.

By Green is meant Sustainable Agriculture, Organic Farming, water conservation, health, food and social security, eco friendly homes, atmospheric non pollution, education, energy, housing and women’s empowerment, in a land burdened by overpopulation and scarce resources.

There are some good examples like a village that renounced pesticides for Organic Farming. Waste was converted into biofuel by one village’s initiative , and another village replaced incandescent bulbs with CFL bulbs. Another village used Bio Gas for cooking on a large scale. Another village which solved its potable water problem was highlighted. Due to the Matsya Kerala ( Fish Kerala ) Program, another village led in fish production The Panchayaths distribute fish feed and small fish free of cost and the fish tanks become productive tanks. One fish farmer reported getting aid from Panchayat and got INR 200 bucks per kilo fish, after seven months of breeding fish. ( India with 7 million tonnes of fish production lags behind China’s 49 million. 50% of India’s production is from inland farming or Aquaculture ). Poverty alleviation and rural sustainability are the needs of the hour.

The Green Initiative is spreading worldwide and will sweep the world.

Education or Wisdom is great and is the teacher of teachers ( Vidya Guroonam Guru ). It is time India invested in R & D in Agri and educated her people about both Bio Technology and Organic Farming and the necessity of keeping the land green and improved her agri infrastructure. Now there is an awakening and 32 lakh trees were planted initially. 2000 trees were planted at the Trichur Medical College Healing Garden and 200 gooseberry seedlings were planted by Oushadi, the state’s Ayurvedic arm at the nearby Santhvana Vana. More than 10 million trees will be planted in Kerala ! Let us hope that the Green Initiative taken by highly literate Kerala will be followed by other states.

I hope they include Bio Dynamics and Astro Meteorology as part of Organic Farming, which is a part of traditional wisdom.

The Vedic Astro Calender

As the Sun entered the 15th degree of Taurus, Edava Pathi began in right earnest. When I woke up at 0230 AM ( 29/05/2010), it was raining cats and dogs.

The rains must have continued for one hour. It was accompanied by lightning. Let us hope that Global Warming has not triggered Climate Change to that extent and we will be receiving some rains !

Unlike the Gregorian Calender, the Vedic Astro Calender gives the positions of the celestial bodies. For instance, today is Edavam 15th and we know that the Sun is in the 15th degree of Taurus. Today the Calender shows Thrikketta, which means that the Moon is in the constellation of Thrikketta and is in Scorpio. The Calender gives the Jnattuvelas and the Rohini Jnattuvela started on the 25th. So we are in Edava Pathi, in the midst of Rohini Jnattuvela. Rains will be sporadic but will accelerate as Makiryam, Thiruvathira, Punartham and Pooyam Jnattuvelas take over.

The Western Calender is based on the Tropical Zodiac ( from the First degree of Aries to the 360th degree of Pisces ) and we find that the Vernal Equinoctial Point recedes one degree every 72 years. ( This is the astro phenomenon of the Precession of the Equinoxes ) Hence in the Tropical Zodiac, the First Point of Aries moves ! The Vedic Calender is based on the Sidereal Zodiac and is counted from the First Degree of Beta Aries ( Aswini ) to the 360th degree of Zeta Piscium ( Revathi ).

As the First Point of Aries moves in the Tropical Zodiac, some adjustments should be done in the Western Calender. Pope Gregory modified the Julian Calender by 12 days and the present Calender came to be known after him - the Gregorian Calender. Seasons were changing and Western astronomers were worried. So Pope Gregory added 12 more days to the Julian Calender ! Like, today is Oct 2nd and tomorrow is Oct 14th !

The Vedic Calender, as it is based on the constellations of the fixed stars or rather the Sidereal Zodiac, is static and does not change. All Indian Astrology is Sidereal.

So we find that, to the man of Wisdom, the Gregorian Calender is of no use. The Vedic gives all astro information and is informative indeed !

The Vedic Calender was proved right again as it rained for 90 minutes here in Trichur, from 0300 AM onwards ( 31/05/2010). When I woke up at 3, it was raining cats and dogs of all descriptions.

