Stars forbid weddings for 6 months

Nov. 29: The stars are not favourable for marriages in the first half of 2010, forcing couples who believe in astrology to wait for six long months to tie the knot. There are no auspicious muhurtams till the end of July 2010 due to the Sukra and Guru Maudhyami.

Normally, Maghamasam and Chaitramasam, which fall between February and April, are considered auspicious for marriages, but this time round, Guru and Sukra — the important beneficial planets — are weak and auspicious functions are therefore to be avoided.

According to astrologers, the Maudhyami will have an impact from December 11, 2009, to March 18, 2010. Venus or Sukra will set in at 8.56 pm on December 11 in the east and rise in the western skies on February 8, at 5.30 am.

Jupiter or Budha will set in at 1.20 am in the west on February 16 and rise in the east on March 17 at 7.08 pm. However, there are no favourable muhurtams in the initial months of the Vikrutinama new year.

“Very rarely, Maudhyami will have an adverse impact for a long period. It has happened after eight years. Though there are some muhurtams as per Karya Prakashika Panchangam, many people don’t want to perform marriages,” said Srinivasa Gargeya, a city-based astrologer.

Mr S.V. Nagnath, astro-psychologist said, “Some people opt for designer muhurtams, but these are inauspicious. It is commonly believed that marriages performed in Maudhyami may break-up or cause marital discord.”

Mr J.U.B. Shastry, director of the Parasara Institute of Astrological Studies and Research, said auspicious muhurtams were available only in the month of Sravanam which will be in July and August 2010.