Bangalore Venkata Raman
Encyclopedia
Dr. B.V. Raman was a world renowned astrologer & author. He was a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society, London, and a Member of the Royal Asiatic Society. He also held a string of titles such as Abhinava Varahamihira, Jyotisha Bhanu, Jyotisha Vignana Marthanda, Jyotisha Ratna, Abhinava Bhaskara, Jyotisha Bhooshana, etc. conferred on him by various organisations. His special fields of research were Hindu astronomy, astro-psychology, weather and political forecasts, disease diagnosis, natural calamities, management, and other areas in relation to celestial phenomena.
Dr. Raman spent his whole life in the study of relations between cosmic and terrestrial phenomena. He attempted to demonstrate by his writings and predictions made through The Astrological Magazine and other media that the astrological theory of cosmic influences affecting human life is essentially correct. Through a number of books, lectures, and research papers, Dr. Raman influenced the educated public and made them astrology-conscious.
and obtained a diploma. His grandfather B. Suryanarain Rao was a key influence in his early life who was learned in the subject of astrology himself. It was under his inspirational guidance that he picked up the rudiments of astrology and started making predictions of his own.
Dr. Raman was never a professional astrologer but yet was consulted and his guidance sought by scientists, political leaders, saints, medical doctors, industrialists, and heads of governments and people from all strata of life. His visitors were drawn from all walks of life.
Dr. Raman's recreations included lawn tennis and gardening. A teetotaller of the strictest order, his daily routine until the last day included Sandhyavandana and Gayatri Japa
both in the morning and the evening, Yoga and Pranayama
and a long walk in the evening. He followed the teachings of Lord Krishna
as given in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita
and tried to apply them in his own life. He was considered an institution unto himself. A man of great simplicity and sincerity, he had a kind word for everyone he came across, no matter who it was. He was a classic example of simple living and high thinking in the modern world exemplifying the best of the Indian values.
He was assisted in his activities by his devoted wife Mrs. Rajeswari Raman, who took keen interest not only in astrology but also in the study of Yoga, especially in its application to women. Mrs. Rajeswari Raman was a practical exponent of Hatha Yoga
and also served as the Director of Sri Surya Prakash Institute of Yoga for Women. She visited Europe and America, in 1970, in 1981, and 1992 and delivered talks on Yoga, Indian womanhood, etc., before various women's associations and cultural organisations.
With the help of his son Niranjan Babu
, he also started the Raman & Rajeswari Research Foundation to promote the knowledge of Astrology and Vastu Shastra.
Bangalore and his daughter, Gayatri Devi Vasudev
, when it was shut down citing no reasons. It is now relaunched as The Astrological eMagazine by his son Niranjan Babu
.
The Astrological Magazine, held to be the only journal of its type in Asia, earned an international reputation as a great exponent of Indian culture in general and astrology in particular. Its views were held in esteem by the educated public.
Dr. Raman also gave a rational exposition of astrology in his book Planetary Influences on Human Affairs, defending his claim by statistical data refuting the arguments of its critics. He also wrote 300 important combinations which describes different planetary combinations along with the yogas formed out of it.
He represented India at the Astrological Congress held at Cambridge, England, and the International Astrology Conference at New York. Traveling around the world, he delivered innumerable lectures in Germany, England, France, Italy, Austria, Holland, Canada, Japan, and the United States of America, addressing universities, medical associations, and educational and cultural institutions on different aspects of astrology, Hindu astronomy, philosophy, and Indian culture.
In 1947, Raman took memberships of the Royal Astronomical Society
, London, and the Royal Asiatic Society
. In 1968, the Akhila Bharateeya Samskrita Sammelana awarded him the Doctor of Literature degree, and in June 1976 the Kumaon University (U.P.) awarded him the honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
He was the first to deliver a lecture, Relevance of Astrology in Modern Times, in 1970 at the United Nations, New York, which evoked much interest in diplomatic circles. He asserted that astrology was a science and not mere mumbo jumbo.
Dr. Raman presided over several important conferences at both national and international levels. In October 1992, Dr. Raman, on a visit to the United States of America to deliver the keynote address at the First International Symposium on Vedic Astrology, held at Dominican College in San Rafael, California
, mooted the idea of a national body to organise the study of Indian astrology in the States. The American Council of Vedic Astrology was founded under Dr. Raman's guidance by a group of Americans to help popularize the study of Indian astrology in USA.
