(Image Information: Astrology
Claudia Dea Source: Flickr)
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A boy named Suraj (which means born of the gods) has always been interested in science. Particularly, Suraj was interested in astrology. Suraj always read horoscopes, and always wanted to know more about how the planets influenced human beings on earth. Navagraha, the major 9 planets, were all thought to be involved with human influence and karma. These 9 planets also were used in the field of study for astrology.
It was said that long ago that the demon Vatsu Purusha was trying to rise from the earth and block the sky. Each of the planet gods pinned Vatsu down to prevent him from going on with his plan. As a result, different parts of the sky were attributed to each of the gods. North is Kubera, South is Yama, East is Indra, West is Varuna, North-East is Soma, South-West is Surya, North-West is Vayu, and South-East is Agni.
One day, Suraj was just doing his daily routine where he grabbed the local newspaper and decided to read his horoscope. However, today, his routine would change. After reading his horoscope, he read in big letters "WANT TO KNOW WHAT NAVAGRAHA YOU ARE? WELL, WE HAVE THE PERFECT SOLUTION! COME VISIT OUR ASTROLOGER VATSU AT 123 SKY AVENUE M-F 9 AM - 9 PM."
This excited Suraj. He finally would get to see what planet he closely associated with the most. Would it be Saturn? Would it be the moon? Would it be Venus? This was all exciting news that there finally was a way that would let him know. Suraj knew his name meant of the gods, but he has always wanted to know which one.
However, it was interesting the the astrologer he was going to go meet was also the name of the demon who wanted to block the sky in Vedic times. Suraj didn't let it bother him, because today he would finally learn more about who he was and what God he closely relates with.
Suraj entered the building of the astrologer. It was dark, and eerie music was playing in the background. "Hello? Is anybody here?" asked Suraj. Out of a curtain, a tall, lanky, spooky man appeared.
"Hello, my name is Vatsu. How can I help you today?" he replied.
"Hi Vatsu, my name is Ssss-Sssuraj, I ss-ssaw your ad in the newspaper this morning, and wanted to learn more about my name," he said nervously.
"Ahhh, yes, won't you come in," said Vatsu.
The room was filled with incense, beads, and a telescope was in the corner of the room. It seemed like Vatsu spent all his time studying the stars and the planets. Vatsu returned in the room.
"Tell me you name again," he said.
Suraj replied, "My name is Suraj."
"Ahhhh, Suraj. Your name is created from the Sun-god, Surya," said Vatsu.
Excited to know more, Suraj asked, "Well, what else can you tell about me now that I know I associate with Surya?"
"Well, Suraj. You will be a person who is very involved in the field of astrology. You will also be interested in becoming a very religious person, and remain friendly to those around you. You think a lot, and you have a creative sense that is just very unique to people of the Surya god," said Vatsu.
Amazed by all of this, Suraj became more aware of the person he was and how the Surya god influences his daily life and future. Suraj and Vatsu continued to talk more about the different gods, and even laughed at the fact that Vatsu's name was given after the demon who wanted to block the sky.
This short trip came to and end when Suraj's mother called. Suraj thanked Vatsu once again, and left the building. Suraj returned home hoping to visit Vatsu again someday. Suraj went home to ask his mother, Chandni, where the origin of her name came from. His mother told him that her name came from Chandra, the moon God.
From that day forward sparked Suraj's interest in becoming an astrologer. All thanks to Vatsu.
Author's Note: I simply created a story that told more about the Navagraha and how it relates to astrology. I knew the name Suraj came from the Sun God, so I decided to make a boy that name and the star of the story. From the video, we are told the story about Vatsu, and I decided to make that a modern day twist with him being the astrologer.
Bibliography: Pattanaik's Calendar Art Part E Reading Guide
Sonali I really liked your story for week 13! I thought that it was super cool that you wrote about astrology and that you named on of your character after the sun god. I have always thought astrology was super interesting so I loved your story. I think you wrote something that was super cool and modern and I really liked it. I am definitely interested in watching the video that inspired you to write this story.
ReplyDeleteHey Sonali! I really enjoyed this story! You do a great job of explaining what the Navagraha's are and the importance of them. I love how you were able to incorporate dialogue into the story because it brought the character of Suraj to life. I like how you wrapped up the story by mentioning that the meeting with Vatsu spurred Suraj's future interest into becoming an astrologer. Awesome story!
ReplyDeleteWow! This was a really cool story to finish off with! I think it’s interesting how you incorporated astrology, which is a significant part of Indian culture, into this tale. You did a great job of providing a short story from Indian lore and utilizing it to build a story that you wanted to tell about a moment in a young man’s life. I really enjoyed it! Great job!
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