Starry Strokes HN Suresh

Surya / Sun: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Moon 832954716
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Moon is the nearest celestial object to Earth. In the entire solar system,
the Moon is the second largest satellite in mass, in relation to its parent planet.

The Moon always presents the same side towards the Earth because the
Moon’s rotation is synchronous with that of the Earth. Moon reflects the light

of the Sun, thus forming the Full Moon and the New Moon,
referred to as waxing and waning of the Moon.

Chandra /Moon

Chandra or Soma is the lord of vegetation and mind. His rays are cool and refreshing.
He represents beauty and affection. He is located in the southeastern corner of the Graha Mandala.

His parents are Sage Atri and Anasuya. His favourite colour is white. He is very fair complexioned.
He is the lord of Kataka Ràshi. Tradition has it that his chariot is drawn by either horses or deer,
which are also white. He holds white lilies and befriends the stars which are his consorts.

His flag heralds his lion symbol. He blesses his devotees for good relationship and beauty which are
quite natural to his feminine nature. His mandala is circular.

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Chandra / Moon: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Mars 645312978
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Astronomically, Mars is called the red planet and is close to Earth.
It is visible on a clear day before sunrise or after sunset on the eastern and western horizons respectively.
Mars is the closest planet to the Sun. Scientists are working on clues regarding existence of life on Mars,
whose surface temperature is - 43°C. Mars is a painted desert with soil rusted by a thin coat of iron oxide.

Mangala /Mars

Angaraka or Mangala also known by the names Kuja and Bhouma, is a warrior hero.
Brilliantly robust in stature, he is located in the southern direction of the Navagraha Mandala.
Dazzlingly scarlet red is his complexion, he is the son of Bhoodevi. His vehicle is a ram and holds weapons like

Vajrayudha, Shoola and Gada. His abhimaani devathas are Bhoomi and Kshetrapala.
He administers Mesha and Vrishchika Ràshis. Mangala is robustly masculine and worships Shanmukha.
His mandala is sharply triangular and he likes the food cooked out of tur dal. He is dear to warriors and

farmers and naturally blesses his devotees for their heroic and agricultural enrichment.

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Mangala / Mars: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Mercury 789123456
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Mercury is the smallest of the planets and closest to the earth.
Part of the planet is always in the sunlight and the hottest part can be over 6000°C.

The other part where the Sun never rises, the temperature is at freezing point.
Mercury takes 88 days for completing its orbit around the Sun. Mercury has no moon associated with it.

Budha /Mercury

Budha, also known as Soumya, is born to Chandra and Tara. He too is fair complexioned.
But he likes green colour. He is placed in the northeastern direction of the Graha Mandala.
He is masculine and modest, yet brilliant and sharp. His vehicle is lion and he is devoted to Lakshmi Narayana.
His mandala is oval and he dresses in gold. He wields his weapons like sword, mace and shield.
He is the lord of Mithuna and Kanya Ràshis. He likes scholars, wise men and intellectuals.
Naturally, his blessings yield similar results. He likes dishes made of green gram (mung dal).

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Budha / Mercury: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Jupiter 213546879
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This is the largest planet in the solar system. It is so big that no fewer than 1312 earths can be contained in it.
As Jupiter is about 770 million miles away from the Sun, its atmospheric temperature is as low as -123°C.
The time taken for its revolution around the Sun is 12 years.
Being far away from the Sun, it appears yellow in colour. It has 12 satellites or moons.

Guru /Jupiter

Guru or Brihaspati, is the mentor of gods, the Devaguru.
He is also called as Vakpati or Vachaspati – lord of speech.

He is son of sage Angirasa and Shraddha. He is pure and pious. His wisdom is unparalleled.

He is dressed in creamy white robes and wears Rudraksha and a white garland.
He holds a Japamala, Danda and a Kamandala in his right hand.

The Vyakhyanamudra, also known as Chinmudra, suggests his affinity to spiritual wisdom.
He is the lord of Dhanus and Meena Ràshis and resides in a rectangular mandala.
His abhimaani devathas are Brahma and Indra.

