Friday, December 24, 2010

My trip to Vypeen Islands





Yesterday I had a software installation in Kochi. So I reached Kochi and installed the software in minutes.

When I got out of the Office on Marine Drive, it was 1100 AM. I took a boat to Vypeen Islands. This is my first trip to Vypeen. I had studied at Kochi, at Ernakulam, when I did my PDC, in 1970 and 71. Now Kochi looks vastly different.

The Boat Jetty has been improved by a new building. There are frequent ferry trips to Mattancherry and Fort Kochi. I got a boat to Vypin at 1200 PM. It went via Willingdon Island, an artificial island carved out by Willingdon.

As we neared W Island, one can see the Taj Malabar, the five star hotel. Then the boat moved towards Vypeen.

We can see the giant gantry cranes of Vallarpadam very nearby. Vallarpadam is an island on the Wembanad Lake and is the site of the International Container Transhipment Terminal. The ICTT will be functional within six months time.

The Vypin boat jetty needs a lot of improvement. Near the boat jetty is the Vypeen Bus Stand.

It is a glorious view from Vypeen. We can see Fort Kochi on the other side. Taj Malabar on W Island looked a bit far and Vallarpadam is nearby !.

I then took a bus to Njarakkal, another tourist center. We have a beach at Njarakkal, but the facilities are not developed. Construction of the roads are underway.

There is an Aquatic Club at Njarakkal. You can fish there on the brackish water fish farm. They charge 150 INR per ticket. You can get gorgeous sea food, from the Sea Food Restaurant there. The Aquatic Club is manned by Matsya Fed.

From Njarakkal, I took a bus to the famous Cherai Beach. The beach is a beautiful sight and there are hotels and bars nearby. Cherai Beach seems to be better developed than Njarakkal. I saw more than 50 Westerners, some taking sun bath and others enjoying the sea.

From Cherai, I came to Trichur via the bus route. Last time I had crossed via Jungar, from Munambam ( Ernakulam ) to Azheekode ( Trichur ). This time I came to Kodungalloor without crossing via ferry. There were three bridges, which include the famous Kottappuram bridges, to cross. I reached Trichur within one hour.

Even though I had studied in Kochi, I had not seen the islands fully before. Hence this trip made me more knowledgeable about the spots which are going to develop, as the ICTT becomes operational within June 2011.

Friday, December 3, 2010

Yoga Tourism In Kerala




Yoga Therapy has been hailed the world over. Yuj means to unite and Yoga is Union with the Absolute Being.

Yoga is the Science of Man !


Know then thyself, presume not God to scan
The proper study of Mankind is Man !
Placed in the isthmus of a middle state
A being rudely great
With too much knowledge for the sceptic's side
And too many weaknesses for the Stoic's pride
He hangs between !



Yoga is a systematic study of man in his threefold aspect, as Mind, Body and Self. It is the Arts Artium or the Art of all arts and the Scientia Scientiarum, the science of all sciences. It is based on hoary Indian wisdom and culture and is the art of living a healthy, contented, balanced and peaceful life.

The Eightfold Path of Yoga is

Yama Conditional personal and social behaviour, according to Yogic Law
Niyama Attitutue under Yoga norms
Asana Physical Body discipline
Pranayama Breath Control
Pratyahara Senses control
Dharana Concentration
Dhyana Meditation
Samadhi Transcendental Consciousness

The first five are called Hatha Yoga, as it is culturing the physique. The last three are called Raja or Regal Yoga, as it deals with the culturing of the psyche. The first Five represent the Psychosomatic Approach and are referred to External or Bahirangi Yoga. The latter three affects the psyche and are known as Internal or Antaranga Yoga. It is to be noted that the Internal Yoga cannot be done without doing the External Yoga, as purification of body is a prerequisite for Self Actualisation. " Sareeram Adhyam Khalu Dharma Sadhanam", the body is the vehicle for Redemption !


Yoga and TM trigger the Relaxation Response and relaxes you completely. Gone are the strains and the stresses of relativistic life. The physical exercises called Asanas combats stress and keeps the body flexible.


