N.V. Raghava Chary
N.V. Raghava Chary was another important contributor to stellar astrology, known in astrological circles as “Meena II.” He, along with R. Gopalakrishna Rao (Meena I), laid the foundation upon which Prof. K.S. Krishnamurti later developed the Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP System).
About N.V. Raghava Chary (Meena II)
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A renowned astrologer and writer on stellar astrology.
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Known by the pen name Meena II (while R. Gopalakrishna Rao was called Meena I).
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Focused on Nakshatra-based predictions and the finer divisions of stars.
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Expanded the work initiated by Meena I (R. Gopalakrishna Rao), especially in interpreting how planets deliver results based on stellar positions.
His Contribution
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Refinement of Stellar Astrology
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He helped systematize predictions based on Nakshatra lords rather than just Rashi lords.
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His works showed how star-based analysis could be more precise than traditional methods.
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Influence on KP Astrology
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Prof. K.S. Krishnamurti used the stellar framework of Meena I & Meena II as the backbone of his KP system.
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Krishnamurti’s Sub-Lord Theory was an evolution of their Nakshatra subdivision work.
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Publications
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He wrote extensively under the title “Meena”, which was later distinguished into Meena I (R. Gopalakrishna Rao) and Meena II (N.V. Raghava Chary).
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His writings became key reference material for later astrologers, including KP followers.
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Legacy
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Both Meena I (R. Gopalakrishna Rao) and Meena II (N.V. Raghava Chary) are remembered as pioneers of stellar astrology.
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Their research gave Prof. Krishnamurti the basis to revolutionize predictive astrology through KP.
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Even today, many KP practitioners study their earlier works for deeper understanding of Nakshatra-based methods.
N.V. Raghava Chary (Meena II), alongside R. Gopalakrishna Rao (Meena I), created the stellar astrology framework that directly inspired and shaped Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP Astrology).
N.V. Raghava Chary, along with his friend R. Gopalakrishna Rao (also known as “Meena I”), was a prominent Indian astrologer who played a foundational role in the development of modern stellar astrology and, consequently, the Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP) system. Using the pen name “Meena II,” he was a pioneer in focusing astrological prediction on the significance of the nakshatras (lunar constellations).
Contributions to Astrology
While K.S. Krishnamurti is credited with creating the sub-lord theory and the complete KP system, Raghava Chary and Gopalakrishna Rao were the architects of the core principles of stellar astrology that KP is built upon. Their key contributions include:
- Pioneering Stellar Astrology: They were among the first to emphasize that a planet’s results are more accurately determined by the nakshatra it occupies rather than just the sign. This idea laid the groundwork for KP’s core tenet that a planet acts as an agent of its nakshatra lord.
- “Nakshatra Siddhanta”: This body of work, co-authored with Gopalakrishna Rao, explored the importance of nakshatras and their intricate effects on life events. It was from this foundation that Krishnamurti later developed his sub-lord theory, which further subdivides the nakshatras.
- Nadi Principles: Raghava Chary was a key proponent of Nadi Astrology principles, which are often characterized by a direct, rule-based approach to prediction. He applied these principles to the stellar system, influencing the logical and systematic nature of KP.
Relationship with K.S. Krishnamurti
N.V. Raghava Chary was a close friend and intellectual collaborator of K.S. Krishnamurti. Krishnamurti himself acknowledged that his ideas for KP were inspired by the stellar research of Raghava Chary and Gopalakrishna Rao.
Krishnamurti took their stellar concepts and refined them by introducing the sub-lord as an additional layer of analysis. This innovation, which precisely pinpoints the exact outcome of an event, is what distinguishes KP and has made it so popular. In essence, while Raghava Chary helped build the conceptual house of stellar astrology, Krishnamurti furnished it with the precision tools that make KP so effective.
N.V. Raghava Chary, widely recognized as Meena II, was a prominent Indian astrologer and co-founder of the Stellar System of Astrology that influenced the development of the Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP) system.
