Atmakaraka
Atmakaraka
Atmakaraka
Ätmakäraka
The final proof of two carakäraka schemes
© Sanjay Rath
Note: This document cannot be copied and if quoted should be given the appropriate reference by citing the title of the paper and the author.
Contents Charts
1. Ätmakäraka definition 2 Table 1: Païca ätma 5
1.1 The ätma & rebirth 2 Chart 1: Çré Kåñëa 8
1.2 Nature of the ätmakäraka 3 Chart 2: San Jose 9
1.3 Three types of signification 3 Chart 3: Alan Leo 11
1.4 Ätmanä 3 Chart 4: M.K. Gandhi (Mahatma) 12
2. Understanding Paräsara 6 Chart 5: Death of father 14
2.1 Two carakäraka schemes 6 Chart 6: Columbia shuttle 16
2.2 Ätmakäraka determination 6 Chart 7: Columbia disaster 17
2.3 Other carakäraka 7 Chart 8: Challenger shuttle 18
2.4 Divergent views & final proof 7 Chart 9: Janata Dal 19
2.5 Calculation illustration 8 Chart 10: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) 20
3. Carakäraka disappearance 10 Chart 11: Çré Jagannätha (Vedic) Center 21
3.1 Horoscopy 10 Chart 12: Çré Jagannätha Center USA 22
3.2 Mundane astrology 15 Chart 13: Çré Jagannätha Center-Asia 24
4. Ätmakäraka the King 24 Table 2: Carakäraka & bhäva 27
4.1 Ätmakäraka & Içöa devatä 24 Chart 14: Salman Khan 30
4.2 Räja (the king) & Karma 25 Chart 15: Indira Gandhi 31
4.3 Käraka and bhäva relationship 27 Chart 16: United States of America 33
4.4 Planet as ätmakäraka 28 Chart 17: USA-144 year 34
5. Kärakämça 36 Chart 18:Hollywood 35
5.1 Svämça 36 Chart 19: Lagnämça cakra 37
6. Assignment 39 Chart 20: Kärakämça cakra 37
6.1 Carakäraka disappearance 39 Chart 21: Lahiri Mahasaya 39
Appendix-I. Bhagavat Géta 44 Chart 22: Johann Sebastian Bach 40
Chart 23: Soyuz-11 41
Chart 24: New Delhi 42
Chart 25: Rome 43
Example 1: Arabian sea 44
1. Ätmakäraka definition
1.1 The ätma & rebirth
We have an excellent illustration from the Mahäbhärata. The premature death of the two sons of Emperor
Çantanu of Hastinapur, Citräëgada and Vicitravérya left the throne heirless. The only solution that was acceptable
to all was proposed by the ninty-two year old Brahmisöha, father of Acarya Vibhuti and the purohita of three
generations of the Kuru dynasty – Kåñëa Dvaipäyana (alias Veda Vyäsa) was to be the progenitor of the Kuru
lineage through Niyoga. The two young widows of Citräëgada and Vicitravérya, Aàbéka and Aàbälika sexually
united with Kåñëa Dvaipäyana for the sake of begetting heirs to the throne. Aàbéka closed her eyes in contempt of
Kåñëa Dvaipäyana and subsequently gave birth to a blind child Dåtaräçöra who became the bane of the Kuru
dynasty. Aàbälika detested the physical contact with a sage but admired his abilities and subsequently gave birth
to Paëòu who was a very able king for the Kuru dynasty but developed leprosy (skin disease) and died early.
When Empress Satyavaté saw the blind baby Dåtaräçöra, she induced Aàbéka to accept another child from Kåñëa
Dvaipäyana. Aàbéka was not happy at the proposal but could not deny the wishes of the Empress. Therefore she
set her maid to fulfill the ritual mating. The maid was exhilerated at the prospect of the priviledge and was in
constant admiration of the brilliance, wisdom and knowledge of Kåñëa Dvaipäyana. The child produced from this
mating was the bright eyed Vidura who turned out to be the most knowledgable man in the land and went on to
be the wise minister of the Hastinapur.
There are vital lessons to be learnt from this that the wise astrologers could use to advise their well wishers.
The moot point is that destiny does have ots role in the attitude of the parents and for this, the planets transiting in
kendra should be examined and an opportune time chosen for coitus leading to childbirth.
horses attached to the chariots of the various planetary deities indicates the number of fully developed senses and
sense organs that the animals represented by them possess. For example, the Sun symbolising birds, has seven
horses and this could mean seven fully developed sense/organs. The Moon symbolises the human being and has
the ten horses to its chariot indicating that man is the onlt animal which has all ten senses/organs fully developed.
There was a debate as to whether the ätma separates from the mana at some stage after death and many
astrologers felt that this does not happen, else how could the person remember his past incarnation. Our view is
based on the above teachings of Varähamihira and other Vedic seers and we believe that the ätma is separated
from the mana and the senses/organs as a part of the process of death. This is the greatest gift of Maheçvara. How
else could the ätma and mana reunite during the birth process (as explained by Varähamihira above) if they were
not separated beforehand? Secondly, memory is a function of the ‘dhi’ (intellect) and not the mana (mind).
1. The individual soul, self or the abstract individual as a part of the paramätman (the highest personal
principle of life, Brahma). This is the natural self where the body is viewed as a whole instead of being
composed of individual parts and is referred to as the naisargika ätmakäraka.
2. an - to breathe implying that which is alive or is associated with life and hence one aspect of the ätma is
the life principle and is called jévätma. This is the sthira ätmakäraka and determines the life in the
body/being. This is the soul as the principle of life and sensation.
3. at – to move or that which is altered based on karma and hence, one aspect of the ätma is cara (movable or
changeable). This is the cara ätmakäraka and determines the karma associated with the present
incarnation. It is also called the karmätman where the essence, nature, character and peculiarity of the
individual being is determined (and is perceived as different from others).
The Sun is sarvätma or the soul of all and this is its natural signification (naisargika käraka). Agni, the adi-
devatä of the Sun gives the ätma-prabodhana or cognition of the soul or supreme spirit and ätma-bodha or
knowledge/illumination of the soul or supreme spirit. This is the nature of the soul, like a tiny spark of light,
residing in the eight-petal heart lotus.
The pratyädi-devatä of the Sun i.e. lord Çivä, the Ätmeçvara (Maheçvara) or the lord of the self/soul is responsible
for delivering the individual soul. This concept is associated with the sthira käraka. He causes ätma-suddhi or
purification of the soul.
The concept of ätma-gati or the course of the soul’s existence or life of the spirit, is associated only with the cara
ätmakäraka as gati implies movement that is akin to cara (movable, changing, temporary state of being). This is the
carakäraka.
Protection comes from the ninth house and for the soul (ätma), this is the ninth house from kärakämça. Since
the ninth house is also seen for dharma, the deity associated with the ninth house from kärakämça is Viñëu (avatar)
as the dharma devatä Who is also known as the ätma-rakñaka.
1.4 Ätmanä
The simplest definition of the ätma is the self and the self can be defined from various angles when considered
a part with other elements. Ätmanä is an instrument of the ätma in compound and is normally expressed with
ordinals.
a person attains the nature of Him who he constantly seeks just as young women are mentally attached to their
beloved.
Ramakrishna Bhatt interprets this verse of Varähamihira as advaitin thought to which we have our
reservations. Self-realization is a part and parcel of God-realization and the simile used by Varähamihira is clearly
symbolic of the highest bhakti yoga. Varähamihira also indicates that if people have as much love for the Supreme
Soul as they do for their beloved ones, then mokña would not be hard to attain.
Literally, ätma dvitéya means ‘being one’s self the second’ and implies being together with someone else. Here
the reference is to the hådaya padma1 (heart lotus) where the ätma sits with the Iñöa devatä2. Ätma yoga is the union
of the jévätma and paramätma.
Every movement (as at 3 above) must have (1) direction (gati), (2) objective or goal called äyana and (3)
protection (rakña). The ätma-devatä or tutelary deity of the soul, guides it and gives it the direction. This is the guru
devatä and is indicated by the bhratåkäraka planet. The objective or goal cannot be ätmabhäva (indefinite
independent existence of the individual soul) and instead, is the ätma-mürti (one Whose body is the soul) and the
ätmabhaväyana i.e. Näräyaëa3. The concept of ätma dakñiëa or the sacrifice where one gives (12th house) oneself as the
dakñiëa4 is associated with the Iñöa devatä Who sits in the 12th house from kärakämça to receive this dakñiëa.
The ätma tåtéya is made more personal when instead of the natural significators, the Carakäraka (temporal
significators) are used. Then the tripod of life comprises the ätmakäraka (soul), äruòha lagna (mind) and päka
lagna (intelligence/body).
Yet another reference to ätma tåtéya is the union of Väsudeva with the three Çakté i.e. Çré Çakté, Bhü Çakté &
Käli Çakté in the three guëa – satva, rajas & tamas respectively.
1
Näräyaëa suktaà: anantaàvyayaà kavià samudre'ntaà viçvasambhuvaà, padmakoçapratikäçaà hådayaà chäpyadhomukhaà.6
Translation: The One who is eternal, indestructible, all-knowing, the cause of this ocean-like life and of all happiness, is
worshipped in the heart lotus (añöadala padma).
