I wasn't much of a believer in astrology or Vastu Shastra, but my view on the subject changed after an early morning conversation with Basudev Shastri.

Born in Baaku, Solukhumbu District, Shastri received his early education at a local school. He later pursued higher education in Banaras, where he earned a Madhyam (secondary education), a Shastri (Bachelor's degree), and an Acharya (Master's degree). Originally bearing the surname Koirala, Shastri explains, "Because I was a student of the Shastriya Gurukul, the title ‘Shastri’ was added to my name."

Shastri holds a Master's degree in Jyotish Shastra and a PhD in the comparative study of Jyotish Shastra and Vastu. Reflecting on his academic journey, he shares, "My desire to study astronomy stemmed from my curiosity about the stars and planets. I had so many questions—why the sun shines, why there's darkness and light, why the wind blows, why there's heat. I wanted to understand the forces that shape our world—the wind, the cold, and the heat. To satisfy these endless curiosities, I decided to pursue astrology."

Apart from his curiosity, Shastri's family inspired him to pursue astrology. Educated at the Dharma Sangh Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya in Banaras, he often spent hours in the library immersed in books.

Recalling a memorable incident from his college days, Shastri shares, "One night, while I was studying in the library, the guard didn’t realise I was still inside and locked the door. I ended up spending the entire night locked in the library." He considers this one of the most unforgettable experiences of his college life.

Now an experienced astrologer, Shastri is also trained in gemology, philosophy, research, and Vastu. Over the years, he has published around ten books, including ‘Vastu Shastra’, ‘Baidik Gyaan ra Bigyan’, ‘Dhatu Rupavali', and ‘Sampurna Kranti ko Aahwaan’. He is also the vice chairman of the Pashupati Bagmati Arthik Sewa Samiti. Likewise, he holds the position of Maha Sachib (General Secretary) in the Nepal Education Council.

Since 2020, Shastri has shifted his focus towards promoting spiritual tourism in Nepal. "Spiritual tourism can be the foundation of Nepal’s economic development, which is why I am working on promoting it," says Shastri.

He highlights that Nepal is home to 108 Shakti Pithas (sacred sites). Shastri has designed three specific routes and itineraries to promote these sites: the Shiva Shakti Circuit, the Ramayana Circuit, and the Buddha Circuit. These circuits connect various sacred sites tied to Nepal's rich spiritual traditions.

“The Shiva Shakti Circuit extends from Mahakali in the Mechi region to the Terai Mountains. We are working to enhance spiritual tourism in these areas," says Shastri.

He has also published a research article in Shangri-La—The Inflight Magazine on ‘Four Kailash in Nepal’. The article discusses the significance of the ‘Four Kailashes’ such as Gaurishankar (Maha Kailash), Kanchenjunga (Swarna Kailash), Mount Everest (Shweta Kailash), and Dhavalagiri (Dhaval Kailash) in Nepal.

“This article explains the spiritual importance of each mountain, linking them to deities like Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, and presents Nepal as a destination for religious tourism, adventure, and profound spiritual experiences," says Shastri. He adds that just as these mountains hold spiritual significance, other ancient practices like Vastu Shastra provide valuable guidance for understanding the world around us.

According to Shastri, many people criticise Jyotishi (astrology) because they don’t fully understand it. “The calendar itself, including weeks, dates, and even the concept of time, is based on astrological influences,” he explains.

Shastri further shares an intriguing experience: “During one of my travels to NASA and other states in America, I learned that extensive research was being conducted on the principles of Vastu.” He believes this highlights the global relevance of ancient practices like Vastu Shastra.

He says even Westerners have begun researching Eastern astrology and medicinal physics. After visiting universities worldwide, Shastri concluded that while belief methods may vary, the concept of belief itself is universal. "Those who accept the existence of the earth accept Vastu," he says.

Whether one accepts the concept or not, it remains tied to the natural order of things, like the movement of the sun and the planets.

Similarly, Shastri believes that science and Vastu Shastra are interconnected. He explains that the relevance of science is closely tied to the knowledge found in Vastu Shastra. For example, the time it takes for sunlight to reach the Earth was calculated through ancient mathematical methods. "The Rig Veda, the oldest Veda in the world, stands as a testament to this knowledge," says Shastri, emphasising the deep scientific insights embedded in ancient texts.

Another important concept is the continuous flow of energy from the north and south poles and from the atmosphere to the earth—a concept universally accepted in both scientific and traditional knowledge.

"The key principle of Vastu is to align human living spaces and activities with the five natural elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space," explains Shastri. This alignment, he believes, is essential for maintaining harmony with nature and enhancing well-being.

Similarly, Shastri asserts that planetary movements influence biological activities, including pregnancy and menstruation. For instance, during pregnancy, the growth of the fetus directly corresponds to the influence of the nine planets. “The alignment of the planets affects various aspects of child development, such as the formation of DNA, chromosomes, red blood cells, and white blood cells,” he says.

Shastri continues, “Venus governs the early stages of fetal development, while Jupiter, Mars, and other planets influence the subsequent phases. By the ninth stage, the sun impacts the final development of the lungs, preparing the child for birth.”

He also notes that menstruation is linked to the moon’s cycle, as both occur approximately every 28 days. "A healthy woman typically has her period every 28 days, though this can vary depending on her overall health."

Although hormones like estrogen and progesterone regulate menstruation, the belief in cosmic influences remains. While discussing the significance of Vastu Shastra, Shastri criticised Nepal's education system. “They don’t teach about Buddha, Pashupatinath, Lumbini, or Taleju here. The education system is flawed, leading to a situation where no one wants to stay in the country; everyone wants to leave,” he stated.

This leads students to question their identity and heritage. When they don't find satisfactory answers, they seek opportunities abroad. “Our education system focuses on career success and material wealth instead of fostering meaningful relationships, emotional intelligence, and a sense of belonging,” Shastri explains.

He believes this gap can be bridged by incorporating Sanskrit into the school curriculum. “The world's largest universities have started teaching Sanskrit as well. I encourage young people to study Sanskrit to understand our country, its people, and our language and script better,” he advises.

In discussing his long-term goals, Shastri expressed his desire to create a Gurukul for young researchers. This research centre will support studies in various locations throughout Nepal. “My aspiration to establish the centre grew stronger after meeting individuals from Columbia and Oxford University, who showed a strong interest in learning about Sanatan Dharma and Buddhism in Nepal,” Shastri says.

He aims to set up a Vedic Science and Research Centre to facilitate research in various locations nationwide.