Even though Global Warming had triggered Climate Change, we can expect 50% of the rains. We used to get 100% rains, say 10 years ago. Even though rains are less, the V C says we will get rains and that sporadic rains will continue till November !

The Vedic Calender gives the dates of the solar months from Mesha ( Aries ) to Meena ( Pisces ). It also gives the lunations from the First Lunation ( Prathama ) to the Last Lunation ( Amavasya ). It also gives the dates for the Hindu lunar months.

The Vedic Lunar Months are lunar months based on Full Moon.

In the first month of Aries ( Mesha ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Chitra and hence it is called Chaitra

In the next month of Taurus (Vrishabha) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Vishakha and hence it is called Vaishakha

In the next month of Gemin ( Mithuna) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Jyeshta and hence it is called Jyeshta

In the next month of Cancer (Kataka ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Ashada and hence it is called Ashada

In the next month of Leo ( Chingam ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Sravana and hence it is called Sravana

In the next month of Virgo ( Kanya ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Bhadrapada and hence it is called Bhadrapada

In the next month of Liibra ( Thula ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Aswini and hence it is called Ashwin

In the next month of Scorpio ( Vrischika ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Karthika and hence it is called Karthik

In the next month of Sagittarius ( Dhanus ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Mrigasira and hence it is called Margashirsha

In the next month of Capricorn ( Makara ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Pushya and hence it is called Pusha

In the next month of Aquarius ( Kumbha ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Makha and hence it is called Magh

In the next month of Pisces ( Meena ) the Full Moon occurs on the constellation of Phalguna and hence it is called Phalguna

Indian Astronomy IV

Ahargana is defined as the no of days elapsed after the start of the Iron Age, the Kali Yuga, which began on 3102 BC.

Kali Era = English Era +3102

The no of days elapsed from Kali Start was 1822903 on 01/01/1890.

Hence

Ahargana, d = ( xdate - 01/01/1980 ) + 1822903

where xdate is the date of birth.

This Ahargana is printed on every V A Horoscope. All calculations in Indian Astronomy are based on Ahargana. Ahas means day in Sanskrit and gana means calculation.

The present Kali Era is therefore

3102 + 2010 = 5112

The difference between the Malayalam & English eras are 825. Malayalam Era is 1185 now and if you add 825 to Malayalam Era, you get English Era.

Malayalam Era + 825 = English Era

The Julian Calender used the value 365.25 d ( days ) for year and was proved erroneous. There were 10 days difference and the Gregorian Calender, the present day Calender, came into being. Gregorian uses 365.2425 d for year. The Gregorian is also not perfect, as the Tropical Zodiac is moving, and may be subject to correction after some years. The actual value of the year is

year = 365.256362424815 d

with twelve decimals. In my early days of progam development, I used two decimals and there were many days of difference. This value is given by Sir Simon Newcombe, according to Western Learning and Aryabhata, according to Indian learning.

In Indian Astronomy, the great Jupiter - Saturn perturbation, is calculated using the formula given below.

The Kali year, ky, is calculated and 4660 is deducted from it to get the kyb, the kali year balance. Its Bhujamsa,x is calculated using the Equation of Bhuja and then its Bhujajya ( Sin x ) is calculated to get the value of Manda Phala, a.

Mathematically, it can be written as

Y, (Year of Birth) + 3102 = ky, the Kali Year of Birth

kyb ( kali year balance ) = ( ky - 4660 )

x = kyb*360/918

b, bhujajya = sin(x)

Since the duration is 918 years and perturbation amplitude is 1187 seconds,

Manda Phala, a = sin(x) * 1187

( Example - My year of birth is 1955. Add 3102 and we get 5057. Less 4660 is 397. 397*360/918 is 155.6 and its Bhujamsa is 25 degrees roughly ( 180-155). So Sin (25 ) is 0.41. Manda Phala, therefore is 0.41*1187 seconds or Vikalas. )

This value, Manda Phala, a is added to Jupiter’s mean longitude, if Jove’s long is less than 180 and subtracted if Jove’s long is greater than 180.