Tara is his consort. His blessings yield very high results both in the intellectual and spiritual planes.
For all good deeds ‘Guru Bala’, the approval of Guru is indispensable.

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Guru / Jupiter: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Venus 321654987
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It is popularly known as Venus, or morning star. It is the brightest object as seen from the Earth.
It takes 225 days to go round the Sun. It is blue in colour and has satellites.

The atmosphere surrounding the planets is dense and hence little in known about the
conditions below the clouds of the planets. The temperature being above 400°C, the planet is unpleasantly hot.

Shukra /Venus

Shukra also called Bhargava or Ushanas is the mentor of the demons or Asuras.
He is a bit Rajasik in nature, for his association is mostly with the materialistic Asuras.

He is dressed in white bark and his headgear is Jatamukuta, of matted locks.
Like a sage, he too is equipped with Japamala, Danda and Kamandala. He moves in a pentagonic silver chariot
which suggests his pancha kona mandala. His right eye is damaged and yet he possess a very high degree of charm

from his feminine quality. Though an Asura Guru, his abhimaani devathas are Indra, Indrani and Maruts.
He is the lord of Tula and Vrishabha Ràshis. His portfolios include knowledge in general and fne arts in particular.

Pleasure and prosperity devotedly follow those who worship him.

In the Navagraha Mandala, he occupies the seat which is towards the east of Surya.
Everyone is blessed with good things in life when Venus rules for 20 years.

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Shukra / Venus: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Saturn 465132789
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Saturn is one of the most powerful planets and spectacular because of the rings surrounding it.
The movement of the planet is very slow and takes 29.5 years to complete one revolution around the Sun.

It has about 10 to 15 moons and the surface is -178°C. The mass of Saturn being less,
it is said that if the planet is dropped into an ocean, it would float.

Shani /Saturn

The other names for Shani are Shanaishchara and Manda, meaning slow moving.
Shani is the son of Surya and Chaya. Yama and Yamuna are his brother and sister.
His complexion is dark and his preferences are also dark. His Mandala is semi circular and he heads
two Ràshis – Makara and Kumbha. His vehicle rotation reveals that he is slightly lame. He likes sesame seeds.
His vehicle is crow. However, a few scriptural evidences mention it as an eagle too.

He is located to the West of Surya in the Navagraha Mandala. His abhimaani devathas are Yama and Prajapati.
His power is indisputable. His likes and dislikes are strong, commanding the respect of all.

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Shani / Saturn: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Rahu 278156394
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Rahu and Ketu being astrological entities, there is no scientific information available about them.
However, there is a mythological story about the churning of oceans and one of the demons surreptitiously
taking a share of the nectar from Lord Vishnu disguised as Mohini, who was distributing the nectar only to the

gods. This was noticed by one of the gods and the thieving demon was beheaded.
The beheaded head and the remaining torso are considered as Rahu and Ketu grahas.

Rahu

Rahu, son of demoness Simhika is represented by a serpent’s body and human head.

His complexion is jet black and the preferences are similar. He is furious and hates Surya and Chandra.
He is called as Svarbhanu. Unlike the other Grahas, he has no Ràshi of his own.

His mandala is trapezoid, so is his chariot. His abhimaani devathas are Surabhi and Shesha.
He prefers food containing black gram. Unlike other Grahas, his movement is anti clockwise.
So is his influence. He is located in the southwestern direction of Surya in the Graha Mandala.

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Rahu: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Ketu 349287165
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Ketu

Ketu may be considered as a counterpart of Rahu. He has a serpent head and human body.

His vehicle is a vulture and complexion includes many colours.
His preferred dress and flower follow a similar pattern. Like Rahu, he too is furious and has no particular Ràshi.

Like him, his movements are anti clockwise. His abhimaani devathas are Brahma and Chitragupta.
His mandala is in the shape of a flag. However violent he may be, his blessings make a person spiritual.

He is located towards the northwestern direction of Surya in the Graha Mandala.

