1. Punarvasu-Puśya Āśleśa Nakṣatras

If you look deeply, if you look beyond mundane life, beyond the day-to-day life we live... If you contemplate on a night sky... you will see that the most intimate and complete relationship man owns is the relationship to the Universe. In fact, it is man’s ultimate relationship: he takes birth, lives and merges back into it. Nothing happens outside of it; even his enlightenment happens in it. Just as the child grows in his mother’s womb, man evolves in the cosmic womb. He is the microcosm of a tremendous cosmic macrocosm. Therefore, all components of man, from the grossest to the subtlest, come from the universe: his body, his mind, his energy and his very consciousness are elements of the cosmos. Universe and man are indivisible. Whatever happens in the Universe resounds in the human consciousness, and whatever happens in the human consciousness resounds in the Universe. Both are a unique consciousness.

The Great Vedic Astronomy Man has been deeply fascinated by the Cosmos since the beginning of time. Early cultures worked on understanding the phenomena that happen in the sky; they observed them in order to understand what role the sky played in their lives. From these attempts, the science of astronomy was born. In this field, the ancient Vedic contribution is well known. The earliest references to astronomy are found in the Rg Veda, which are dated 2000 BC. Around 500 BCE, Āryabhaṭa, a great astronomer, presented a system that showed the earth to spin on its axis and considered the motions of the planets with respect to the Sun. He also discovered how the lunar and solar eclipses occur and was the earliest to discover that the orbits of the planets around the Sun are ellipses, just as Copernicus and Galileo concluded a thousand years later. He even determined the diameter of the Earth to be 5,000 yojanas, approximately 36,000 km, which is very close to the actual figure. These traditions related these objects and their movements to natural events such as rain, drought, seasons and tides; they related them to auspicious or inauspicious occurrences on planet Earth. Jyotiṣa, the science of Vedic astrology, took birth out of observations and perceptions based on these astronomical phenomena. The first astronomers were actually Ṛṣis and sages, who understood the sky was a divine happening; they identified celestial objects with energies and Gods and connected astronomy to astrology. Jyotiṣa Simply Put Astrology manifested in the inner vision of the ancient sages and Ṛṣis of India. These yogīs and enlightened beings were able to see beyond the realm of names and forms. They could feel and express the subtle reality that exists behind cosmic phenomena. As such, they perceived the primal powers of cosmic intelligence in the planets and stars (the macrocosm), and worshipped the cosmic powers within themselves (the microcosm) as powers of their being. By concentrating intensely on the Sun and other planets, they understood the movement of the life force in their body, and by meditating on the life force, they also came to understand the movement of the Sun and the planets in the heavens. Through this technique called saṃyama , they could unravel the secrets of the universe. They brought down their understanding into a system of Vedic science, which became known as Jyotiṣa: the science of light. Parāśara was one such sage. He is known for being

One day, Ganeśa was given a lot of sweets by his devotees. He swallowed all the sweets, then he went back home, riding his mouse. It was sunset and in the darkness, the mouse suddenly stumbled over a snake. Ganeśa fell to the ground. He had so much eaten that his over-filled stomach burst and the cakes poured out. Ganeśa collected and replaced them in his widely open belly. He caught the snake that had caused the disturbance and tied him around his waist. Looking at this funny occurrence, the Moon started laughing. Ganeśa was very annoyed and thought she had offended him. Resentful, he removed his right tusk and threw it at the moon’s face. At the same time, he put a curse on her, so that she would stop shining at night and disappear from the sky. At that time, the story says that the moon was full every night. Since then, with the moon being missing, there was neither moonlight nor twilight. Nobody could sleep, because the sun was bright even nightly. Without the moon, the gods found heavenly life as unbearable as men found life on earth. So, they rushed to Ganeśa’s house, supplicating him to manage the situation. He complied with their urgent requirement, but decided the moon would not be allowed to shine brightly every night as she did before. Henceforth, she was sentenced to wax and wane, alternating a shining fortnight and a dark fortnight, with each of these periods ending either by the full moon or the new moon.

The moon is phlegmatic. She is learned and has a round body. She has auspicious looks and sweet speech, is fickle-minded, and very lustful.

