In this eighth edition many of the charts have been reworked to ensure greater accuracy. It is hoped that this, book will provide the astrological public with a basis for research in the Ashtakavarga system of prediction, a unique aspect of Hindu Astrology.

The educated public have always welcomed my humble writings on astrology and I solicit their continued support. They are my best judges and critics. I am thankful to UBS Publishers’ Distributors Ltd., New Delhi, for having brought out this attractive edition.

In these days of superfluous journalism and book publication, any reflective person who contemplates writing a book on astrology must know his motive for doing sp. Otherwise an infliction of oneself on the public calls for some apologetic explanation. For some time past there has been a persistent demand from a large section of my readers for a book that deals exclusively with Ashtakavarga, and the present work is intended to fulfill this demand.

I have been a student of astrology for nearly 35 years and have experimented in my own humble way with various methods of interpretation of horoscopes, mainly derived from ancient classical sources. The Ashtakavarga System, an exposition of which has been attempted in this took, has engaged my attention for a long time. It occupies an important place in the general scheme of Hindu astrology and offers considerable scope for an astrological student who has a scientific bent of mind for making further researches, especially in the matter of timing events. A large number of horoscopes taken out of my vast collections have been studied in the light of ashtakavarga and a few important discoveries have also been made.

In regard to certain aspects of the system, such as whether the Ashtakavargas of Rahu and Lagna are to be considered, and whether the Ashtakavarga is to be reckoned on the basis of Rasis or Bhavas. There is difference of opinion even amongst ancient writers. Such controversial matters have been avoided so that the astrological student may not get confused in understanding the main principles of the system. It is my humble view, and I have the support of noted classical writers, that the Ashtakavarga reckoning has to be done on the basis of the Rasis and not Ubavas.

Consistent with recognisable limitations and deficiencies on my own part, I have endeavoured to present in this volume a clear and concise exposition of the Ashtakavarga method in the hope that the exposition will stimulate the readers o pursue the subject in greater detail. In the treatment of the subject there is no strict adherence to traditional methods. Some minor departures have been made in the light of experience gained all these years.

I hope that this book will receive, from the educated public, the same favourable reception that has been extended to my other writings all these years.