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Ketu: Acrylic on canvas • 102 cms x 102 cms • 2006

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Dr. Mathoor Krishnamurti S.G. Vasudev
Former Executive Director, Artist
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan I have known H.N.Suresh
for a long time as an artist.
I am blessed to see the Over the years, I have seen
Navagraha paintings, brought him developing on various
out extremely well, based themes. The navagraha
on the signs of astrology series of paintings are
and astronomy by my dear depictions without any sacrifice. Using all the elements that are
colleague, Suresh. A prediction in the navagrahas and to bring them on to the canvas is not easy,
seeker may not get anything here. It is not with that purpose that he has because the form of the grahas themselves can be very difficult to
painted these. He has given a true picture of the nine planets. Students of handle.
astrology can draw from this for their thesis. Suresh has been able to use these forms and render them in a way
that is aesthetically pleasing. I appreciate this sort of a venture. I
Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh feel that Suresh has done justice; it is not easy to do so. As a painter
myself, I find it difficult to use all these elements in my paintings.
The Indian mind has a unique
capacity for abstracting the S.N. Chandrasekhar
concrete and vice-versa. In Art Critic
this genre we have plenty of I would like to look at
instances starting from the this work of Suresh
swaraas; even the Vedas, more as a painting
months, weeks, days, planets, than a study of the
stars, etc., anything and planets. As I look at
everything imaginable is it and glance over
brought out in the form of beautifully personified figures. And to this genre the paintings, the very same esoteric, very simulative element
we have a refreshing addition by H.N.Suresh, which is the Navagraha continues in these works which we found earlier in his study
Chithramaalika. of the Nakshatras. Here the configuration is a combination of
The definition of graha is ‘that which attracts’, ‘that which takes away’, symbols and forms that gives an idea of each subject. It is not that
‘that which snatches away’. And these paintings are certainly going to steal all the elements have gone into it to give an overall idea of the
our eyes and mind. One particular feature that we can unfailingly notice configuration, but one or two elements are enough for you to arrive
in these paintings is the eyes, predominant in every graha. It is meant for at the subject and then leave you to imagine the rest of it. I find the
drishti. We have in Jyothish shastra many details regarding the drishtis of very same miniature technique with flat colours that characterize
grahas. We know that the drishti of some of the grahas is not good while our miniature paintings and the earlier Indian art. The flat
that of some others is good.. colours which formed the base of Indian art in the earlier stages is
But in these paintings, whatever the angle from which you look at them, continued here. And I congratulate Suresh for bringing back a sort
everything appears good. That is the upper hand of art, where everything is of old world charm to these paintings by these depictions.
beautiful. If that acid test is passed, then the graha will be no more a graha,
it will be a star, it will be light, and that is delight.

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Gayathri Devi Dr. G.S.D. Babu
Vasudev Director,
Editor M. P. Birla Institute
The Astrological of Fundamental
Magazine Research
As an artist, Suresh has These paintings
brought his skills into of H.N.Suresh are
full play and come up marvellous works of
with various levels of art. The way he has
symbolism that are associated with navagrahas. This is a novel portrayed celestial
approach to astrology. The paintings give us new insights into bodies is excellent.
what the symbolism at different levels represent. This can help in The way he has merged the ancient scriptural Vedic aspects
understanding and interpreting the charts, because most of the of how our ancient people looked at the objects in the sky and
charts have to be understood from the angle of what the planets connected them to daily life here is wonderful. He has brought
symbolise. Suresh has made this easy with his creative mind and all these aspects and merged them with modern day astronomical
colourful production of different navagrahas. facts. The kind of colours he has used for indicating these pictures
is methodically selected. In my opinion, it is an excellent work.
H.K. Kejriwal
These works of Suresh
are wonderful. His
knowledge of grahas
are well-expressed in
his works. Viewers
will understand the
Indian history of the
study of nakshtras and
astronomy.

