India’s number one astrologer, Bejan Daruwalla, tells Shivangi Singh all about astrology as a career, the destiny, present day meaning of astrology and how difficult it is to be where he is.
How and when did your journey into astrology begin?
When I was in the 8th standard, I used to tell the girls in my class that if you pray under a certain tree you will pass and they used to pass so my love with astrology started at the age of 15.
How do cultural differences change the view of astrology in different parts of our country?
I don’t believe anything changes because individual horoscope does not change whether it is from any part of the country.
What does it mean to be an ‘astrologer’ according to you? Do you think a person can have a real career as an astrologer?
Today I reside in the heart of Prince Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, son of living legend Maharana Arvind Singhji Mewar, City Palace, Udaipur and he treats me like Demi- God and I treat him like a son, so astrology can even take you to the palace and yes, it a great career opportunity.
What is needed to be an astrologer? Do you think that astrology is losing its connect with the divine and becoming more commercial day-by-day?
Yes; I agree astrology is becoming more commercial day by day and I call it “jyotishi”, ‘jyot’ means light and ‘ish’ means God, so the well-being of mankind should be in the heart of the astrologer and thus, astrology can lead to progress.
How difficult was it to become India’s ‘Numero Uno’ astrologer? What were some of the greatest challenges you faced in order to achieve this amount of success?
Ganeshji was kind enough to be my patron and I had full support of my family members so when you have the helping hand of Ganesha nothing is hard or impossible
What is ‘Destiny’? How is it associated with ‘Karma’ and how can one change it through present-day actions?
Destiny cannot be changed but in your present life if you do good karmas than you may feel less pain and more success. Mantras and donation can help the individual.
Which is best and Why- Vedic Astrology, Western theory of Astrology or Numerology?
One should combine all the 3 as it will give best result.