I recently came across a video circulating on social media in which an astrologer predicts the lifespan of Bollywood superstars Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan. The astrologer claimed, “They both will be dead in the next seven years.”
This blog isn’t about whether these beloved stars will pass away within that timeframe. Instead, it raises two important questions: Is it possible to predict death through astrology? And more importantly, should astrologers make such bold predictions public on social media?
Interestingly, the person who shared the video isn’t even a believer in astrology yet felt compelled to say, “Astrologers shouldn’t predict such things and publicize them.”
But here’s the thing — if you fucking don’t believe in astrology, why fucking bother sharing the video in the first place? Why not just ignore it, dismiss the astrologer as a clown, and move on with your day — maybe go binge-watch some MILF porn online instead? Why waste your energy on someone you consider a joker spouting nonsense?
Then there’s the other set of so-called “literate” idiots who flood the comment section with remarks like: “Astrology is fake,” “Astrologers are frauds,” “We live in modern times — death can’t be predicted,” or “This guy’s a cheat; saints and astrologers are scammers.”
Ironically, these same mortals often belong to the 90% of Hindus who follow astrological traditions in their daily lives. They get into arranged marriages within their caste and gotra after meticulously matching horoscopes with multiple prospects. They’re the ones who:
• Marry on so-called auspicious dates chosen by astrologers.
• Launch businesses on carefully calculated shubh muhurtas.
• Visit temples on astrologically significant days.
• Circumambulate the Navagrahas for planetary blessings.
• Conduct Bhoomi Puja and Vastu Shastra rituals before building their homes.
• Perform naming ceremonies for their children on astrologically favorable dates.
• Observe Tithis and rituals to honor their ancestors on astrologically significant days.
The so-called Hindus who thump their chests with pride at the mention of Takshashila University (commonly known as Taxila University)—which flourished between the 6th century BCE and the 5th century CE and is now situated in present-day Pakistan—often overlook an important fact. This renowned institution, which attracted scholars and students from across the Indian subcontinent and beyond, including regions such as Persia, Babylonia, Syria, and Greece, had astrology (Jyotish Shastra) as one of its main subjects. Alongside astrology, subjects like medicine, politics, philosophy, warfare, and mathematics were also taught.
Kautilya, also known as Vishnugupta or more commonly as Chanakya, was the prominent historical figure associated with Taxila University. He was a renowned astrologer, teacher, philosopher, economist, and political strategist. Chanakya also held a firm belief in the practices of ‘black magic’ and ‘sorcery,’ about which he wrote extensively in several chapters.
Vedic astrology (Jyotish Shastra) has always been a part of the Indian curriculum and was traditionally passed down to newer generations through the Guru-Sishya lineage.
The Muslim rulers who governed India (this region) for nearly 1,000 years never attempted to interfere with this Hindu divine science, despite Islamic teachings considering astrological practices ‘haram.’ Instead, they allowed it to remain a part of the culture in the land they had conquered and named ‘Hindusthaan.’
India was long burdened by the societal curse of casteism, where education and access to Vedic scriptures were reserved exclusively for the elite or forward castes. The backward castes, scheduled castes, and scheduled tribes—classifications that were, in fact, structured by the upper castes—were systematically denied access to Vedic practices and any form of education that could improve their social and economic conditions. This deliberate exclusion was arguably a means for the upper castes to maintain dominance and control over marginalized communities. However, this rigid structure began to change, largely due to the influence of British reforms.
When the British defeated the Mughals and took control of India, it was the Indian elites who were the first to be captivated by Western culture. The Indian upper-caste Hindus quickly adapted to the new schooling system and began to regard English as the ultimate language of knowledge and refinement. In their eagerness to embrace Western ideas, they distanced themselves from their ancient traditions and wisdom, readily accepting whatever the British declared as right. Vedic astrology and Ayurveda suffered the most during this period—ironically, disciplines that had not only survived but were also respected under the Mughal regime.
To be continued…