2
Näräyaëa suktaà …tasya madhye mahänagnirviçvärchirviçvatomukha, so'ugrabhugvibhajantiñöannähäramajara kaviù.9
santäpayati svaà dehamäpädatalamastakaà, tasya madhye vahniçikhä aniyordha vyavasthitä.10
… tasyäù çikhäyä madhye paraàätma vyavasthitaù, sa brahmä sa çivaù sa hariù sendraù so'kñaraù paramaù svaräö. 12
Translation: There (in the heart) burns a huge Agné (fire), which has many tongues and multiple forms. It consumes the food
(rice) that is in front of it and spreads the consumed food all around, but it does not get destroyed itself (9). This Agné heats the
whole body from head to toe. In this fire there is an extremely fine tongue of flame that reaches upwards towards the
Brahmarandhra (urdhä) (10). In that flame, dwells the Paramätmä. It is this Paramätmä, who is Brahma, Çivä, Hari, Indra, the
Akñara, the One who dwells as consciousness and pervades the universe (12).
3
Harivamsa 8819
4
Since the only thing that can be conceived as belonging to oneself and that which has not been given by Näräyaëa for use in this
life, is the ätma. This concept is associated with Çré Vämana avatar (dwarf brahmin incarnation of Viñëu) where Maharaja Bali,
the demon king was guided by Sukracarya (Venus) to perform a sacrifice to become the lord of all the material and spiritual
planes (domination and ownership of the three worlds is the ultimate desire of all beings that causes rebirth). Çré Viñëu
incarnated as Çré Vämana and was led by Båhaspati to the place of the sacrifice. King Bali agreed to give land that could be
measured by the three feet of the Lord Vämana. Çré Vämana expanded into His universal form and in one foot measured the
earth, in the second foot, He measured the heavens and there was no other place other than Bali’s head for the third foot. Because
of this feat, the Lord is known as Trivikrama. All spiritualists aspiring for mokña pray to Çré Vämana for placing His third foot on
their heads.
Brahma, Viñëu, Çiva and Väsudeva. These parts cannot really be differentiated from the whole and are complete in
themselves like dividing infinity by four, we still get infinity as the result. Thus, Näräyaëa with ‘Çré’ Çakté is called
Viñëu and is of pure satva guëa; Näräyaëa with ‘Bhü’ Çakté is called Brahma and is of rajas guëa; while Näräyaëa
with ‘Käli’ Çakté was called Çiva and is of tamas guëa. These three parts are full of nectar and are imperceptible.
The fourth part of Näräyaëa is called Väsudeva. This part is both perceptible (with three Çakté i.e. Çré Çakté, bhü
Çakté & Käli Çakté and three guëa intermingling) and imperceptible (with two Çakté: Çré Çakté & Bhü Çakté).” In this
theosophy, the ätma is equated to the paramätma and is Viñëu, being a part of Väsudeva.
The Lord Viñëu incarnates in ten different forms based on the highest spiritual potentiality of the navagraha
(nine planets) and lagna. These incarnations are called Yuga (era) avatar as the their appearance is at the junction
of the Yuga and the day they leave the planet marks the beginning of a new Yuga. There is no doubt about this
theosophy of the Vedic seers. The very presence of the paraà-ätma-amça in them marks these incarnations, as that
5
sapta païcätmika tatva in the classic book Chayäliça paöala chapter 26; oòéyä lang.;
of the lord Viñëu Himself. Paräsara states that most of the incarnations of Viñëu had very low proportions of
paraà-ätma-amça while the highest proportion was in His incarnation as Jagannätha - Çré Kåñëa.
To be able to decipher the proportion of the jévätma-amça, mänava-ätma-amça and paraà-ätma-amça in any
horoscope is the penultimate objective of every Vedic astrologer, and the day we can do that, Jyotiña would have
reached its highest pinnacle meriting the admiration and respect of society. This was the level of the subject at the
time of Paräsara and we should not spare any resource in trying to emulate their achievements.
2. Understanding Paräsara
2.1 Two carakäraka schemes
Paräsara: BPHS 34.1-2
athä'haà sampravakñyämi grahänätmädikärakän |
saptaravyädiçanyantän rähvantän vä'ñöasaìkhyakän || 1||
aàçaiù samaugnahau dvau cedrähvantan cintayet tadä |
saptaiva kärakänevaà kecidañöau pracakñate || 2||
Mahaåñi Paräsara speaks of two carakäraka schemes6 involving (1) seven planets from Sun to Saturn and (2)
eight planets including Rahu. However, he acknowledges a view that in the seven planet carakäraka scheme, when
the degrees (amça) of two planets are the same then Rahu is also considered as a carakäraka whereas in the eight
planet scheme, Rahu is always considered.
1. That there are two carakäraka schemes, the (1) seven and (2) eight planet schemes.
2. The seven carakäraka scheme uses the seven planets from Sun to Saturn and when the longitude (amça
means degrees only and does not specifically include minutes and seconds of arc) of two planets is the
same, then Rahu is also considered.
3. The eight carakäraka scheme uses the eight planets from Sun to Rahu.
4. Ketu is completely excluded from both the schemes.
6
Jaimini: ˜tm˜dhika× kal˜dibhirnabhoga× sapt˜n˜mÿ÷am˜nyaÕ v˜ |1.1.10
Now, why would both Paräsara & Jaimini say that the putrakäraka (PK) is merged into the mätåkäraka (MK)?
Why not simply say that the putrakäraka (PK) is excluded or why is the putrakäraka (PK) not merged into some
other carakäraka? The answer to this lies in the Bhagavat géta where Çré Kåñëa teaches that the entire creation is
broadly divided into two categories of an inferior material nature and a superior (living) nature where the superior
beings are enjoying the material nature (appendix-1). The living beings are capable of procreation, which the non-
living world is incapable of, and this is the fundamental difference between them. That is the reason for
mentioning the merger of the putrakäraka (PK) with the mätåkäraka (MK) as the putrakäraka ceases to have any
relevance for the non-living creation.
Thus, both the schemes are relevant to Jyotiña and the seven-planet carakäraka scheme is to be used for the
non-living creation whereas the eight-planet carakäraka scheme that includes Rahu (planet of desire and rebirth) is
to be used for all living beings.
7
Mahaåñi Jaimini’s Upadeça Sutra, adhyaya-1, pada-1 sutra 10, 12-18
8
Mahaåñi Jaimini’s Upadeça Sutra, adhyaya-1, pada-1 sutra 19
Translation: Among the planets, the one that has advanced the highest longitude (in a sign) is the (1) ätmakäraka.
In the order of decreasing longitude, the other käraka are (2) amätyakäraka (3) bhratåkäraka, (4) mätåkäraka, (5)
pitåkäraka, (6) putrakäraka, (7) jïatikäraka and (8) därakäraka.
The book Jätaka Tatva speaks of horoscopy as the name Jätaka refers to horoscopy and it is evident that the
eight-planet carakäraka scheme is used for horoscopy (i.e. for the charts of all living beings). Thus, we have three
independent sources saying the same thing and yet there are those astrologers in modern India who will forever
cast their shadow of doubt on the teachings of these learned ones.
We have now furnished further evidence that Paräsara used the eight-carakäraka scheme for Jätaka
(horoscopy).
9
L.Santanam edition çloka 39.4
Column E: Against the ranks, write their designation; (1) ätmakäraka (AK, (2) amätyakäraka (AmK), (3)
bhratåkäraka (BK), (4) mätåkäraka (MK), (5) pitåkäraka (PiK), (6) putrakäraka (PK), (7) jïatikäraka (GK) and (8)
därakäraka (DK).
Planet (A) Longitude (B) Käraka longitude (C) Rank (D) CK (E)
Sun 17 Sc 23' 57.46" 17023' 57 " 3 BK
Moon 15 Sc 20' 02.15" 15020' 02 " 4 MK
Mars 2 Cp 33' 41.66" 2033' 42" 7 DK
Mercury 11 Sc 13' 38.42" 11013' 38" 5 PiK
Jupiter 5 Le 52' 54.49" 5052' 54" 6 GK
Venus 20 Li 04' 08.67" 20004' 09 " 1 AK
Saturn 19 Li 09' 07.55" 19009' 08 " 2 AmK
Since this is a mundane chart, we need not consider the nodes for the determination of the carakäraka. Column C:
Just note the longitude of all planets ignoring the signs they are placed in.
Column D: Rank them in the decreasing order of longitude with ‘1’ for the highest, ‘2’ for second highest and so
on.
Column E: Against the ranks, write their designation; (1) ätmakäraka (AK, (2) amätyakäraka (AmK), (3)
bhratåkäraka (BK), (4) mätåkäraka (MK), (5) pitåkäraka (PiK), (6) jïatikäraka (GK) and (7) därakäraka (DK).
Thereafter the carakäraka cakra can be drawn.