Biography
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Born in 1913 in a village near Madras (now Chennai), he worked as an Advocate for 50 years and dedicated more than two-thirds of his life to astrological research.
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Honored posthumously by the Madras High Court in 1994 for his contributions.
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From early on, he was passionate about perfecting astrology, focusing on the significance of constellations and the fundamentals of stellar astrology.
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Collaborated with R. Gopalakrishna Rao (Meena I) on several groundbreaking astrological texts, including works published under the pen name “Meena” in the 1940s.
Contributions
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Chary was instrumental in introducing the concept of analyzing planetary influences through Nakshatras and their further subdivisions, known as “Gunas.” His system explored planets’ Gunas (qualities) and presented innovative, practical techniques for precise predictions.
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His book “Practical Stellar Astrology” is considered a classic; its lucid explanations and worked-out charts have helped many astrologers and students learn stellar-based prediction.
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Together with Rao, Chary’s research and publications paved the way for the KP System, emphasizing the primacy of constellations and sub-divisions for accurate forecasts.
Legacy
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The “Meena” system became a key pillar behind KP Astrology, especially the methods of star and sub-lord analysis that Chary helped formalize.
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His approach emphasized clarity, practical teaching, and research-driven methods, with many of his disciples and scholars continuing to study and expand the Meena II Naadi tradition.
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Chary’s legacy is carried forward by his students and family, notably Dr. NVRA Raja (Meena II Junior), who continues stellar astrology research and teaching.
N.V. Raghava Chary is remembered as a founding force of modern stellar-based Indian astrology, known for his scholarship, advocacy, and transformative work in predictive techniques.
N.V. Raghava Chary (March 18, 1913 – December 14, 1994), also known as Meena II, was a prominent Indian astrologer who played a significant role in the development of the stellar system that laid the foundation for Krishnamurti Paddhati (KP) Astrology. Alongside R. Gopalakrishna Rao (Meena I), he collaborated with Prof. K. S. Krishnamurti to advance the field of stellar astrology, particularly through the Meena 2 Naadi system. Below is a detailed overview of his life, contributions, and legacy, based on available information.
Biography
- Born: March 18, 1913, in a village near Madras (now Chennai), Tamil Nadu, India.
- Died: December 14, 1994. He was posthumously honored by the Madras High Court on December 15, 1994, for his contributions to astrology and law.
- Profession: Chary was a practicing advocate for 50 years, showcasing his dual expertise in law and astrology. He balanced a successful legal career with extensive astrological research.
- Education: He completed a B.A. degree and later pursued a law degree in Bombay (now Mumbai). His interest in astrology began at a young age, driven by a desire to master the subject to perfection.
Contributions to KP Astrology
N.V. Raghava Chary, under the pen name Meena II, collaborated with R. Gopalakrishna Rao (Meena I) to develop the stellar system of astrology, which emphasized the role of nakshatras (stars) in predictions. This system became a cornerstone of KP Astrology, which Prof. Krishnamurti later refined with the sub-lord concept. Key contributions include:
- Development of the Stellar System:
- Chary and Rao pioneered a predictive approach based on the 27 nakshatras, recognizing their unique influence on planetary effects. This was a departure from the sign-based focus of traditional Vedic astrology.
- Their work laid the groundwork for Krishnamurti’s introduction of sub-lords, which subdivided each nakshatra into nine unequal parts based on the Vimshottari Dasha system.
- Meena 2 Naadi System:
- Chary conducted 60 years of research, culminating in the Meena 2 Naadi system, which built on ancient texts like Dhruva Naadi, Budha Naadi, and Sukar Naadi (authored by Sage Satyacharya and others).
- This system emphasized the role of planetary Gunas (qualities) and their influence across three phases, providing a structured method to analyze astrological outcomes. Chary’s explanations were noted for their clarity, making complex concepts accessible even to beginners.