• Bṛhat Parāśara Hora Śāstra
• Bṛhat Parāśara Hora Śāstra Symbol: The crab Symbol: The crab Element: Water Element: Water Ruling Planet: Moon/Candra Ruling Planet: Moon/Candra Ayurvedic constitutiok: Kapha (earth and water) Ayurvedic constitutiok: Kapha (earth and water) Healing stone: Pearl Healing stone: Pearl The symbol of cancer is a crab, an animal whose carapace covers a soft belly. In the same way, the native protects itself from the outer world and tends to be secretive, shy and discreet. This sign stands for the four states of consciousness in which we live, symbolized by the moon: Jāgrat (wakeful state), Svapna (the dream state) Suśupti (deep sleep) and Samādhi (deep meditation). Suśupti (deep sleep) and Samādhi (deep meditation). The moon is a changing planet; it waxes and wanes, and its movements are representative of the principle of time and space in the Universe. Those born under Cancer operate in the inner world with a strong emotional nature, as well as the outer world, as it enjoys being active. Its natives are often uncertain of their power and potential. They need to build up self-confidence. They are friendly, caring, show sympathy; they are nurturing and have motherly qualities. They like to be surrounded by people, with whom they can share their feelings and affection. Often, they become too emotionally sensitive and dependant on others. They can become much attached, which can make them nervous and weak. Their imagination and visualization is powerful and receptive; they have the power to create and realize their dreams. Very talkative, the sign will be honest in its relationships and unbending once it has made up its Characteristics of a Punarvasu-born mind to something. Once cancer feels confidence about himself, he will show pro-active behavior, initiative and power to shine over others like the moon, and can have great influence over masses. Cancer Nakṣatras: Punarvasu, Puśya and Āśleśa Cancer Nakṣatras: Punarvasu, Puśya and Āśleśa Characteristics of a Punarvasu-born Characteristics of a Punarvasu-born Characteristics of a Punarvasu-born Punarvasu is ‘the star of renewal’. It represents new beginnings and a life mission to carry forward successfully. The sky is the limit for this nakṣatra! It reflects purity, truth and strong moral values and confers ‘the ability to gain wealth and abundance’. Characteristics of a Punarvasu-born If you are born under Punarvasu’s auspices, you will have many friends, you will enjoy reading sacred texts and scriptures, and will possess gems, jewels and ornaments. Your spirit is able to rise from the ashes, and your approach to life is very optimistic and curious; you may be childlike and playful at times. You will have a good height and an oval face. You are generally calm but tend to get into disputes to exhibit your intelligence. This may give rise to arguments with other family members. You are good natured; even when you go through difficulties you will always help others. Easily contented, you are self- controlled, though occasionally indecisive. Be careful not to over intellectualize life, and therefore become too critical. Your mental vacillations do not allow you to be in the present moment, and this nervousness compels you to speak when you should keep silence. You will have abilities to work in the publishing field, the entertainment area, or as a teacher, as well as in fields that include dealing with social groups and the public. Great potential in the communication field can be developed here. Characteristics of a Puśya-born The moon in Puśya nakṣatra is supposed to be the most auspicious of the twenty seven nakṣatras. Its basic

temperament is dharma, or the seeking for right action, and it has the ‘ability to create spiritual energy’. All forms of spiritual practices are encouraged here. The star shows tranquility, absence of agitation, faith in oneself and fullness of life. This attitude can happen because the native inherently has faith in the divine and his own self. It flowers into a good inner stability, and enables the person’s creativity and productivity to bear fruit. There will be great activity and dynamism under this nakṣatra. You are able to control your desires, and are popular because of your sympathetic and compassionate nature. You are learned and fond of doing charitable work. You may be a little fat, liking to eat and nurture yourself. You also have this latter tendency towards others and like to take care of them physically and emotionally. But stubbornness and selfishness can be shown. You can be quickly shaken by others’ criticism, and may doubt yourself. This can paralyze you in life. Therefore you should learn to become independent of others opinions. Using your wisdom and studying the teachings of enlightened Master will help. Generally, Puśya natives are well placed in society; they can be rulers, directors, food merchants, teachers, psychologists or priests, and often they will be masters to others. Characteristics of an Āśleśa-born Āśleśa is an intense nakṣatra that stands for ‘the entwined’, symbolized by a coiled snake. The serpent is a symbol of divine wisdom, procreation and prosperity, as well as poison, danger and trouble. This lunar mansion denotes the challenge of being addicted to pleasures. It shows a dual attraction towards enlightenment and the seeking of the truth on one hand, and a life immersed in the outer world and comforts on the other. When your moon sits in Āśleśa’s constellation, you may have very penetrating eyes. You may be complex and misunderstood because of your contradictory character. You may at times be very spiritual, thoughtful, austere, silent and independent; then on occasion, show rude selfishness, dishonesty, cunning and aggressiveness. You cannot bear humiliation, which can lead you to hide many things to others. It is hard for you to forget the past. Strong temper can be seen here also; you should learn to control your diet and not to eat too much when you are upset about something. Be aware of food poisoning and poor diet and take care of your nervous system. You could be good at writing, astrology, studying mystical sciences and may be attracted to politics, or work with animals. Āśleşa people would benefit by cultivating gratitude and courage to welcome life as it is, rather than how they dream it to be.