Carakäraka cakra
AK Venus
AmK Saturn
BK Sun
MK Moon
PK Mercury
GK Jupiter
DK Mars
3. Carakäraka disappearance
We have already seen that when two or more planets are in the same degree (not minutes and seconds of arc),
they fall into a special group for the carakäraka status of the one that is most advanced (see para 2.2 above). These
käraka are also known as madhyakheöaù and antyakäraka.
3.1 Horoscopy
The carakäraka being replaced gives us an idea of the area of life where a major upheaval is expected to occur
while the slot, which is falling vacant, needs the strong support of Lord Çivä in the form of a strong sthira käraka
so that the concerned relation/aspect of life is not disturbed or destroyed. The eclipse of the agra-käraka (first
significator) indicates that the concerned relation/self undergoes serious spiritual/internal change. If there are two
planets in the same degree then the change occurs only once as the agra-käraka is replaced by the antyakäraka while
if there are more than two planets in the same degree, then madhyakheöaù also come into the picture and number of
major changes or upheavals are tentatively indicated by ‘n-1’ where ‘n’ is the number of planets in the same
degree.
The spiritual impact on the person is very strong if the ätmakäraka (AK), amätyakäraka (AmK) or
bhratåkäraka (BK) are involved in the replacement/disappearance while the involvement of the amätyakäraka
(AmK) also indicates career related issues. If on the other hand, mätåkäraka (MK) or pitåkäraka (PiK) are involved
in the replacement/disappearance then the experience is related to parents and can have a lasting impact.
Involvement of the putrakäraka (PK) and därakäraka (DK) can show experiences related to children, students and
those who are the most loved. Jïatikäraka involved shows relations and kinsmen whose attachment can cause
some suffering by their disappearance.
We find that the ätmakäraka Mercury and amätyakäraka Mars are in the same degree i.e. in the 29th degree
and thus, Mars becomes the antyakäraka for the position of the ätmakäraka. When Mercury gets destroyed and
replaced by Mars, the slot of the amätyakäraka, which was occupied by Mars, shall fall vacant and will be filled by
Jupiter the fixed amätyakäraka. Note that the slot of the cara ätmakäraka can never fall vacant as the chart shall be
operative so long as the native lives.
• In both the charts of Alan Leo & Mahatma Gandhi, we notice that the ätmakäraka has been replaced by the
amätyakäraka and that the slot of the amätyakäraka has been filled. In both cases, we find that the initial
profession has given way to another profession which has brought them fame as the founding fathers – Alan
Leo started as a traveling salesman for a vending machine company and became the father of modern
(western) astrology while Mahatma Gandhi started as a barrister/lawyer and went on to become the father of
modern India.
• Margaret E. Hone writes10 “The high principles of Alan Leo and his understanding of the ancient wisdom
through theosophical teachings, gave pure astrology an ethical status and lifted it away from fortune-telling
and commercialism.” In a similar manner, Mahatma Gandhi laid the foundation for modern politics where
non-violence was to be the foundation stone. His path of satyagraha was unique and his morals and ethical
standards are the high watermark of modern politics.
• Both were known by slightly different names – Alan Leo was born William Frederick Allan and Mahatma
Gandhi was born Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi.
• Alan Leo found his spiritual strength in the teachings of the theosophical society while Mahatma Gandhi
found his spiritual strength in his search for Räma (Satyagraha).
10
Extracts from her book The Modern Text Book of Astrology, 1951
We can infer from the above that the carakäraka cakra remains the same as the ätma, by itself does not change,
but the concepts of madhyakheöaù and antyakäraka cause major changes in the aspects of life where the slots
appear to become vacant. Unless the sthira käraka, which is filling the slot, is strong, the signification suffers
considerably. Secondly, the replacement of the ätmakäraka by the amätyakäraka creates a Karma Yogi who will
sacrifice his self (ätmakäraka is eclipsed) for the achievement of an ideal related to his work (amätyakäraka).
fire sacrifices is understood to be the path to the highest spiritual attainment. The truth is that all roads lead to
Rome and all paths shall lead to God provided one has faith (Pisces) and dharma (ideals/principles). This
realization comes later when the curse of Mercury lifts.
Two vacant slots appear in the position of the mätåkäraka (MK) and pitåkäraka (PiK), which have to be filled
by the sthira käraka. The sthira mätåkäraka is either Moon or Mars, whichever is stronger, and in this case it is the
exalted and vargottama Moon. The sthira pitåkäraka is either Sun or Venus, whichever is stronger, and in this case
is the Sun. Both the Sun & Moon are strong indicating that the parents would be healthy. Their roles undergo a
change to more traditional ones as time passes and he would learn to appreciate them more with the passing day.
He will develop spiritual insight through his healthy interaction with elderly ladies and gentlemen.
In the chart we find that Saturn (MK) and Moon (PiK) are in the same degree (17th degree). Thus, Moon
becomes the antyakäraka for the slot of the mätåkäraka and the slot of the pitåkäraka falls vacant. This is shown in
the table under the column ‘same’ as MK1 & MK2. The sthira pitåkäraka is to be chosen from among Sun & Venus
whichever is stronger. Cancer has Venus conjoined Rahu whereas Gemini has the Sun alone; Cancer is stronger
and so is Venus. Venus is afflicted by Rahu and Saturn and is quite weak. There is no relief from any beneficial
aspect. In the navämça, Venus is afflicted by Mars & Rahu, again without any relief. Under the circumstances,
much longevity is not promised for father. This evil is supported by the placement of Mars the ninth lord in räçi
sandhi (junction) at 0 Ta 00' 12.52".
After her fathers death, events took a peculiar turn in which she, although being the only sister who would
have been otherwise pampered, had to leave the house on 20 Nov 1987. In barely four years time, a rich, protected
and innocent girl from an orthodox background had to suddenly face the world alone and fight for her place in
society. The psychological impact on the mind would be such that it would equate ‘good days and good things’
with the memories of her father who was very spiritual like her grandfather. It was the turn of fate when in Venus
antardaçä of Jupiter daçä that she found the Çré Jagannätha Center, visited Puri and the Jagannätha temple and has
found peace. It is noteworthy that the sthira käraka Venus that had replaced the pitåkäraka has played its role in
guiding her in her spiritual path.
Every activity has a governing planet called käraka11 and it is a well known principle that the käraka should be
strong and fortified, ideally in lagna, at the time of commencement of the activity. All other rules for muhurta
(electional astrology) apply of which some important ones are (1) the 8th house and house of the activity should be
empty, (2) Moon should be well placed etc.
The käraka are based on the natural significations and whenever in doubt, an intelligent application of the
principles is called for.
1. Air and space travel is an attempt by man to emulate the birds, which are ruled by the Sun, which is the
governing planet (käraka). The same principles that govern the creation of birds also govern the creation of
airplanes and spacecraft (like hollow bones for light weight etc).
2. However, the purpose of the aircraft or spacecraft is to facilitate travel for which the significator is Venus and
the house signifying the vehicle is the fourth house.
3. The tenth house rules the leader, which in this case is the pilot(s) or the head of the mission while the fifth
house shows the crew/passengers.
4. The steps involved in an examination are listed below. We should bear in mind that space travel is for a short
period like a month or two at best (at present) and the third house is involved. When the journey is for a
longer duration, then the ninth house should come into the picture. Long distance travel is shown like going to
a far off place where the culture of one’s land is not seen. This brings the 12th house into the reckoning and its
significator Saturn.
How to predict space disaster
Step 1. List the carakäraka and check whether two or more planets are in the same degree. If they are then list the
replacements specifically indicating the slot taken by Rahu.
Step 2. Accidents are serious hazards involving explosion or burning out and indicated by the Rahu-Sun eclipse
combination12 or mutual aspect on ätmakäraka (AK). The Sun is also the governing planet and this places a
serious double risk on the journey. Check whether such a combination is present and whether it involves the
ätmakäraka. The only planet that can prevent his is Venus, the fire fighter. However, Venus the käraka for safe
11
others use the term käryesha to help differentiate.
12
Both Paräsara & Jaimini speak details about this combination.
journey should not be the Khäreça (check both 64th navämça and 22nd drekkaëa) else the vehicle can be
seriously damaged. Other standard rules apply.
Step 3. Malefic planets involved in the Rahu-Sun combination shall add to the tragedy while the Moon confirms
that it cannot be averted and will surely happen, as Rahu shall destroy both the Sun and the Moon. The
concerned houses from lagna (as explained above) should be examined.
Step 4. Check the signs aspected by the Rahu (graha dåñöi). When the Moon transits such a sign, the disaster shall
happen. The most likely is the sign which is in the third from Äruòha lagna or aspects it.
Step 5. The Lagna rising at the time of the disaster will be related to the måtyu pada (A8) or the seventh from it
whichever is stronger. The trines from such a sign or its lord should be examined to determine the lagna.
There has been a lot of discussion about the launching of the Columbia shuttle and the disaster that followed.
Many arguments and counter arguments have been given. My question has been whether we have a model to
study and examine such air/space disasters and whether we can predict with such a model. Let us apply the rules
and steps outlined above.
