Lal Kitab
Lal Kitab`s central theme is to diagnose problems by studying
the chart of a person and providing simplistic solutions to him. The entire
system is created solely to relieve people from their problems. The Lal Kitab is
based on principles of Samudrik shastra and Jyotish Gyan. It has its own set of
concepts, analysis and solutions quite different from conventional branches. The
branch is essentially based on palmistry. The chart of an individual is cast by
reading the palm and positions of various signs on it. Day, place and time of
birth are of no importance. Sometimes the chart matches the horoscope derived by
classical Indian astrology.
Although the chart derived by Lal Kitab is different from the conventional
horoscopes in many ways, the trait that sets Lal Kitab apart is its uniquely
effective and unbelievingly simple remedies it offers for various planetary
afflictions in the horoscope. The remedies can range from throwing something in
the river, to feeding dough to the dogs. No matter how hopeless the situation
seems to be, in majority of cases Lal Kitab claims to provide fast and effective
solutions for each and every one.
Many believe Lal Kitab to be an ancient book from Persia with unknown
authorship. In relevance of modern times, Lal Kitab is a famous publication of
five successive volumes published between 1939- 1952. The author of the book who
has written it in interesting verses of Urdu and Punjabi is Pt Roopchand Joshi
(1898 - 1982). While it is acknowledged that he wrote the book based on his own
study of physiognomy, astronomy and by some divine inspiration. Irrespective of
the claims, Pandit Roopchandji is known to be the foremost master of the art,
who made his work public through his books.
The basis of Lal Kitab lies with Samudrik shastra. A chart is cast by studying
the subject`s palm. The palm is divided in twelve zones as per the twelve houses
in the horoscope. The placement of various types of signs, symbolic of each
planet is marked out and detailed planetary position is depicted in the chart.
The native problem is analyzed by looking at the horoscope. Influences of
planets are derived out of their positions in the respective houses. Cause of
the trouble is singled out. Then accordingly certain remedies are suggested to
encounter malefic effects of the particular planet. The Sutras explained in the
book guides every interpretation.
Through Lal Kitab system, a subject`s house`s vastu can be derived out by
looking at his horoscope. Certain remedies are suggested to change the vastu of
the house by placing things in certain direction. At other times remedies
comprises of simple use of non-living objects/ eatables etc. The cures are
provided by altering the presence of objects around us, or by making slight
changes in the routine. Thus, this combination of Vaastu, palmistry and
astrology is used to gain practical insight in human life, and alter it with
amazing simplicity. Lal Kitab does not believe in complicated methods of
analysis and solution giving. Lal Kitab is classified extensively in Five
volumes:
Lal Kitab ke Farmaan: This book sets the foundation for the Lal Kitab astrology.
It is a thoroughly illustrated book in which usage of Samudrik shastra is
explained in detail. Right from explaining toenail and lines on forehead, to
with fine points of palmistry is described in relevance with their respective
relation to the planets. Every further move is based on these basics only. There
are about 181 farmaans in the book.
Lal Kitab ke Armaan: This book lays the foundation of the basic astrology. The
twelve houses, and Lal Kitab astrology is explained with reference to the
palmistry in the earlier sequel. In this book, the relation between signs on the
palm and chart making is established. Effects of the planets in the houses are
also described in details. Certain concepts are also introduced in this book,
which are exclusive to Lal Kitab astrology only.
Gutka: Gutka is a pocketbook for reference. In this book, the combined
information from the early two books is summarized for the benefit of the
reader. A unique and simplified method for creating Varshphal is also described
here. In this method, time zones can be fine tuned in months, weeks and even
days, hours, minutes and seconds. Predictions are made with accuracy using the
Varshaphal system.
Lal kitab-1 and Lal kitab-2 These two books in the sequel have various remedies
for different planetary afflictions described in details. These may be the
simple remedy pertaining to change the vastu of the house, or doing certain
actions utilizing eatables and inanimate objects. Though some methods may seem
close to voodoo methods, none of these are ever intended for any harmful
purpose.
The Lal Kitab remedies are so simple to follow that they automatically generate
doubts about the effectiveness. Cures can be as simple as giving donations, to
feeding cows and dogs. The remedies are cheap and are known to give quick
results. The results can miraculously obtained within the range of a day to 43
days. Such methods against the laborious methods of Yantra, mantra and Jap prove
to be effective and easy to follow. Lal Kitab also warns that if a proper
astrologer does not suggest remedies, they should not followed or should be
instantly abandoned if negative results begin to show up.