In the West, this discovery is attributed to Laplace. The duration of the perturbation of 918 years is known as Laplace period. Its amplitude of .332 degrees is similar to the Indian value of 1187 seconds.

Laplace gives the equation 2 nj - 5 ns + constant, bringing to light the 5:2 Resonance in the orbits of the two celestial giants. 2 revolutions of Saturn = 5 revolutions of Jupiter = 60 years !

Rains galore as Sun transits Alpha Orionis !

Kerala Astrology has a unique method of predicting weather cycles using the apparent solar transits or the real Earth's transits of the Sidereal Zodiac.

This time Kerala has got plenty of rains and we can hopefully expect a 4.5% agri growth. The ancient astronomers of India used to say that rains will be in plenty during the apparent solar transit of Alpha Orionis.
( Thiruvathira Thiru Thakriti ).

There are seven major Njattuvelas, in which good rains are expected. They are

Karthika
Rohini
Makriyam
Thiruvathira
Punartham
Pooyam
Ayilyam


Rains will be galore during these transits of the Earth through the constellations of Eta Tauri to Alpha Cancri. These transits occur from the 15th of May to the 15th of August.

There are many sayings in Malayalam which deal with these rain procuring Njattuvelas.

Rains will be incessant during Thiruvathira ( Thiri muriyathe peythu nirayunna Thiruvathira )
You can spit even before Deity during Thiruvathira ( Thiruvathirakku thiru muttathu thuppam )
The waters of Thiruvathira will be gorgeous ( Thiruvathira vellam thiruvonam kande pokoo )


While other solar transits take 13.33 days, this time Thiruvathira is the longest, taking 15 days, as the solar transit of Gemini ( Mithuna) is 32 days.

The ancients believed that it was nectar that rained during Thiruvathira. Every day's rain have medicinal value. The ancients used to store the Thiruvathira rainwater and use it for Ayurvedic medicines. Maximum rains will be there during this transit and the paddy fields will be overflowing ! " 101 rains, 101 sunlight ", " 7.5 rains, 7,5 sunlight " - Such phrases point out to the 50:50 proportion of rainy and sunny interludes which grace Thiruvathira.

The Njattuvela before Karthika, is good for digging wells. The wells dug during the Karthika Njattuvela ( when the Sun transits the Pleiades ), will be everlasting as their water will not dry up. ( Karthika kalil kakkakalu nananjal
mukkathil mukkum ).

The seeds planted after Rohini Njattuvela ( Alpha Tauri ) need only little care. ( Rohinikappuram vitha kuruchu mathi ). Meaning you can get the fruits effortlessly.

Heavy rains will lash during the Earth's transit of Lamda Orionis ( Makirythil Mazha Madhichu ).
Fierce rains to be expected during the Earth's tranist of Beta Geminorum ( Punarthathil pulappikkunna mazha ) ( Punartha thadiyan poozhi therippikkum ). ( Punarthathil poozhan keruka ).
Good rains also during the Earth's transit olf Delta Cancri ( Pooyathil pothumpurahtum nellu ). ( Pooyathil mazha peythal pullum nellu ).
Unexpected rains during the Earth's transit of Alpha Cancri ( Ayilya kallan akatho puratho ). The day may look bright and sunny and there will be unexpected downpours catching you unawares.

The Njattuvelas are good if they are born at night. The birth of ten Njattuvelas during daytime is considered to be inauspicious. ( Pathu Njattuvela pirannal palem kuthi erakkum ). If the Monsoon fails, if the Njattuvelas fail, there wil be famine and drought !

The major Four Seasons of the Western System ( spring, summer, autumn and winter ) and the six seasons of the Indian system ( vasanta, greeshma, varsha, sharat, hemanta, sisira ) are caused by the apparent solar transits or the real Earth's transits of the Constellational Zodiac. To the seeker of Absolute Truth, the Njattuvelas are more comprehensive and minute and is worth studying, to understand Weather Cycles !

Saturday, August 07, 2010

India pull off spectacular win !



Set to score 258 by a strong Lankan side, India was in the doldrums at 57/3 and 62/4 ! Then the Indian batsmen went in for a strong rear guard action and emerged victorious. Full marks to Laxman ( 103 no), Sachin ( 54) and Raina *( 41 no ).