In February 1996, the Centenarian Trust, Madras, conferred on him its Man of the Year (1995) award, formed in the memory of the Kanchi Paramacharya. He was the inaugural speaker and chief guest at the National Conference on Disaster and Technology held at Manipal
on 25-9-1998.
Dr. Raman also founded an all India body, the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (Regd.) in 1984 to regulate the study and practice of astrology in the country with Chapters in Bangalore, Madras, Delhi, Kanpur, Trivandrum, Patna, and other cities. As Founder and President, he enthused and inspired the intelligentsia to take up the study of astrology as a serious pursuit.
Dr. Raman spent his whole life in the study of relations between cosmic and terrestrial phenomena. He attempted to demonstrate by his writings and predictions made through The Astrological Magazine and other media that the astrological theory of cosmic influences affecting human life is essentially correct. Through a number of books, lectures, and research papers, Dr. Raman influenced the educated public and made them astrology-conscious.
Personal life and background
Dr. B.V. Raman was born in a village near Bangalore in 1912 and had his early education in a village school. He completed his collegiate studies in Science at Central College, Bangalore. During the period of his studies in the University, he also specialised in homeopathyHomeopathy
Homeopathy is a form of alternative medicine in which practitioners claim to treat patients using highly diluted preparations that are believed to cause healthy people to exhibit symptoms that are similar to those exhibited by the patient...
and obtained a diploma. His grandfather B. Suryanarain Rao was a key influence in his early life who was learned in the subject of astrology himself. It was under his inspirational guidance that he picked up the rudiments of astrology and started making predictions of his own.
Dr. Raman was never a professional astrologer but yet was consulted and his guidance sought by scientists, political leaders, saints, medical doctors, industrialists, and heads of governments and people from all strata of life. His visitors were drawn from all walks of life.
Dr. Raman's recreations included lawn tennis and gardening. A teetotaller of the strictest order, his daily routine until the last day included Sandhyavandana and Gayatri Japa
Japa
Japa is a spiritual discipline involving the meditative repetition of a mantra or name of a divine power. The mantra or name may be spoken softly, enough for the practitioner to hear it, or it may be spoken purely within the recitor's mind...
both in the morning and the evening, Yoga and Pranayama
Pranayama
Pranayama is a Sanskrit word meaning "extension of the prana or breath" or more accurately, "extension of the life force". The word is composed of two Sanskrit words, Prāna, life force, or vital energy, particularly, the breath, and "āyāma", to extend, draw out, restrain, or...
and a long walk in the evening. He followed the teachings of Lord Krishna
Krishna
Krishna is a central figure of Hinduism and is traditionally attributed the authorship of the Bhagavad Gita. He is the supreme Being and considered in some monotheistic traditions as an Avatar of Vishnu...
as given in the Srimad Bhagavad Gita
Bhagavad Gita
The ' , also more simply known as Gita, is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the ancient Sanskrit epic, the Mahabharata, but is frequently treated as a freestanding text, and in particular, as an Upanishad in its own right, one of the several books that constitute general Vedic tradition...
and tried to apply them in his own life. He was considered an institution unto himself. A man of great simplicity and sincerity, he had a kind word for everyone he came across, no matter who it was. He was a classic example of simple living and high thinking in the modern world exemplifying the best of the Indian values.
He was assisted in his activities by his devoted wife Mrs. Rajeswari Raman, who took keen interest not only in astrology but also in the study of Yoga, especially in its application to women. Mrs. Rajeswari Raman was a practical exponent of Hatha Yoga
Hatha yoga
Hatha yoga , also called hatha vidya , is a system of yoga introduced by Yogi Swatmarama, a Hindu sage of 15th century India, and compiler of the Hatha Yoga Pradipika....
and also served as the Director of Sri Surya Prakash Institute of Yoga for Women. She visited Europe and America, in 1970, in 1981, and 1992 and delivered talks on Yoga, Indian womanhood, etc., before various women's associations and cultural organisations.
With the help of his son Niranjan Babu
Niranjan Babu
Niranjan Babu is the chief editor of The Astrological eMagazine and a scholar in Vastu, Astrology and related subjects. He is also the chairman of The Raman & Rajeswari Research Foundation which promotes Vedic culture. He was the Editor, CEO and Publisher of The Astrological Magazine , started by...
, he also started the Raman & Rajeswari Research Foundation to promote the knowledge of Astrology and Vastu Shastra.