Interestingly, Lal Kitab remedies are irrespective of any religious beliefs. The
remedies might include some warnings, or certain rituals to be followed only
after a certain age. The remedial suggestions can range from keeping a dog, or
keeping association with a particular bodied person (like a black woman). Each
remedy is assigned for particular planetary afflictions. Such remedies are for
general welfare.
Yet there are general remedies such as:
-
No eating on the bed.
-
Discarding old useless things from home.
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Not insulting one's elders and parents.
Thus, Lal Kitab is quite popular with the masses, as even an illiterate and
poor man can follow up the solutions. Still, a systematic study of the work is
required. It is a common belief that the book will eventually be properly
understood and will be added to the already rich heritage of Indian astrology.
Lal Kitab is the name of five books, published between 1939
and 1952, which expound an absolutely unique system of Indian astrology now
known as the Lal Kitab system of astrology. These books, each carrying the title
Lal Kitab, are said to be authored by Pandit Roop Chand Joshi, resident of
village Pharwala, Punjab, although Pandit Girdhari Lal Sharma was named as the
publisher of these books. The Lal Kitab books were written in Urdu with a
sprinkling of Punjabi throughout.
Several misconceptions have developed among the people about Lal Kitab. Some
people were of the view that Lal Kitab was written under some divine direction.
However, the author or the Lal Kitab system does not claim to be “God’s promise”
as a verse in the book explains that:
“Duniyaavi hisaab kitabb hai, koi daawaa-e-khudaai nahin”.
Misconceptions also exist regarding the origin of this system and the name Lal
Kitab. Some people believe that Lal Kitab came from some Arabian country.
However, red colour is traditionally indicative of progress and development in
the indian sub-continent. Also, traditionally in India the business ledger books
are bound in red color and are referred to as Lal Kitabs (Red Books). This is
where a business entity maintains its accounts - its debits and credits. The Lal
Kitab volumes were also given a red binding because these books contain
“duniyavi hisaab kitaab” (The worldly ledger book of one’s life). In fact, Lal
Kitab mandates in very clear terms, that any book dealing with this system must
be bound in non-shining, red color. The red colour, therefore, definitely
expresses the Indian influence and origin.
When were the Lal Kitabs Published ?
The first Lal Kitab, containing 383 pages was published in 1939. This is
sub-titled as “Lal Kitab Ke Farmaan” devoted exclusively to palmistry. Profusely
illustrated, this volume describes how to prepare a birth chart based on the
lines and shape of one’s hands. It also goes into various Samudrik Shastra
related details such as physiognomy, the shape of the skull, lines on the sole
of feet.
The second Lal Kitab, containing only 156 pages was published in 1940. It is
subtitled as “Lal Kitab ke Armaan” (The “longings” of Lal Kitab) This edition
introduces Lal Kitab based astrology and contains numerous explanations,
addendum and corrigendum. This volume was recommended strictly as a companion
volume to the first publication.
The third Lal Kitab containing 428 pages was published in 1941. It is in a
pocket book sized format (called gutka in Hindi). The text is mostly in verse
form. It presents Lal Kitab in a summarized form and concentrates mostly on
astrology. Table for annual progression of horoscopes (Lal Kitab methodology)
was first introduced in this book.
The next book containing 384 pages was published in 1942. This book gives more
detailed explanation on Lal Kitab based astrology and is sprinkled with
palmistry and physiognomy.
The last published book containing 1171 pages was released in 1952. It starts
off with a comprehensive introduction to the “Grammar of Lal Kitab.” It has
detailed chapters on the effects of “Pitri Rin” (inherited sins) and its
remedies; marriage, progeny, disease, longevity, travel, income, building a
house and the effect on a person’s life caused by the house one lives in.
These days, Lal Kitab (though presently available in imitated form) is the
biggest seller of all astrology books.
Lal Kitab lays stress on the study of the Horoscope as an
embodiment of the human body. The ‘Kaal Purush’ horoscope is very important to
understand this unique system of astrology. This system also presents astrology
based on palmistry. In general, the books discuss the basics of the Lal Kitab
system, characteristics of the twelve houses and the nine planets,
characteristics of each planet as a benefic and malefic in each house.