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Murals at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Mysuru

Ràshi Mandala: Ceramic colours on tiles • 975 cms X 182 cms
Navagraha-Nakshatra Chitramalika: Ceramic colours on tiles • 975 cms X 182 cms

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Ràshi Mandala: Acrylic on canvas • 150 cms x 150 cms • 2008

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Rashi Mandala

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THE ZODIAC

The Earth rotates around its poles. One rotation takes one some higher as the coin moves slowly. It is this
day. The Earth also orbits around the Sun. One complete wobbling of the earth and the equatorial plane
orbit takes one year. The earth’s axis is tilted at 23.5 that causes the intersection equatorial and
degrees to the plane of its orbit around the Sun. This ecliptic planes to move. The effect of the
orbital plane is called as Ecliptic plane. This tilting wobbling is gradual. The spring equinox
causes the change of seasons as the northern fell in Taurus 6000 years ago. It takes
and southern hemispheres of the earth move about 2150 years for the equinox to
slightly closer and farther away from the Sun travel 30 degrees or 1/12th of the
respectively. The rotation of the Earth makes the ecliptic circle. This means the Zodiac
Sun appear to rise and set; the orbit of the Earth appears to rotate through our seasons
around the Sun makes it look like the Sun is and therefore through our calendar.
occupying different positions (in the background – H.S. Jayashankara Murthy
of certain groups of stars) during a year. Educationist
All this is an illusion. The same is the case with the
Moon and other planets in the solar system. There
are star groups or star constellations in the sky. If the
plane of orbit around the Sun is extended into space it
intersects certain groups of stars or stellar constellations. These
constellations have names familiar to all. They are Aries (The ram)
or Mesha, Taurus (The bull) or Vrushabha, Gemini (The twins) or
Mithuna, Cancer (The crab) or Kataka / Karkataka, Leo (The lion) or
Simha, Virgo (The virgin) or Kanya, Libra (The Balance) or Tula,
Scorpio (The scorpian) or Vruschika, Sagittarius (The archer) or
Dhanus, Capricorn (The goat) or Makara, Aquarius (The water
bearer) or Kumbha, Pisces (The fish) or Meena.
From the perspective of the Earth, it looks as though the Sun is
travelling through the sequence of Stellar Constellations or the
Zodiac as the year progresses. Astronomically the constellations
are groups of stars that are close to each other. Astrologically,
constellations are thought of as a group of stars constituting a
grand being which radiates a unique pattern of energies. It is
believed that the Sun acts as a “lens”, magnifying the qualities
of the constellation behind and causing qualities to affect life on
earth.
In addition to the rotation on an inclined axis and revolution
around the Sun, the Earth performs the wobbling motion as well.
This can be compared to a spinning coin whose rim changes its
position vertically so that some parts of the rim are lower and

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An Artist looks at the Zodiac signs

The astral world of constellations comprising A huge mural (length 56’x Height 6’ & total area covered 336 sq.ft.) on the
stars and planets has been a constant source of astral world (Nakshatra, Navagraha & Ràshi) created at the Bhavan’s Mysuru
curiosity and study for man. If the astronomer and Kendra, stands as a magnificent work. In this series, the depiction covers the
the geophysicist have considered it as a branch of entire zodiac panorama and varied characters, each unfolding by means of
science, the common man from times immemorial myriad symbols. The exhibition enshrines highly interesting and informative
has sought in it an ethereal kinship which he believes elements of astronomical / astrological significance, social and religious value
verily wields an abiding influence on his life here and and deep aesthetic vision.
hereafter.
Again, if the scientist employs a variety of - S.N. Chandrasekhar
instruments like a telescope or binoculars for probing Art Critic
its mysteries, man has drawn his own inferences
through a system which is recognized as astrology.
Despite endless debates on its veracity, the study of
astrology with its numerous symbols, simulating
both animate and inanimate objects, is only growing
in popularity and application.
The study which dates back to early man, has not
only resulted in volumes of interesting literature
on the subject, but has found adherents who are
demanding academic status at the university level.
This is besides its more popular predictive aspect,
which by itself is quite a lucrative occupation. With
such ramifications, no wonder this fascinating world
of astral images should have made inroads into the
artist’s realm, adding another if colourful dimension
to the subject. And the artist who dares to capture its
imagery on canvas is H.N.Suresh, who is the winner
of the State Lalithakala and Sangeetha Nrithya
Academy awards. He is the Director of the Bengaluru
Kendra of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan.
His solo exhibitions at Max Mueller Bhavan
(Bengaluru), India International Centre (New Delhi),
Alliance Francaise “Le Corbusier” de Chandigarh,
Indian Council for Cultural Relations (Kolkata),
Nehru Centre (London), Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan
(Bengaluru-London), Marshall University (USA),
New York-based Temples Association of India,
deserve special mention. One of his works, Mathangi,
was voted as best work by the Netherlands Moblie
Art Gallery in 2008.

