The sacred land of Ayodhya, sanctified by the birth of Lord Sri Rama, once witnessed a grand congregation of India’s most renowned astrologers and Sanskrit scholars at the banks of the Sarayu River. During that great assembly, a unanimous decision was made — to bestow the honorary title “Jyothirbhooshanam” upon a 25-year-old astrologer from Payyanur, Kerala, who could not attend the event in person. It was the only such honor ever awarded to someone from Kerala at that time.
Later, he received another great recognition from the Government of India, authorizing him to prepare both the national and Kerala-specific Panchangams (almanacs). For this contribution, he was awarded the title “Pandit”.
The year 1981 marked another milestone. At the All-India Astrological and Sanskrit Scholars’ Conference held in the sacred premises of Guruvayur Parthasarathy Temple, Jyothirbhooshanam Pandit V.P.K. Poduval presided over the session. The presence of His Holiness the Sankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti Peetham blessed the gathering. During this assembly, Pandit Poduval strongly argued that the scientific principles discovered by India’s ancient sages and seers should never be altered or distorted. His reasoning captivated the audience and earned high praise from the Sankaracharya, who conferred upon him the title “Ganitha Jyothisha Chakravarthi” (Emperor of Mathematical Astrology) along with a ceremonial shawl and medal.
In 1985, recognizing his highly accurate astrological analysis of events at the Guruvayur Temple, the Guruvayur Devaswom Board honored him with the title “Jyothishathilakam.”
Years earlier, his insightful astrological interpretations had deeply impressed Abhinava Vidyatheertha Swamiji, the revered head of Sringeri Sharada Peetham. As a token of his appreciation, the Swamiji personally presented him with a “Jnana Mudra” (seal of knowledge) — a symbol that adorns the crown of the Jyothisha Chakravarthi to this day.
Though later celebrated across India, young V.P.K. Poduval showed no signs of exceptional destiny in his childhood. His life took a turn when he moved from Annur Karayil to a residence near the Gandhi Park in Payyanur, where he built Jyothissadanam, the institution that would become synonymous with his legacy.
He was born on February 14, 1915, to Rama Poduval (also known as Karayil Kandampath Kunhambu) and Sridevi Amma of Vannadiyil Puthiyaveedu, as the second of three sons. His father was his first guru and the one who nurtured his deep interest in astrology.
He mastered mathematics under the eminent scholar Karimbath Kammaran Ezuthachan, and later studied Sanskrit grammar, logic, poetics, and the Prasna Marga (methods of astrological inquiry) under Karimbath Kunhiraman Ezuthachan. His close disciple and lifelong associate was Sri A.K. Krishnan Master, who stood beside him in all his scholarly and spiritual pursuits.
Among his children, Sadanam Narayanan, an accomplished Sanskrit scholar and eloquent speaker, upheld his father’s astrological tradition with exceptional insight.
Jagadeesan, who is knowledgeable in astrology, has been assisting Sadanam Narayanan with the functioning of the Panchangam and the calendars.
His nephew and devoted disciple A.V. Madhava Poduval was like a son to him — a constant companion, known for his precision in astrological interpretation, especially in Deva Prashnam and Ashtamangalyam readings. Poduval affectionately called him his “staff of support.”
At the Sringeri Mutt, situated on the banks of the River Tunga, Poduval made an astonishing prediction — that within three months, three close associates of Abhinava Vidyatheertha Swamiji would pass away. Many dismissed this as impossible, but it came true exactly as foretold. Deeply moved, Swamiji personally honored him with a Gold Medal for his unparalleled insight.
At the Guruvayur Temple, during a Prasna Chinta in 1985, he predicted that the divine silk robe (Pattu Udayada) of Lord Guruvayurappan would soon be damaged by fire. Despite initial denial from temple officials, the truth soon emerged, validating his vision beyond doubt.
Among the many temples he visited across India, his long-cherished wish was to have darshan of Lord Ayyappa at Sabarimala. Despite his age and health challenges, he undertook the pilgrimage with the assistance of Brahmashri K.C. Narayanan Namboothiri, the then Melshanti of Sabarimala, and successfully fulfilled his spiritual desire on a sacred Thulam month day.
In northern Kerala, especially in Payyanur, Pandit V.P.K. Poduval was revered not just as an astrologer but as a spiritual, cultural, and social beacon. He generously supported many local initiatives and founded a Sanskrit and Jyothisha school at his own expense to preserve India’s ancient traditions for future generations.
Leaders, scholars, and spiritual figures — from all walks of life — have visited Jyothissadanam to receive his blessings and wisdom.
Pandit Poduval was also a philosopher and prolific writer. His magnum opus, “Shuddha Drig Ganitham,” is considered a monumental scientific work in the field of astrology. His other celebrated contributions include “Bhasha Gochara Phalam,” “Sookshma Drig Ganitha Sopanam,” and “Soundarya Chhaya.”
Numerous essays and articles written by him have been published in magazines and commemorative volumes, leaving behind a scholarly treasure that continues to inspire students and practitioners of astrology across India.
Ganitha Jyothisha Chakravarthi Jyothirbhooshanam Pandit V.P.K. Poduval — an eternal flame of wisdom, devotion, and discipline — remains a guiding light in the spiritual landscape of Kerala.
'Payyannur Subramanya Swami Suprabhatham', 'Karthikeyam', and 'Sabarigireesha Sthavam' are also his compositions.
He passed away in 2008, leaving an irreplaceable void in the world of astrology.
