Karaka means a 'significator' or "one who causes".

The significance may be

Natural or Acquired. Sun is the karaka for the soul, Moon for the mind, Mercury
for the intellect, Mars for courage and Jupiter for children.

Atmakaraka is the planet that has the highest degree in a horoscope.

Amatyakaraka is the planet that has the second highest degree in a horoscope and
signifies the Intellect and Mind(emotion)

Yoga-karaka is the planet which rules a Kendra ('Angular house') and a Trikona
('Trine') simultaneously. Thus, Saturn is the yoga-karaka for Taurus and Libra,
Mars for Cancer and Leo, Venus for Capricorn and Aquarius, and the Moon, for
Scorpio sign. The Sun, Mercury and Jupiter do not attain this status which the
two Lunar Nodes can if they are aspected or associated with the lord of a kendra
or a trikona. [5] Yoga-karakas are first rate functional benefics, they are
particularly suited to benefit a person materially and in status (Source:
K.S.Charak. Yogas in Astrology. Institute of Vedic Astrology. p. 14)

According to Jataka Parijata, the designated Karakas of the 10th house i.e. of
the Karmasthana, are a) Jupiter, which is the natural significator of wealth,
body and life; b) the Sun, the natural significator of energy, will-power,
authority and the Atman; c) Mercury, the natural significator of intellect,
education, ability to write and business and d) Saturn, the natural significator
of labour and hard-work.

********************************************************************************

List of Naisargika Karakatwas (PVR Narasimha Rao)

Planet Matters signified and associated houses
Sun
Self, soul, constitution, health (1st); fame, power (5th); father, boss (9th);
career, achievements (10th)

Moon
Mind (1st); mother, peace of mind (4th); friends (11th)

Mars
Courage, younger siblings (3rd); real estate (4th); scholarship in Nyaya
sastra, speculation (5th); enemies, diseases, accidents, loans (6th)

Mercury
Speech (2nd); learning (4th); memory, scholarship, students (5th); work,
achievements, honors (10th); credits (11th)

Jupiter
Family, wealth (2nd); traditional learning (4th); children, intelligence
(5th); teacher, religion, fortune (9th); elder brother, gains (11th)

Venus Vehicles (4th); wife, husband, marital bliss (7th); bed pleasures (12th)

Saturn
Following (5th); servants (6th), Longevity, troubles (8th); losses,
hospitalization (12th)

Rahu Accidents (6th); occult knowledge (8th); pilgrimages, going abroad (9th)

Ketu Occult knowledge (8th); pilgrimages, going abroad (9th); moksha (12th)
*********************************************************************************

LIGHT ON 'KARAKA'

------ © Dr. Satya Prakash Choudhary

Source: http://www.karmicrhythms.com/pe11.htm

The student of vedic astrology comes across the word 'karaka' quite often in various contexts. In
fact most standard texts devote an entire chapter for the 'karaka' . For instance Parasara's magnum
opus the 'Brihat Parasara Hora Sastra' has an entire chapter titled 'kaarakaadhyaaya' . Even the
dasa delineation depends on how accurately one identifies all the karakas involved. Every
prediction is based on these karakatwa s. In fact any successful astrologer will tell you that your
understanding of the chart is directly proportional to how thorough your knowledge of the karaka s
and their appropriate use is.

The word Karaka means a 'significator' or "one who causes". Karaka of a matter is the
significator of that particular matter and signifies / causes events related to that matter. Significators
can be classified according to various criteria.

Significations may be Natural or Acquired

Natural significations of planets are permanent or fixed in a way and are based on their innate
nature. For instance Sun is the karaka for the soul, Moon for the mind, Mercury for the intellect,
Mars for courage and Jupiter for children. The detailed natural significations for various planets are
given elsewhere.

Planets acquire the power to signify a matter by virtue of their lordships and positions too. These
significations are Acquired and change in each chart. For instance the lord of the first house (who
ever the planet maybe) acquires signification over all the matters governed by that house. Likewise
the second lord acquires signification over matters governed by the second house such as speech,
possessions, food/diet etc. The detailed l significations for various houses are given elsewhere.

Acquired or Temporary or Variable karakatwas of planets are defined in another way too in Jaimini
system. The Charakarakas of Jaimini are discussed elsewhere in this article.

The above is the simplest and most basic approach to a karaka. As the student progresses, he/she
will come across a more in-depth approach to the concept of karakas.
In accordance with tradition, Somanatha Misra writes in Kalpalata (his vrtti on the Jaimini Sutras
) that Karaka s are of many kinds ( Kaarakaa bahu vidhaah ) and then deals with the following five
kinds of karakas.

• Karaka

• Atmakaraka

• Swakaraka

• Dasakaraka and

• Bhavakaraka.

Among these five, Jain astrologers are said to favour Atmakaraka and Swakaraka . Atmakaraka is
the most favoured planet in Jaimini system and its extensive use is a unique feature of Jaimini
astrology.

Swakaraka is the most dependable of all in determining the results of a chart though one should
study the chart with reference to other kinds of karakas too. I will deal with the 'swakaraka' later.
First let me define each of these karakas.

ATMAKARAKA

Atmakaraka is the planet that has advanced to the highest degree in any sign. I have written more
on the charakarakas and atmakaraka elsewhere in this article.

DASAKARAKA

Dasakaraka is the planet whose influence is prominent during a particular dasa. The lord of the
dasa (in a planetary dasa) is the single most influential planet for that particular dasa. But planets
conjunct or aspecting or aspected by the dasa lord too influence the dasa. In a rasi dasa, planets in
that rasi as well planets involved in aspects with the rasi also determine the results. All such planets
become the Dasa karakas in some manner though the Dasa lord is the single most influential planet
as the Dasakaraka. Simply put for most practical purposes Dasakaraka is the planet whose dasa is
operating.

