His book review in ‘The Astrological magazine’ January 1998, Bangalore, India (E-mail ramans@giasga.vsnl.net.in)
How to Read a Horoscope by Pemmaraju V. R. Rayudu (Motilal Banarasidass,41,U.A.Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi 110 007, pages 442, Rs295.00(cloth), Rs.195.00 (paper)).
The author, a former senior scientist and deputy director of Defense Research and Development of India, claims to have discovered a new approach to analyze benefic and malefic results of planets and Bhavas. New approaches are always welcome and the author’s efforts in this direction are bound to create a new angle in the interpretation. After a brief but lucid review of fundamentals, the author introduces his method, somewhat akin to Dr.Raman’s in his “Three Hundred Important Combinations” of allotting points – benefic and malefic – to different positions and influences planets and Bhavas are subject to. On this basis, he says if the malefic percentage of a Bhava is more than 55, results too would be unfavorable pertaining to the Bhava; 50 to 55% of moderate results and so on. The description of signs, planets, Bhavas, houses is elaborate without being redundant and proceeds along the lines outlined in classical works. A model horoscope at the end serves to illustrate the author’s method of analyzing a chart. Worth perusing from an academic angle, the volume in a useful addition to existing literature on predictive astrology.
Book Review on the book “How to Match Horoscopes for Marriage” by P.V.R.Rayudu, published in “The Times of Astrology” magazine ,New Delhi July 2000. (Paperback pages 56, Rs.60, Published by M/s Motilal Banarsidass Publishers Private Ltd, Delhi)
The name of P.V.R.Rayudu is well known to the readers of “The Times of Astrology”. Those readers who do not have access to all time great compendium on Marriages in Astrology by the name of “Predicting Marriage” published by Nishkaam Peeth Prakashan, should certainly not miss the little 56 paged book “How to match Horoscopes for Marriage”, wonderfully written and organized by P.V.R.Rayudu.The author has been honest enough in his confession while he had written about the book in his preface: –
“I know that I have considered in my approach the Rashi charts and certain important aspects only for matching the horoscopes for marriage, without going into the details of the other Varga (divisional ) charts particularly the Navamsa charts,Bhava charts, other connected bhavas such a 2nd,5th,12th bhavas,Dasas(periods)etc.,because these are likely to change more frequently depending on the variations in the Ayanamsas,epemeris of Drik and Vakya Siddhantas,birth times etc.I feel that my approach in Sthula (gross) level with Rashi charts and Nakshatras (constellations) for matching the horoscopes for marriage is important first before going further into the Sukshama(subtle) level analysis if necessary…..”
The book is rich in all useful tables, which are beautifully presented in the book. The book also contains almost all primary principles related to matching the horoscopes for marriage prevalent in North as well as South of the Indian Sub continent.
The Publishers “Motilal Banarsidass” are one of the pioneers to publish all important literature on Indology including Astrology.One must read this book which is presented in a very much reader friendly manner.
November 15,1997
Handbook for astrologers
No book on astrology can ever be complete. It is the totality of observations made by savants, observations on methods of calculation and interpretation. It is believed that 27 stars guide the destiny of the world. These are in turn divided among 12 constellations, which are again governed by seven planets. In “ How to read a horoscope”, the writer has gathered almost all the information on the permutations and combinations of planets and constellations and spelt out the consequences. It is a good handbook for an astrologer. The book also contains details on individual positions and methods of forecasting. The writer has lucidly explained all the changes indicated in the basic principles of astrology, and that is what makes the book worth reading.
HELP YOURSELF
With self help books being the order of the day, here are two more to the pile that crowd bookshop shelves. The additions this time round are P.V.R.Rayudu’s How to Read A Horoscope and Rajesh Talwar’s How to Choose Your Lawyer When You Need One. Despite his job as deputy director of the Defense Research and Development Laboratory, Rayudu has devoted his free time to studying, researching and practicing Hindu astrology for the past three decades. And now he has come out with a book that aims at supplementing the existing literature on predictive astrology. He has also added his own scientific model of prediction based on benefic and malefic analysis of planets and bhavas as per Hindu astrology.
Rayudu’s book is for specialists in astrology.
How to Read a Horoscope, Pemmaraju V. R. Rayudu, Motilal Banarasidass Publishers, Rs. 250/-
His Book Review in “The Express Star teller” February 1999 from Chennai, India “How to read a horoscope” By Pemmaraju V.R.Rayudu, Pages 442, Price Rs.250-, Published by Motilal Banarsidass.41, U.A.Bungalow Road, Jawahar Nagar, Delhi-110007.
