A
Aaroodha Lagna
Symbolic ascendant calculated using specific Jaimini astrology rules. Reveals how one is perceived publicly, distinct from natal Lagna.
Abhijit Muhurat
Most auspicious 48-minute window of the day, occurring around solar noon. Ideal for important new beginnings, decisions, and ventures.
Adhi Yoga
Powerful raja yoga formed when benefics (Mercury, Jupiter, Venus) occupy 6th, 7th, and 8th houses from the Moon. Indicates leadership, success, and prosperity.
Akshay Tritiya
Highly auspicious tithi (third lunar day of Vaishakha month) considered ideal for new beginnings, gold purchase, and starting ventures.
Amavasya
New Moon day — last tithi of the dark fortnight. Considered powerful for ancestor remembrance (Pitra Tarpan) and certain spiritual practices.
Antardasha
Sub-period within a Mahadasha in Vimshottari Dasha system. Triggers specific events based on planetary combination of Mahadasha and Antardasha lords.
Anuradha Nakshatra
17th nakshatra (3°20'-16°40' Scorpio), ruled by Saturn with Mitra as deity. Themes of devotion, friendship, and persistence.
Ardha Kendra
Half-quadrant houses — 4th and 10th. Power positions in classical Vedic astrology.
Arudha Lagna
Reflection or shadow of Lagna in another house — represents social image and how one is perceived externally.
Ashtakavarga
Strength assessment system in Vedic astrology that allocates points to each planet based on its position relative to other planets. Strong indicator of life domain success.
Ashtakoot Milan
Eight-fold compatibility analysis for marriage matching. Includes Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Graha Maitri, Gana, Bhakoot, and Nadi koots — total 36 points.
Ashwini Nakshatra
1st nakshatra (0°-13°20' Aries), ruled by Ketu with Ashwini Kumars as deity. Themes of healing, speed, and pioneering.
B
Bhadra Karana
Karana name; same as Vishti. Generally considered inauspicious for new beginnings.
Bhakoot Koot
7th koot in Ashtakoot Milan (7 points). Evaluates rashi compatibility between partners — checks wealth, family welfare, and emotional health.
Bharani Nakshatra
2nd nakshatra (13°20'-26°40' Aries), ruled by Venus with Yama as deity. Themes of self-discipline, restraint, and transformation.
Bhava
House in the birth chart. Vedic system has 12 bhavas, each governing specific life areas.
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)
Foundational Vedic astrology text attributed to Maharishi Parashara. Comprehensive treatise covering all aspects of Vedic astrology.
C
Chalit Chart
Modified version of the birth chart where planets are placed in actual house positions rather than rashi positions. Used for refined house-level interpretations.
Chandra
Moon — second luminary in Vedic astrology, ruling mind, emotions, mother, water-related aspects, and Cancer rashi.
Chandra Lagna
Ascendant calculated from Moon's position. Used as alternative reference for predictions in many traditional readings.
Charana
Pada or quarter — each nakshatra is divided into 4 charanas (padas) of 3°20' each.
Chitra Nakshatra
14th nakshatra (23°20' Virgo - 6°40' Libra), ruled by Mars with Vishvakarma as deity. Themes of creativity, design, and craftsmanship.
D
Dasha
Planetary period system in Vedic astrology. Most common is Vimshottari Dasha (120-year cycle).
Dashamsha Chart (D-10)
Divisional chart specifically used for career and profession analysis. Tenth division of the natal chart.
Devata
Presiding deity of a nakshatra. Each of the 27 nakshatras has a specific devata.
Dhanishta Nakshatra
23rd nakshatra (23°20' Capricorn - 6°40' Aquarius), ruled by Mars with Vasus as deity. Themes of music, wealth, and rhythm.
Dhanu Rashi
Sagittarius — 9th sign of zodiac, ruled by Jupiter. Themes of wisdom, philosophy, higher education, and foreign connections.
Drik Pakshiya
Visible system of astronomical calculations used in modern Vedic astrology. Provides accurate ephemeris data.
