37 percent of marriages fail because horoscopes were not matched; 63 per cent because traditions were ignored

• Astrologers present study on marriage breakdowns at Banaras Hindu University

• Astrology is a gift India gave the world. Using it can make life easier and more harmonious. Astrology is an advanced science. If it helps, using it is only wise.

Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) – Divorce news has become commonplace today. Alongside causes such as extra-marital affairs, incompatibility and domestic violence, an additional factor has emerged: incompatible horoscopes. Three professors and two researchers from the Department of Astrology at Banaras Hindu University carried out an in-depth study on the subject and reached striking conclusions. The study found that 37 percent of marriages broke down because the bride and groom’s horoscopes were never properly matched. Couples married despite planetary defects later saw their relationships collapse. Some people embroiled in love affairs even kill one another, while others begin seeking new partners.

Experts at the conference advised preserving tradition alongside modernity. Give space to mantra recitation and planetary consideration. This research will serve as a guide for countries such as Nepal and Singapore as well.

“Even if 32 out of 36 points match, a planetary defect can still break the marriage” — Prof Pandey

Prof Vinay Pandey said that even when the bride and groom match up to 32 out of 36 points, a deep examination of planetary positions is essential. Today many people, under the guise of modernity, do not follow Sanatan rites. Photographs take precedence over mantra recitation at weddings. The consequence is a rising number of divorces and, in some cases, spouses harbouring such hatred that they kill one another. Several states have seen an increase in spousal murders. Most cases involve extramarital affairs. When horoscopes and planetary alignments are correct, relationships remain stable. Astrology is a mathematical and scientific branch. In Hindu Dharma marriage is regarded as an unbreakable bond, yet in the name of modernity tradition is abandoned.

Head of the Department of Astrology Prof Shatrughn Tripathi said people display modernity but treat horoscope matching as backward. The results are visible in the form of divorce, violence and murder.

Method and scope of research

The study ran for approximately one and a half years. Six months were spent analysing the collected data. The research team comprised Prof Vinay Pandey, Prof Ashutosh Tripathi, Prof Amitkumar Mishra, researcher Ganesh Prasad and PhD scholar Rodna Ghinre from Nepal. Data was gathered by two methods. First, from the horoscope verification cell of the Department of Astrology at Banaras Hindu University, where people from across the country bring their horoscopes for checking. Second, by visiting 12 districts of Uttar Pradesh to study couples who obtained divorce within three years of marriage. A total of 250 cases were examined.

Indian and international scholars present at the astrology conference

The research was presented at a conference held on 13 October at the University’s Department of Astrology. The conference was organised by the Ma Sharada Jyotishdham Research Institute, Indore. Researchers from 15 Indian states and experts from Nepal, Singapore and Dubai participated.

Three questions posed to families

1. Was the horoscope matched before marriage and how many points matched?

2. If there were planetary defects, why was the marriage performed?

3. Were Sanatan rites fully observed at the wedding?

These straightforward questions revealed the reality. In 37 per cent of cases stress arose within two years because the horoscopes had not been properly examined. In the remaining 63 per cent of cases religious rites were neglected. In 63 per cent of marriages the date and time were fixed on the basis of hall availability rather than muhurta, and mantra recitation during ceremonies was incomplete.

Main conclusion: both planets and points matter

The study clarified that matching horoscopes is not merely about counting points; analysing planetary positions is equally necessary. Prof Pandey explained that there are two aspects to horoscope matching: ashtakoot, the matching of points, and planetary alignment. Most astrologers check only points and do not conduct a deep verification of planetary positions. Even if 32 out of 36 points match, a planetary defect can still prevent a relationship from enduring.

Key defects found

1. Mangal dosha: Mangal dosha is present if Mars occupies the first, second, fourth, seventh, eighth or twelfth house. Even with remedies, problems persisted in 40 per cent of cases involving Mangal dosha.

2. Nadi dosha and Gan dosha: Nadi and Gan doshas create health and temperament incompatibilities.

3. Chandra bal: According to the bride and groom’s signs, the third, sixth, seventh, tenth or eleventh house is auspicious; the fourth, eighth and twelfth are inauspicious. Charity can help, but neglect increases discord.

4. Auspicious signs and inhospitable placements: Libra, Gemini, Virgo, Taurus and Sagittarius are generally favourable for marriage. Saturn should not be in the twelfth, Mars in the tenth, nor Venus in the third house.

5. Neglect of muhurta: Fixing the wedding according to the Panchang is necessary, otherwise progeny and marital stability suffer.

Prof Tripathi said at least 18 out of 36 points should match. Hindu Dharma contains no clear provision for divorce.

Where horoscopes were properly matched, there was no strain

According to the research, where horoscopes were thoroughly examined, divorce rates were zero. When neglected, not only did relationships break but incidents of violence and murder increased. In one case a wife killed her husband in a love-entangled fit because planetary defects had been ignored.

Divorce rates by state

Although the national divorce rate in India is roughly 1 per cent, urban rates have risen to as much as 30 per cent. Rural rates remain low but are increasing. Government figures record 11.6 per cent in Uttar Pradesh and 18.7 per cent in urban Maharashtra. Overall there is a thirtyfold difference between urban and rural rates. Divorce in joint families is negligible.

Do not forget tradition — advice from astrologers

The research team advised that before marriage families should consult a pandit, fix the muhurat according to the Panchang and perform remedies for planetary defects; do not ignore them. Prof Ashutosh Tripathi said, “Love relations may be fine, but astrology is necessary for marriage. It is mathematics, not blind superstition.” Prof Amitkumar Mishra stated, “Our aim is to reduce the divorce rate by 50 per cent. For that, take horoscopes seriously.”