People generally approach the astrologers to know about their future regarding health, education, property, children, marriage, longevity, prosperity, etc. All these topics are vividly and easily explained in a unique book by the great scholar Sri P.V.R.Rayudu. Enabling even a beginner to refer to the particular topic and make the predictions himself. He has served as the Deputy Director of Defense Research and Development Laboratory of Government of India. A new methodology for predictive purpose has sprung from the author’s research oriented scientific bent of mind. A cursory look at the Rasi chart cannot result in any fruitful predictions. It is also not really quite easy to calculate through Vargas, shadbala strengths etc. The author has struck upon a via media solution by analyzing the benefic and malefic tendencies of each planet. These tendencies differ as per its placement in exaltation/debilitation rasi, own rasi/star, friendly/enemy rasi/star, different bhavas as per its own lordship and as per its associations and aspects by other friendly/enemy planets etc. In this book, a new methodology is delineated to find out the benefic and malefic percentage of planets and bhavas, giving suitable weightages for each type of influence over them. After analyzing the benefic and malefic percentages for each planet and bhava, the predictions can be given on all important aspects of life as per the concerned ruling main, sub and inter-period planets. Of course, the transit results of the planets may be subsequently coupled as given in any classical texts. This whole system of analysis for a particular horoscope has also been computerized.
Separate chapters are assigned for broad life predictions and yearly predictions and yearly predictions. The general characteristics of each ascendant with respect to appearance, health, temperament, personality traits and the benefic, malefic and moderate predictions of each bhava are given. In the chapter on ‘yearly predictions’, the author has clearly stated that the inter-period benefic and malefic percentage is to be worked out taking the average of the benefic and malefic percentages of the main period planet, sub-period planet and the inter-period planet.
The author again and again reiterates that the predictions should be picked up judiciously, diligently, cautiously and intelligently pertaining to one’s own social, environmental, economical and cultural circumstances. For ready reference, the fundamentals and weigtages for lordship benefic and malefic planets for different ascendants are clearly tabulated. there is another very useful ready-reckoner which explains the deities, jewels, colors and numbers which should be used to strengthen the benefic tendencies or to lessen the malefic tendencies of the planets during their periods. The sixth chapter ‘Model Horoscope’ will clarify all the doubts the readers may encounter. It gives a computer print-out of a model horoscope specially programmed for the benefic and malefic analysis of planets and bhavas along with predictions. The intention of the model horoscope is to give a clear idea of the application of this new theory and subsequent readings of the predictions accordingly. The book under review is a worthwhile presentation throwing valuable information on a new system of analysis of a horoscope.

His paper on Matching horoscopes for Marriage was published in the American Federation of Astrologers magazine “Today’s Astrologer in Feb 10, 1994 and it was published as a full-fledged book titled How to match Horoscopes for marriage – A Scientific model of compatibility points based on Moon and other aspects as per Hindu Astrology by M/s Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, Delhi with ISBN:81-208-1721-4.
The Theme of the book:
The book is a scientific methodology based on compatibility on Moon and other aspects evolved for matching the horoscopes for marriage partners.
The magnetic control, amenability, psychological dispositions, mental qualities, bodily / physical contacts, affection, harmony, progeny, temperament, character, pulse or nervous energy indication physiological and to certain extent hereditary factors, duration of married life, widowhood etc. are considered for matching horoscopes.Tables for compatibility points are given.
Accordingly a criteria is evolved for matching of the two horoscopes as poor, fair, good, very good, excellent.
Contents: Book “ How to match horoscopes for marriage”
Chapter I :INTRODUCTION
Some fundamentals-
Planets and own house
Natural benefic planets
Natural malefic planets
Aspects of planets
Shashtashtaka
Dwidwadasa
Rasis, Nakshtras, Padas
Chapter II :Compatibility on the basis of Moon
Varna, Compatibility points table
Vasya, Compatibility points table
Grahamaitri, Compatibility points table
Rashi kuta, Compatibility points table
Dina kuta, Compatibility table
Yoni kuta, Compatibility table
Gana kuta, Compatibility points table
Nadi kuta, Compatibility points table
Rajju
Vedha
Mahendra
Streedeergha
Special considerations
Moon position
Moon Ashtakavarga
Chapter III: Compatibility points on the basis of other aspects
Kuja Dosha or Mars evil
Kuja dosha exceptions
Other malefic planets dosha
Ascendants
Ascendants lords
Seventh houses
Seventh house lords
Eighth house lords
Other planets
Ascendants and Moons
Venus and Mars
Venus position
Chapter IV : CRITERIA FOR ALLOTTING COMPATIBILITY POINTS
Chapter V : MODEL HOROSCOPES-COMPATIBILITY POINTS
Rashi chart of husband
Rashi chart of wife
Compatibility points on the basis of Moon
Compatibility points on the basis of other aspects
Total compatibility points
Interpretation
Index
HOW TO READ A HOROSCOPE

Mr.Rayudu’s computerized research work was published as a book titled ” How to read a Horoscope– A Scientific model of prediction based on Benefic and Malefic analysis of planets and bhavas as per Hindu Astrology” by M/s Motilal Banarasidass Publishers Pvt Ltd, 41 UA Bungalow Road, Jawaharnagar, Delhi-110007, India with ISBN nos. ISBN: 81-208-1458-4 (Cloth) and ISBN: 81-208-1459-2 (Paperback) in 1997.