The three physical states of Doing, Thinking and Being are highlighted in Yoga. All that we see is nothing but Universal Matter or Energy, the Adhibouthika aspect of Relative Being. All minds together is the Universal Mind and this is the Adhi Daivata aspect of the Supreme. These are all the manifestations of the Unmanifest and this is Brahman, the Absolute, transcending all relativities.

The destructible aspect is called Adhibootha
He who tenants the body, the Purusha, is Adhi Daivata
Being Absolute is Brahman called
These three are the triune states of Being. ( The Song Celestial, the Geetha )


We can transcend all relativities and reach the Absolute Self, via this great Science of Cosmic Union. This is the union mystica, envisaged by the mystic traditions of all other countries


Some of the Yoga Centers in Kerala which you can visit on Kerala Tours are


Transcendental Meditation Center, Poonkunnam, Trichur

Atmadarshan Yoga-Dhama - Ayur Health Center Fort, Vanciyoour, Sreekaneteswaram & Taycaud in Trivandrum - Dr D Sreekantan Nair Email intyoga(at)yahoo.com

Yoga Holidays at Edakkad Beach Houses, Edakkad Village Beach, Kerala. Email pam(at) bodybalancefunction.co.uk

Hatha Vidya Gurukulam - Neernamukku, Vadakkethara, Pazhayannur, Trichur, Kerala.

International Vasishta Yoga Research Foundation - Calicut, Kerala, S India, 673010. vaiyoga(at) yahoo.co.in

Kaivalyam Retreat, Moolakada, Pallivasal, Munnar, Kerala, 685612

Kasi Yoga Anushtana Kendram, Tulasivanam, N Kurakkanni Jn, Varkala. kasiyoga(at) gmail.com

School of Shanti Yoga, TC 15/1572, M P Appan Road, Vazhuthacaud, Trivandrum 695 014, Kerala. santhischool(at) yahoo.co.in

Sivasoorya Divine School of Yoga, Surya, Vellayani PO, Kerala. info(at)sivasoorya.org

Thulasidalam School of Yoga, Tulasidalam Sree Rama Yogashram, Thelliyoor PO, Near Thiruvalla, Kerala. indiayoga(at)gmail.com

Yoga Vidya Peetham, Varkala Beach in Kerala during winters and Dharmasala during summers. info(at) hathayoga-meditation.com



Sivananada Yoga Vedanta Centre in Trivandrum;

Kollam Yoga Kendra, Uilyakoil, I

deal Yoga Centre Manaltheeram Yoga Centre,

Jawahar Balabhavan and Holistic Eastern Advance Research Temple (Heart) in Kollam;

Prajapathi Yoga center, Kacheripady,

Life Yoga Center, Edapally, Adithya Yoga Institute, Thrikkakara,

Pathanjali Naturopathy & Yoga Clinic, Kaloor

Kerala Yoga Centre, in Kochi, Kerala India.



You can visit these centers and feel the holistic positive energy. Enjoy the healing, divine touch of Yoga.

Ayurvedic Tourism or Medical Tourism





The application of these oils to the body by trained masseurs can give immense stress release to the patient. Various ailments like spondylitis, back injuries, sprains and muscle injuries also can be cured by Ayurvedic massages. You can experience the healing powers of Ayurveda. How true it is said that there is no earthly sorrow which Heaven cannot heal. ( Ayurveda is a heavenly science, as it is Veda, cognised by the Seers in higher states of Consciousness ).

Best suited for Ayurveda's restorative and curative programs are Kerala's equitable climate, natural abundance of forests with a wealth of herbs and medicinal plants and the cool Monsoons season from June to September. Kerala is the only state now in India which practises this ancient, hoary science with dedication. You can rejuvenate your body, mind and soul in the Monsoon Season by taking Ayurvedic treatment at least once in your lifetime in the green ambience of Kerala !

Body rejuvenation treatment can be taken for 7 days or for 14 or 28 days.