BHAVAKARAKA

Bhavakaraka is the significator of a house. Bhavakarakas are of two kinds:

Permanent ( Nitya ) and Temporary ( Anitya )

Nitya (Permanent) bhavakarakas :

The permanent significators for the twelve houses are fixed for all charts. Hence the name Nitya
indicating 'permanent'. These are:

1 st house: Sun

2 nd : Jupiter

3 rd : Mars

4 th : Moon, Mercury

5 th : Jupiter

6 th : Mars, Saturn

7 th : Venus

8 th : Saturn

9 th : Sun, Jupiter

10 th : Sun, Saturn, Mercury, Jupiter

11 th : Jupiter

12 th : Saturn

Though the above list is supported by standard works such as Phala Deepika, Sarvartha
Chintamani, Jataka Parijata etc, Parasara mentions only one planet as the significator for a house.
According to the BPHS only Moon is considered for the 4th house, Mars for the 6 th , Jupiter for
the ninth and Mercury for the tenth. Who is correct? Depending on the context both versions are
correct. For instance Mars is the significator for the sixth if one is referring to enemies. But for
other general indications Saturn is also appropriate.

Anitya (Temporary) bhavakarakas:

As already stated a temporary significator of a bhava (house) is a planet that acquires the power to
signify matters governed by that house by virtue of its lordship, position, aspects etc in the chart
under question. So the lord of the second house, planets in the second house and planets aspecting,
all these become the bhavakarakas for the second house in a particular chart.
STHIRA & CHARA KARAKAS

Jaimini makes a distinction between Sthira (Fixed) and Chara (Variable) karakas.

STHIRAKARAKAS

As indicated by the name, these significations of a planet are fixed or permanent in nature. For
instance Sun is the karaka for the soul, Moon for the mind, Mercury for the intellect, Mars for
courage and Jupiter for children. These are to be learnt from other standard texts. Most texts agree
on a majority of the common significations in a general way. The detailed natural significations for
various planets, based on standard texts, are given in another article. Here I will confine myself to a
few important differences.

Generally it is acceptable to take the Sun as the karaka for father and Moon for the mother. But
certain authorities make a distinction between night and day births.

In Brihat Jataka, Varahamihira suggests that Sun is the significator for father and Venus for mother
in case of day birth. Likewise Saturn is the significator for father and Moon for mother for night
births. Parasara has something else to suggest though it has no distinction between day and night
births. The stronger one between Sun and Venus is the significator for father, while the stronger one
between Moon and Mars is the significator for mother.

My own observation is that Varahamihira is more accurate in this regard. One thing should be kept
in mind though. In spite of considering Venus and Saturn too for the mother and father according to
day or night birth the general signification of Sun for father and Moon for mother should not be
ignored. It works well in practice.

As for Parasara's suggestion, it could be reframed. Though it does not seem appropriate to take the
stronger one between Sun and Venus for father, Venus does have a role in another way. Venus is the
significator for 'shukla' or 'semen' and in that sense indicates the male fecundity factor. Likewise
Mars is the significator for 'sonita' and in that sense indicates the female fecundity factor at least.
Perhaps this may have a bearing on the conception chart. Since no valid research or study has been
done on conception charts by anyone so far, I will not speculate.

It is accepted by all that that Venus is the karaka for 'beeja' (seed) and Mars for the 'kshetra' (field),
a concept that has been used by Mantreswara in calculating the 'beeja sphuta' and 'kshetra sphuta' in
assessing the fecundity/fertility factor. The sphuta is calculated in a male chart by adding the
longitudes of Sun, Venus and Jupiter. In a female chart it is done by adding the longitudes of Moon,
Mars and Jupiter. Jupiter is the fixed karaka for children for all charts. Additionally Sun, Venus for
males and Moon, Mars for females are taken by Mantreswara in accordance with the above
mentioned logic. Parasara's suggestion too could be founded on a similar principle and could be
useful in a different context. But for all general purposes Varahamihira is more acceptable while the
standard significations of Sun for father and Moon for mother should be kept in mind at all times.

CHARAKARAKAS

As already stated karakas may be fixed or variable. In conventional vedic astrology (also referred to
as the Parasari system by some), each planet and house governs certain significations called
"Karakatwas" and these are constant in all charts. For instance in all charts the fixed natural
significator for the soul and father is Sun. Likewise the Moon for mother and so on. In Jaimini
system karakas are classified as Sthira (fixed) and Chara (Variable). The "charakarakas" are
assigned according to the longitude of the planets. The same "karaka" may be indicated by one
planet in one horoscope and by another planet in another horoscope depending upon the longitude.
In other words the significators are not constant or fixed and are variable in this system and hence
referred to as 'Chara Karakas'. .

Sthira Karakas (Fixed significators) are 7 in number. In this, only 7 planets are considered
excluding Rahu and Ketu.

Chara Karakas (Temporary / Variable significators) are 7 or 8 in number. Traditionally astrologers

seem to have been divided as to whether the charakarakas are 7 or 8 in number since the texts give
scope for both interpretations. Both camps have their votaries. The seven Karaka School continues
the seven fold planetary significations just like the sapta (seven) sthira karakas (fixed significators)
which too are seven in number.

In the scheme of 7 chara karakas, only 7 planets are considered excluding Rahu and Ketu and it
does not have a significator for father. In the 8-planet scheme, Ketu is not considered and the
additional planet is placed in the 5 th position bringing in a significator for father.

The planet that attains the highest degree of longitude in a sign is called "Atma Karaka" and the
sign occupied by this planet in Navamsa chart is called the "Karakamsa Lagna ". In descending
order of the degrees of the longitude occupied by other planets in the horoscope the other six (or
seven) karakas are determined. According to BPHS if three or more planets have the same
longitude (in degrees, minutes and seconds) the gap is filled by bringing in the natural karakas.