- Authorship:
- Chary authored “RAGHAVACHARYAM: Practical Stellar Astrology”, published posthumously in 1995 by his son, N.V.R.A. Raja (Meena 2 Jr.). The book, released by NVR Raja Publications, is a seminal work detailing the principles of stellar astrology and the Meena 2 Naadi system.
- The book includes practical charts worked out by Chary, illustrating Nadi principles and the segregation of planetary Gunas into three phases. Its lucid style makes it valuable for both novices and experienced astrologers.
- Collaboration with Rao and Krishnamurti:
- Chary met R. Gopalakrishna Rao while working in the Indian Railway Service in Bangalore in 1936. Their shared interest in astrology led to extensive discussions, resulting in the stellar system’s development.
- Their joint work, published in the early 1940s under the pen name Meena, included the book “Nadi Jyothisha”, which introduced stellar astrology concepts.
- Krishnamurti, a close friend, built upon their stellar system by introducing the sub-lord theory and Placidus house division, creating the KP system.
- Mentorship and Influence:
- Chary was mentored by Bhaskara Sastriar, a retired school teacher who introduced him to the works of Satyacharyam and stressed the importance of constellations in predictions during the 1930s. This early guidance shaped his lifelong focus on stellar astrology.
- His son, Dr. N.V.R.A. Raja (Meena 2 Jr.), carried forward his legacy, becoming a prominent astrologer, educator, and proponent of the Meena 2 Naadi system.
Key Features of Chary’s Work
- Focus on Nakshatras: Chary’s stellar system prioritized the influence of the 27 nakshatras, analyzing planetary positions within specific stars to predict outcomes.
- Guna Analysis: In Practical Stellar Astrology, Chary detailed how planetary Gunas (qualities like sattva, rajas, tamas) influence events in three distinct phases, offering a nuanced predictive framework.
- Practical Charts: His book includes real-world charts based on Nadi principles, demonstrating how to apply stellar astrology to predict events like marriage, career, or health outcomes.
Role in KP Astrology’s Foundation
- Stellar System as Precursor: Chary and Rao’s stellar system was the foundation for KP Astrology. Krishnamurti acknowledged their contributions but advanced their work by introducing sub-lords, ruling planets, and the Placidus house system.
- Naadi Principles: Chary’s Meena 2 Naadi system integrated ancient Naadi astrology texts, focusing on precise planetary influences, which complemented Krishnamurti’s innovations.
- Accessibility: His clear, beginner-friendly explanations in Practical Stellar Astrology helped popularize stellar astrology, making it a stepping stone for KP practitioners.
Legacy
- Posthumous Recognition: Chary’s contributions were honored by the Madras High Court, reflecting his dual impact in law and astrology.
- Influence Through His Son: Dr. N.V.R.A. Raja, a noted KP astrologer, continued to promote the Meena 2 Naadi system, teaching at institutions like the Universal College of Astrology in Hyderabad and contributing to journals like JASA.
- Enduring Work: RAGHAVACHARYAM: Practical Stellar Astrology remains a key resource for KP and Naadi astrology students, available through outlets like Saptarishis Astrology and Amazon.
- Global Reach: The stellar system, through KP Astrology, has influenced practitioners worldwide, particularly in India and among Indian diaspora communities.
Example Application
To illustrate Chary’s influence in a KP context:
- Suppose a querent asks, “Will I buy a house in 2026?” using a horary chart (number 123, cast on September 05, 2025, at 03:28 PM IST).
- Chary’s stellar system would focus on the 4th house cusp (property) and its nakshatra lord (e.g., Moon for Rohini). His Meena 2 Naadi approach would analyze the Gunas of the planets involved.
- Krishnamurti’s KP system would extend this by examining the sub-lord of the 4th cusp (e.g., Venus) and its placement to confirm the event’s likelihood and timing, building on Chary’s stellar framework.
Limitations of Information
- Detailed personal details about Chary’s life are limited, with most sources focusing on his astrological contributions rather than his biography.
- His work is often discussed in the context of KP Astrology, making it harder to isolate his specific contributions outside the collaboration with Rao and Krishnamurti.