Rejuvenation Therapy ( Rasayana Chikitsa )

Two masseurs massage your body with medicated oil and cream, internal rejuvenative medicines and medicated steam bath. This therapy is for 2 hours per day in a treatment period of 7 days. This therapy tones up the skin, strengthens all systems and rejuvenates your body and mind.

Body Purification Therapy ( Shodana Chikitsa )

According to Ayurveda, three humours, vata, pitta and kapha should be in equilibrium and their disequilibrium is disease. Disease means a lack of ease. In Body Purification Therapy, body massages, medicated purgatives, detoxification using enema, steam bath are all done. Herbal drinks and internal herbal medicines are taken in.


The Sree Guruvayurappan Nursing Home in Guruvayur, www.sganh.com and www.ayurtoday.com is one of the oldest of Ayurvedic institutions. Another one is www.zamorins.com.

Ayurveda in Kerala



The Kottakkal Pharmacy, Arya Vaidya Sala and Somatheertham Ayurvedic Resorts are some of the institutions which champion the cause of the Science of Life, Ayurveda, in Kerala.

Ayurveda - The True Health Care

A perfect, ancient science of Life and health care, Ayur means Life and Veda means science. This branch of Medicine succintly explains the scientia of dos and donts one has to follow to lead a holistic healthy life, is holistic in approach, and is good for both physique and psyche. It is curative and restorative and highlights the principle that Prevention is better than Cure.

The prophylactic wing of Ayurveda is known as Naturopathy, even though naturopaths differ about the origin of Naturopathy.


Ayurvedic Theory - The Five Great Elements

The Pancha Maha Bhootas or the Five Great Elements are the basis of not only Life, but of the Universe. Both the Macrocosm ( Universe ) and Microcosm ( Man ) are made up of the Elemental Five, Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Ether. Good equilibrium between the Elemental Five results in good health. On the other hand, disequilibrium is disease.

When the harmony of the Elemental Five is disturbed, the body goes into a state of negative health and this is where the Ayurvedic masseur or the physician steps in. Massage is the most common form of Ayurvedic Therapy and ayurvedic masseurs can be found everywhere. Essential oils and extracts of healing herbs are used in the formulation of Ayurvedic massage oils.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Kerala cuisine is spicy




This standard Keralite breakfast is in tea stalls or corner cafes, where men take in the chai and breakfast, read the morning newspaper and debate over the latest political news. In larger towns and cities, a more generic South Indian breakfast is popular. This is based on the dishes originally devised in the Karnatka pilgrimage center called Udipi. Deep fried savoury doughnuts made of chickpea flur called Vada, and circular steamed rice cakes, called iddlis are served. They come along with Sambar, a sour and hot watery broth or mushed together with chutni, a paste made with ground coconut and chopped green or red chillies.

These idli-vada-sambar breakfasts are available on all hotels and tea stalls, particulary in urban Kerala. All round the clock in railways and bus stations, but then by 1100 AM, they switch to their lunchtime menu.

In the resorts of Kovalam and Varkala, toast, omlettes, museli and banana pancakes are served to the international and domestic tourists. Bread and espresso are available, along with furit salads, veg and non veg cultets.

If you are in a three star hotel, you can get Western food along with the Eastern. Buffetts rule the roost and you can get Western, Chinese or Oriental cuisine, as you prefer.

Midday Meals

Boiled rice, taken along with moru ( buttermilk ) or rasam ( pepper water in which tomatoes are boiled, a sort of soup ), and a wide variety of bolied vegetables constitute the midday meal. Mixed with hot spices, pachadi is a glorious dish, cooked as it is with tiny pieces of mango and mixed with spices. Pulses prepared with vegetables is Sambar, which is more or a less a must for the Keralite. Another dish is thoran, a coconut based dry fish dish. It is mixed with minutely chopped vegetables. Pappadams, crunchy round flakes made up of rice flour and pickles ( mango, lime, fish, prawn, pork, sardine, garlic, tender mango etc ) are a must for the Keralite.

In Islamic establishments, wheat preparations are available. Made from refined flour, parottas and pathiris are spirals, fried in oils and served with curries. Chappattis and pooris are also made from wheat and these are available in almost all hotels in Kerala.