The seven Karaka School accepts only seven planets and brings in Rahu only when two planets
attain the same longitude in any sign. The eight Karaka School always includes Rahu in the karakas
list. The longitude of Rahu is reckoned from the end of the sign (30 degrees minus actual longitude
in the sign) since generally speaking Rahu is retrograde. But one is free of this controversy by
getting rid of Rahu altogether from the list of Karakas.

Seven karakas in order of decreasing longitude:

Starting from the highest degree down to the lowest degree

Atma (Soul)
Amatya (Intellect/Mind)

Bhratri (Siblings)

Matri (Mother)

Putra (Children)

Gnati (Collateral relatives)

Dara (Spouse)

There are variant readings which give rise to some differences. According to one such reading the
karaka for mother is followed by the karaka for father while matrukaraka and putrakaraka are one
and the same.

Eight karakas in order of decreasing longitude:

Atma (Soul)

Amatya (Intellect/Mind)

Bhratri (Siblings)

Matri (Mother)

Pitru (Father)

Putra (Children)

Gnati (Collateral relatives)

Dara (Spouse)

Note than an additional planet is placed in the 5 th position bringing in a significator for father.

Let us see what the texts and various commentators say about the seven fold and eight fold karakas
. As far as the text of Jaimini Sutras is concerned we do not know if the sutra for the additional
karaka has been inserted into or deleted from the original since both versions seem to exist in the
available manuscripts. The popular version of BPHS mentions both the methods though there are at
least two variant versions of the BPHS that mention only seven karaka s. Commentators like
Neelakantha and Venkateswara have clearly indicated their preference for the seven charakaraka
method.
Somanatha Misra defines the atmakaraka as the planet that attains the highest longitude among the
seven or eight planets thus giving scope for both the versions though he actually favors the eight
karaka scheme for the charakaraka s. He discusses the merits and demerits of both the schools
quoting other authors and in the end gives the reader the impression that the eight karaka scheme
has its own merits. In this discussion Somanatha touches upon a few issues. Since the karaka
concept is a basic one to all systems of astrology that use both fixed and variable significators, he
deals with the issue from a broader perspective. Generally speaking karakas are five or seven or
eight or nine depending on the context. In the following paragraphs I have used Somanatha' s
discussion as the seed though I have developed it further by citing the instances. The argument is on
similar lines though I haven't arrived at the same conclusion as Somanatha.

Varahamihira has dealt with only seven karakas in his Brihat Jataka though in a different context.
The seven karaka scheme is used in most basic approaches. The seven weekdays, the planetary
hours ( hora ), shadbala (dignities and debilities in Vedic astrology) are all such instances. In some
systems eight karaka s too are used as in the case of Ashtottari and Yogini dasa s. In other contexts
the nine graha s have been employed. For all general purposes the seven and nine karaka schemes
are more popular though the eight karaka scheme is also not altogether uncommon. Somanatha
actually favors the eight karaka scheme for the charakarakas saying that it is quite useful. The
'Jataka Rajeeya' also indicates its preference for eight charakaraka s.

Some authors argue that the signification of father is an important one and hence their preference
for the eight charakarakas . But even in the seven charakaraka scheme, a variant reading solves this
by stating that the karaka for mother is followed by the karaka for father while matrukaraka and
putrakaraka are one and the same. A few modern astrologers say that under the sevenfold scheme
the father is indicated by the bhratri karaka . Dr. K. S. Charak has published an article with some
case studies on the same. Even Sri K. N. Rao mentions this in his book 'Predicting though Jaimini's
Chara Dasha'.

In a nutshell I will state my position. Since the karaka concept is a basic one in all systems (both
fixed and variable), the argument in favor of the seven karaka school is quite logical to me. In fact
it is logical to assume that the seven karaka scheme is the earlier one. Moreover the system is kept
simple and consistent by adhering to the seven karaka method and works very well in practice.
Adherents of the karaka scheme should demonstrate how the additional karaka makes difference.
The conclusion should be based on actual cases where the additional karaka makes a perceivable
difference in the chart. Here I should clarify that I am only stating my preference for the seven
karaka scheme, but not denying the eight karaka scheme as untraditional or absolutely illogical.
The Atmakaraka and the sign occupied by him in the navamsa play an important role in Jaimini
system. The Atmakaraka gives benefic or malefic results depending on his disposition and dignities
or his association / aspects with benefics and malefics. Aspects are as per Jaimini system (i.e. rasi
drishti)

The Atmakaraka indicates the soul and heart of the native. When he is beneficially disposed, he
liberates (or gives benefic results) the native and if he has malefic disposition or association, he
subjects the native to bondage (or gives malefic results). We may be able to ascertain the
individual's constitution, nature, outlook, general health and fortune from the Atmakaraka.

As Parasara says in the 'kaarakaadhyaaya' in BPHS , the Atmakaraka is the most important planet
and has a prime say on the individual. Just as the king is the most famous among the men of his
country and is the head of all affairs and is entitled to arrest and release all men, the Atmakaraka
too is vested with the power to give auspicious or inauspicious results.

Just as the minister cannot go against the king, the other Karaka s, namely the Putrakaraka,
Amatyakaraka etc. cannot prevail over the Atmakaraka . If the Atmakaraka is adverse, other
Karakas too cannot give their benefic effects. Similarly, if Atmakaraka is favourable, other Karakas
cannot predominate with their malefic influences. This unique power of the Atmakaraka in Jaimini
methodology is somewhat akin to the role of the Moon in conventional Parasari system. If the
Moon is afflicted, especially if he is Ksheenachandra (if he is within 24 degrees of the Sun in an
applying aspect), even other planets cannot bestow the auspicious results which are otherwise
indicated in the chart. But if the Moon is strong (full) and unafflicted the auspicious results
indicated by other planets too manifest fully. That is why the Atmakaraka gets the highest strength
in 'Amsabala'.