Svādhiṣṭhāna cakra- Gaining Confidence There are 7 major energy centers in our body, called cakras in Sanskrit. They are directly connected to our emotions and impact different aspects of our personality and the way we relate to ourselves, others, and to Existence. Each planet resonates with a particular energy center in the body. The watery energy of the Moon is connected to Svādhiṣṭhāna cakra located below the navel region. Its energy can sometimes imbalance the cakra, especially when the person has too many fears! Svādhiṣṭhāna flowers when you face your fears, and stop fearing them. First of all understand that all small fears are mere projections of the ultimate fear of death. Second, don't resist the fear in you. Just keep repeating to yourself that you are scared and go through it, that's all! You will soon find that the fear is no longer there 26 Moon in Cancer because you saw it through. Start doing this every time you feel fear. When you consciously work on this, you will understand that what you call fear is nothing but your response or reaction to an incident or thought. Depending on how you respond, you can claim that you did not have fear or had fear. And, with more and more awareness, you can respond towards fear without fear! Remember one thing: No one can claim to be fearless. One can only learn to handle fear without fear, that’s all.

Cancer and Āyurveda: Understand your Constitution In a birth chart, many influences have to be considered to find out one’s body type. Consulting an experienced Āyurvedic doctor will help you to understand your body constitution. Generally, the Āyurvedic dośa (body constitution) related to Cancer is kapha. Let's use this scale: If you experience symptoms such as lethargy, a feeling of heaviness, nausea, chills, looseness of the limbs, coughing, mucus discharges, breathing difficulties and a tendency to sleep too much and high cholesterol, you may be suffering from kapha imbalance. Other symptoms can be inertia, congestion, stagnation and circulation problems. There may be a tendency toward obesity and boredom, depression, apathy, laziness, and mental dullness may be present. 28 Moon in Cancer If you are easy going, forgiving, physically strong, stable and reliable, slow to anger, active and positive minded, have a strong immune system, full of mental resolve, rational thinking, endurance, adaptability, long term memory, then your kapha is balanced. If you are easy going, forgiving, physically strong, stable and reliable, slow to anger, active and positive minded, have a strong immune system, full of mental resolve, rational thinking, endurance, adaptability, long term memory, then your kapha is balanced. Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have predominantly kapha body constitution: Here are some of the common characteristics of people who have predominantly kapha body constitution: Relaxed disposition, slow paced Relaxed disposition, slow paced Loving, forgiving, compassionate personality Loving, forgiving, compassionate personality Stable nature, reliable Stable nature, reliable Faithful Faithful Physically strong and heavy and large body, enduring constitution Physically strong and heavy and large body, enduring constitution Slow speech, good memory power Slow speech, good memory power Large watery eyes Large watery eyes Prone to heavy depression Prone to heavy depression Gentle, self sufficient Gentle, self sufficient Excellent health, strong resistance to disease Excellent health, strong resistance to disease Slow to anger, greedy, envious Slow to anger, greedy, envious Tend to hold on to things, possessive of people, money Tend to hold on to things, possessive of people, money Physical problems generally include colds and congestion, sinus, headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and constipation. Physical problems generally include colds and congestion, sinus, headaches, respiratory problems including asthma and wheezing, hay fever, allergies, and atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries) and constipation. How to manage kapha? How to manage kapha? Kapha people are prone to lethargy, sluggishness and overweight. Therefore, they need activity and stimulation more than the other types of constitution. Daily exercise is a must for them. Getting out of the house, walking and actively seeking new and different experiences, breaking their routine is also valuable. They should learn to be receptive to useful change, renounce impediments to progress, implement life Kapha people are prone to lethargy, sluggishness and overweight. Therefore, they need activity and stimulation more than the other types of constitution. Daily exercise is a must for them. Getting out of the house, walking and actively seeking new and different experiences, breaking their routine is also valuable. They should learn to be receptive to useful change, renounce impediments to progress, implement life 30 Moon in Cancer 30 Moon in Cancer solutions and choose foods, mental attitudes, behaviors, exercise, relationships which can help them to balance kapha characteristics. Food items to balance kapha: Kapha people should consume little fried or fatty foods; avoid icy drinks, sweets or excessive amounts of bread. Butter, ice cream, cheese and milk should be avoided; they are among the worst foods which aggravates kapha. The consumption of salt should be kept in check, as it creates water retention in kapha body types. They should enjoy plenty of fresh vegetables, raw fruits and salads. Pungent, bitter, and astringent tastes decrease kapha influences. Black pepper, ginger, cumin, chili, and some other spices provide the pungent taste; bitterness is provided by some green leafy vegetables like lettuce, endive and some green vegetables and beans provide the astringent taste, like cucumber and unripe fruits.