Step 1. The amätyakäraka Mercury and bhratåkäraka Jupiter are in the same (22nd) degree indicating that
Mercury shall be eclipsed by Jupiter who shall become the amätyakäraka. The slot of the bhratåkäraka
becomes temporarily vacant which is filled by Rahu. Thus, Rahu has come into the list of carakäraka and is
going to need detailed examination.
Planet Longitude CK Same CK Planet
Saturn (R) 29 Ta 26' 27.18" AK Saturn (R)
Mercury (R) 21 Sg 27' 06.77" AmK AmK1 Jupiter (R)
Jupiter (R) 21 Cn 21' 32.11" BK AmK2 Rahu
Venus 15 Sc 25' 50.90" MK Venus
Moon 10 Ge 14' 47.91" PiK Moon
Mars 5 Sc 46' 13.21" GK Mars
Sun 2 Cp 11' 58.29" DK Sun
Rahu 12 Ta 18' 20.52"
Step 2. Rahu in Taurus aspects the Sun in Capricorn setting the stage for a disaster. Rahu is also conjoined the
ätmakäraka Saturn confirming that the spacecraft shall not return to earth intact. Mercury in the tenth house
indicates the head/leader of the mission and the eclipse of such a Mercury by Jupiter the 10th lord shows that
the leadership/initiative of the mission, at the time of the disaster would have to taken by another crew
member for various reasons of knowledge of some area of working (Jupiter). The eclipsed and replaced
planets are associated with the fifth and tenth houses threatening the lives of the crew. This problem occurs in
the 5th kauluka indicating that the problem area would be the legs or some such lower body part and would be
internal. Venus is the lord of the 22nd drekkaëa and is classified as Khäreça for the chart. The Columbia shuttle
can be seriously damaged.
Step 3. Malefic Saturn conjoins Rahu and adds to the woes. The Moon is also aspected by Rahu by its special
reversed 12th house (i.e. 2nd house aspect) and the disaster cannot be averted.
The third house is afflicted by the Saturn, Rahu, Mars and Sun aspect and the twelfth house is afflicted by
Saturn and Mars. Venus is also afflicted by a terrible combination of Mars & Ketu.
Having confirmed the impending disaster, let us attempt to determine the date of the disaster.
Step 4. Check the signs aspected by the Rahu (graha dåñöi). Rahu is (1) placed in Taurus, and aspects (2) Gemini,
(3) Virgo, (4) Scorpio and (5) Capricorn. When the Moon transits either of these signs, the disaster shall
happen. Of these signs, the Äruòha Lagna is in Scorpio and the most likely Moon transit is in Capricorn, the
third house from Äruòha Lagna.
Step 5. The Lagna rising at the time of the disaster will be related to the måtyu pada (A8) or the seventh from it
whichever is stronger. Måtyu pada is in Sagittarius and Gemini, its seventh house is stronger. The possible
lagna for the disaster are (1) air signs, (2) Sagittarius.
Confirmation: The disaster occurred on 1 Feb 2003 when Aquarius Lagna (air sign) was rising (see step 5
above) and when the Moon was in Capricorn (see step 4 above). The next chart is drawn for the moment of the
Columbia shuttle disaster which occurred 15 min before its scheduled landing at 9:16’ AM. The mission was
successful as the lagna and tenth lord Jupiter is exalted and Mercury is in the tenth house.
The Columbia shuttle disintegrated and was destroyed as indicated by Venus the käraka who turned Khäreça.
Step 1. List the carakäraka and check whether two or more planets are in the same degree. We find the Sun the
bhratåkäraka (BK) and Saturn the mätåkäraka (MK) in the same (15th) degree. Thus Saturn becomes the
antyakäraka for the slot of the bhratåkäraka and this brings Rahu into the picture of the carakäraka as the
mätåkäraka. The entry of Rahu indicates karmic influences of a negative kind coming into the chart/muhurta.
Step 2. The ätmakäraka Moon placed in a fixed sign is aspected by both Rahu and Sun from movable signs
indicating that the disaster is very difficult to avert. Venus conjoins the Sun and does show hopes of averting
the disaster, but on a closer look we find that Venus is also the lord of the 64th navämça and is classified as
Khäreça for the chart. With such a combination and the involvement of the Moon and with Rahu coming into
carakäraka reckoning, it is evident that not only will there be a disaster but that the vehicle will also be
destroyed. The fifth lord sun does not hold out much hope for the crew being involved in the combination.
Jupiter aspects the Moon but is in räçi sandhi to be able to do much, and in any case in these fire hazard
combinations, it is Venus who is expected to fight back but will not do so as Khäreça and instead will add to
the woes with a defective spacecraft.
Step 3. Unlike the previous (Columbia shuttle chart) where the lagna and tenth lord in exaltation promised
completion of the mission, in this chart the lagna and tenth lord are in the eighth house with the eighth lord
confirming that the mission will not be successful.
Step 4. Check the signs aspected by the Rahu (graha dåñöi). Rahu is in (1) Aries and aspects (2) Taurus, (3) Leo, (4)
Libra and (5) Sagittarius. The Äruòha Lagna is in Gemini and third house from this is Leo. Therefore, the most
likely transit of the Moon that can cause the disaster is Leo.
Step 5. The måtyu pada (A8) is in Leo as Mars the eighth lord is in the eighth house. Leo is stronger than
Aquarius. The trines to the måtyu pada are (1) the fire signs while Sun occupies (2) Capricorn and the 7th from
måtyu pada is (3) Aquarius.
Confirmation: The challenger shuttle exploded exactly 73 sec after take off and the chart for the disaster is
exactly the same as that for take-off (see above chart) except for the change in navämça & drekkaëa lagna to Taurus
and Leo respectively. The Moon was in Leo exactly as expected in step 4 above. The Lagna was Aries, exactly as
expected in Step 5 above. The mission was unsuccessful as indicated.
With these examples, we have provided a working model for predicting unsuccessful space missions and have
shown how the brilliance of Paräsara is applicable even today in using the replaced carakäraka as the first
indicator.
• Its strength and longevity from the lagna that defines its ideals.
• The manifesto and agenda of the party can be learnt from the ninth house and bhratåkäraka (BK). This is the
‘guru’ or the guiding light of the party.
• The leaders who will implement this agenda or lead it to power are seen in the tenth house while the single
leader who will be the life force behind the party is seen from the ätmakäraka (AK).
• The fifth house shows the members of the party, their motivation and numbers. The pitåkäraka (PiK) and
mätåkäraka (MK) indicates the men and women who join the party. The pitåkäraka shall indicate the middle
and top rung leadership that shall influence all political activity whereas the mätåkäraka are the
administrative leaders who keep the house in order.
• Political parties don’t get mokña and hence, their Iñöa devatä need not be determined. Instead, their sustenance
can be seen from the amätyakäraka (AmK) or ministers who add funds to their coffers.
• The ätmeçvara indicates the fortunes of the ‘real’ party leader while the navämça dispositor of the tenth lord
will show the fortune of the party chief/head or such leaders.
The Janata Dal, a political party that promised to bring ‘real democracy’ into India with the highest ideals was
re-formed13 on sukla pratipada (Sun). Capricorn lagna promises the highest democratic ideals and the lagna lord
Saturn is very well placed in the 12th house promising the destruction of enemies and competition and in
Sagittarius, which promises the highest ideals14. However, such a Saturn is conjoined Mandi (giving poison to
others) and Gulika (taking poison from others) that threatens its very existence due to tremendous internal strife
and sabotage. The ätmakäraka Moon shows a compassionate and kind hearted leader, but such a leader is very
weak and the tithi sukla pratipada shows the curse of Guru i.e. political death.
Of relevance to our study is the carakäraka disappearance. The amätyakäraka Sun and bhratåkäraka Mercury
are in the same degree (25th degree). Thus, Mercury becomes the antyakäraka for the position of the amätyakäraka
and shall replace the Sun in due course. The position of the bhratåkäraka becomes empty and is replaced by Rahu.
What is happening is the replacement at two levels – first is a change in the career path (amätyakäraka
replacement) of the party from that of the Sun to that of Mercury and second, of more serious consequences is the
replacement of the guiding light, the guru devatä or its manifesto and agenda from that of Mercury to Rahu.
Exalted Mercury with the Sun and Moon promises the highest ideals of equality (Sun) and welfare state (Moon)
where trade, commerce and general welfare (Mercury) are of paramount importance. This is replaced by Rahu and
the high ideals of exalted Mercury are compromised and get corrupted and the agenda becomes a dead letter.
Whereas Mercury is the lord of the ninth house and is placed in the ninth house indicating that there is no
divergence between the preaching and practice, the changeover of the bhratåkäraka to Rahu, which is placed in the
sixth house from the ninth house, shows a complete divergence between the manifesto and real practice. In this
manner, the carakäraka indicate the times to come and the changes in the party.
13
This was its re-formation after the earlier Janata dal which saw Morarji Desai, Charan Singh and Chandrasekhar in power, was
dissolved.
14
Varähamihira who is otherwise very critical of all sign placement of Saturn, praises its position in Jupiterian signs.
