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Ashtamangala Prasnam
In Sanskrit the word ‘Prasnam’ means a question or query. An astrologer can respond to a question by knowing the planetary positions at the time of arising question. In Vedic Astrology Ashtamangala Prasnam is the most sophisticated method for finding out the root cause of problems.

Ashtamangala refers to a set of eight auspicious materials which usually have their presence at sacred occasions. The set of materials may vary according to the deity worshiped and as per the occasion viz. The most widely followed ashtamangala materials are Cheppu (a small container for keeping kumkum), Mirror, Gold, Flower (Tulasi leaves are also used), Akshatam (mixture of rice and paddy grain), Fruits, Taambulam (Betel leaves and Areca nuts) and Grantham (holy book).

Ashtamangalaprasnam and Thalkalaprasnam are two forms in which Kavadi (sea shells) is used. In the practice of ashtamangala prasnam 108 kavidis are used. These kavidis need to be rinsed in milk and water and thoroughly dried before putting them on the board in which zodiac chart is drawn (the chart will be drawn on a rectangular wooden board). The astrologer who conducts the prasnam would sit at the left side of the zodiac chart facing east. He, then, puts the 108 kavidis on board and keeps them under his palm. Then, after concentrating and praying the God, he moves his palm, along with the kavidis, in circular pattern before randomly dividing them into three.

“Vamasthena phalam bhootham varthamanam imadhyathah Dakshinasthena bhaavini phalanicha vinirddissel”

The first set of randomly chosen kavidis is partitioned towards left (North) and the next set towards right (South) to get three sets in total – Left, Middle & Right (Upon facing East, the left side is North and the right side is South). Each of these sets is further divided into groups of 8 and the reminding number of kavidis is noted and referred as ashtamangalam. These ashtamangalas (reminding figures) can sum up to 4, 12 or 20 (4, 8+4, 8X2+4), depending on which the severity of problem is decided. For the sum ‘4’ the problem is considered ‘minor and not alarming’, for ‘12’ it is ‘moderate’ and for ‘20’ it is ‘serious and threatening’.

The ashtamangala or reminding figures on Left (North), Middle and Right (South) represent Past, Present and Future respectively. With these figures, the astrologer can evaluate the good and bad fortunes/effects of past, present and future.