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Significant Features in Zodiacal Signs Paintings

It gives me great pleasure in complimenting
H.N.Suresh for his latest successful painting marvel –
the twelve frames for the twelve Ràshis (Zodiac signs).
Sri Suresh has ingeniously and judiciously adopted the
interesting and significant features of each constellation
drawn from various disciplines, religious and secular,
like astronomy, religious rites, tantra and astrology. It is
well known that in different parts of India different styles
of “birth charts” are adopted. These are nicely portrayed
along with the symbols for different constellations and
planets.
In Hindu astronomy, the twenty seven nakshatras,
embellishing the zodiac, are hooked up with the twelve
zodiacal constellations. This is done by distributing two-
and-a quarter nakshatras into every ràshi. In the paintings
of Suresh for the twelve constellations, the distribution
of nakshatras and their paadas (quarters) is made
conspicuous. It is known that the Sun, in the course of its
annual journey along the ecliptic (kraanti vritta), as seen
from earth, stays in each ràshi for a “solar month”. This
monthly sojourn of the Sun in each Ràshi is indicated by
marking the beginning of the twelve ràshis as 00 (=3600),
300, 600 etc.
Further, the lengths of the twelve solar months are not
the same although these add up to about 365.25, the
length of a solar year. In fact, when the Sun is at its
apogee (mandochcha), the farthest point on the relative
orbit, its motion is slowest and hence the length of the
corresponding solar month is the longest. Similarly,

76

six months later, when the Sun is at the perigee (the
nearest point), the Sun moves (relative to earth) fastest
so that the length of the corresponding solar month is
the shortest during the solar year. In Suresh’s paintings,
the mean length of each solar month is indicated in the
corresponding frame.
The Sun’s declination (kraanti) ranges from 00 to about
23.50 from March 21 to June 22, and then decreases
gradually to 00 on September 23 in the hemisphere to the
north of the celestial equator. Again, from September 23
to December 22, the Sun’s declination increases from 00 to
about 23.50 in the southern hemisphere and then retraces
the path to reach 00 on March 21. This cyclic variation
of the Sun’s declination is indicated in the paintings by
displaying the declination at the entry of the Sun to each
constellation. The twelve ràshi frames are represented in
an additional single large frame, titled “Ràshi Mandala”
(15ft. X 15ft.).
On the whole, the twelve Ràshi frames in detail, and the
one large integrated frame, guide a discerning viewer
through the twelve divisions of the zodiac, throwing open
with their and special characteristics and distinguishing
features. Suresh richly deserves to be congratulated for
this successful venture.

• Dr. S. Balachandra Rao
Director

Gandhi Centre for
Science and Human Values

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Worthy Aesthetic Venture

Ràshi Mandala or the matrix of zodiac signs is a unique series
of paintings following the earlier two-- Nakshatra Mandala
and Graha Mandala by the same artist, H.N.Suresh. Since
time immemorial, man’s aspirations have been riveted
to celestial bodies. In the nights, gazing at the dark sky
studded with countless stars, planets, constellations and
other heavenly bodies, man has stretched his imagination in
myriad ways; often, such aspirations are materialistic. Rarely
has he given vent to his spiritual and artistic pursuits in
connection with them.
Here is one such aesthetic venture which is worthy enough to
feature in the annals of contemporary Indian art that ponders
on the twelve zodiac signs. Who has not heard about the
zodiac signs and their representation in horoscopes? But how
many can transform a mere chart into pulsating art? Only a
heart that can tune in to the cosmic rhythm of these celestial
configurations can work out this marvel.
Each painting, having the basic matrix that resembles a
horoscope chart, transforms itself into an art piece by virtue
of brilliant colours, curious details, suggestive symbols and
engrossing strokes. The artist has not forgotten to delineate
essential details associated with the particular zodiac sign
irrespective of its antique or modern frame.