The Bharatiya Janata Party was formed after the dissolution of the Janata Dal in 1980. Just like the chart of the
Janata Dal, the bhratåkäraka is Mercury but this Mercury is the Lagna lord in the ninth house indicating a vaiñëava
or that the ideals (lagna) and principles/manifesto (ninth house) would be based on the vaiñëava concept of
Räma15 räjya. Since Mercury is conjoined mokña käraka Ketu, which can also become a bit extreme under certain
conditions16, the manifesto would be viewed by some sections as being extreme. The amätyakäraka (Moon) and
bhratåkäraka (Mercury) are in the same degree (26th degree) indicating that the amätyakäraka position shall be
taken over by Mercury and the empty slot of bhratåkäraka so created, shall be filled by Rahu. Thus, this party shall
also gradually forgo its original manifesto and slowly adopt a Rahuvian (confused, charming, pleasing all, hollow
promises) manifesto. With the confusion of agenda, the original agenda could be forgotten.
The bright side in both the charts of the Janata Dal and the BJP is that the real leader indicated by the
ätmakäraka has an excellent relationship with the first bhratåkäraka Mercury. In the case of the Janata dal, Moon
indicates that its leaders will be popular i.e. their decision making shall be based on popular politics while that of
the BJP shall be old people (Saturn) following the tradition and following established practices. In the case of
Janata Dal, the Moon is in a sign of Mercury and the manifesto makes the leader while in the case of the BJP,
exactly opposite occurs as Mercury is in a sign of Saturn the AK and the leader makes the manifesto. Such subtle
differences can be studied and the pitfalls and fortunes of the political parties can be studied from the seven-
carakäraka scheme.
In organizational dynamics, the ätmakäraka represents the real head of the organization and the leaders are
seen from the tenth house and the pitåkäraka (PiK). Every organization needs to be administered well and the
administrators who keep the house in order are indicated by the mätåkäraka (MK). The other rules are the same as
that for the political parties.
15
Mercury also indicates Räma, Kåñëa and Viñëu.
16
Mercury & Ketu conjoined indicate breaking of bones i.e. solid structures and the B.J.P had adopted a line of building the
temple of Çré Räma at Ayodhya by replacing the Babri Majid, which implied breaking down the structure.
What are the implications? Pitåkäraka indicates the core group of leaders that guide the organization and for
this we need to look at the tenth house as well. The tenth house has Mars placed in debility in the second house
(märaca) from the Äruòha lagna (AL is the very survival of the organization and its image). The tenth lord Moon is
conjoined another debilitated planet Saturn. Thus the replacement of Mercury (young) by Saturn (old) will be an
event where the younger leader will be replaced by a more mature elder leader. Since both Mercury and Saturn are
in Gemini (USA and such countries), the event will be triggered in such a country when the younger leader is
replaced.
The jïatikäraka (family members/organization scope) is also being replaced where Saturn the orthodox who
tries to limit the members and working area to India or such smaller nation is replaced by Rahu who tries to
expand it globally cutting across the cultural borders of nations and people. However the entry of Rahu into the
carakäraka scheme can spell serious trouble, especially since Rahu aspects/conjoins both the Sun and Moon. Sun is
the ätmakäraka and indicates the person who shall be the life force behind the organization. The Moon is the
bhratåkäraka and indicates the policies and principles/guiding light as Çré Jagannätha Kåñëa. The Moon is with
Saturn indicating that in trines to the Sun indicating that the leadership of Saturn would have had the complete
support of the AK. The event triggered a series of clashes (Mars debilitated in 10th as 10th lord conjoins debilitated
Saturn) between the leaders when the replacement was made that led to the collapse of the organization.
Thus, we see how debilitated planets involved with the house where a carakäraka replacement is taking place
can spell serious problems for an organization. If these associate with the second or seventh houses from Lagna or
Äruòha, then the organization is sure to perish. The leaders decided to look into all aspects and it was decided to
have separate organizations for the USA, India and other nations so that the administrative problems do not cause
such problems again. These organizations would be tied loosely through a common head and would not threaten
each other and instead work in harmony in perfect democratic principles.
Is it just a coincidence that the Moon, which moves so fast became the bhratåkäraka indicating that the
organization will be guided by the compassionate and most kind Çré Kåñëa? Lets see what the future holds. Hare
Räma Kåñëa!
Each nation has its own laws and the system has to be examined to decide the starting time. In the United
States, the people forming the organization are considered important (true democracy) and the incorporation date
is the date the document of application for incorporation is signed by them. This is the registration date recorded
by the government. In India, the day the office of the registrar signs the papers, the organization comes into being
and this date is the incorporation date (feudal hangover of old British Räj).
The Çré Jagannätha Center USA, an avatar of SJVC, was incorporated on Wednesday (Mercury), Kåñëa dvitéya
at Iselin New Jersey by a group of young idealistic people who did not want this good work we had started to
perish. Their ideals and prayers resulted in SJC-USA.
Planet Longitude CK
Lagna 5 Ge 38' 17.70"
Saturn 28 Ta 50' 12.35" AK
Venus 26 Cp 24' 55.01" AmK
Moon 21 Vi 44' 37.49" BK
Mars 15 Sg 28' 32.37" MK
Jupiter (R) 14 Cn 32' 33.11" PK
Sun 4 Pi 43' 44.97" GK
Mercury 2 Pi 28' 18.96" DK
Rahu 9 Ta 01' 11.48"
The first sigh of relief is that there are no carakäraka replacement problems so major upheaval is not expected
in any changes that may occur. The ätmakäraka is Saturn, which is also the lord of the 9th house (guru) and is
placed in the 12th house (foreign country) indicating that the life force/leader of the organization shall live in a
foreign country and will be a teacher/guru. Jupiter as the pitåkäraka promises very intelligent pandits of astrology
leading the organization as Mars the mätåkäraka shows that the administration can be quite strict. Of real
importance to us is the debility of the därakäraka Mercury that is also the lord of Lagna and the Äruòha lagna
threatening ill fame due to relationship problems. This is further highlighted by the presence of Mars in the
seventh and the natural significator Venus in the eighth house. Venus is also the lord of the fifth house indicating
membership of the organization and is the lord of the second from äruòha lagna (märaca). So long as the
organization does not get into membership issues, everything is going to be fine and the promise of the Moon in
AL – fame, popularity and great reputation, shall surely come to happen.
I ask again: Is it just a coincidence that the Moon, which moves so fast has again become bhratåkäraka
indicating that the SJC-USA will be guided by the compassionate and most kind Çré Jagannätha Kåñëa? I don’t
know whether this is something P.V.R Narasimha Rao would not have considered specifically while deciding the
muhurta. Hare Räma Kåñëa!
An exactly similar situation as that had occurred in the erstwhile SJVC shall happen again and there is
expected to be a change in the leadership of the Çré Jagannätha Center in Asia. Will this change be as painful? This
time, the tenth house (of leaders) is occupied by Saturn the därakäraka, indicating that the changes will be
motivated by public demand and the members of the SJC society. Further, the second lord from Äruòha lagna
(Jupiter) is exalted and conjoined the Moon forming Gajakesari yoga in the eleventh house that aspects the äruòha
lagna promising great fame and reputation. The involvement of Jupiter and Ketu in trines and aspecting or joining
the äruòha lagna indicates that the organization shall be the vehicle for the teaching of Jyotiña as per the tradition
and the conjunction of the Moon confirms that this will surely happen.
Strangely, for this date/time we had no control what-so-ever and is it just a coincidence that the Moon, which
moves so fast has again become bhratåkäraka indicating that the SJC-Asia will be guided by the compassionate and
most kind Çré Jagannätha Kåñëa? Hare Räma Kåñëa!
Translation: Ätmakäraka is the most important planet in the chart (as it signifies the real self).
s @v jatkaxIzae iv}eyae iÖjsÄm,
The Içöa devatä is known from the planet having the strongest influence on the 12th house (mokña) from the
kärakämça (navämça sign of the ätmakäraka). Paräsara lists the ten avatar of Viñëu in the first chapter of his
monumental classic Båhat Paräsara Horä Çastra for this purpose to bring out the importance of knowing the Içöa
devatä and striving for mokña by breaking the bonds of rebirth. Those conversant with Kuëòalini yoga would
know that the deity of the heart lotus is Viñëu. The ätma and the paramätma are like two birds (Sun symbol) sitting
on a branch (sharing the inner heart lotus). The paramätma Viñëu sits at the center of the inner eight-petal lotus
and the individual ätma sits on one of the eight petals based on the directions of the eight petals.
The ätma is like the Sun which is understood from its adhi-devatä Agni where the mantras addressed to the
devas are with svähä and to the pitås with svadhä. The ätma is like a pure spark of light (Agni) and is very tiny and
is understood from the mantra ‘so'ham asmi’ [I am the light]. The ätma is very old (Saturn) and is like Brahma17
born at the beginning of creation and passing through a variety of experiences and shall finally return to the Lord
at the end of the kalpa and hence, is known by the mantra ‘brahmäsmi’ [I am Brahma]. The pratyadhi devatä of the
Sun is Çivä and the ätma is the haàsa (knower) like the paraà haàsa (all knowing paraà guru lord Çivä). Such a
knowledgeable soul realizes itself by repeating ‘çivohaàasmi’ [I am the all-knowing Çivä]. More on the spiritual
aspect and the three paths of the trimürti – Brahma, Viñëu & Çivä is at appendix-2.
