GANA IN VEDIC ASTROLOGY

WHAT IS GANA?

‘GANA’ IN Vedic astrology refers to nature or behaviour of an individual, which is classified into three different categories – Deva gana, Manushya gana and Rakshasha gana.

The importance of gana in horoscope analyses lies primarily in matching of horoscopes in Hindu marriages to ensure a harmonious married life of the couples. Living together in a family, more than anything else, is about the compatibility of minds, and hence Gana checks prospective matrimonial alliances if their nature and behaviour are to each other’s liking.

All 27 nakshatras are divided into 3 ganas of 9 nakshatras each based on their 3 types. It is the moon’s nakshatra which determines the gana of an individual.

DEVA GANA CHARACTERESTICS

DEVA GANA refers to divine features, and people in this category are said to be kind hearted and of generous nature. They are wise and have higher intellect, because being heavenly the natives can perceive things from a higher altitude. That apart, Deva gana possess good and humble behaviour, adhere to cultural traditions and appreciate the growth and prosperity of others, without being envious. All these positive traits enhance their attractiveness in society.

However, this does not mean all natives are divine creatures with nothing bad about them. Planetary influences like placement, strength, conjunctions and aspects have greater impact on a horoscope than just the gana factor. Therefore, all these conditions can supersede their gana attributes and turn them notorious.

DEVA GANA NAKSHATRA LIST

Ashwini, Mrigashira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Anuradha, Sravana, Revati.

MANUSHYA GANA CHARACTERISTICS

MANUSHYA GANA refers to natives having features of human qualities, which comprise both good attributes of the divine as also demonic qualities of rakshasha. Just as we have good and bad nature in a person, similarly, these natives have moral attributes with spiritual thinking and good deeds, while they can also be materialistic, greedy, envious, self-centered, dishonest etc. The dual qualities apply under different circumstances, and our experience shows people’s nature get modified under different mahadasha periods. For example, while a Jupiter or Saturn mahadasha would take individuals closer to spiritualism and righteousness, a Mars or Rahu period would result in opposite behaviour.

MANUSHYA GANA NAKSHATRA LIST

Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttar Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttar Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttar Bhardrapada.

RAKSHASHA GANA CHARACTERESTICS

RAKSHASHA GANA, or the demonic type is the least preferred for matrimonial alliances because of its destructive nature. These people with strong intuitive powers are stubborn, rigid and fight for their rights. They are selfish and often experience difference of opinion with life partners, especially if it a rakshasha-manushya match.

Although monsters are feared and disliked by all, that does not mean all Rakshasha gana people are of dangerous nature and should be avoided. Planetary influences, which have a greater impact on a horoscope can supersede the attributes that a gana brings and turn them into good human beings.

RAKSHASHA GANA NAKSHATRA LIST

Kritika, Ashlesha, Magha, Chitra, Vishaka, Jyeshtha, Moola, Dhanistha, Satabisha.

GANA COMPATABILITY IN MARRIAGE

THE FIRST rule is if bride and groom have the same gana, i.e. deva-deva, manushya-manushya and rakshasha-rakshasha, the match is compatible. The logic is simple – people of same mindset and thinking get along well, just as there is a saying – “birds of the same feather flock together”.

The second condition is deva gana is compatible with all, because divine forces are the ultimate controlling power on earth. In a deva-manushya match, humans can live happily with divine forces, which also enhances the spiritual journey of their lives, while in a deva-rakshasha combination, divine powers can manage the fearful rakshasha, which makes living together possible.

However, the only exception is manushya-rakshasha, which is highly incompatible, and should preferably be avoided. Unlike deva, manushya or humans can never manage the fearful rakshasha or can hardly stay with the demon, and may even get killed by the rakshasha, which indicates a strong possibility of divorce.

OUR OPINION

HOWEVER, OUR opinion gathered from analyzing large number of horoscopes is somewhat different to the standard view held by most Vedic astrologers.

Marriage compatibility has to be first seen from the 7th house, moon sign, placement of mangal, lagan and nakshatra of both the partners as these factors indicate their mind, identity and behavioural traits. If these aspects match well, then even an adverse pair of gana won’t play the spoilsport.

But, if there are certain adverse marriage concerns in the birth charts of the natives, then the consulting astrologer has to strictly match the gana factor for such alliances to last.