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He has profusely drawn mythical, scientific, ritual, religious,
and natural information from various corners of learning.
The generally seen rift between astrology and astronomy has
been successfully resolved here. For, this is pure art. There is
no extraneous detail that disturbs the viewer. Even the script
that reveals the information becomes an organic part of the
painting like a rangoli in a shrine.
Generally, traditional paintings are not welcomed by people
who are tuned to modern stuff, and vice versa. Here is a
refreshing change. We have a healthy blend of concrete and
abstract, classical and folk, modern and traditional, eastern
and western.
Every onlooker can relate himself to the respective zodiac
sign and find a reflection of the same in him. The twelve
zodiac signs sublimate the feelings of space and time. What
else can a true art experience do? After all, the purpose of art
is to transcend all other purposes!

– Shatavadhani Dr. R. Ganesh

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ARIES (The Ram) or MESHA : ARIES - MESHA

Calendar Months, March 21 - April 19 Visionary, individualistic, enterprising, impulsive,
assertive, pioneering
This is an impressive constellation. It looks like a small triangle formed
by three stars of magnitude second and third in brightness. Of the three, Season : Spring / Vasanta
Beta and the fourth magnitude star 41 Arietis are known as Ashwini
and Bharani respectively. The ruling planet is Mars or Mangala / Kuja / Lord : Mars / Kuja
Angaraka.
Colour : Blood Red

Type : Fire /Agni

Sex : Male

Mobility : Movale / Chara

Mean Duration (Days) : 30.46

Suns Longitude on Entry : 0°

Suns Declination on Entry : 0.00°

Body Part : Head

Best Day : Tuesday

Best Numbers : 9, 1 & 3

Nakshatra : Ashwini, Bharani, Krittika

Direction : South

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Aries (The Ram) or Mesha: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

81

Taurus (The Bull) or Vrushaba : Taurus - Vrushaba

Calendar Months, April 20 - May 20 Sensual, artistic, strong, patient, tenacious,
affectionate, simple, direct
The constellation appears like the front portion of a bull charging.
Pictorially, the bull’s eye is represented by the reddish star Alderberanor Season : Spring / Vasanta
Rohini. One of the open star clusters, namely, Pliedes is known as
Kruthika or Punja in Hindu scientific learning. The ruling planet is Venus Lord : Venus / Sukra
or Shukra.

Colour : White

Type : Earth / Bhumi

Sex : Female

Mobility : Fixed / Sthira

Mean Duration (Days) : 30.97

Suns Longitude on Entry : 30°

Suns Declination on Entry : +11.47°

Body Part : Face

Best Day : Friday

Best Numbers : 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 & 8

Nakshatra : Krittika, Rohini, Mrigasira

Direction : South East

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Taurus (The Bull) or Vrushaba: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

83

Gemini (The Twin) or Mithuna : Gemini - Mithuna

Calendar Months, May 21 - June 21 Communicative, verbal, mentally agile, witty,
conceptual thinking, bright, clever, multi-faceted
The Constellation appears as two parallel chains of faint stars. The two
bright stars namely Castor and Pollux, draw our attention and from these
two start the chain of others stars. The ruling planet is Mercury or Budha.