SWAKARAKA

Swakaraka is the lord of the Ascendant.

Though simply put the swakaraka is none other than the lord of the Ascendant, a question arises as
to which ascendant should be considered since Jaimini methodology employs many ascendants.
Somanatha defines 'swakaraka' as the 'Vilagnaadhipati', meaning the lord of Vilagna. But he does
not clarify the issue further. We have to look elsewhere for further guidance. Somanatha's father
Krishna Misra has dealt with this extensively in his ' Jyotisha Phala Ratnamala'.

The following ascendants are all considered for Vilagna.

• Tripravana Lagna

• Yogada Lagna

• Indu Lagna

• Sree Lagna

• Rahusthita Rasi: the sign in which Rahu is placed

• Lagnadhipasthita Rasi: the sign in which the Ascendant (rising sign) lord is placed

• Hora Lagna

• Chandrasthita Rasi: Moon sign

• Ghati Lagna

I have defined three of the above here. The remaining have been explained in another article.
Krishna Misra suggests that the lord of the strongest from the above should be treated as the
'Swakaraka'.

Among the above mentioned nine lagnas the first four should be employed in judging Raja (status
or power conferring) yogas and Dhana (wealth conferring) yogas. The lords of the last five lagnas
namely Rahu sign, Asc lord sign, Moon sign, Hora and Ghati lagnas contend for the 'Swakaraka'

It is not uncommon among expert jyotishis to analyze the chart from three or four ascendants. If
one arrives at the same results by reckoning from most of the lagans, the prediction will not fail.
The above mentioned five lagnas are all important in a regular full delineation of the chart.

Likewise all yogas (both status and wealth conferring) should be reckoned from the first four
lagnas in order to ascertain how fixed the karma is. If the yogas are present in spite of reckoning
from more than 2 or even three of the first four lagnas, the astrologer concludes that one is looking
at a karmic pattern that indicates fixed karma (dhridha karma). The prediction given in such cases
will not fail.

Analysing the bhavakarakas

Finally I should mention another concept that is on similar lines as the above one. In analyzing
'bhavakarakas' too, one comes across a similar concept. Bhavas (houses) are reckoned in more
than one way. Bhavas are reckoned in at least four ways.

Bhavas may be judged from:

• Lagna

• Karaka

• Drekkana and

• Arudha (also referred to as Arudhamsa )

The first way of reckoning is obvious and is the most popular method and involves the Rising sign.
The second one too is not uncommon. For instance if you are analyzing marriage in a chart, judge
the 7 th from Venus (as Venus is the karaka for marriage). Likewise judge third from Mars for co-
borns, fourth from the Moon for mother, fifth from Jupiter for children, sixth from Mercury for
maternal uncle, eighth from Saturn for longevity/death ninth from the Sun for father, and so on.

Alternately the entire chart may be judged from the karaka, but it should be kept in mind that the
results pertain only to that particular theme of life. In other words if you judge the entire chart
taking the sign in which Venus is placed as the ascendant, you should keep in mind that the
indication are applicable only for Spouse/marriage/relationships and Vehicles (all natural
karakatwas of Venus). This exercise may be done even with house lords.

Arudha or Amsaka

The fourth way of reckoning is from the respective Arudha lagna . Arudha means mounted or
ascended. How to arrive at the arudha of any house? Count the number of signs that the lord has
progressed from his house. Count as many signs from the lord. The resulting sign is the Arudha
lagna. Thus arudhas can be calculated for all twelve houses though some commentators recommend
for only 8 important houses. Both Jaimini as well as Parasara deal with this though Jaimini deals
with it more extensively. This concept is not necessarily confined to Jaimini system alone, and is
used in standard Parasari approach too.

The Ascendant in this system is known as "The Lagna Arudha Pada". Apart from Lagna Arudha as
already stated Arudha padas for all the remaining houses can also be arrived at. Next to the Lagna
Arudha is the Upapada Lagna which is equally important. The 'upapada' is nothing but the arudha
of the 12 th and is also referred to as 'uparudha' or 'gaunapada'.
Somanatha clearly states that he Arudha lagna or Pada lagna is subordinate to the actual Rasi or
Rasi lagna. This should be kept in mind by the overzealous student.

Apart from Lagnaarudha, arudha padas for the remaining houses also can be calculated.

Arudha Charts Enunciated from Symbol used

• Lagna Arudha or Lagna Pada 1 st house A1

• Dhana Arudha(Pada) 2 nd house A2

• Vikrama / Bhatru Pada 3 rd house A3

• Matru / Sukha Pada 4 th house A4

• Mantra / Putra Pada 5 th house A5

• Roga /Satru Pada 6 th house A6

• Dara / Kalatra Pada 7 th house A7

• Mrutyu / Marana Pada 8 th house A8

• Pitru /Bhagya Pada 9 th house A9

• Karma /Rajya Pada 10 th house A10

• Labha Pada 11 th house A11

• Vyaya /Upa Pada 12 th house Up

Drekkana:

Now I will explain the way to reckon bhavas from the Drekkana (decanate) chart. The drekkana
in which lagna lord is posited should be treated as the lagna in the drekkana chart. Likewise the
drekkana in which the second lord is posited should be treated as the second bhava, the drekkana in
which the third lord is posited should be treated as the third bhava and so on. This is the method as
given in Kalpalata . It should be pointed out that Somanatha has a unique way of calculating the
Drekkana. Various methods of calculating the Hora and Drekkana charts exist and one should
ensure that the appropriate Drekkana or Hora is being used in the relevant context.