Meditation for Cancer: Balance your kapha! Moon natives can be benefitted through techniques which boost their body, enable them to let go of their emotions, and counter their mental stagnation. Cancer people should do more active forms of meditation, including mantra chanting or meditation combined with activity. Yoga and the practice of rituals are also excellent techniques for them. Here is a meditation for you: Keep a picture of Paramahamsa Nityananda’s eyes in front of you. Total Duration: Step 1-Duration: 10 minutes - Sit in vajrāsana (kneel and sit on your heels). Place your hands on your hips. By doing this, you are establishing a connection between the upper and lower parts of your body. Chant ‘hoo’ for as long as possible with each exhalation. Begin again with each inhalation, holding the chant as long as possible as you exhale. Visualize clearly a white light rising within you, going out from the top of the head and circling back into you. Step 2-Duration: 21 minutes Continue sitting in vajrāsana. With the hands on the hips, bend down at the hips to touch the forehead to the ground. Continue to chant the ‘hoo’ sound in this position. Continue to visualize clearly a white light rising within you, going out from the top of the head and circling back into you. Step 3-Duration: 10 minutes Open your eyes. Through your third eye, look at Master’s third eye in the picture. Clearly visualize a beam of light from Master’s third eye entering your third eye. Mantra means using the body physically to get the desired effect sitting in a particular posture and chanting. Tantra means using the body and mind together to get the desired effect adding the visualization of white light. Yantra means using an external object to get the desired effect using the picture of Master’s eyes. Nithya Dhyaan: the Universal Technique Nithya Dhyaan is a formula and technique that works on all the components of your being. Whatever your birth sign may be, it awakens the cosmic powers within you and makes them available to your being to excel in all spheres of life. This is a five-step technique. Allow seven minutes for each step. Keep your eyes closed throughout the meditation. Chaotic breathing: Sit in vajrāsana (kneel and sit on your heels). Place your hands on your hips and breathe chaotically, without a repetitive rhythm. Just focus on your breathing; let your entire being become the breathing. Intense Humming: Continue to sit in vajrāsana , form cin mudra with your fingers (with the thumb and forefinger forming a circle and other three fingers outstretched), and place your hands on your knees, palms facing upwards. In this posture, with your mouth closed, produce the sound ‘Mmmm...’ from inside your body, as loudly and lengthily as possible. Cakra awareness: You may continue to sit in vajrāsana or sit crossed legged if you wish. Keep your fingers in cin mudra position. Now, bring your awareness to each cakra one after the other, from mūlādhāra cakra(root center) to sahasrāra cakra (crown Silent Meditation: Be unclutched In this step, carry the understanding with you that your thoughts are unconnected, irrational and unclutched. Don't try to create thoughts, don't try to maintain thoughts, don't try to destroy thoughts or react to them. Just sit and watch them. Understand, by your very nature, you are pure being and bliss. Guru Pūja Now, connect, relax and rest into the universal energy. Just sit in a very deep and passive way, feeling one with the whole, God or your Master. Listen to the Guru pūja mantras and feel their vibration in you. Express your gratitude with reverence. You will find further details on the benefits of Nithya Dhyaan; along with the meditation instructions, in the comprehensive booklet and audio CD called Nithya Dhyaan- Experience bliss.

