Astrology has deep roots in Indian culture, dating back thousands of years. In the context of India’s independence, some historians and astrologers argue that celestial alignments played a part in choosing the 15th of August 1947 as the significant date for the nation’s liberation from British colonial rule.
Did Astrology Have A Part To Play?
Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy of India gathered the representatives of India’s people on June 2, 1947, in his study at Viceroy House in Delhi. They were Jawaharlal Nehru, Vallabhai Patel, and Acharya Kripalani for the Congress; Mohammed Ali Jinnah, Liaqat Ali Khan, and Rab Nishtar for the Muslim League; and Baldev Singh for the Sikhs to discuss the partition and India’s independence.
At a formal press conference attended by hundreds of people, including journalists from around the world, Mountbatten revealed the partition plans. Then an Indian journalist asked him the question: “When will the ‘transfer of power’ occur?”
As a result of what he later described as an “epiphany,” Mountbatten decided on August 15. Naturally, his choice to individually announce the date caused a stir, from Downing Street and Buckingham Palace to India’s future political corridors.
And that’s how India’s astrologers got fanatic and alarmed at the date chosen.
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In Indian society, astrology continues to be widely practised, with astrologers consulted for various life decisions. The belief in auspicious and inauspicious times is deeply ingrained in Indian society, and special attention is given to planetary configurations during significant events.
And for such an auspicious event, the astrologers couldn’t take not being consulted. They were furious that Mountbatten had chosen the date for such a significant event without consulting any of them. The 15th of August was a Friday, which they considered to be very unlucky.
It was determined that India would be under the Capricorn zodiac sign on August 15, 1947. Additionally, ominous Saturn had a significant impact on the day. This was further complicated by the dominance of Rahu, which is known for its rage and aggression. The agreement? India would receive its independence at 12:01 a.m. on August 14 or 15.
The timing of India’s independence declaration on the midnight of 15th August 1947 was also seen as astrologically significant. Midnight is considered a moment of transition. This choice of this specific time was regarding India’s emergence from darkness into a new dawn of independence and hope.
Cover image credits: Twitter/Rohan Verma