Conclusion:
If one arrives at the same results by reckoning the bhava under scrutiny from more than two or
three of the above four, the prediction will not fail. The astrologer should predict confidently
whenever the results from variant methods of reckoning concur well. To a beginner all this might
sound complex. But to the trained mind, it makes sense. Moreover with practice comes the ability
to discriminate. Three or four lagnas or three or four dasas are often used compositely for greater
clarity. One may use alternate methods to confound oneself or to attain further clarity. It all depends
on the level of understanding of the practitioner. To one person the answer appears as clear as day;
to another, shadowy as twilight; to a third, dark as night.

There are two paths to gain deeper understanding. The first path is to find an experienced teacher
from whose knowledge, wisdom and experience one may gain. The other is by regular practice and
hard work. As you study more and observe the principles at work in actual life (charts), you
will gain your own insights. Both the paths are valid as long as one is serious and intellectually
honest. Intellectual honesty and critical study combined with some sadhana are most important if
one adopts the second path due to the unavailability of a good teacher. The first path is superior in a
way at least initially. The second is as good and is definitely safer than resorting to one of the many
self proclaimed false ' gurus '.

But for either of these to happen your chart should have the trikonas (trines) and/or their lords in
good place in the rasi and/or navamsa (can you guess why?). The longer one practices, the deeper
becomes one's understanding of the symbolism of the particular method employed. No practitioner
or user can see in a spiritual tool, anything beyond his own level of thinking at that stage. Only the
user can decide upon the importance and meaning of a particular method for him or her.
****************************************************************************************

The Karakas I

Source: http://varahamihira.blogspot.ca/2005/02/karakas-i.html

INTRODUCTION
All inanimate as well as the animate being the world are signified by the planets and hence the
work karaka is associated with them. Karaka means the doer of certain activities. This means that
the karakas represent the influence of various things animate or inanimate, in our life. Based on the
inhenrent gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas the karakas are classified in three categories namly the
Naisargik karaka which is predominant in Rajas Guna, the Chara Karaka which is predominant in
the Sattva guna and the the Sthira Karaka which is predominant in the Tamas guna. The utility of
these karakas can be understood from the standpoint of their gunas. The sthirakarakas are governed
by by Shiva and there are 7 such karakas. They represent the death of various animate things
surrounding us (Rahu and Ketu, who are the shadowy planets without body cannot die and hence is
excluded from the scheme of the 7 sthira karakas). The charakaraka is governed by vishnu and are
8 such karakas. They show the influence of various atmas / souls in our life and thus means our
sustainence in this material world in the form of a social life (having inter relationships with
various souls in this world) and spiritual growth. The remaining category is the Naisargik karaka
governed by Brahma and there are 9 such karakas. They represent the creation process and hence
all perceptible and imperceptible creation of the world are governed by them.

We know that when we talk of a horoscope we are talking of Narayana (Maha Vishnu) who is the
creator and preserver of the brahmanda. While the rasis represent different parts of the Lord and the
grahas represent the deities who signify a particular aspect and event in the life of a creature. The
rasis are fixed and represent the environment, while the grahas are in motion which represent
people who come and influence us.

THE CHARAKARAKAS (8 planets)

Atmakaraka
The graha that obtains the highest longitude in the chart is the Atmakaraka. It is the significator of
the soul (atma). It is the king of the chart. Being the significator of the soul, the 12th house of
liberation is seen from the Atmakaraka in the Navamsa to find out the Ista devata of the native who
would guide the soul towards liberation from the bondage of life and death.

Amatyakaraka
The graha obtaining the second highest longitude is called Amatyakaraka. It signifies the mind. Its
role is that of a Minister who guides the king. It is the Amatyakaraka who guides the destiny of the
person towards attainment of the desires of the atma. Being the protector of the soul, the
palanadevata (the deity who sustains oneself in this world) is seen from the 6th from the
Amatyakaraka in the Navamsa.

Bhratrikaraka
The graha obtaining the third highest longitude is called the Bhratrikaraka - the significator of
brothers and co-born who actually are expected to stand by the individual in times of dire need. It is
also known as the Gurukaraka, as next to the Amatya it is only the Guru (preceptor) who can guide
the atma towards its desired goal and God. The guru and their influence on our life and its purpose
can be seen from the Bhratrikarka in the Rasi and the Navamsa chart. In the Navamsa chart, they
show the promise, how the guru would influence the life of the native, while in the rasi chart, it
would show how the promise is fulfilled.

Matrikaraka
The graha obtaining the fourth highest longitude is called the Matrikaraka - the significator of
mother. Among the four karakas of prime importance, Matrikaraka is one (and the first in ascending
order to the Atmakaraka) as mother is the person who has brings the atma into existence in the
world. It is she who has the first right over the child and guides the child at all stages to do the right
thing to attain glory and God. The influence of mother on the life of the native need to be studied
from this Charakaraka.

Pitrikaraka
The graha obtaining the fifth highest longitude is called the Pitrikaraka - the significator of father.
Father is the one who is the cause for the birth of the person, being the one who has carried the soul
of the native and transmitted to the womb of mother. Hence he comes next in hierarchy to the
mother. The influence of father on the life of the native need to be studied from this Charakaraka.

Putrakaraka
The graha obtaining the sixth highest longitude is known as the Putrakaraka and it is the
significator of children. Children bear the future of the person. A son is the one who is to perform
the last rites of the person. Hence he gains the sixth place of importance in the relationship of the
person. The influence of father on the life of the native need to be studied from this
Charakaraka.The influence of children on the life of the native need to be studied from this
Charakaraka.

Gnyatikaraka
The graha obtaining the 7th highest longitude is known as the Gnyatikaraka - the significator of
relatives. The relatives of the person are the ones who are expected to be near the person in times of
happiness and distress. Hence, they gain the seventh place of importance in the relationship of the
person. The influence of kith and kins on the life of the native need to be studied from this
Charakaraka.