There are differences between Lal Kitab system and the classical Indian
astrology. Almost all the titles of Lal Kitab ordain that the sign number of the
ascendent or Lagna bhava and other houses of the birth chart made according to
the traditional astrology may be omitted. Ascendant or Lagna (the first house in
a horoscope) is always considered to be having Aries sign in it. A traditional
Indian horoscope is converted to the Lal Kitab system by changing the Lagna sign
to Aries and the sign of the second house to Taurus and so on. The planets that
are in these houses are not changed, only the Rashis (signs) are changed. Each
house in a horoscope has been assigned a fixed lordship of a Rashi, which is
Aries for the first house, Taurus for the second house and so on.
In order to judge a horoscope, one need not consider the Nakshtra
(constellation) or Rashi. Also Lal Kitab does not consider the effect of
transition of planets (gochar) thus eliminating the need for an almanac. The
only time one needs an almanac, is when one is preparing the natal birth chart.
After that, an almanac is not needed at all, ever.
In the traditional Indian astrology, Sun, Mercury and Venus are always
positioned close by. Lal Kitab removes this condition also. These planets can be
spread all over the horoscope, distant from each other in the varshphal chart.
Rahu and Ketu, (the lunar nodes) which are always seven houses (180 degrees)
apart from each other in the traditional Indian astrology, do not have to be
bound by this condition. Especially, while making an annual progressed horoscope
using Lal Kitab’s Varshphal chart, these two may or may not be seven houses
apart. These two can even occupy adjoining houses.
Lal Kitab neither has Vimshottari Maha dasha nor the Sade Sati consideration of
Saturn. It does have a thirty-five year cycle or dasha of planets.
All the things around us have been fixed as representatives of or significators
belonging to planets. Relatives, professions, things placed in a dwelling
including cattle, pets, trees, plants etc. establish good or evil effect of a
planet. Minute worldly details are precisely covered by the significator
according to Lal Kitab. Knowledge of significators of the planets is very
essential for understanding measures of Lal Kitab correctly, because the
significations of the planets change as they change the houses. In Vedic
astrology, the planets do not change their significations with the change of
houses. This is the uniqueness of Lal Kitab.
Most important aspect of Lal Kitab is the identification of
malefic planets and easy, inexpensive and extremely effective remedial measures
for propitiation of their ill effects.In fact the most important feature of Lal
Kitab system is to determine the planet or planets causing ill effects in one’s
life and the propitiation of these malefic effects through easy-to-perform,
low-cost, and extremely effective and easy remedial measures.
I am giving below some propitiating measures in general for different planets.
The following measures may be adopted and repeated for 43 days. In my opinion,
measures for an early result should only be adopted when the symptoms of a
planet giving malefic effects are apparent. For specific remedies of Lal Kitab
as per the birth horoscope and varshphal chart one should always consult a
knowledgeable astrologer.
Simple Remedies
- To propitiate Sun, throwing of copper coin or jaggery in flowing water is
useful.
- In case of an malefic Moon, keep a utensil full of water or milk under the bed
and offer it to the acacia (Keekar) tree in the morning. One can also donate
milk, rice or silver to propitiate Moon. Keeping Silver nails in the feet of the
bed is also recommended in the Lal Kitab for the same purpose.
- For afflicted Jupiter or Jupiter not giving desired results, watering of Peepal Tree or applying saffron or turmeric tilak on the forehead may help.
- For afflicted Venus or Venus not giving desired results wearing clean & ironed
clothes. Even perfuming the clothes and using cream, face powder etc. also will
help get good results related to Venus. Donating a cow or offering green plants
(Chari) to the cows can also help.
- For a malefic Mars, throwing of rewaries made of jaggery in running water. In
case Mars is benefic sweet meals or sweets may be donated.
- In case of a malefic Mercury, it may help to throw a copper coin with a hole
in running water for 43 consecutive days. Giving bangles and clothes of green colour to eunuchs is also said to propitiate Mercury.
- For a malefic Saturn, donating mustard oil on Saturdays after seeing the
reflection of the face in oil is recommended as also giving loafs of bread with
mustard oil on it to dogs & crows.
- To safeguard against any bad results Rahu may give, place radish under the
pillow or cot at night and offer it next morning to the deity in the temple.
Wood charcoal equal to the body weight may be dropped in the river or canal once
only.
- To safeguard against any bad results Ketu may give, Keeping a white and black pet dog in house or feeding such a dog.