Great Snacks

Abundance of jackfruits, pineapples, mangoes, bananas and custard apples grace Kerala. Alongside evening coffee, snacks like jackfruit or bananachips, and rice flour cookies called Achappam are served normally.

Kerala Cuisine





Kerala, the Land of Spices, is famous for its cuisine. Traditionally, food is served on a banana leaf, but some now serve it on steel plates. Kerala is known for its spicy and hot foods. The Keralite takes food with the right hand.

Almost every dish prepared has coconut and spices to flavour the local cuisine. The use of tamarind heightenes the pungency and coconut gives its richness. Tender coconut water, a natural product in the Land of Coconuts, can be a threat to Coke and Pepsi, as it is a nutritious and refreshing quencher of thirst. Banana chips are to the Keralite mind what potato fries are to the American. Jackfruit chips, banana chips and the crunchy Papadam can give French Fries a run for their money any day.





Kerala cuisine is a mixture of meats, vegetables and seafood flavoured with a variety of spices. The main diet of Coastal Kerala is Seafood and vegetables in the plains of Kerala. Amongst tribals and North Kerala, meat is the main food.




Rice, the main food

Daily diet is mainly rice. Idlis or doshas, rice pancakes, are the main breakfast. Also vadas. Lunch, breakfast or dinner, it is rice preparation of rice in many aspects, served along with a variety of fish. Crustaceans, shrimps, lobsters, prawns are some of the other delicacies.



Breakfast and Morning Meals

Keralites are early risers, particularly women in the villages, who start the day with chai ( tea ) before their daily chores which consist of grinding rice, coconuts and spices for the daily meals. When the kids are up breakfast starts and consits of Poottu - cylinders of roughly pounded rice and coconut steamed together in hollowed out bamboos. Appams or cupped rice pancakes which are soft in the center and sweet bananas are served. A cup of warm tea, along with egg masala, a tasty gravy based on onions and eggs , which is poured over the poottu or appam and eaten with the fingers.

Kerala, hot spot for Monsoon Tourism




The joy of the monsoons can be seen on everybody's face. Kids dancing in the streets, elders enjoying rains from the balconies of their flats or the sit outs of their homes and women preparing hot vadas and coffee are symbols of the first monsoon rain. Also the sight of people enjoying a common umbrella on the public place. Gone are the days of blistering heat in a tropical country !

A sharp fall in the number of tourists during the Monsoon was the phenomenon of the past. Now Kerala Tourism is working on a new Monsoon campaign to attract tourist during the monsoon season which starts from May 29 and ends on 16th of December ( from Rohini Njattuvela to Thrikketa Njattuvela ). Monsoons in Kerala are the most tantalising in India. With green ambience and plenty of rains, Kerala is the most sought after destination during the rainy season. The state is promoting Ayurvedic or Medical Tourism. The best season for Ayurvedic Healthcare is this season which stretches from June to Decemeber end.

Kerala is fast capturing the attention of international tourists as the prime destination for Monsoon Tourism. With its abundant water reservoirs of natural lakes and waterfalls, the North East region of Kerala is also fast emerging as a hot monsoon destination amongst local as well as international tourists.

Kerala Tourism is working on a schedule of events, which include a Monsoon Food Festival, a Monsoon Music Festival and a Monsoon Theatre Festival to capture the attention of the international tourist. A Monsoon Folklore Festival is also planned, as many of Kerala's diverse arts and folk traditions are associated with the Monsoon.


The romance of the Monsoons, with its green ambience and landscapes and its abundant rains, which have been rhapsodized thoroughout the ages in poetry and music, can be promoted as a "unique" tourist attraction. Special Tourism Packages have been initiated by the Confederation of Indian Industry to cater to the needs of the monsoon season travellers, as monsoons in India are exquisite. Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttaranchal and Sikkim have also been promoted as Monsoon Tourism attraction by the CII. These schemes will result in the Government getting more foreign exchange and provide employment opportunities to locals, as tourism is the numero uno industry in the world.

