Why Atal Bihari Vajpayee Changed His Address: A Tale of Faith and Numerology

New Delhi: On the 101st birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee, an interesting story from the former Prime Minister’s personal life has resurfaced. After retiring from office in 2004, Vajpayee changed the address of his official residence in Lutyens’ Delhi from 8 Krishna Menon Marg to 6-A Krishna Menon Marg, a decision that reflected not just administrative procedures, but also his personal beliefs in numerology and astrology.

From 8 Krishna Menon Marg to 6-A Krishna Menon Marg

Following the 2004 Lok Sabha election, Vajpayee continued as the acting Prime Minister until the new government was formed. As per protocol, former Prime Ministers are allotted a large bungalow in Lutyens’ Delhi. Vajpayee was assigned 8 Krishna Menon Marg, previously the residence of DMK leader Murasoli Maran, who passed away in November 2003 due to heart disease.

However, Vajpayee chose to change the address to 6-A Krishna Menon Marg before moving in.

Faith, Numerology, and Vastu

Some considered the original number 8 “unlucky” or inauspicious. According to Dr. J.P. Sharma, a numerology and Vastu expert, in Indian numerology, certain numbers are considered favorable or unfavorable. For Vajpayee, the number 13 was always considered auspicious, whereas 8 was regarded as unlucky by him and his close associates.

Administrative Approval

On 19 May 2004, the then PMO Additional Secretary Ashok Saikia wrote to the Additional Secretary of the Ministry of Urban Development Anupam Dasgupta, requesting the change of the bungalow number before formal allocation. According to former NDNC Information Director Madan Thapliyal, the Ministry promptly executed the request once approval was received.

A Rare Exception

RTI activist Subhash Chandra Agrawal later confirmed in 2013 that, generally, factors such as astrology, numerology, or Vastu are not considered in government housing allocations. However, Vajpayee was granted a special exception. He lived at 6-A Krishna Menon Marg from 2004 until his passing in 2018.

This anecdote highlights the blend of faith, personal beliefs, and pragmatism that characterized the life of one of India’s most respected leaders.