The Theme of the book:
Planets are subjected to different influences in a horoscope and they are analyzed scientifically giving suitable weightages for every condition to arrive at the benefic and malefic percentage of each planet. Similarly, bhavas are analyzed. Based on these benefic and malefic percentage analysis of planets and bhavas, broad life and yearly predictions can be given. The whole scheme is computerized.
The software based on this is available freely on this website. There are two versions available:
Book Contents:
Chapter I: Introduction
Some fundamentals
Planetary Ownerships, Stars, Exaltation and Debilitation Signs, Permanent, Temporary and Functional Planetary Relationships, Natural Benefic and Malefic Planets
Lordship Benefic and Malefic Planets for Different Ascendants, Karaka Planets for Different Bhavas, Aspects of Planets, Deities, Jewels, Colors and Numbers for Planets
Chapter II: Benefic and Malefic Analysis Of Planets
Benefic Analysis
Malefic Analysis
Lordship Benefic and Malefic Weightages for Different Ascendants
Chapter III: Benefic and Malefic Analysis Of Bhavas
Chapter IV : Broad Life Predictions
Predictions of Different Ascendants
Body
Health
Temperament and Personality
BROAD LIFE PRDICTIONS
First Bhava Body, Health, Temperament and Personality
Second Bhava Wealth, Speech, Family, Face, Eyes, Food
Third Bhava Courage, Younger Brothers and Sisters, Throat, Arms, Shoulders, Communications, Relatives, Friends
Fourth Bhava Education, Houses, Landed Property, Conveyances, Mother, Chest, Heart, General Happiness
Fifth Bhava Children, Wisdom, Intelligence, Stomach
Sixth Bhava Diseases, Enemies, Debts
Seventh Bhava Marriage, Wife/ Husband, Marital relationship, Business Partnership
Eighth Bhava Longevity, Legacies, Secret Organs
Ninth Bhava Prosperity, Father, Devotion to Gods and Religious Preceptors, Long Journeys, Hips, Thighs
Tenth Bhava Profession, Status and Position, Respect, Travels Life and Activity, Knees, back
Eleventh Bhava Gains and Income, Elder Brothers and Sisters, Calves of Legs
TwelfthBhava Losses and Expenditure,Moksha (Enlightenment), Foreign Travels, Sexual
Enjoyment, Confinement or Imprisonment, Teeth
Chapter V : YEARLY PREDICTIONS
Predictions of Different Planets Influencing Different Bhavas
First Bhava Body, Health, Temperament and Personality
Second Bhava Wealth
Third Bhava Courage
Fourth Bhava Education, Houses, Landed Property and Conveyances, Happiness
Fifth Bhava Children
Sixth Bhava Diseases, Enemies, Debts
Seventh Bhava Marriage and Marital Relationship
Eighth Bhava Longevity
Ninth Bhava Prosperity
Tenth Bhava Profession
Eleventh Bhava Gains and Income
Twelfth Bhava Losses and Expenditure
Predictions of Different Planets in Different Rasis
Body
Health
Temperament and Personality
Wealth
Courage
Education
Houses Landed Property and Means of Conveyance
Happiness
Children Diseases
Enemies
Debts
Marriage and Marital Relationship
Longevity
Prosperity
Profession
Gains and income
Losses and Expenditure
Predictions of Different Bhava Lords in Different Bhavas
As First Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Second Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Third Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Fourth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Fifth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Sixth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Seventh Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Eighth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Ninth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Tenth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Eleventh Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
As Twelfth Bhava Lord in different Bhavas
Predictions of Influence of Different Other Bhava Lords on Different Bhavas
As different Bhava Lords influencing First Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Second Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Third Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Fourth Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Fifth Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Sixth Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Seventh Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Eighth Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Ninth Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Tenth Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Eleventh Bhava
As different Bhava Lords influencing Twelfth Bhava
Chapter VI: Model Horoscope
Introduction
Basic Birth Data, Planetary Information, Rasi and Navamsa Charts Cusp and Bhava Degrees and Bhava Chart, Planetary Relationship-Permanent and Functional
Vimsottaridasa Tables, Planets in Main Periods, Sub Periods and Inter Periods
Natural and Lordship Benefics and Malefics
Benefic and Malefic Analysis of Planets
Broad Life Predictions
General Characteristics of Libra Ascendant
Analysis of Bhavas
Major Significator Planets for Various Bhavas
Yearly Predictions
Main Period of Saturn Sub period of Venus in main period of Saturn
Interperiod of Saturn in the Subperiod of Venus and Main Period of Saturn
Interperiod of Mercury in the Subperiod of Venus and Main Period of Saturn
Interperiod of Ketu in the Subperiod of Venus and Main Period of Saturn
Index