The two major Monsoons

The South West Monsoon

Known locally as Kala Varsham, the SW Monsoon starts from May 29th, when the Sun enters the 15th degree of Taurus ( Edava Pathi ). Fierce rains characterise this period which stretches upto the end of sidereal month of Leo or the 16th of September. Then we have the sidereal month of Virgo, which is the No Man's Land between the two major - South West and North East Moonsoons !\

The North East Monsoon

Known locally as Thula Varsham, the NE Monsoon starts from the 17th of October and lasts till 16th of December. This is the Retreating Monsoon, as cold winds, travelling at more than 20 kts, pick up moisture from the Bay of Bengal and pours over peninsular India.

The solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts today





Today is the day when the Thrikketta Njattuvela or the solar transit of Alpha Scorpi starts. This is the Retreating Monsoon or the Thula Varsha and this Njattuvela may signal the end of the Monsoon season.


The word Monsoon itself makes one happy. The intoxicating smell of the dry parched earth drenched, the splashing waters makes monsoons the favourite season in Kerala. Kerala has been defined as Tropical Wet by the German climatologist Koppen and Monsoon is a refreshing change from the long summer months, when scorching heat and dust ruled the roost. The farmers get relief from the draught like situation and the promise of the rains which heralds prosperity. Enjoy the monsoons of Kerala under Monsoon Tourism.

Never to be wasted indoors is this enchanting seasons of raindrops and rainbows. Monsoon gives everything to you in fresh as the special season of the year. Monsoon is not all packed up in rain coats. On the contrary, they are fun time. Splashing and swimming in knee deep waters and getting wet are some of the pastimes intended for you by the grace of the monsoons. You can take out an Ayurvedic Vacation during Monsoon. Monsoon is the season recommended by Ayurveda for Rejuvenation Therapy. You can rejuvenate your soul and replenish your body during the Monsoon season. Monsoon is the true season for rejuvenation, when people take ayurvedic remedies, detoxificaton etc to purge the body of toxins and rejuvenate the tissues. Various diseases can be cured, if the body is detoxified and rejuvenated, averrs Ayurveda.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Eco Tourism in Kerala





There are many number of definitions of Ecotourism,
each highlighting different aspects. It is to be noted
that different parameters emerged in common to all eco
tourism developmental initiatives.

Eco Tourism may be defined as that

Which is based on Nature
Where interpretation and education are important
components
Which is sustainable ecologically
Which benefits the local people.

If any of these components are not satisfied, such a
venture cannot be classified as an Eco Tourism venture !

Tourism, without well thought out plans and managed
programs, can mean the destruction of the natural habitat.
Also the cultural shock concomitant with interaction with
various cultures can also put the locals in danger.

Stipulation of certain standarss and awareness campaigns
amongst tour operators and travel agents reduces considerably
this impact. Eco Tourism,therefore, is considered as a solution
to tourism related environmental problems.

The region of the Western Ghats of Kerala, with its tropical
forest ecocystem, provides the natural advantage for this
division of InternationalTourism. In order to develop the
immense potential of Kerala Tourism, our tourism products
diversification is essential. Hence Western Ghats can be
projected as the Eco Tourism Zone of Kerala. Eco Tourism
adumbrates the concept of sustainability in Tourism. Future
generatoins are protected, as the needs of the now a day
visitor is transformed with Green Education !


The Present Situation

The major tourism destinations can be classified as beaches,
wild life sanctuaries, backwaters, hill stations, and festivals
which represent culture. Kerala will have to upgrade its products
and provide infrastructural facilities. There is no system at
present through which the public can see the forest and have a
lasting,quality experience. The visits to sanctuary, which is
widely practised now, cannot be called as ecotourism. It is
only mass tourism to a sanctuary. A more concentrated strategy,
which is small group oriented and supply driven, is the need of
the hour.

Those in charge should provide education and provision for
learning process for the tourists, as Tourism needs close
monitoring in an ecologically sensitive area.It is imperative
that Tourism be ecologically sustainable. The economic benefit
should benefit the locals to ensure sustainability.