Swimming proves to be good for this watery sign. Whenever he or she is free, the native can spend time near rivers, lakes, sea shores, as water brings relaxation to this watery sign. Also, gentle yoga postures which work on svādhiṣṭhāna cakra, as well as Sūrya Namaskār (the ancient Sun salutation), can be practiced by all natives! Śalabhāsana : To blissfully enjoy the benefits of any asanas, make sure your body is warmed up, the spine loosened up and stretched out before entering the postures. Lay on your stomach. Arms beside you, palms facing upwards, keep the chin forward. Inhale, sweep your arms into the air, simultaneously lifting your legs into the air. Exhale, bring your arms back down beside you, resting your legs on the floor. Just remain in this position on the floor with your eyes closed. Visualize for a few moments, your body doing the posture. Open your eyes and repeat Śalabhāsana 5 more times. Sūrya Namaskār Sūrya Namaskār (the Sun salutation) is called the king of asanas. It is a sequence of 12 postures, each symbolizing a sign of the zodiac. This sequence of asanas has the amazing ability to activate the best characteristics of your birth chart by bringing energy to your body, a clearer thinking through emotional balancing, and a restored health, thereby enabling you to express your intelligence and uniqueness. It is a technique to experience a conflict-free life, fulfillment and eternal bliss. Its practice awakens the body’s innate intelligence to produce energy from the sun. It is designed to access the etheric energy all around you. When performed facing the East in the first rays of the morning sun, along with the appropriate breathing technique and the mantra, the effect on the individual mind, body and spirit is incomparable. It is said that the daily practice of Sūrya Namaskār is enough to work on the whole body organs, cakras and mindfor the whole day. Sūrya Namaskār mantras Sūrya Namaskār mantras A mantra is a composition of syllables, words or sentences that, when repeated with awareness and visualization, has a powerful and penetrating influence on the mind. Before each repetition of Sūrya Namaskār, one chants the corresponding mantra, which is a glorification of the Sun. This simple method leads us to the experience that the outer Sun symbolizes the shining intelligence in our inner sky. We come to understand our connectivity to the cosmic energy that pervades all the grahas. The characteristics of our sign get activated to unfold its inherent potential. Aum hrāḿ mitrāya namaḥ Salutations to the friend of all Aum hrīḿ ravaye namaḥ Salutations to the shining one Aum hrūḿ sūryāya namaḥ Salutations to the one who induces activity

Remedial Birthstone for Cancer Pearl bracelet This book comes with a unique energy bead bracelet which beautifully combines semi-precious stones with rudrākṣa beads- enhancing and radiating the properties of the stones. This bracelet attunes you to the Universe and contributes to destroy sufferings related to negative karmas. It is specially blessed by Nithyananda, the enlightened Master of our times for the fortunate ones who wish to receive the blessings of the Universe! Enlightened Masters are said to be the manifestation of the Cosmic Energy, which radiates through the 9 planets. It empowers you to expand your inner intelligence into Living Enlightenment! Jyoṭiṣa uses different gemstones (also called birthstones) to strengthen the planets energies. Gemstones are the finest and purest consolidation of minerals that exists, formed under extreme heat and pressure inside the earth. Stones are crystals of Moon in Cancer clear and purified minerals that are also found in the human body. Because of their mineral quality, they are agents of electromagnetic energy, which influences the electromechanical nature of the human body. When a stone is in contact with the skin, it starts working on the physiology and the energy level of the body, as well as the pranic layer of energy. Pearl represents the moon in the natal chart. It has a powerful effect on the mind and gives mental peace. It is beneficial for: Balancing emotions and mood swings Concentration Stress Intuition Combativeness Persons exposed to frequent cough and cold Problem in marriage Lung diseases, breast problems Reproductive disorders Calcium deficiency Dysentery, diabetes Eye deficiencies Rudrākṣa Beads Rudrākṣa Beads Cancer's Cosmic seed Today, scientific experiments have verified the intrinsic properties of the rudrākṣa. These are: dynamic polarity, bioelectricity, and paramagnetic and diamagnetic propertiesall of which effectively control 50 Moon in Cancer 50 Moon in Cancer