G
Gajakesari Yoga
Powerful yoga formed by Jupiter and Moon in kendra (1, 4, 7, 10) from each other. Brings intelligence, wisdom, and prosperity.
Gana
Temperament classification — Deva (divine), Manushya (human), Rakshasa (demonic). Used in 36 guna marriage matching.
Ghatak Tithi
Inauspicious tithi for specific activities. Different ghatak tithis exist for different rashis.
Gochara
Transit — current planetary positions and their effects on natal chart placements. Distinct from natal positions.
Graha
Planet in Vedic astrology. Includes 7 visible planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) plus 2 shadow nodes (Rahu, Ketu) = 9 grahas total.
Graha Maitri Koot
5th koot in 36 guna milan (5 points). Friendship between rashi lords of both partners.
Gulika Kaal
Inauspicious time period during the day, sometimes called Saturn's son's period. To be avoided for important activities.
Guru
Jupiter — natural benefic and karaka of wisdom, education, children, wealth, dharma, and spirituality.
Guru Chandal Yoga
Inauspicious yoga formed when Jupiter combines with Rahu. Can cause religious confusion, ethical lapses, or knowledge misuse.
J
Jaimini Astrology
Alternative classical Vedic system attributed to Maharishi Jaimini. Uses unique techniques like Karakamsa, Chara Dasha, and Arudha Pada.
Janma Kundli
Birth chart — fundamental astrological document showing planetary positions at exact moment of birth.
Janma Nakshatra
Birth nakshatra — the nakshatra where Moon was placed at time of birth. Determines Vimshottari Dasha starting point and significant personality aspects.
Janma Rashi
Birth Moon sign — the rashi where Moon was placed at birth. Considered primary sign in Vedic astrology (unlike Western, which uses Sun sign).
Jupiter
Brihaspati/Guru — largest planet, natural benefic, karaka of wisdom, expansion, prosperity, education, religion.
Jyeshtha Nakshatra
18th nakshatra (16°40' - 30° Scorpio), ruled by Mercury with Indra as deity. Themes of leadership, eldership, and authority.
K
Kaal Sarp Yoga
Yoga formed when all 7 planets (Sun through Saturn) are placed between Rahu and Ketu. Can cause various life obstacles depending on house involvement.
Kalachakra Dasha
Wheel-of-time dasha system in Vedic astrology. Complex alternative to Vimshottari.
Kalanidhi Yoga
Auspicious yoga involving Jupiter, Mercury, and Venus combinations. Brings artistic talent and refined intelligence.
Kanya Rashi
Virgo — 6th sign, ruled by Mercury. Themes of analytical thinking, health, service, and details.
Karaka
Significator — a planet that represents specific themes (e.g., Sun is karaka of soul/father, Moon of mind/mother, Venus of marriage).
Karakamsa
Sign occupied by Atmakaraka in Navamsa chart. Foundation of Jaimini soul-purpose analysis.
Karana
Half-tithi unit. 11 unique karanas (4 fixed + 7 cycling) exist in panchang.
Karma Sthana
Karma place — 10th house, governing career, profession, and life's work.
Kemadruma Yoga
Inauspicious yoga when no planets are in the 2nd or 12th from Moon (excluding Sun, Rahu, Ketu). Causes mental restlessness, isolation.
Kendra
Quadrant houses — 1st, 4th, 7th, 10th. Power positions; planets in kendra carry more strength.
Ketu
South lunar node — Vedic shadow planet, karaka of spirituality, detachment, past-life karma, and sudden losses or transformations.
Kosha
Sheath or layer in Vedic philosophy. Related concept in astrology when analyzing different dimensions of self.
Krittika Nakshatra
3rd nakshatra (26°40' Aries - 10° Taurus), ruled by Sun with Agni as deity. Themes of fire, purification, and warriors.
Kumbha Rashi
Aquarius — 11th sign, co-ruled by Saturn and Rahu. Themes of innovation, social causes, and unconventional thinking.
Kundli
Birth chart in Vedic astrology. Synonym with Janma Kundli and Jatakam.
Kundli Milan
Marriage compatibility matching using 36 guna Ashtakoot system.