Eco Tourism




Serene natural habitats are marketed and this is known as Eco Tourism, a branch of International Tourism. Nature and her pristine beauty is highlighted and Tourism without damaging Nature is encouraged.

Natural Philosophy, championed by Goethe and others, point out that Nature is the main efficient cause. While God is still invisible, the only visible manifestation is Nature.

I follow two philosophers this way
It was Nature, Nature, all I heard them say ! ( The Faust - Goethe )

Aimed to provide awareness to the tourists about the wisdom of Nature and the protective functions of the forests, Eco Tourism is educational in nature.

The guide and the tourist visit the naturally beauteous areas for understanding the cultural and natural history of environment, but taking care not to change or alter the integrity of the ecosystem. At the same time, this safe tourism provides economic opportunities to the local inhabitants, who also join in the green Conservation Movement !

It can also be defined as environmentally conscious tourism and not a search of pristine locations

It has to be sustainable with the continous capacity to

Safeguard natural environment, which is the base of tourist attraction
Maintian and provide the quality of the satisfaction of the tourists , thus benefiting the locals in the area.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Climate Change and Astro Meteorology

Successive draughts, intense cold climate and floods have ravaged Bolivia. Let us hope that Kerala will not go the way of Bolivia !
That Bolivia is going towards a major Food Crisis has been highlighted by the Food and Agricultural Organisation of UN.
16000 cattle, 24000 hectares of wheat, corn fields etc will perish in Bolivia. Bolivia will not be able to absorb this crisis of a high magnitude. One fifth of Bolivia is stll reeling under the impact of Climate Change. FAO warns that all natural calamities except cyclones will have to be faced by Bolivia.
The agriculturists are always affected by Climate Change. Traditional agriculture gets destroyed by intense rains or drastic draughts. The agriculturist lives in debt and dies in debt. He is forced to stop his agriculture or fall into the debt trap !
That which is happening in Bolivia may happen in India and Kerala.
Normally Libra rains start in the evening, drizzle at night and before dawn stops raining. Now the climate patterns have changed and intense rains destroyed 5000 acres of paddy fields this season ! All seeds were destroyed and Keralites had to go to Madras to get the seeds. If the earlier patterns were followed - bright sunny days after the intense downpour - then the water would have drained itself from the paddy fields.
Heat also has changed its patterns. It is now 40 degrees at Palghat and the lowest temperature recorded is 22 degrees. In Nilgiriis, rising heat has created red spiders . 8% crop has been destroyed as a result. Red spiders attack the tea plantations which are devoid of huge trees.
There are many paddy fields in Kerala which does not produce, despite the intense work done by the agriculturists.
In Alleppey Dist, when temperature rose 1.8 degrees, there was a reduction in weight of the produce. The rising temperature during the months of January, February and March was the villain. The rice fields of Trichur and Palghat were also considerably affected.
Pepper cultivation is also affected. Weight also comes down. Also cocoa, tea etc in the highlands. In 2004, cocoa produce came down by 39%. Rubber produce declined by 3.8%. . In Kottyam, the highest temperature recorded was 33.3% and now it is 35% ! Because of intense heat and cold, more funguses made their way into rubber. Cashew has also been affected adversely by Climate Change. There is a drop in the produce by 30%. Kerala, which was first in cashewnut production, is now only fourth !
Palghat Dist, bordering Tamil Nadu, looks like the hot TN !. 41 degrees have been reported as the highest temperature. If you go to Chittoor in Palghat, you will come to know how different Palghat looks than the rest of Kerala. Paddy cultivation has come down in Palghat. Palghat gets more North East Monsoon than South West Monsoon !

Friday, November 26, 2010

Global Warming and change in climate

Climatologists are of the opinion that the quantity of rains have not come down in Kerala. On the other hand, rainy days have declined. Now there are fierce downpours and sunny interludes. Fierce rains are defined as rains which give 20 cms of rain in one hour. Such fierce rains have increased and sunny days have also increased. This Climate Change is caused by Global Warming.