17
That is why Paräsara says that the devatä (illuminator/ to know) of Saturn is Brahma.
If there is a replacement of the ätmakäraka by the amätyakäraka then a karma yogi is born who shall place his
karma above his own self and shall achieve stupendous results by this self (ätmakäraka) sacrifice. We have already
seen a few examples under carakäraka disappearance.
The houses show the resources and those in kendra show the maximum resources, paëapara show middling
resources and apoklimas show negligible resources. Of these kendra, the tenth house has the maximum resources
followed by the 7th, 4th and 1st house from the ätmakäraka (in the räçi or other divisional chart). In this manner the
strength of the houses indicates the resources available. The lords of the houses show the people available for the
task/activity. Those lords in kendra indicate easy availability of people, paëapara difficult availability (perhaps
some monetary benefits have to be given to convince them to do the work) while apoklimas indicates non-
availability. Planets in kendra and trikoëa (1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th & 10th houses) from the ätmakäraka are competent to
do its bidding while those in dusthäna (6, 8 & 12) would not be able to do it for reasons of ill health (6th & 8th
houses) or losses anticipated (12th house) and those in trika (3rd, 6th & 11th houses) will do the opposite or act
inimically towards the ätmakäraka and will have to be subdued using the Néti çastra of säma (compromise –11th
house), däma (money/temptation – 12th house), daëòa (punishment -6th house) and bheda (discord/divide and rule
policy – 3rd house). The bhäva äruòha should be studied from ätmakäraka lagna (i.e. treating the sign of the
ätmakäraka planet as lagna) just as the graha äruòha are studied from lagna.
Often the need and time for children/continuity of lineage is the cause for a marriage. That is why Paräsara
advises us to see whether the marriage is being brought about because of a planet in the fifth house. These are love
(fifth house) marriages or marriages where, sometimes the child is born/carried before marriage. In such cases the
cara därakäraka will not signify the spouse and the planet in the fifth house will signify the spouse. In such cases,
the spouse cannot be considered a ‘soul mate’ (därakäraka).
The houses not mentioned by Paräsara but included by this scribe are the fourth (mätåkäraka), sixth
(jïatikäraka), eighth (ätmakäraka – it indicates the sins of the individual from a previous incarnation called néja
doça), ninth (pitåkäraka and bhratåkäraka – the latter is also called devatä käraka and signifies the guru) and tenth
(amätyakäraka – karma yoga). The twelfth house of mokña cannot have a carakäraka as the carakäraka scheme
specifically excludes the mokña käraka Ketu in the reckoning of carakäraka. It is a scheme used to determine the
interaction of the various souls (ätma) that have incarnated to experience their unfinished karma. The fact of
rebirth shows that the native has not got mokña and hence this karaka is excluded.
The Lagna lord is always like the Sun irrespective of whatever planet may lord the lagna. If the lagna lord is in
lagna, then the native is blessed by the Sun God and becomes famous. Lagna lord in the second house takes the
traits of the Sun to the second house and this can give money from father. Lagna Lord in the third house makes the
person chivalrous and fortunate as the traits of the Sun in the third house are seen. However the fire of the Sun in
the third house is bad for younger co-born. Similarly, lagna lord in the fifth takes the fire of the Sun to the fifth
house and damages the progeny while making the person intelligent. Lagna lord in the sixth takes the fire to the
sixth house and the enemies are destroyed and a sharp intelligence (Mars is käraka for sixth house) is given to the
native. In this manner, wherever the lagna lord goes, the fire of the Sun shall follow. The lagna lord is well placed
in those houses whose natural significators are friendly to the Sun. In the eighth house, the significator of which is
Saturn, the lagna lord is most uncomfortable and shows a weak person, gambling away his life and suffering due
to the burden of past karma. Çré Kåñëa teaches the nine names of the Sun God for worship in the äditya hådaya.
spiritual (käraka for the first house). The vimçottari daçä shows the mana of the native and it is during the daçä of
the ätmakäraka that the native has his greatest learning.
During the Näräyaëa daçä of the sign occupied by the ätmakäraka or signs aspecting it great achievements are
made. If the native is spiritually inclined, then the daçä of the ätmakäraka can be beneficial in that it gives great
spiritual lessons if the ätmakäraka aspects (graha dåñöi) or conjoins the lagna lord.
All retrograde planets indicate deep-rooted desires from a past incarnation and such desires are invariably
tough to manifest in this lifetime as well. The retrograde planet has a lot of ceñöä bala (strength/power to try again
and again). Such strength to try again and again occurs because (1) desire is strong and (2) the objective/goal fails
to manifest like ‘King Bruce who observed the spider and derived the strength to try once again. A retrograde
ätmakäraka indicates a deep-rooted desire as being the cause of the birth and that the soul cannot rest in peace
until the objective is achieved. The object will be related to the ätmakäraka or other planets conjoining it in the
kärakämça (navämça sign of the ätmakäraka).
Planets as Ätmakäraka:
1. SUN as the AK indicates that the native has to learn to overcome his ego and should become humble. The Sun
is the natural king and the deep desire to rule will manifest as leadership in various undertakings. A desire for
music is sure to be there and such natives should learn to play some musical instrument to canalize their
energies that could, in the negative, become very destructive. Instrumental music rejuvenates them and
depending on the nature of the sign this can relate to various instruments.
2. MOON as the AK indicates that the native should be very caring and compassionate. The Moon is the natural
mother and the home of such people is a manifestation of their inner self. Disorder at home or disturbed home
tends to disturb them even more. They tend to use a lot of glass. Music is their lifeblood, especially melodies
or any music where the lyrics are important message for their thirsty minds. They should learn to sing or hum
along a few songs that can revive them whenever mentally low.
3. MARS as the AK indicates that the native should refrain from all forms of violence and stick to the path of
ahimsa. Mars is the strength of the Kälapuruña and gives the ability for wielding weapons and person desires
to win battles and proves its strength. Such people are great fighters and will gradually realize the futility of
war mongering. They like martial arts and would prefer learning karate, kung fu and other forms of self-
defense. In a more spiritual individual this can mean learning haöha yoga and other physical exercises to
remain strong and ever youthful. So long as these are practiced as a spiritual discipline like the monks of the
Çaolin temple, it is very good; else the karma can lead one to regret many mistakes caused by acts of violence.
The ultimate lesson in spirituality is that the ätma is indestructible and hence does not need any form of
physical protection. Violence is a manifestation of ones hatred towards other creatures and beings. Thus, the
truth lies in ahimsa or non-violence. Such natives should practice Zen and other forms of meditation and some
physical exercises like Tai Chi to canalize their excess energies.
4. MERCURY as AK indicates that the native should control his speech and be truthful at all times.
5. JUPITER as AK indicates that the native should always respect the Guru, husband and care for the children.
6. VENUS as AK indicates that the native must have a very clean character and refrain from illegimate sex or
lust.
7. SATURN as AK indicates that the native cannot give sorrow to others and will have to share the sorrow of
many others.
8. RAHU as AK indicates that the native may be cheated often and will still have to be free from guile and be
clean hearted.
4.4.1 Horoscopy
Chart 14: Salman Khan
In the chart of the film star Salman Khan, the cara mätåkäraka Venus and cara pitåkäraka Saturn are in the
same degree (19th degree) indicating a period of upheaval following the death or loss of father when the
antyakäraka Saturn shall replace the mätåkäraka Venus and the slot of the pitåkäraka shall fall vacant. However,
the sthira pitåkäraka Venus (note that Venus is stronger than the Sun) shall fill the vacancy. Venus is strong
indicating that the father is long lived. This upheaval caused by pitåkäraka disappearance happened when his
father had a second marriage and was attached to second wife instead of his mother.
The cara ätmakäraka is the Moon, which is well placed in the lagna promising fame. The native is under
Jupiter mahädaça from January 1988-2004. Jupiter is placed in the sixth house from the lagna and Moon generating
both lagna & candra adhi-yoga, which promise fame and wealth, as well as sakaöa yoga that promises many
troubles and serious problems indicated by the natural traits of Rahu (saëkaöa). The native became a famous film
star in the Indian film industry and was very successful. The effects of sakaöa yoga are felt most during the periods
of the bädhaka planet (Mars) and Rahu. During the antardaçä of Mars in Jupiter daçä and that of Rahu, the native
has fallen on the wrong side of law when he was apprehended for poaching wild life as well as recently for
drunken driving where he killed some pedestrians and had to go to jail. Rahu in the fifth house is a snake in the
sleeve and in the 12th house from Jupiter gave all evils.