Season : Spring / Vasanta

Lord : Budha / Mercury

Colour : Yellow

Type : Air / Vayu

Sex : Male

Mobility : Common / Dwisvahabi

Mean Duration (Days ) : 31.33

Suns Longitude on Entry : 60°

Suns Declination on Entry : +20.15°

Body Part : Breast

Best Day : Wednesday

Best Numbers : 3, 5 & 6

Nakshatra : Mrigashira, Aridra,
Punarvasu

Direction : North

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Gemini (The Twin) or Mithuna: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

85

Cancer (The Crab) or Cancer - Kataka
Kataka / Karkataka :
Sentimental, feeling, nostalgic, family oriented,
Calendar Months, June 22 - July 22 domestic, nurturing, resourceful

This is one of the faintest constellations. It looks like the Greek letter Season : Summer / Grishma
Lambda or inverted “Y”. One of the stars, Delta Cancer or Pushya, is of
fourth magnitude in brightness. The ruling planet is Moon.

Lord : Moon / Chandra

Colour : Pink

Type : Water / Falls

Sex : Female

Mobility : Movable / Charaka

Mean Duration (Days) : 31.45

Suns Longitude on Entry : 90°

Suns Declination on Entry : +23.44°

Body Part : Heart

Best Day : Monday

Best Numbers : 2, 3, 7, 8 & 9

Nakshatra : Punarvasu, Pushya,
Aaslesha

Direction : East

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Cancer (crab) or Kataka / Karkataka: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

87

LEO (The Lion) or SIMHA : LEO - SIMHA

Calendar Months, July 23 - August 22 Dramatic, expressive, generous, warm, strong, leader,
Confident, wilful
The constellation has the shape of a resting lion. The star Regulus or
Makha is the first one with a notable curve that forms the head of the Season : Summer / Grishma
lion. This curve is sometimes called as sickle. The second magnitude star
is at the tail-end. The ruling planet is Sun. Lord : Sun / Ravi

Colour : Yellow

Type : Fire / Agni

Sex : Male

Mobility : Fixed / Sthira

Mean Duration (Days) : 31.29

Suns Longitude on Entry : 120°

Suns Declination on Entry : +20.15°

Body Part : Belly

Best Day : Sunday

Best Numbers : 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12

Nakshatra : Makara, Pubba, Uttara

Direction : East

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Leo (lion) or Simha: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

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VIRGO (The Virgin) or KANYA : VIRGO - KANYA

Calendar Months, August 23 - September 22 Precise, analytical, focused, service minded,
unselfish, perfectionist
This is the second largest constellation. It looks like a “Y” shaped line
of stars. Excepting the star at the bottom, the other stars are of third and Season : Summer / Grishma
fourth magnitude. The ruling planet is Mercury or Budha.
Lord : Budha / Mercury

Colour : Varie Gold

Type : Earth / Bhumi

Sex : Female

Mobility : Common / Dwisabhavi

Mean Duration (Days) : 30.90

Suns Longitude on Entry : 150°

Suns Declination on Entry : +11.47°

Body Part : Waist

Best Day : Wednesday

Best Numbers : 3, 4, 5 & 6

Nakshatra : Chitta, Hasta, Uttara

Direction : North

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Virgo (virgin) or Kanya: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

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LIBRA (The Balance) or TULA : LIBRA - TULA

Calendar Months, September 23 - October 23 Fair, compromising, balanced, peaceful, harmonious,
loving, humanitarian, egalitarian
The constellation consists of four stars forming a rhombus - like figure.
The stars here are not brighter than the third magnitude. The constellation
lies between Virgo and Scorpio. The ruling planet is Venus or Shukra.

Season : Autumn / Sharat

Lord : Sukra / Venus

Colour : Black

Type : Air / Vayu

Sex : Male

Mobility : Movable

Mean Duration (Days) : 30.39

Suns Longitude on Entry : 150°

Suns Declination on Entry : 00.0°

Body Part : Abdomen

Best Day : Friday

Best Numbers : 5, 6, 7 & 12

Nakshatra : Chitta, Svati, Visakha

Direction : South East

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Libra (balance) or Tula: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

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SCORPIO (The Scorpion) or VRISCHIKA : SCORPIO - VRISCHIKA