Darakaraka
The graha obtaining the eighth highest longitude is called Darakaraka - the significator of wife. The
spouse is the 'Ardhangini' (equal partner) of the person. Thus, the spouse is no different from the
person as whatever is to happen with the person is to be shared jointly by both. As importance to
the self is always last, the spouse (Dara) is placed last at the 8th place. The influence of spouse and
companion on the life of the native need to be studied from this Charakaraka.

The Atmakaraka has a very vital role to play in the horoscope of a person. It actually shows the
objectives, ideals and goals of the soul for which it has born on earth. No graha in the horoscope
can actually give benefic or malefic results beyond what the Atmakaraka could signify. Any
deviation in life from the desired path or objective of the atma renders it disillusioned. As it actually
performs no role in the active life of the person except to watch (as a Judge) the direction of growth
of the person, it finally deserts the body in the form of death at a time when it can no longer sustain
the misdeeds of the person. It simply leaves the physical body and an Atma whose primary desire is
not fulfilled has actually lived a wasted life.

Our atma is a jeevatma. The ultimate objective of the atma is to mingle with the parmatmamsa,
which is God. To attain this, the activity of the person whose physical form the atma has obtained,
should perform sattwik acts so as to cleanse the soul off its impurities and lead it to God. Sattwik
guna alone is the sustainer of the atma and it leads it to the lord.

As the atmakaraka has an objective with which it is born, it has certain abilities of its own towards
that direction. What are the desires of the atma? What are its abilities? Whether it has the power to
fulfil its objective or utilize its abilities? Whether the abilities and the powers of the atma would be
utilized in the right direction or not? Whether the birth of the atma would attain its purpose or not?
All these factors are to be seen from the Navamsa (the 9th division – D9 – chart of the person),
which, thus, becomes a very vital part of vedic astrology divination.

The Navamsa sign occupied by the atmakaraka is called the Karakamsa, while the ascendant or
Lagna sign of the Navamsa is called the Lagnamsa and, both these together are called the Swamsa
(Swa meaning self and amsa meaning division). If the Karakamsa and Lagnamsa become the same
or have any connection between them, then it becomes the Swamsa, in which case, the objective
and the abilities of the atmakaraka are attained. The gati in that direction may be slow or obstructed
due to various other factors. Regular prayer to the Ishta Devta (to be determined from the 12 house
from the placement of Karakamsa) and the Lord of Bhratrikarak (also called the Gurukarak) helps
attain the gati for the atma to move speedily in the desired direction.

While the Karakamsa itself will help see the desire of the atma, the Trines from the Karakamsa will
show the actual desire of the atma. The Trines from the Karakamsa, therefore, become very vital
signs to determine the native’s spiritualism. Any graha located in the 1st, 5th and 9th (Trines)
bhavas from the Karakamsa, thus, become automatically good for the spiritualism of the person and
also to provide gati for his atma (known as Atmagati).

Thus, the role of Brihaspati (who represents God) becomes very vital in the Navamsa division of
the person, as Brihaspati is the naisargika karaka for the 9th house (Dharma) significations. It is
Brihaspati as the sustainer of the jeevatma and Surya as the provider of jeeva (life) who
predominate the person’s Dharma bhava. This is one of the very important and significant reasons
why the 9th house in the Rasi chart is associated with Jupiter and Sun as the natural significators of
the person’s Dharma bhava.

THE STHIRA KARAKS

(7 planets)
Stronger among Sun and Venus- Father
Stronger among Moon and Mars- Moon
Mars- Younger sister, younger brother brother-in-law, sister-in-law
Mercury- Maternal uncles, aunts and all maternal relatives
Jupiter- paternal grand parents, Husband (for female chart), children
Venus- Wife, maternal grandparents, father & mother-in-law, maternal grand parents
Saturn- Elder brother & Elder sister

THE BHAVA KARAKAS

(Controller of Bhavas)

Though the primary bhavakarakas are given below, each bhava has many secondary karakas. Both
the primary and secondary karakas are important for protecting the signification of a bhava. Any
bhava whose karaka is well placed in kendra/ trine from the bhava in good dignity or is aspecting
the bhava or is placed with the lord of the bhava try to fulfil the promise of the bhava.

Lagna- Sun
2nd- Jupiter
3rd- Mars
4th- Moon; Mercury
5th- Jupiter
6th- Mars; Saturn
7th- Venus
8th- Saturn
9th- Sun; Jupiter
10th- Sun; Mercury; Jupiter; Saturn
11th- Jupiter
12th- Saturn

NAISARGIKA KARAKAS (9 planets)

From Uttara Kalamrta and other texts...

Since the world is so much full of variety of various living and non living things each of which is
symbolised by a planet, the list of the karaka can never be comprehensive and it requires
experience to know the karaka of each and everything around us. However, the list of karakas given
by various classics can help us in building up the insights while understanding the possible
planetary lordship of a particular thingl.

The natural karaka cover everything around us may it be tastes, our emotions, the plant or animals,
different metals, clothes, substances, elements and everything which is either perceptable or non
perceptable to our senses.