Jupiter is the cara därakäraka (DK) and its çastästaka relationship with the ätmakäraka Moon does not auger
well for marriage. The cara därakäraka placed in the sixth house of enemies and involved in sakaöa yoga
relationship with the ätmakäraka is a most undesirable feature of this chart. His first flame Somy Ali decided to
wait for better days and both are unmarried. His second flame Sangeeta Bijlani found a better suitor in the cricket
captain Azharuddin (note the cara därakäraka in the sixth house). His latest flame, the most beautiful Aiswarya
Rai has broken off their relationship complaining of physical abuse. Paräsara teaches that the planets in the fifth
house can also act as the därakäraka and in this case we find Rahu in the fifth house attempting to bring a spouse
from a different community (Hindu). However, the lagna with Moon (AK) and Venus aspected by Rahu from the
fifth house shows a doubting person who will forever, be suspicious about his beautiful spouse. And Mars adds
the violence method of releasing the negative energy through physical abuse. Incidentally, Aiswarya Rai also has
this combination of the Moon, Venus and AK Rahu in the fourth house aspecting the lagna with räçi dåñöi. Birds of
a feather flock together, and I may add, to fulfill their karma – good or bad. Thus, we see how the cara därakäraka
having a bad çastästaka relationship with the ätmakäraka is perpetually preventing the native from having a
spouse or a long-term relationship. Also noteworthy is the manner in which such a malefic Rahu in the fifth house
gave imprisonment during the daçä of an ill placed därakäraka (Jupiter daçä Rahu antardaçä).
Ätmakäraka replacement is a serious issue as this can cause life to undergo many changes and many sacrifices
have to be made to become (1) successful and a karma yogi if the final replacement is being made by the
amätyakäraka or (2) spiritual if the final replacement is being made by the bhratåkäraka and so on. The sthira
käraka planet indicates the person (based on its carakäraka or house ownership) who will play a crucial role in
convincing the native to make the decision for the change.
(2/12) relationship with the ätmakäraka Saturn. As the bhratåkäraka, Rahu will indicate that she may like the
spiritual ways of another community (Parsi) and its conjunction with Venus the naisargika därakäraka indicates
that this can occur at the time of marriage. The cara därakäraka Sun is in the fifth house of love and is in trines to
the cara ätmakäraka Saturn showing great love and amity between the couple. Indira Gandhi was in love with a
Parsi gentleman named Feroze, who was adopted by Mahatma Gandhi for the sake of marriage with Indira (as
Pandit Nehru would not permit Indira marrying out of the community – see the role played by the ninth lord
Jupiter) and got the name Feroze Gandhi. Paräsara advises us to look at the fifth house carefully for the därakäraka
matter as well as often destiny has a strange way of bring a couple together for the sake of having children. In this
case, the cara därakäraka is in the fifth house and the purpose of having children was completed when their two
sons Rajiv and Sanjay Gandhi (Sun & Mercury in 5th house) were born.
At this juncture, the seed of self-sacrifice created from the ätmakäraka (Saturn) replacement by amätyakäraka
(Venus) indicating a karma yogi was activated. The planet, which shall fill the slot of the amätyakäraka, is Jupiter
and we find that Jupiter is the ninth lord (father) as well as the cara pitåkäraka (father). Her father Pandit Nehru
started grooming her to replace him in politics. Initially Indira Gandhi wanted to be a housewife and did not have
any aspirations for a career/profession as is evident from the position of amätyakäraka Venus in the sixth house
(maraëa käraka place) from both ätmakäraka and lagna. She was happy to play second fiddle to her spouse and
look after home. The carakäraka replacement caused a serious upheaval and the new amätyakäraka Jupiter, being
retrograde and full of rays, wanted to see her successful.
With Venus becoming the new ätmakäraka, we find the därakäraka Sun and putrakäraka Mercury relegated
to the 12th house (loss) from it. The new life required certain sacrifices and her marriage was the scapegoat as
separation from spouse resulted when she started her political life. Soon she became a minister and later the prime
minister of India. Naturally she could not devote as much time to her children who had to go to hostels for
pursuing their education. Thus we see how a carakäraka replacement can alter various relationships and bring out
radical changes in life based on the new equations between the various carakäraka. A simple housewife went on to
become one of the most dynamic leaders of the world, thanks to Venus exerting its right to the place of the
ätmakäraka and the replacement amätyakäraka Jupiter in such great strength being involved in a fine parivartana
yoga with it.
Mercury the jïatikäraka (citizens) is associated with the nodes indicating a serious divide among the people.
Rahu conjoins Mercury in Cancer (north) showing that the people of the north would totally reject the old ways of
the British Colonial regime and would want to follow the new ways (Rahu is in Açleña nakñatra ruled by Mercury)
while the people of the south (Ketu is in Capricorn - south direction) will tend to favor some of the old customs
and ways of the Moon (colonial past) as Ketu is in a nakñatra of the Moon (Srävaëa). This Rahu-Ketu or north-
south divide resulted in a civil war, which divided the United States culturally but cemented it politically. The
point to be learnt here is that an affliction coming to the jïatikäraka can cause serious disturbances among the
people dividing them and causing internal strife/war. As a people, the ‘old’ Americans (1776-1920) are indicated
by Mercury where learning is given pride of place, laughter is their best medicine and genetic roots really don’t
make a big difference (remember Mercury is the son of the Moon born in the house of Jupiter) so long as the
person is intelligent and enterprising. In this manner, the carakäraka can be studied. Let us examine the
demographic, political and other changes in fortune with the new 144-year chart.
The Mercurial American of yesteryears has gradually become a more compassionate, kind, caring and
community-oriented individual. The excellent relationship between the Moon and Jupiter shows the great
popularity enjoyed by the leader/President and the overall prosperity of the people. This prosperity reaches its
greatest height during the Sagittarius and Cancer Näräyaëa daçä (1957-69). The compassionate Moon in its most
negative side shows the hippie culture and in its positive side shows the Hare Kåñëa movement and the billions of
dollars of aid that the Americans gave to the world (sometimes even to their enemies as the Moon does not
consider anyone a real enemy).
However, we find carakäraka replacement taking place as the jïatikäraka Moon is gradually replaced by Mars
the därakäraka. The därakäraka plays a dual role and indicates foreign relationships with nations based on the
security needs (Mars) of the US. It also shows the financial muscle (därakäraka also signifies the second house) and
that the migration into the US would be based on these two criteria. Engineers and other such skilled intelligent
manpower comes from friendly foreign nations. This därakäraka Mars is gradually replacing the jïatikäraka Moon
indicating that the immigrant population is gradually but surely having a say on the nature and life in America.
The compassionate and kind average American is gradually becoming the warrior.
Such a replacement of the carakäraka does not auger well for the nation as the därakäraka replacement is that
of Rahu and its international relations which were based on security needs (Mars) shall slowly give way to other
Rahuvian needs. It is not that the leader is changing, but the foreign and financial policies shall be dominated more
by Rahu. The American leadership indicated by Jupiter was very good at handling foreign policy in the language
of Mars and may not show the same ability when required to make back scene diplomatic maneuvers. Jupiter is
too straight to be able to do such things. The result is very simple to predict – many more wars as diplomacy fails
and in each of these the American President gets some bad publicity inspite of having the best (Jupiter) intentions.
The silver lining is that the Moon still remains strong in the fifth house aspected by Jupiter and these changes in
the demographic structure of America shall not alter much of its life till 2064 A.D. Yet, violence on the streets, the
movies and all around shall be on the rise as this is what is the desire of the people as the changes occur. The best
remedy is to increase spirituality in the people. However, the bhratåkäraka Sun is placed in the 12th house from
Jupiter and this is unlikely to happen to the people at large. The other way is to increase awareness of such things
through astrology (Jupiter) and such subjects…and this is what we are doing. So help us God.
Chart 18:Hollywood
the därakäraka shows that the relationships are more on the physical level where the body beautiful always gets a
premium over all other things. Venus also indicates the major source of income as entertainment industry, more so
since it aspects the eleventh house from äruòha lagna. The jïatikäraka Mars conjoining such a Venus in Aquarius
indicates that this is the code of practice in the city life where those in the entertainment industry are expected to
entertain themselves as well. Another important feature is the conjunction between the mätåkäraka Mercury
(health, home) and bhratåkäraka Sun (spirituality) indicating that yoga, spiritual discipline, herbal medicine and
new age procedures would be adopted. In this manner we can see the cause of the rise of a city and the
combinations that make it popular and lead to its growth.
5. Kärakämça
5.1 Svämça
Sva refers to the self and includes -
1. The ätmakäraka, which represents the spirit soul that interacts with the paramätma (Sun). This makes us
aware of the fact that the individual jévätma (soul) is different from other souls as well as different from the
paramätma (super soul). This differentiation causes ahaìkära and ‘self-consciousness’.
2. The mana of the individual which is represented by the amätyakäraka and which interacts with the mana of
the society, group or people (Moon). The äruòha lagna (AL) is the image of the person as perceived in the
present incarnation and the mana is always working to enhance this image perception.
3. The lagna lord represents the body of the individual that interacts with the various bodies, both animate and
inanimate indicated by the planets and signs respectively. The sign occupied by the lagna lord is called the
päka lagna and has Jupiter as its significator. The lagna lord is the lord of the sign occupied by the lagna
(ascendant) indicating that the lagna is another place, which determines the ‘self’ or self-consciousness as
different from others.