Calendar Months, October 24 - November 21 Sensitive, profound, psychologically aware,
determined, transformational, emotional, mysterious
A constellation for which one does not require much imagination to
see the gigantic scorpion with its head to the West. The principal stars Season : Autumn / Sharat
are coiled like a scorpion’s tail in a ready-to-strike position. In Hindu
astronomy, the red-coloured star, Antares, is known as Jyeshta. The Lord : Mars / Kuja
star Delta Scorpio which lies in the mouth of the scorpion is known as
Anuradha and the star Lambda Scorpion which lies at the erect tail of Colour : Golden
the scorpion is known as Moola nakshatra. The ruling planet is Mars or
Mangala / Kuja/ Angaraka. Type : Jala / Water

Sex : Female

Mobility : Fixed / Sthira

Mean Duration (Days) : 29.90

Suns Longitude on Entry : 210°

Suns Declination on Entry : -11.47°

Body Part : Generative Organ

Best Day : Tuesday

Best Numbers : 7, 8, 9 & 10

Nakshatra : Visakha, Anuradha

Direction : South

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Scorpio (scorpion) or Vrischika: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

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SAGITTARIUS (The Archer) or DHANUS : SAGITTARIUS - DHANUS

Calendar Months, November 22 - December 21 Philosophical, optimistic, spiritual, studious, lucky,
adventurous, humorous
The constellation appears like a striking group of stars in the southern
sky. The bright stars make the constellation prominent and beautiful. It Season : Autumn / Sharat
can be located by its distinct shape of a tea kettle formed by some of its
bright stars. The star Sigma Sagittarius is also known as Utharashada.
The ruling planet is Jupiter or Guru.

Lord : Guru / Jupiter

Colour : Tawny Hue

Type : Jala / Water

Sex : Male

Mobility : Common / Dwisabhavi

Mean Duration (Days) : 29.56

Suns Longitude on Entry : 240°

Suns Declination on Entry : 30.15°

Body Part : Thighs

Best Day : Thursday

Best Numbers : 1, 2, 3 & 19

Nakshatra : Purvashada, Uttarashada,
Moola

Direction : North East

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Sagittarius (The Archer) or Dhanus: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

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CAPRICORN (The Sea Goat) or MAKARA : CAPRICORN - MAKARA

Calendar Months, December 22 - January 19 Industrious, hard working, disciplined, focused,
organized, serious, professional
The shape of the constellation is supposed to represent a mythological
creature with the head of a goat and tail of a fish. It looks like an inverted Season : Winter / Shishira
hat formed by the faint stars of brightness less than third magnitude. The
ruling planet is Saturn or Shani. Lord : Saturn / Shani

Colour : Grey

Type : Earth / Bhoomi / Prithvi

Sex : Female

Mobility : Movable / Chakra

Mean Duration (Days) : 29.45

Suns Longitude on Entry : 270°

Suns Declination on Entry : 23.44°

Body Part : Knees

Best Day : Saturday

Best Numbers : 3, 7 & 8

Nakshatra : Uttarashada, Shravana,
Dhanishta

Direction : South

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Capricorn (The Sea Goat) or Makara: Acrylic on canvas • 91 cms x 91 cms • 2008

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AQUARIUS (The Water Bearer) or AQUARIUS - KUMBHA
KUMBHA :
Idealistic, altruistic, philanthropic, objective, friendly,
Calendar Months, January 20 - February 18 tolerant, accepting, non-attached, supportive

Though the constellation occupies a large area, it does not consist of any Season : Winter / Shishira
star brighter than third magnitude. This can be located by a pretty group
of faint stars in which a star is symmetrically surrounded by three other Lord : Satum / Shani
stars in the shape of “Y”. This group of stars lies on the northern side of
the constellation. In Hindu astronomy, the star Lambda Aquaril is known Colour : Blue
as Shathabisha. The ruling planet is Saturn or Shani.
Type : Air / Vayu

Sex : Male

Mobility : Fixed / Sthira

Mean Duration (Days) : 29.59

Suns Longitude on Entry : 300°

Suns Declination on Entry : 23.44°

Body Part : Legs

Best Day : Saturday

Best Numbers : 4 & 5

Nakshatra : Dhanishta, Shatabisha,
Purvabhadra

Direction : West

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