In 2008, in Kuttanad, such rains created havoc, destroying crops. Such rains continued this year, during both the Monsoons, the North East and the South West. Depressions caused these rains. The snowfall in Idukki caused destruction in cardamom crops. Climatologist view these happenings as unnatural phenomena. During some years, the intensity of the South West Monsoon becomes less. Not only Kerala, but Jharkhand, Chattisghand are also adversely affected.

It is said the dogs need not check the Astro Calender to know which is the sidereal month of Virgo or Kanya. It is also proof that time for procreation and Climate are interlinked. Kanya or the sidereal month of Virgo is the interlude between the two major monsoons and is devoid of rains. Less daylight and more the duration of night characterise this sidereal month. This is the month dogs find it easy to mate. This month stimulates the procreational urge in dogs and they instinctively that this is the month for mating. The cause is attributed to the Bio Clock mechanism in dogs. Female dogs give birth only after 60/70 days. By that time the Kala Varsha or the Sourth West Monsoon will be over. The young ones will get the right atmosphere for growing. That is why Nature gave dogs such a benign month.

This year the Kala Varsha continued during the month of Kanya with the result the procreational cycle of dogs is adversely affected. The dogs ran here and thereby their mating declined ! The physiological processes of dogs is affected by Climate Change. Now dogs that are born have less weight and this phenomenon has been observed in Alsation dogs particularly.

The intensity of the rains have increased with the result fierce rains wreaked havoc on Agriculture. The rainwater does not seep through the earth and hence there are less wells and water reservoirs. Floods have increased considerably.

Another phenomenon is the retreat of the monsoons. In July/ August of 2002, less rains caused draught. It used to be 21% rainfall during June, 33% in July, 28% in August and 18% in Sep.

Now Climate Change has changed all that. More sunny interludes have been reported in July. This phenomenon has increased by 30% due to the the wind waves of the South West Monsoon going to the bottom of the Himalayas.

For the last 15 years, oreographic precipiation or rains in the hilly areas, have declined by 20%. Lesser and lesser amount of rains are reported every year.

Deforestation is the cause for less rains in Peerumedu and Nerumangalam. The mountains do block the cold wind waves coming from the Indian Ocean and cause precipitation.

In short, Global Warming's repercussions on Climate can be drastic. We hope furthur negative reports do not come from the Climatologists !

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Global Warming and its effects on Kerala



There was a CMFRI ( Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute of India ) report that Global Warming affects fish production.
Co2 emissions are more. The Carbon Dioxide combines with ocean water and forms Carbolic Acid. This increases the acidity levels of the ocean water and affects fish.
The Sea Surface Temperature (SST) goes up due to GW and this affects fish. Fish tend to go to colder areas.
The SST has gone up. In 1962, the SST was 28.3 and in 2007, it is 28.94 !
In fact, the quanity of fish has not come down. It is because of the burgeoning population - 1.2 billion in India and more consumption, that it seems to be so. Some species of fish disappeared. Some moved away to other areas.
In Kerala, from 1960 to 1984, fish production increased threefold due to technology, more education and good nets. But then after 1990, it has not gone up. After 1992, there was not much tuna catch. Mackerels catch also declined significantly. Sardines catch only increased marginally.
Catfish production also declined. Catfish has moved from Trichur but is available in Calicut District. Sharks also have disappered from the Trichur coast.
The heat above the surface of the ocean will be more before the South West Monsoon and will come down during the SW Monsoon. For the last 41 years, a different phenomenon has been observed. The temperature during the Monsoon season was 27.16 and now it is 28. 46!
Sardines are available on the Kerala coast after the Monsoons. Mackerel is available during the monsoons. The difference in temperature is responsible for this.
The difference in temperature is the cause for the change in habitat for fish. Ghee sardines and macekerels, which are found in less deep waters, move towards colder areas when they experience heat. There are also fish which move towards deeper waters. Mackerels which were never caught in deep waters before. are now available in deep waters. Different types of fish survive in different temperatures and GW changes the fish production equation !
The food which is eaten by the fish is also affected by the rise in temperature. Phytoplankton is the main food of fish. The Co2 is absorbed by Phytoplankton and food is prepared. The rising temperature destroys the Phytoplankton thus affecting the food of the fish ! Fish cannot survive due to the destruction of the Phytoplankton ! Some small plants grow rapidly due to the increasing heat, which cannot be eaten by fish ! During some seasons, phytoplanktons grow rapidy and gets destroyed. This also affects fish !
That the ocean becomes orange and red has been reported. This is due to certain phytoplanktons spreading. Some species of fish become more and some less. Poisionous plants become more and this adversely affects fish !
Let us hope GW will not devastate furthur !
G W has also affected astro meteorological patterns. Kerala received 56% more rains during this Monsoon season. Intense rains destroys crops and agri lands were indundated.

