Naadi astrology is a fascinating and intricate system that provides insights into an individual’s past, present, and future. This ancient practice involves a meticulous process of identifying and reading palm leaf manuscripts that contain astrological predictions. The method begins with obtaining a thumb impression from the individual, which serves as a key to unlocking their specific set of palm leaves. Here's an in-depth look at the procedure involved in this remarkable system.
The process starts when an individual, referred to as a native, provides their thumb impression to the Naadi reader. For males, the right thumb impression is taken, while for females, it’s the left thumb impression. This thumb impression is then sent to the library where the palm-leaf bundles are stored. These bundles are systematically classified and indexed according to thumb impressions, facilitating easier searching. Typically, for each thumb impression, there are about five to six bundles, with each bundle containing between 50 to 100 leaves. The task is to locate the leaf that matches the individual’s details, which could be in any of the bundles.
The search for the specific leaf is both laborious and time-consuming. The Naadi reader begins by reading out one statement from the first leaf. If the statement is confirmed by the native, the reader proceeds to the next statement for further verification. If a statement does not match, the reader continues the search, going through leaf after leaf, and bundle after bundle, until the correct leaf is found. This requires full cooperation from the native, who must listen carefully and respond accurately to each statement. This thorough process ensures the identification of not only the correct leaf but also the first chapter or Kaandam, known as the General Kaandam, which represents the native’s lagna (ascendant). The General Kaandam also provides brief predictions for the remaining 12 houses of the native’s birth chart. Detailed predictions for any specific house can be found in the relevant Kaandam in the annexure.
Once the correct leaf is identified, the Naadi reader records the predictions as they are inscribed in the ancient poetic Tamil. These inscriptions are often in a coded language, requiring well-trained readers, known as Asans, to interpret them accurately. The Asans then explain the predictions in spoken Tamil, which are subsequently translated into the native’s preferred language, such as Hindi or English, and recorded on tapes. The original Tamil predictions are also noted down in a notebook and provided to the customer.
The General Kaandam, or the first chapter, is crucial as it acts as an index and provides exhaustive and precise predictions from the time the leaf is traced until the end of the native’s life. This chapter identifies the correct leaf and details the planetary positions of the nine planets, from which the native’s horoscope is cast and recorded in the notebook. The horoscope in the Naadi leaf aligns perfectly with the native’s natal horoscope but does not indicate the Lagna position and balance of Dasa and Bhukthi periods unless specifically mentioned. Following the identification of planetary positions, the current Gochara (transit) positions are discussed. If there are significant doshas (faults) or sins from past lives, the reader prescribes remedies or Pariharas, found in separate chapters called Shanthi and Deeksha (chapters 13 and 14).
Pariharas are remedial measures suggested to atone for sins and mitigate the effects of planetary transits or the influence of envious individuals. They are classified into three main types:
Atoning for Past Sins:
According to Hindu Karma theory, deeds from past lives continue to affect the present. Pariharas for serious sins involve sincere repentance and specific actions such as pilgrimages, offering food and clothes to the needy, feeding birds, and planting trees. These actions aim to reduce the severity of suffering, much like an umbrella protects from harsh weather.
Mitigating Planetary Transits:
Temporary planetary transits, such as the seven-and-a-half-year period of Saturn, can cause significant hardships. Pariharas for these situations are similar to those for past sins and include rituals and offerings to alleviate the adverse effects.
Protection from Enemies:
Enemies, jealousy, and evil eyes can cause personal suffering. To counteract these, the Naadi prescribes specific Mantra Japas (chants) for specified periods, and sometimes the use of talismans. These practices are meant to shield individuals from the malefic intentions of others without causing harm in return.
To consult the Naadi, a native must contact the center by phone, mail, or in person to schedule an appointment. Given the high demand, appointments can have a waiting period of up to three months. Upon scheduling, the native does not need to provide their name, as it will be revealed in the predictions. Instead, they can use a friend’s name or a code name for identification. On the appointment date, the native must reconfirm their arrival or risk cancellation.
During the appointment, the thumb impression is taken and used to trace the appropriate bundle of palm leaves. Each bundle may contain predictions for numerous individuals, and sometimes a single palm leaf might contain predictions for multiple people. In rare instances where a leaf contains predictions for only one person, the original leaf is given to the native. Otherwise, the leaves are periodically destroyed by immersion in the Cauvery River. However, the original Tamil predictions are recorded in a notebook and provided to the native, who can request translations in other languages.
The search for the correct leaf can take several hours or might be resolved within the first few leaves, depending on how quickly the matching statements are identified. Each leaf contains detailed personal information, including names of family members, birth order, and other unique identifiers known as Sakshis (witnesses). The native must confirm or deny these facts without revealing them beforehand to ensure the accuracy of the identification process.
The process of identifying the correct leaf relies heavily on the native’s cooperation. They must listen attentively and respond accurately to the statements read by the Naadi reader. This ensures a precise match and the revelation of the native’s life predictions. If a match is not found, it suggests that the time for the native to know their future has not yet come. In such cases, new bundles are periodically brought from the Head Office, offering another opportunity for those who did not find their leaf in previous attempts.
Once the correct leaves are traced, the original Tamil predictions are meticulously recorded in a notebook. These predictions, written in poetic Tamil with coded astrological terms, are then read and interpreted by trained Asans. The interpretations are explained to the native in spoken Tamil and translated into the native’s preferred language, ensuring clear understanding. The predictions cover various aspects of life, including education, profession, marriage, health, children, and more, often divided into three-year periods for detailed examination.
The Sukshma Naadi predictions are available for all twelve Bhavas (houses) of the horoscope. The General Kaandam provides a comprehensive overview from the time the leaf is traced to the end of the native’s life, detailing planetary positions and their effects. The planetary positions are recorded in the notebook along with the original predictions. The horoscope derived from the Naadi matches the native’s natal horoscope, providing a reliable basis for the predictions. If severe doshas or sins from past lives are detected, the Naadi reader prescribes specific Pariharas to mitigate their effects.
Pariharas are designed to address various causes of suffering, whether from past sins, planetary transits, or the actions of envious individuals. By performing these remedial measures with sincerity and dedication, natives can alleviate their hardships and foster a life of virtue and devotion. The Naadi emphasizes that Pariharas should not be performed mechanically but with genuine repentance and a commitment to positive change. This spiritual practice aims to cultivate love, compassion, and selflessness, leading to a happier and more fulfilled life.