The Sun
The Soul; Power; Intense Severity (fierce); Fortress; Good Strength; Heat; Splendour; Fire;
Worship Of Siva; Courage; Thorned Trees; Being In Royal Favour; Bitterness; Old Age; Cattle;
Wickedness; Land; Father; Taste; Self-Realization; Skyward Look; One Born of a Timid Woman;
World Of Mortals (Mrtyu Loka); Square shape; Bone (skeletal system); Valour; Grass; The Belly;
Strenuous Effort; Forest; Half A Year (uttarayana / dakshinayana); Eye (right); Wandering Over The
Mountains (wanderer); Quadruped (also the birds); King; Travelling; Dealing; Bite; Scorch;
Circular Shape (??); Eye Disease; Body (vitality in the body); Timber (wood); Mental Purity;
Lordship Of The Whole Country (sovereign); Freedom From Disease; Lord Of Saurashtra State;
Ornaments; Disease In The Head; Precious stones (gems); Lord Of Sky; Short Like A Dwarf; Lord
Of The Eastern Direction; Copper; Blood; Kingdom; Red Cloth; Stone; Public Life; River Bank;
Coral (??); Ruby; Strong At Mid-Day (Noon); Eastern Direction; Mouth; Long Standing Anger;
Capture Of The Enemy; Sattvik (Pure); Red Chandan Or Saffron; Hostility; Thick Cord

The Moon
Mind; Imagination; Flower; Good Perfume (incence); Going to a Fortress; Brahmin by caste;
Idleness; Phlegmatic (kapha) Humour; Epilepsy (diseases of mind, if afflicted); Enlargement of the
Spleen (spleed creates bile which help in fat metabolism); Mental Disposition (state of mind); Heart
(feelings); Woman (motherly); Virtue Or Vice (attributes of mind); Saltish taste/ Sleep (peace);
Happiness; Anything like Water (any fluid); Bell-Metal; Silver (metal); Sugarcane; Typhoid
(infection of intestine); Travel/ Going To Far Off Countries; Well; Pond; Tank (any water body);
Mother (relations); Pearls; Consumption (infection of lungs/ TB); Whiteness (colour); Waistband;
Short Stature; Ability; Winter Season; White Colour; Belly; Worshipping Goddess Gauri; Joking;
Nourishment; Wheat; Pleasure; Splendour; Face; Sharp in Thought (in good association such as
Jupiter); Love for Curd; Mendicant (sanyasa yoga); Fame (popularity among masses); Learned;
Beauty; Strength at Night; Facing Westward; Learned; Getting A Job; Love For West; The Middle
World; Nine Gems (navaratna); Middle Age; Life; Eating (food); Ailment of the Shoulders;
Umbrella or any Other Royal Insignia; Good Fruits; Blood Purity and Vitality; Fish and Other
Water Creatures; Serpent; Brilliant Things (sparkling); Clean Crystal; Soft And Velvety Clothes;
Silk Garments

Mars
Prowess; Land (any immovable property); Strength; Kingship; Loss Of Virility; Thief; Battle;
Hostility; Enemy; Generosity; Deep red colour; Owning A Garden; Sound Of A Trumpet; Affection;
Quadruped; Fool; Anger; Going to a Foreign Country; Firmness; Supporter; Fire; Controversy;
Bile; Heat; Wound; Commander in chief; Day; Seeing; Shortness; Disease; Fame; Tin; Sword;
Lance Or Spear; Minister; Fracture Of A Limb; Jewel; Praying To God Subrahmanya; Youth;
Pungent; Dubar Hall; Earthen Pots; Obstacles; Flesh eater; Calumniating Others; Victory Over
Enemy; Bitter; Strong At The End Of The Night; Gold; Summer Season; Valour; Enemy's Strength;
Profundity Of Character; Male; Axe; Forester; Village Headman; State Inspection; Pain while
Passing Urine; Triangle; Goldsmith; Rogue; Burnt Place; Good Dinner; Leanness; Adept In
Archery; Blood (red blood cells); Copper; A Beautiful Cloth; Facing South; Desire; Anger;
Scandal; House; Sataghni, A Weapon; A Tree; Sama Veda; Brother; Spade Or Hatchet; Looking
After The Wild Animals; Independence; Persistency; Judge; Serpent; World; Speech; Fickle
Mindedness; Mounting A Vehicle; Sight Of Blood; Coagulation Of Blood

Mercury
Formal education (schooling); Horses; Treasury; Mathematics; Speech/ Courteous Speech;
Infantry; Writing; New Garment, Palatial Building; Green Colour; Sculpture; Astrology; Pilgrimage
To Holy Places; Wise Lectures; Temple; Trading; Best Ornaments; Vedanta Philosophy; Maternal
Grandfather; Bad Dreams; Eunuch; Facing North; Skin; Wet; Bell metal; Renunciation; Ritu
(Season); A Beautiful House; Doctor; Neck; Recitation Of Mantras/ Sattvik Mantras; Childhood;
Crooked Look; Heaven; Modesty; Paternal Relation; Fear; Dancing; Devotion; Humorous
Temperament; Powerful In The Morning; Hemanta Ritu; Stone To Sharpen Knives; Tranquillity;
Navel; Family Prosperity; Mixed Items; Proficient In Telugu Language; Worship Of Lord Vishnu;
Sudra; Bird; After Born; Depth Of A Language; The Directions; Atharva Veda; Religious Action;
Tower; Dust; Garden; Pudendum Virile; Even; Benefic; Moving In Villages; Impartial Nature; Fond
Of Northwest Quarter; Well Versed In The Legends Of The Past; Specialist In Grammar; Expert In
Testing Of The Precious Stones; A Scholar; Maternal Uncle; Sacred Prayer; An Amulet

Jupiter
Brahmin; Guru; One's Duty; Chariot; Cow; Infantry; Savings; Meemamsa philosophy; Treasure;
Horse; Honey; Large Body; Valour; Reputation; Logic; Astrology; Children; Grandson; Dropsy;
Philosophy; Grand father; Great grand-father; Palatial House; Gems; Eldest Brother; Lord Indra;
Automn Season; Wrath of Priest; Jewel; Merchant; Physical Health; A Beautiful Mansion; Royal
Honour; Thighs; God (divine blessings); Penance; Charity; Religious Duty; Helping Others;
Impartiality; Facing North; Circular; Yellow Colour; Moving In Villages; Close Friend; Swinging;
Orator; Fat; Old Garment; A New House; Happiness; Mantras; Twice Born (Brahmins- Dvija);
Holy Water; Knee; Movement In Heaven; A House Granting All Comforts; Intellect; Proficiency In
Learning; Literature; Tower; Charming an Audience; Throne; Strong at All Times; a month;
Vessels; Yellow Sapphire; Sweet Juice; Being Good; Happiness; Misery; Length; Gentleness;
Reading Other's Mind; Ornamentation; Ether; Phlegm; Topaz; Vedic Text; Brilliancy; Softness;
Worship Of Lord Shiva; Performing One's Religious Duties; Travelling In A Well-Decorated
Carriage

