NEW DELHI: Similar to the Mumbai terror attack, many other disasters have earlier occurred in India on the same date 26th, although 13 is considered the most ominous number worldwide.
The deadly Tsunami struck India on 26th December 2004, Gujarat earthquake was on 26th January 2001, blasts rocked Guwahati on 26 May 2007, and the Ahmedabad blasts this year were on September 26 before the Mumbai attack on 26th of this month.
Numerologists and astrologers claim it's no coincidence. "Numerologically, the number 26 is a very unlucky number. 26 comes to 8 (2+6=8) which brings in destruction," Mumbai-based numerologist Sanjay Jhumani said.
But famous astrologer Bejan Daruwalla disagrees, "It's not only on the basis of numerology. There are astrological reasons as well for the Mumbai attack."
"Mars and Saturn are in conjunction now. Astrologically, this is known as 'Angara Yoga' which brings in destruction," he explains.
He says even our Prime Minister Manmohan Singh was also born on the 26th (September 26) and our Republic Day is also on the 26th. "So the number is not always bad. Numerology also doesn't work every time."
This year two terrorists strikes in India have been on the 26th. And another two on the 13th. Jaipur blast was on May 13 and Ahmedabad on July 26, followed by Delhi on September 13 and now Mumbai on 26th this month.
Earlier also, India has faced big attacks on the 13th. Serial blasts in Mumbai trains were on March 13, 2003 and the Indian Parliament was attacked on December 13, 2001.
Numerologists, however, maintain that both 13 and 26 are unlucky numbers. "The number 13 is also a bad number. It brings in the unexpected. So if one is not extra-cautious, it can be dangerous," says numerologist Niraj Mancchanda.
"Numerologically, the number 26 brings in huge destruction. Although it can be good, but most of the times it is bad," he adds.
Jhumani says that the 62nd year of Indian Independence is not good for India. "The total of both the numbers 62 and 26 comes to the same total 8. Therefore, both have the same effect. This is the reason why India has been under attack this year," he says.
Explaining the ominousness of the number 26, Mancchanda says, "2 is the number of Moon and 6 is the number of Venus. Together they create huge illusion which can bring in huge destruction. 26 therefore, is a very ruthless number."