M
Magha Nakshatra
10th nakshatra (0°-13°20' Leo), ruled by Ketu with Pitrs (ancestors) as deity. Themes of royalty, heritage, and tradition.
Mahadasha
Major planetary period in Vimshottari Dasha system. Sets broad life themes for years.
Mahatmya
Special significance or glory. Often used for sacred locations or auspicious time periods.
Makar Rashi
Capricorn — 10th sign, ruled by Saturn. Themes of discipline, ambition, long-term goals, and structured achievement.
Mangal
Mars — natural malefic, karaka of energy, courage, brothers, real estate, and martial professions.
Manglik Dosha
Mars affliction in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house. Traditionally considered problematic for marriage compatibility.
Manushya Gana
Human temperament class in 36 guna matching. Nakshatras: Bharani, Rohini, Ardra, Purva Phalguni, Uttara Phalguni, Purva Ashadha, Uttara Ashadha, Purva Bhadrapada, Uttara Bhadrapada.
Maraka
Death-inflicting houses (2nd and 7th) and their lords. Important consideration in longevity analysis.
Meen Rashi
Pisces — 12th sign, ruled by Jupiter. Themes of spirituality, intuition, dreams, and compassion.
Mesha Rashi
Aries — 1st sign, ruled by Mars. Themes of leadership, action, courage, and pioneering.
Mithun Rashi
Gemini — 3rd sign, ruled by Mercury. Themes of communication, intelligence, duality, and learning.
Moon
Chandra — second luminary, karaka of mind, mother, emotions, water, and feminine principles.
Mrigashira Nakshatra
5th nakshatra (23°20' Taurus - 6°40' Gemini), ruled by Mars with Soma as deity. Themes of search, exploration, and curiosity.
Muhurat
Auspicious time selected for important activities using panchang elements (tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga, karana).
Mula Nakshatra
19th nakshatra (0°-13°20' Sagittarius), ruled by Ketu with Niriti as deity. Themes of roots, foundations, and transformation.
P
Pada
Quarter of nakshatra (3°20'). Each nakshatra has 4 padas which correspond to navamsa rashis.
Panch Mahapurush Yoga
Five great person yogas formed when specific planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) are exalted or in own sign in kendra. Brings distinguished life.
Panchang
Vedic almanac showing five elements of time — tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga, karana. Used for muhurat selection.
Parashari
Astrology system based on Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. Most widely practiced classical Vedic system.
Pitra Dosh
Ancestral karmic burden manifest as Sun-Rahu/Saturn affliction or 9th house issues. Causes various life obstacles.
Pratyantar Dasha
Sub-sub-period in Vimshottari Dasha system. Provides precise timing of events.
Punarvasu Nakshatra
7th nakshatra (20° Gemini - 3°20' Cancer), ruled by Jupiter with Aditi as deity. Themes of renewal, restoration, and motherhood.
Pushya Nakshatra
8th nakshatra (3°20'-16°40' Cancer), ruled by Saturn with Brihaspati as deity. Most auspicious nakshatra for new beginnings.
R
Rahu
North lunar node — Vedic shadow planet, karaka of sudden gains, foreign elements, illusions, technology, and unconventional success.
Raj Yoga
Combination of kendra lord and trikona lord creating powerful indicator of authority, leadership, and prosperity. Many varieties exist.
Rashi
Zodiac sign in Vedic astrology. 12 rashis from Mesha (Aries) to Meen (Pisces).
Rashifal
Predictions based on rashi (Moon sign). Daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly rashifal available for all 12 rashis.
Revati Nakshatra
27th nakshatra (16°40'-30° Pisces), ruled by Mercury with Pushan as deity. Themes of completion, nourishment, and prosperity.
Rohini Nakshatra
4th nakshatra (10°-23°20' Taurus), ruled by Moon with Brahma as deity. Themes of beauty, creativity, and abundance.
S
Sade Sati
7.5-year transit of Saturn over natal Moon and adjacent houses (12th and 2nd from Moon). Significant life transformation period.