Career
Dr. Raman restarted The Astrological Magazine in 1936, which was earlier ran by his grandfather, and remained its editor for over 62 years. After his death, the magazine was run till December 2007 by his son, Niranjan BabuNiranjan Babu
Niranjan Babu is the chief editor of The Astrological eMagazine and a scholar in Vastu, Astrology and related subjects. He is also the chairman of The Raman & Rajeswari Research Foundation which promotes Vedic culture. He was the Editor, CEO and Publisher of The Astrological Magazine , started by...
Bangalore and his daughter, Gayatri Devi Vasudev
Gayatri Devi Vasudev
Gayatri Devi Vasudev is the daughter of famous astrologer Dr. Bangalore Venkata Raman, who edited The Astrological Magazine since 1936. She became Editor of the Astrological Magazine after the passing of her father in 1998, and remained as Editor until Jan 2008, when the magazine closed operations...
, when it was shut down citing no reasons. It is now relaunched as The Astrological eMagazine by his son Niranjan Babu
Niranjan Babu
Niranjan Babu is the chief editor of The Astrological eMagazine and a scholar in Vastu, Astrology and related subjects. He is also the chairman of The Raman & Rajeswari Research Foundation which promotes Vedic culture. He was the Editor, CEO and Publisher of The Astrological Magazine , started by...
.
The Astrological Magazine, held to be the only journal of its type in Asia, earned an international reputation as a great exponent of Indian culture in general and astrology in particular. Its views were held in esteem by the educated public.
Dr. Raman also gave a rational exposition of astrology in his book Planetary Influences on Human Affairs, defending his claim by statistical data refuting the arguments of its critics. He also wrote 300 important combinations which describes different planetary combinations along with the yogas formed out of it.
He represented India at the Astrological Congress held at Cambridge, England, and the International Astrology Conference at New York. Traveling around the world, he delivered innumerable lectures in Germany, England, France, Italy, Austria, Holland, Canada, Japan, and the United States of America, addressing universities, medical associations, and educational and cultural institutions on different aspects of astrology, Hindu astronomy, philosophy, and Indian culture.
In 1947, Raman took memberships of the Royal Astronomical Society
Royal Astronomical Society
The Royal Astronomical Society is a learned society that began as the Astronomical Society of London in 1820 to support astronomical research . It became the Royal Astronomical Society in 1831 on receiving its Royal Charter from William IV...
, London, and the Royal Asiatic Society
Royal Asiatic Society
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was established, according to its Royal Charter of 11 August 1824, to further "the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia." From its incorporation the Society...
. In 1968, the Akhila Bharateeya Samskrita Sammelana awarded him the Doctor of Literature degree, and in June 1976 the Kumaon University (U.P.) awarded him the honorary Doctor of Letters degree.
He was the first to deliver a lecture, Relevance of Astrology in Modern Times, in 1970 at the United Nations, New York, which evoked much interest in diplomatic circles. He asserted that astrology was a science and not mere mumbo jumbo.
Dr. Raman presided over several important conferences at both national and international levels. In October 1992, Dr. Raman, on a visit to the United States of America to deliver the keynote address at the First International Symposium on Vedic Astrology, held at Dominican College in San Rafael, California
San Rafael, California
San Rafael is a city and the county seat of Marin County, California, United States. The city is located in the North Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area...
, mooted the idea of a national body to organise the study of Indian astrology in the States. The American Council of Vedic Astrology was founded under Dr. Raman's guidance by a group of Americans to help popularize the study of Indian astrology in USA.
In February 1996, the Centenarian Trust, Madras, conferred on him its Man of the Year (1995) award, formed in the memory of the Kanchi Paramacharya. He was the inaugural speaker and chief guest at the National Conference on Disaster and Technology held at Manipal
Manipal
Manipal is a university town situated in the state of Karnataka in India. It is a suburb within Udupi city and is administered by Udupi City Municipality. It is located in the rocky hinterland of the Malabar Coast of south west India, about 8 km from the Arabian Sea...
on 25-9-1998.
Dr. Raman also founded an all India body, the Indian Council of Astrological Sciences (Regd.) in 1984 to regulate the study and practice of astrology in the country with Chapters in Bangalore, Madras, Delhi, Kanpur, Trivandrum, Patna, and other cities. As Founder and President, he enthused and inspired the intelligentsia to take up the study of astrology as a serious pursuit.