Venus
White Umbrella; Garment; Marriage; Income; A Biped (Human); Woman; Brahmin;
Auspiciousness; Whiteness; Wife; Sexual Happiness; Short; Sour; Flower; Command; Fame;
Youthful Vigour; Vehicle; Silver; South-East; Ogling; Scratching; Half A Month; The Quality Of
Passion; Strong; Pearl; Yajur Veda; Vaisya; Beauty; Trading; Love-Making; Watery Resort;
Elephant; Horse; Variegated Colour; Poetry; Dancing; Middle Age; Singing; Enjoyment; Happiness
From The Wife; Gems; Fond Of Humour; Swimmer; Servant; Luck; Variegated Lustre; A
Handsome Youth; Kingdom; Scents; Garland; Veena (a string instrument); Flute; Amusement;
Lovely Gait; Eight Kinds Of Wealth; All Sorts Of Pleasures; Well Formed Limbs; Sparing In
Meals; Spring Season; Ornaments; Eye; Truth Speaking; Proficiency In Art; Semen; Water Sports;
Profundity Of Character; Pre-Eminence; Sharp-Witted; Decoration for The Stage; Fond Of
Amorous Sports; Broken Health; Love, Greatly Respected And Highly Esteemed; Fondness For
White Garments; Bharat Natyama (a form of dance in India); Government Seal; Worshipping
Goddess Parvati and Lakshmi; Gentleness; Much Emaciated; Day Sitting Mothers; Literary
Composition, Adept at Writing Poetry; Black Hair; Auspicious; Genital Organs; Urine; Afternoon;
Diamond

Saturn
Laziness, Obstruction; Horse; Elephant; Skin (nerves, tendons and ligaments); Gain; Witness;
Distress; Sickness; Misunderstanding; Misery; Death; Happiness Through A Woman; Maid
Servant; Asses And Mules; Outcast; One With Disfigured Limbs; Haunting Woods; Handsome
Look; Gift; A Lord; A Portion Of Life; Eunuch; One Born Of The Lowest Caste; Birds; A Servile
Duty; Unrighteous Conduct; One Without Manliness; Telling Lies; Long Lasting; Wind; Old Age;
Tendons And Muscles; Strong At The End Of The Day; Sisira Ritu (Winter); Great Anger;
Exertion; Born Of A Very Low Mother; Bastard; Golaka (abode of lord Krsna); Dirty Clothes And
House; Wicked Mind; Friendship With The Wicket; Black Colour; Evil; Cruelty; Ashes; Black
Grains; Gems; Iron; Nobility; A Year; Sudra; One Representing The Father; Learning The Trade Of
Another Class; Crippled; Sharp; A Blanket; Facing West; Life Saving Drugs; Downward Look;
Agriculture; Life Saving Drugs; Arsenal; A Student Belonging To Another Caste; External Position;
North-Eastern; Serpent World; Downfall; Lost in Battle; Wandering; A Spear; Lead; Misdirected
Strength; A Turk; Worn Out; Oil; The Tamas Guna; Travelling Through Forests and Over
Mountains; Hard-Heartedness; Fear; Long Standing Distress; Hunter; Ugly Hair; Entire
Sovereignty; Alarm; Goats And The Like; Buffalos And The Like; Indulging In Sex Pleasure;
Dressing Oneself For Amorous Appeals; Worshipping God Yama; Dog; Theft And; Cruel-Hearted

Rahu
Umbrella; Kingdom; Gathering; Fallacious Argument; Hurting By Speech; Downcast; Wicked
Woman; An Irreligious Man; Decorated Vehicle; Gambling; Strong At Twilight; Intriguing With A
Wicked Woman; Going Abroad; Impurity; Bone; Enlargement Of Spleen; Falsehood; Downward
Look; Perplexity; Emerald; Facing The Southern Quarter; Shelter Of Outcast Or Low People;
Painful Swelling; A Big Forest; Wandering In Rugged Places; Mountain; Pain; Staying Outside;
Tending Towards Southwest; Wind; Phlegm; Sorrow; Serpent; Night Breeze; Sharp; Long; Reptile;
Reading Of Dreams; Travel; A Muhurata; Old Age; A Vehicle; World Of Serpents; Mother; Father
Or Maternal Grandfather; Air; An Acute Or Sharp Pain; Catarrh; Breathing; Great Prowess; Forest;
Worshipper Of Goddess Durga; Wickedness; Cohabitation With Quadrupeds; Urdu Script; Harsh
Words

Ketu
Worship Of God Chandeeka, God Ganesha And Many Other Gods; Doctor; Dog; Cock; Vulture;
Salvation; All Kinds Of Wealth; Consumption; Pain; Fever; Bathing In The Holy Ganges; Great
Penance; Wind; A Hunter; Friendship; Conferring Of Prosperity; Stone; Wound; Witchcraft;
Inconstancy; Knowledge Of Brahma; Belly; Eye Sore; Stupidity; Thorn; Deer; Knowledge;
Observing Silence As A Fast; Philosophy; All Sorts Of Luxuries; Luck; Trouble Form Enemies;
Loss Of Appetite; Indifference To The World; Paternal Grandfather; Hunger; Severe Stomach ache;
Boils And The Like Skin Troubles; Revolving The Orders Of Arrest; Association Of Sudra.