Saptamamsha (D-7)
7th divisional chart used for children analysis.
Saraswati Yoga
Educational yoga formed by Mercury, Jupiter, and Venus in benefic positions. Brings learning, wisdom, and artistic talents.
Saturn
Shani — natural malefic, karaka of discipline, restrictions, career, longevity, and lasting achievements.
Shadbala
Six-fold strength assessment of planets — positional, directional, temporal, motional, natural, and aspectual strengths combined.
Shani
Saturn — slow-moving graha, karaka of karma, discipline, hard work, and lasting achievements through perseverance.
Shastiamsha (D-60)
60th divisional chart — extremely fine-grained subdivision used in advanced predictive techniques.
Sidereal Zodiac
Star-based zodiac system used in Vedic astrology. Differs from Western tropical zodiac by ~24 degrees (Ayanamsa).
Simha Rashi
Leo — 5th sign, ruled by Sun. Themes of leadership, recognition, creativity, and royal qualities.
Sridhana Yoga
Wealth-through-spouse yoga involving Venus, 2nd house, and 7th house connections.
Sthira Karaka
Fixed significator — planets that always represent specific themes (e.g., Sun always represents soul/father).
Sun
Surya — first luminary, karaka of soul, ego, father, authority, government, and self-confidence.
Surya
Sanskrit name for Sun. Primary luminary in Vedic astrology.
Swati Nakshatra
15th nakshatra (6°40'-20° Libra), ruled by Rahu with Vayu as deity. Themes of independence, breath, and movement.
T
Tara Koot
3rd koot in 36 guna milan (3 points). Destiny compatibility based on nakshatra counting between partners.
Tithi
Lunar day — 30 tithis in a lunar month, calculated by Moon's angular distance from Sun.
Trikona
Trine houses — 1st, 5th, 9th. Dharma houses bringing fortune, intelligence, and divine grace.
Trine
120-degree aspect; planets in trine harmonize. Trikona houses (1, 5, 9) are trine houses.
Tula Rashi
Libra — 7th sign, ruled by Venus. Themes of partnerships, balance, harmony, and aesthetics.
U
Upachaya
Growth houses — 3rd, 6th, 10th, 11th. Houses where malefics actually do well (growth through effort).
Uttara Ashadha
21st nakshatra (26°40' Sagittarius - 10° Capricorn), ruled by Sun with Vishvedevas as deity. Themes of victory, lasting achievement.
Uttara Bhadrapada
26th nakshatra (3°20'-16°40' Pisces), ruled by Saturn with Ahirbudhnya as deity. Themes of depth, hidden wisdom.
Uttara Phalguni
12th nakshatra (26°40' Leo - 10° Virgo), ruled by Sun with Aryaman as deity. Themes of partnership, dharma.
V
Vakra
Retrograde — apparent backward motion of a planet as viewed from Earth. Retrograde planets have unique effects in Vedic astrology.
Vara
Day of week — 7 vars, each ruled by a planet. Used in panchang and muhurat selection.
Varna Koot
1st koot in 36 guna milan (1 point). Spiritual/mental compatibility check.
Vashya Koot
2nd koot in 36 guna milan (2 points). Mutual control and understanding based on 5 vashya animal types.
Vedic Astrology
Ancient Indian astrology system based on sidereal zodiac. Also called Jyotish or Hindu Astrology.
Vimshottari Dasha
120-year planetary period system — most widely used predictive timing system in Vedic astrology.
Vipreet Raj Yoga
Reverse raj yoga — 6th, 8th, 12th lords mutual exchange/aspect bringing unexpected wealth through difficulties.
Vishakha Nakshatra
16th nakshatra (20° Libra - 3°20' Scorpio), ruled by Jupiter with Indra-Agni as deity. Themes of focused ambition.
Vrishabha Rashi
Taurus — 2nd sign, ruled by Venus. Themes of stability, material comfort, sensuality, and steady progress.
Vrishchik Rashi
Scorpio — 8th sign, ruled by Mars and Ketu. Themes of intensity, transformation, depth, and hidden mysteries.