Aum hrīṁ Nityānandāya namaḥ In this mantra, Aum is the primordial sound and is the representation of Śiva's energy, the male aspect of the universe. Actually, Aum is the cosmic sound that pervades the grahas, their movements and their effects on us. The Bīja mantra (seed sound), Hrīṁ, has no linguistic meaning but encloses a powerful vibration which attunes you to the primordial energy from which the grahas originate: the female energy, Śakti. Nithyananda means Eternal Bliss and invokes the truth which is our true nature, and the nature of our own intelligence. It is the pūrṇa mūla mantra (the complete mantra) because it represents a straight path to both Śakti (success in this world) and to Śiva (success in the cosmic world) which is 'enlightenment'. Namaha means 'I surrender' my ego to Existence, to the Master. Thus this sacred mantra awakens the completeness and fulfillment inside us and balances the male and female energies which exist inside every one of us. The repetition of this mantra is a powerful technique which can be performed throughout the day as you go about your daily routine. It can also be uttered aloud 108 times every morning. The number 108, which is a multiple of 9, has been sacred since time immemorial. That is because the number 9 is the limit of all numbers: 0 to 9 is all one needs to make up an infinite amount of numbers. Therefore, 108 symbolizes and connects you to infinity. Its beautiful sound should be pronounced clearly and as loudly as possible and from the navel region. Eventually, this mantra will replace your inner chatter and create silence in your mind. Your whole being integrates itself towards enlightenment which leads you out of the dynamic of karma and planetary effects.

Be aware! Be aware as you meet people, you may be attracted to activities or relationships which look bright and promising, requiring lots of your concentration and effort... but may turn out to be a waste of time. It could be that everyone is talking about you or that everyone is turning to you for solutions. Is it really necessary to invest all your energy in the attention you are getting? Are you doing the right thing? Are you fair to everybody? Are you straight in your dealings with others? Beware of a covered cunningness which often creates division. This cunningness knows to express only through calculation. Calculation is alright for arithmetic but not for the being... Face yourself One should better face the problem instead of running away to hide in one's room, to do useless things which will not help you to grow. Only intensity will help to fight your inertia. After all, problems are not eternal. When we are depressed, we feel we will be depressed for ever- No! It is not possible. You are constantly changing, people are constantly changing, and problems are also constantly changing. Nothing is fixed in Existence. What is required is a little patience to wait for things to move, and a little courage to face situations without making big problems out of them. And lo, within no time, the whole thing is forgotten! Watch your emotions Even though the overwhelming emotions you experience feel real, they are still nothing else than a story you are telling to yourself. Amongst so many thoughts happening in you constantly, you are unconsciously choosing to clutch thoughts that have the same color of confusion. Feeling this confusion is one thing, but reacting confused is another thing. Don’t take major decisions when you are in low mood or you may regret it. Simply relax from the dream. It will pass, nothing else needs to be done. Move towards love Move towards love On our way to enlightenment, we come across beautiful phases where we get to integrate smoothly the teachings of the Master through actual practice. Life is stretching all kinds of cards towards you. Which card you pick up is playing a major role in the way you will integrate yourself. Understanding, discrimination, and perseverance in your awareness are the Master Cards Existence is offering you. To move towards love, that is your true nature; work intensely with those three cards throughout the month. Heal the world! Heal the world! Your altruistic nature is always ready to serve your community. But how do you help? A smile on your face is the answer! No need to prepare long discourses about how the world needs to change. Let your smile overflow to bring a smile on everybody's face. Never put up a smile and try to bring it to others in the name of service, or you'll be just imposing your ego onto others. First flood all your problems with inner healing and clarity, then do service. Understand yourself, the world and God... then Live Enlightenment! Candra (Moon god) as represented in Tiruvannamalai Ashram (India). Around the Moon stand the other 8 Navagraha deities (deities associated with the nine planets), along with their Navagraha trees (trees associated with the nine planets), to bless all with abundance. The circle of deities is placed around the main deities of the temple, Sri Anandeshwara and Anandeshwari; located near a powerful energy field of 1008 Śiva lingas radiating Śiva’s cosmic energy in an extremely auspicious atmosphere. Nakṣatra Nakṣatra: the constellation in which the moon sits in the heaven at a particular time, commonly called as ‘birth Star’ Vedic sciences Vedic sciences: refer to a number of disciplines found in the Vedas, a large body of texts originating in ancient India, among the oldest sacred texts Ṛg Veda Ṛg Veda: an ancient Indian sacred collection of hymns, one among the four canonical sacred texts of Vedic tradition known as the Vedas Āryabhaṭa Āryabhaṭa: one of the first astronomer and great mathematician of India, born in 476 Copernicus Copernicus: (1473-1543) the first astronomer to formulate a heliocentric cosmology, which displaced the Earth from the center of the universe Galileo Galileo: (1564-1642) Italian physicist, mathematician, astronomer and philosopher. His achievements include improvements to the telescope and important astronomical observations