Ayanāṃśa Comparison

Lahiri vs Raman calculations for Śrīla Prabhupāda's birth chart

September 1, 1896

4:00 PM

Calcutta, India

What is Ayanāṃśa?

Ayanāṃśa is the difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs caused by the precession of equinoxes. This value is crucial in Vedic astrology as it determines how planetary positions are calculated relative to fixed stars.

Why it matters

Different ayanāṃśa values can result in:

• Changes in planetary degrees and nakshatras
• Shifts in house cusps
• Different sign placements for ascendant and planets
• Altered planetary yogas and combinations

"Astrology is a science, but it is material. Devotees go beyond the stars by Kṛṣṇa consciousness."

- Śrīla Prabhupāda (Letter, 1975)

Prabhupāda's Perspective

While acknowledging Jyotiṣa as a valid Vedic science, Śrīla Prabhupāda consistently subordinated astrology to bhakti:

Key Teachings

• Material astrology distracts from spiritual goals
• Bhakti-yoga liberates from karmic/astrological cycles
• Planets are manifestations of divine energies
• Devotees are protected by the Supreme Lord

Prabhupāda permitted astrological muhūrtas for temple events but discouraged personal horoscope readings for devotees, urging faith in Kṛṣṇa over "planetary luck."

"Kṛṣṇa consciousness is so strong that it can overcome any influence of the stars."

- Śrīla Prabhupāda (Caitanya-caritāmṛta lecture)

Ayanāṃśa Comparison

Lahiri (Chitrapaksha)

Official standard in India, based on fixed star Chitrá (Spica) at 180°

21° 49'

Historically used in Bengal where Prabhupāda was born

Maintains Makara (Capricorn) ascendant as accepted

Preserves critical yogas in the chart

Raman

Developed by B.V. Raman to minimize sign changes for certain stars

20° 17'

Difference of 1° 32' from Lahiri value

Developed after Prabhupāda's birth

Shifts ascendant to Aquarius (Kumbha)

Planetary Position Differences

Planet	Lahiri Position	Raman Position	Difference	Impact
Ascendant (Lagna)	29° Makara (Capricorn)	0° 28' Kumbha (Aquarius)	Sign change	Changes ascendant qualities and house divisions
Sūrya (Sun)	16° 22' Siṃha (Leo)	17° 54' Siṃha (Leo)	1° 32'	Minimal impact
Candra (Moon)	4° 07' Kanyā (Virgo)	5° 39' Kanyā (Virgo)	1° 32'	Changes nakshatra but same sign
Guru (Jupiter)	28° 15' Makara (Capricorn)	29° 47' Makara (Capricorn)	1° 32'	May change sign in some house systems
Śani (Saturn)	14° 52' Makara (Capricorn)	16° 24' Makara (Capricorn)	1° 32'	Minimal impact

Impact on Yogas

Critical Yogas in Lahiri System

Yoga	Components	Significance
Guru-Śani Conjunction	Jupiter + Saturn in 1st House	Wisdom fused with discipline, jñāna-bhakti path
Ketu in Lagna	Ketu in 1st House	Spiritual detachment from worldly identity
Śani in Lagna	Saturn in 1st House	Mastery over material obstacles, perseverance

Raman System Changes

• Breaks the Guru-Śani conjunction by shifting Guru to 12th house
• Changes Ketu placement to 12th house
• Alters house divisions and planetary lordships
• Shifts ascendant qualities from discipline to humanitarian focus

Conclusion & Recommendation

For authenticity in analyzing Śrīla Prabhupāda's chart:

Use Lahiri Ayanāṃśa

Matches the historically accepted chart with Makara Lagna

Preserves the critical yogas that reflect Prabhupāda's life and mission

Aligned with the astrological traditions of Bengal where he was born

Regardless of technical calculations, Prabhupāda emphasized that devotional service transcends astrological influences:

"A devotee is not subject to the stars. Kṛṣṇa says, 'I am the controller of astrology' (jyotiṣāṃ raviḥ). So why worry about stars? Worry about Kṛṣṇa."

- Śrīla Prabhupāda (Letter, 1972)

Vedic Astrology Analysis | Śrīla Prabhupāda's Birth Chart | Ayanāṃśa Comparison

Note: This analysis focuses on Jyotiṣa as a framework to understand cosmic design, while acknowledging that bhakti-yoga transcends destiny