Monday, November 22, 2010

Rains lash Kerala as Sun transits Delta Scorpi




Meteorology may say it is a depression in the Bay of Bengal called La Nina which is responsible for the rains, but to those well versed in Astro Meteorology, it is the Sun's transit of Scorpio and the constellation of Delta Scorpi, which is the cause, as heavy rains lashed Trichur. From 0500 PM it was raining till 1100 PM, when I went to sleep.

According to Meteorology, La Nina is a coupled ocean-atmosphere phenomenon of El Nino, as a part of the El Nino Southern Oscillation Climate pattern. La Nina is defined as the dialectial opposite of El Nina !

These depressions happen only during the Monsoon season, when the Sun transits the constellations from Eta Tauri to Alpha Scorpi ! So Astro Meteorology is right !

Why do these depression not happen during the summer season?

Climate Change, triggered by Global Warming, is creating havoc throughout the world. Sea levels rose by 1.8 mms from 1961 to 2003. All snowy mountains are melting. Co2 levels are increasing. Forest fires increased. When hot air creates lightning, forest fires are more. More cyclones and thunderstorms. Extreme climatic patterns are produced. More floods and more draughts than usual.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Spontaneous Tourism



Many people do not how to start, when it comes to travelling. They think that travel takes a lot of time and money and waits for the time when they can afford to see the world. The time is NOW, with Spontaneous Tourism. Travel expert Jamie Samans gives you a complete course on both domestic and overseas travel, from frequent flyer programs to the Chinatown bus network. Spontaneous Tourism is your armchair travel agent, providing you with all the advice and information you need to book that fabulous trip and enjoy every minute of your time.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

Ayurveda is Wisdom

Ayurveda evolved from Atharva Veda and the Upanishads ( Atharva vedasu upanishadsu pragulpannah ). It is the Art of Being, the Science of Life. Ayur means Life and Veda means Knowledge. It is the oldest healthcare system in the world.



Who has not heard about Ayurveda ? So great is this Science of Life that almost all clincis, parlours and resorts have" Ayurvedic massage", "Ayurvedic Spa", " Ayurvedic treatments" etc attached to them. Despite its immense popularity, the concept of Ayurveda remains vague amidst all. The world's oldest health care system is Ayurveda. It is important for eveyone to have basic info about Ayurveda for his good health.\

What is Ayurveda? is a superb book by Dr Shashi Patwardan. One becomes familiar with the rudiments of Ayurveda. You become familiar with Home Remedies !

Enlightening Books





Do you feel stressed out ? Millions feel so. There is no need to panic, as there is a technique to heal your mind and strengthen your body. The technique is Yoga. You many ask How ? With a combined strategy of yoga stretches and meditation. You can feel the stress melt away as you practise the ancient art of Yoga and Meditation to help bring your emotional well beinto into balance and keep your body fit at the same time. Yoga has natural healing properties that can alleviate the symptoms of most common ailments. " A Beginners Guide to Yoga and Meditation " is a gem from Dr Shashi Patwardhan. A must for the novice.

Dr Shashikant's " A Practical Guide to Yoga " breaks the mold of all the other Yoga instruction books you have heard and read aloud, presenting proven steps to help you achieve Self Actualisation.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

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.

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.

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 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 !

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 ?

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.”

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 !

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 )

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 !

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.

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 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.

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