Problems Aplenty

Could you speak to unknown persons?

Or, did you know the residence number of theirs?

But Mr.Natraj at the age of 50 knew it thoroughly. The number of strangers were limited. Since they were few, he could master their locations and relations between them. He was neither a postman nor a political representative of his area. Still he was thorough in the art. Yes, that was an art not known to you and me or general public. It was an art for those who did not believe in their skill. It was an art for those who trusted their futures on the strangers who were not conversant to them. The art meant for the believers of occult science and unknown beliefs based on non-scientific traditional culture. The thoughts were imbibed in their deep cleft of white matter lying within their cranial cavity of their skull.

There was not exception between men and women, learned and illiterate, old and young for relying on this art. Sometimes they were asked to visit some temples in remote areas of the state as well as neighbouring states as a solution to the problems created by themselves.

On Sundays and holidays, there would be heavy rush to meet Natraj. Envisaging the rush, he used to get himself ready, early in the morning and sit in the verandah of his house with a slanted and short stool in front and number of almanacs on his side. A writing pad stuffed with white papers and a pen would also occupy the stool ready to help him in need.

Those who practice this art were never seen wearing a shirt. They normally cover thei body with a thin and long white towel and a dhoti. But the forehead would invariably be smeared with holy ash of three parallel lines and a circular spot of safron color at the center of lowest line.

Yes. The strangers were nine planets and the art was astrology.

On a Sunday, Nataraj was ready in his usual attire, sitting on the verandah, to practice his profession. A middle aged man with his son was first client.

"Good morning and welcome," greeted Natraj.

"Good morning, Sir,"

"Please sit down," showing the mat neatly spread in front of him.

"You have brought the papers," asked Natraj.

"Yes Sir."

He took a small note book with a yellow colored corner with tamarind from a cloth bag of same color and gave it to him and sat on the mat. His son also sat down along with him.

Natraj opened the page in which the boy's horoscope was drawn. It was twelve squares cascading in a rectangle leaving a rectangular gap at the center. There were two of the sort facing each other in opposite pages.

The astrologer was busy in his calculation starting from his date of birth till date, by refering the almanac. There was absolute silence, till the calculation were over.

"Yes, tell me. What is the problem," enquired Natraj.

"Sir, this boy, my son is twenty years old."

"OK"

"He was good in his students upto VIII standard. After getting my transfer here, I admitted him in a famous school nearby, spending lot of money from my hard earned savings. But he is unable to cope up and scores very less marks. I have a plan to make him engineer."

"Engineer," Natraj laughed and said,"if everyone becomes engineer who will look after the other professions in the world."

Natraj started his analysis.

"Your son's horoscope is good. There is nothing wrong except the period of saturn which started on completion of his VIII standard. This will continue for a period of seven and a half years. Now only one year is over. The problem will persist for six and half years more. Hopwever the effect of saturn can be nullified by going to Tirunallar which is saturn's abode. If you are unable to go there, visit a nearest Shiva temple and light a lamp with gingellee oil as fuel for nine weeks on all Saturdays in front of Saturn among the nine planets."

"I can take him to Tirunallar."

"OK, then all of you in your family must go there"

"Right Sir"

"Anything else"

"This is my main problem. Nothing else"

He took a hundred rupees note and gave it to him.

"Thank you. Have coffee." He called his daughter, "Bhuvana"

His youngest daughter served the coffee and the client left with gratitude for giving a good soultion.

Bhuvana was very young and moderately beautiful. She was in half saree and a long petti coat sweeping the ground. A bright colored jacket of purple green and red petticoat was in contrast. A slim body and fair color gave her an additional attraction.

Meanwhile a middle aged woman with her young son entered as next client. The woman looked pale and thin.

"Please come. Sit down," welcomed Natraj.

Bhuvana was looking at them curiously.

"Is she your daughter?" asked the woman.

"Yes. Her mother had exposed at their younger age leaving three daughters. She is the youngest but not good at her studies. However she is very good in her household works," said the astrologer.

"What is the use of study? Nowadays everyone studies well and qualify more. See my son. He is very good in his studies, completed his post graduate with merit. He has undergone some computer courses also. His father died in a motor accident last year and received some money as insurance claim. We are also ready to pay for his job. But our bad luck do not fetch any job. I have come to see his horoscope on that matter only."

Both of them sat in front of him and she took out the horoscope from a bag and gave it to Natraj.

He started his calculations. There was pin drop silence.

"Look dad. Mala is coming," shouted Bhuvana on seeing her sister entering inside the house.

Mala was in the traditional punjabi dress, which has recently become a national dress among Indian girls. She was also good looking.

"Come dear! How was your interview?"

"It was good. I think I'll get through if I am lucky."

"OK. Go and get yourself refreshed," said Natraj.

"My second daughter."

With a formal introduction to the woman, he plunged into astrological calculations again. Both the sisters were inside their home.

There was another client at the entrance. They were three, husband and wife with their daughter.

Natraj welcomed them and asked them to sit aside on the other portion of verandah and started his prediction based on his calculations. It was mere psychological counselling mixed with names of some planets which will alter in the forthcoming movement of jupiter. Astrologers are very efficient in their oratory skill among small audience with a convincing arguements and cogent reply.

The women and her son left him after making payment of his consulting fees.

The clients in waiting were called next. All the three were seated in front of Natraj.

"She's my daughter, aged more than 27 and well qualified. She is also earning a good sum from a MNC company. For the past three years, we are looking for a suitable groom. But we are unable to find a good match. This is her horoscope," narrated the father.

"We have also visited many temples for this purpose," added the mother.

The girl was keeping mum lamenting her fate.

Natraj started his analysis. The calculations were long as the client was bit old. He was also referring to the old almanac and compared the horoscope. Then he started explaining the reasons for the delay.

"The principal effect of mars planet and its position does not favor an early marriage. However we can find a suitable match of same category. That will be done very soon before the end of next two months. You may bring such proposals to me as soon as you receive one. Nothing to worry."

"Papa, there is a call for you from my elder sister," shouted his second daughter, Mala.

The clients settle their fees due and were seen off.

Natraj was not in a hurry to attend the phone since the call was from his unmarried eldest daughter employed as Junior Telecom Officer and attending a training in Northern part of the country. She is more than 30 years old, without any planet of mars effect. The second daughter is unemployed. Third daughter is uneducated.

Still he never thought of solving their problems through astrology.

...concluded.