Without exception, all marriages are planned in advance whether one believes in astrology or not!

As distinguished from 'convenience marriages', traditional weddings are basically meant to keep a relationship long and strong. It would be prudent to select auspicious dates and times for weddings so that the vow - till death do us part - turns out a reality.

Astrology, be it Indian or Western, believes in proper timing of events for success. The study of Muhurta or Electional Astrology deals with auspicious moments, dates and times for various important ceremonies. So goes the saying, 'Strike the iron while it is hot.'

According to Indian Astrology, Muhurtha means two 'ghatis' or forty-eight minutes. The essential elements comprise 'tithi' (lunar day), 'vara' (weekday), 'nakshatra' (constellation), 'yoga' (joint motion of sun and moon amounting to multiples of 800 angular minutes)and 'karana' (half a lunar day). These five elements collectively are called 'panchang', that is, 'five limbs'. In considering 'tithi', generally the 4th,6th,8th,12th,14th,full moon('pournami') and new moon ('amavasya') are avoided. In regard to 'vara', in general Tuesday and Saturday are considered inauspicious though they are valid for surgical operations. One should note that in Indian Astrology, the weekday is said to commence from sunrise. Of the twenty-seven 'nakshtras', Bharani and Krittika are avoided for all works as they are said to be presided over by Yama, the lord of death. In 'yoga', the 6th,9th,10th,17th and 27th are inauspicious. Of the 'karanas', 'bhadra' is the most unwanted while 'bava' and 'thaithula' are very auspicious.

One of the major advantages of Muhurta is that a properly elected time can dilute to a great extent the inherent weaknesses in a birth chart or horoscope. These days the only purpose of selecting a time for marriage seems to be have a good attendance of guests and for this reason sundays or holidays are chosen. So unwise!

If marriages at night are not feasible for some religions or communities, there are alternatives too provided by Indian Astrology and advantage can be taken of these.

May the new young couples planning to enter into wedlock be blessed!

About the Author

Learn how to ascertain and use auspicious moments for success in important undertakings by knowing your Lucky Days based on correctly casted Horoscope Chart. http://allaboutmuhurta.blogspot.com.