The three of ätmakäraka, äruòha lagna and lagna has been used by Jaimini mahäåñi to refer to the self as ‘sva’
when dealing with various combinations pertaining to longevity etc. Thus, svämça includes the navämça of the
ätmakäraka or lagna (and in some cases also includes the äruòha lagna).
5.1.1 Kärakämça
The navämça sign occupied by the ätmakäraka is called the kärakämça. It is composed of two words (1)
‘käraka’ which refer to the chara käraka in general and ätmakäraka in particular and (2) ‘amça’ which refers to any
division/ divisional chart in general and navämça in particular. The kärakämça is the navämça chart drawn with
the ätmakäraka in the first house.
Some contemporary (modern) astrologers consider this sign in the räçi chart instead. In such a case, it would
be better to call such a räçi sign as the ‘räçi tulya kärakämça’ or the ‘kärakämçaka’ to differentiate it from
kärakämça. In such a case kärakämçaka would comprise of three words käraka + amça + ka indicating the
ätmakäraka, its navämça position and finally ‘ka’ would bring the reference back to the bhäcakra (räçi chart).
5.1.2 Lagnämça
The navämça sign occupied by the lagna is called the lagnämça. It is composed of two words (1) ‘lagna’, which
refer to the ascendant, and (2) ‘amça’ which refers to any division/ divisional chart in general and navämça in
particular. The ‘lagnämça’ is the navämça chart drawn with the lagna in the first house.
In some works like the nadi’s, the sign of the lagna in the räçi chart, when considered in the navämça is also
called lagnämça. For example, if Pisces is the lagna, then the sign Pisces in the navämça chart is called lagnämça.
The second house of the räçi chart is Aries and in the navämça chart is called dhanämça; eleventh house of the räçi
chart is Capricorn and this sign in the navämça is called labhämça; twelfth house of the räçi chart is Aquarius and
this sign in the navämça is called vyayämça etc. Thus, there are two meanings of the word ‘lagnämça’ and the first
one refers to the self or svämça.
Lagnämçaka is different from lagnämça as it has the additional word ‘ka’ in the end. It is the räçi tulya
lagnämça i.e. the sign in the räçi chart occupied by the lagna in the navämça chart. This term is used in lagnämçaka
daçä18.
18
Refer to Näräyaëa daça, Sanjay Rath, Sagar Publications Ed.2001.
5.1.3 Illustration
Draw the svämça (kärakämça and lagnämça charts) of the standard nativity.
5. Mahäåñi Jaimini has indicated the results of various navämça for the placement of AK. Read this carefully and
make a list for ready reference.
6. Results of AK in different houses from navämça lagna.
(Count the number of signs from AK to navämça lagna. This number will indicate the results of the house that
shall predominate. Check the strength of Karaka of such house. Do this exercise both in Räçi and in Navämça chart.
Rasa chart results like that of Sri Krishna and other great persons while navämça for all others)
1. If AK is in Navämça Lagna, the native belongs to a royal family/is of noble birth and lineage. If Navämça Lagna
Lord conjoins AK, then the native, although of humble origin, shall rise to a high rank equal to a king. If the AK
aspects Navämça Lagna, then Royal association shall be present from birth. The natural karaka of the 1st house
(Sun) should be strong to indicate the extent of Raja-yoga.
2. If AK is in 2nd house, the native shall be very spiritual and a great saint. If Saturn is strong, the renunciation shall
be complete whereas if Venus is strong, the native shall perform severe austerities.
3. If AK is in the 3rd house, the native shall be rich and successful in many undertakings. He shall be a friend of
many powerful people.
4. If AK is in the 4th house, the native shall be a Karma Yogi. If the Moon and Jupiter are strong, he shall have fame,
whereas, if the Sun is strong räjayoga and a strong Saturn indicates a hard working person.
5. If AK is in the 5th house, the native is Dharma Parayana, that is, obeys the laws of his dharma diligently and is
straightforward. If the Sun is strong, he shall have many good yogas. Blessings of his father shall always protect
him.
6. If AK is in the 6th house, the native is diseased and troubled. Propitiate as per Saturn or Lord Satya Näräyaëa,
fast on full Moon days and speak the truth.
7. If AK is in the 7th house, the native is blessed with a clean heart and many joys. If Venus is strong, marriage shall
be a great blessing.
8. If AK is in the 8th house, the native has many troubles and weaknesses. He is defeated in war. Propitiate as per
Saturn or Lord Satya Näräyaëa, fast on full Moon days and speak the truth.
9. If the AK is in the 9th house, the native is a very pious person and is wealthy and fortunate.
10. If AK is in the 10th house, the native is blessed with a clean heart and good home. He shall be a pillar for his
family and mother. The Moon in strength shall be an added blessing for this native.
11. If the AK is in the 11th house, the native shall be brave, successful in war and capable of executing any task. If
Mars is strong, there shall be Räjayoga.
12. If the AK is in the 12th house, the native is very rich and blessed by Lakshmi.
6. Assignment
6.1 Carakäraka disappearance
Chart 21: Lahiri Mahasaya
Q: Determine the carakäraka disappearance in this chart and its impact on the life of the native.
Q: Determine the carakäraka disappearance in this chart and its impact on the life of the native.
Appendix-I.Bhagavat Géta
A few years ago when we were asked about the standard books for studying Jyotiça, the Bhagavat Géta, Båhat
Parasara hora çastra and Mahäåñi Jaimini’s upadeça sutra were recommended as the foundation. Today we shall
explore the teachings of the Géta to understand creation, the spirit soul and the chara käraka scheme(s).
The mana is the ‘mind’ of the universe as well as the individual and indicates the class, group or family
identifying the created being or object and is represented in astrology by the Moon. Any created material object
belongs to a class of objects created with a certain shape (definable for solids with a predominant påthvi tatva),
having a certain constitution (based on the proportion of the constituent tatva). These define the class or family to
which it belongs.
Buddhi refers to the intelligence or body of knowledge related to the object. This defines its purpose of
creation and existance and the effects of the various laws of nature on it called its Dharma. The laws of nature that
the created body must obey are seen from the ascendant called Lagna and this is the seat of the dharma trikona
which includes the fifth & ninth houses. Lagna represents prajäpati, the creator.
Ahaìkära refers to its independent identity and is the false ego (not Freud’s ego). This is false because the
identity is not permanent and it is an ego as it helps to identify the object and differentiate it from the other
bodies/creatures of its class or family. This is represented by the Sun in astrology.
Let us consider the Arabian sea as an example. This has a predominance of liquid in its body as compared to
other states of solids and gases. Thus the body has a predominance of jala tatva. The water is in constant motion
due to various currents created by the rotation of the earth. This movement is due to energy in the water showing
that it possesses agni tatva. It is contained by a basin which is the crust of the earth and this is the dharma
(buddhi) associated with it as one of the laws of nature that a liquid does not have any particular shape and takes
the shape of the container. The water in the sea displaces a certain volume of air or vacuum and this volume
indicates the presence of äkäça tatva that keeps the waters together within the containing crust of the earth. There
are so many similar large water bodies that separate continents and they are all known as ‘sea’. This is the family
or class of created bodies to which it belongs and is the mana. However, we are aware that this particular body
that touches the west coast of India is different from the water body in the east coast of India and other parts of the
world and have named it the “Arabian Sea”. This particular name “Arabian” is its ahaìkära that helps to identify
it in particular and differentiates it from other seas.
These are the eight primary variables that go into the creation of all bodies, both animate and inanimate. It is
evident that we do not need any more variables than the lagna and seven planets from Sun to Saturn to define the
physical (material creation). These planets are the seven Chara käraka that are used in mundane astrology and
all such horoscopy of material bodies that cannot procreate.
Since the primary differential between the quality of the sin is the mana, and since the Moon represents the
mana, it is but natural to consider the nodes of the Moon as karmic control planets. Rahu indicates the sins on
account of past karma and those done with full knowledge of consequences while Ketu, in the negative, represents
the mistakes made. In the positive Rahu represents punishment and redemption while Ketu represents suffering
and emancipation. As a group they are one, and represent the opposite points of bhoga & mokña.
The eight-variable scheme of the previous çloka needs to be modified to the ten-variable scheme that
includes the lunar nodes Rahu (ascending node) and Ketu (descending node) in addition to the lagna and seven
planets from the Sun to Saturn. Further, since every living being that has been created has not got mokña, it is
evident that in any spiritual scheme that must represent the individual jévätma and its interaction with the other
ätma, room would have to be made for Rahu (but must exclude Ketu). These seven planets from the Sun to
Saturn, and Rahu are the eight Chara käraka that are used in horoscopy (jataka) and all such charts of living
bodies that can procreate.
differentiation of the two schemes of chara käraka). Further, the inanimate bodies do not have a jévätma and are
not considered spirit beings or spiritual in that sense.
Conclusion
It is evident from the Bhagavat Géta that there are separate schemes for the living and non-living world and
that these schemes differ on the number of chara kaaraka due to the concept of sin associated with a certain
amount of limited free-will and the presence of the jévätma (individual soul of the living being). The visible
differentiation is their ability to procreate which is represented by the Çiva liìga (phallic symbol of Çiva as Pañupati
or the lord of all living beings).
Om tat sat