This is one of the greatest wins ever. When it was 57/3, we all thought that India was facing the music. To play Mendis and Ranadiv on the last days of the Test is disconcerting to many. But not for Laxam, Sachin and Raina.

Raina proved that he is world class material again today with a majestic 41 no. When Sachin fell at a 171, India had won half the battle. Laxman was all wristy excellence and he scored one of the greatest character innings centuries to bring victory for India. The series is drawn at 1-1.

The Indian team had a point to prove to its detractors. Indian batting line up was earlier defined as one of the best and now that reputation had taken a lot of battering. Today's performance confounded those who dismissed it as a depleted line-up ! There were only four batsmen left at 62/4 and three batsmen rose to the occasion to defend India's reputation ! The experience of Sachin and Laxman showed the way. Also the potential of Raina. Trevor Bailey used to say that it is pressure, " it is the situation " which will take a toll of psyche and nerves of all those involved ! Laxman battled the great pressure and with aid from Sachin and Raina, pulled off one of the best wins ever !

Laxman defied cramps and played the sheet anchor role and was as solid as the Rock of Gibraltar. Raina smote Welegedara for a mighty six to seal the fate of Sri Lanka.

257 was a difficult score to chase and India suffered some reverses early on as Sehwag, Vijay, Dravid and Ishant went out cheap. India were in dire straits at 62/4, but then a glorious 109 partnership between Sachin and Laxman changed the complexion of the game.

Sachin had his moments of luck, when he was dropped by T Dilshan off Ranadiv. He was 18 then but he recovered his poise and cracked yet another fifty. He jumped down the track and hit Ranadiv for a mighty four. Laxman, the grand touch artist that he is, leaned forward to a Mendis delivery and turned it to leg for four, thus notching the 50 run partnership between the two which came off 92 balls.

India were comfortably placed at 145/4, but when Tendulkar fell, there was angst in the Indian camp. But Raina disproved all fears as he gave great support to the wristy genius, Laxman. Sachin was dismissed when he gloved a Ranadiv flighter to the wicket keeper. But Laxman's sang-froid and coolness ensured that the great dismissal of Sachin did no harm to India's hopes ! Laxman continued his wristy work and was comfortable, as he was partnered by the inform Raina.

Laxman was adjudged Man of the Match and Sehwag the Man of the Series !

India keeps the numero uno position in Test matches !

Wednesday, August 04, 2010

Sehwag and Sachin rescue India




India were 180/2, with Sachin on 40 and Sehwag on 97, in reply to Sri Lank's 425.

Ojha took 4wickets and Ishant 3 and SL were all out for 425. India can still retain the No 1 position.

Sehwag was dropped at 52 by Angelo Mathews and this lapse may prove costly. Sachin survived a scare when he edged Ranadiv just past slip.In Fortress Lanka, Lanka scoring 425 is a bit low by SL standards. India can still pull the match out of the Lankan hands ! Let us watch and see tomorrow. 3 runs more and Sehwag will complete yet another century and where is Sachin headed to ?

When the SL bowlers found swing and was threatening the Indian batsmen, Sehwag cut loose with three consecutive fours of Welegedara, the man who had dismissed him in the Galle Test twice. The SL bowlers tried to trap Sehwag with short pitched deliveries but the Indian opener was too smart for that. He slammed Welegedara over midwicket and square leg and runs flowed off his bat. Mathews also had tried to trap Sehwag but couldnt find success, as the Indian powerhouse was at his belligerent best !

Sehwag targeted Welegdera and blasted him for nine fours. Demon fast bolwer Malinga tried to keep Sehwag quiet with some bouncers but Sehwag hit him for a glorious punched backfoot drive past the umpire ! Malinga did bowl a fiery spell and tried to trap Sehwag with the slower delivery but to no avail !

The host had their successes when they dismissed M Vijay and Dravid cheap. If Mathews had held on to that catch, India would have been in dire straits. Now the Indian morale is up, with Sehwag on 97 no and Sachin on 40 no !