Vedic Astrology Glossary
A comprehensive dictionary of 46+ Vedic astrology (Jyotish) terms. From Ascendant to Yoga, find clear definitions of every concept used in Vedic birth chart analysis.
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Ascendant (Lagna)(Lagna)
The Ascendant (Lagna) is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the exact moment and location of birth. It is the most important point in a Vedic birth chart, determining the layout of all 12 houses. The Ascendant changes approximately every 2 hours, making accurate birth time essential. It represents your outward personality, physical appearance, and how the world perceives you.
Learn more →Ashtakoot
Ashtakoot is the 8-factor compatibility system used in Vedic Kundli Matching (Guna Milan). It evaluates marriage compatibility across 8 categories: Varna (1 point), Vashya (2), Tara (3), Yoni (4), Graha Maitri (5), Gana (6), Bhakoot (7), and Nadi (8) — totaling 36 points. A score of 18+ is considered acceptable for marriage, 24+ is good, 30+ is excellent.
Learn more →Ayanamsa
Ayanamsa is the angular difference between the Tropical (Western) and Sidereal (Vedic) zodiacs, caused by the precession of equinoxes. Currently approximately 24 degrees, this means your Vedic zodiac sign may differ from your Western sign. The most commonly used ayanamsa in Vedic astrology is Lahiri (Chitrapaksha), which is the Indian government's official standard.
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Bhakoot Dosha
Bhakoot Dosha occurs in Kundli Matching when the Moon signs of both partners are in certain incompatible positions (2/12, 5/9, or 6/8 from each other). Worth 7 out of 36 points in Ashtakoot, it is one of the most significant factors. Bhakoot Dosha in the 6/8 position is considered most challenging for marriage compatibility. However, if the ruling planets of both signs are friends, the dosha is cancelled.
Learn more →Bhava
Bhava means "house" in Vedic astrology. The birth chart is divided into 12 Bhavas (houses), each representing a different area of life: 1st (self), 2nd (wealth/speech), 3rd (siblings/courage), 4th (mother/home), 5th (children/creativity), 6th (enemies/health), 7th (marriage/partnerships), 8th (longevity/occult), 9th (fortune/dharma), 10th (career/status), 11th (gains/income), 12th (losses/moksha).
Birth Chart (Kundli)(Janam Kundli)
A birth chart (Janam Kundli) is a map of the sky at the exact moment and location of a person's birth, showing the positions of all nine planets (Navagraha) across 12 houses and 27 nakshatras. It is the foundation of all Vedic astrological analysis — from personality assessment to timing of life events. Requires three inputs: date, time, and place of birth.
Learn more →C
Chandra
Chandra is the Sanskrit name for the Moon. In Vedic astrology, the Moon governs the mind (Manas), emotions, mother, and mental constitution. The Moon's zodiac sign at birth determines your Rashi (Moon sign), which is the primary sign used in Vedic astrology — more important than Sun sign. Moon's nakshatra at birth determines your Janma Nakshatra (birth star), which drives Dasha calculations and Kundli Matching.
Combustion (Astangata)
Combustion occurs when a planet gets too close to the Sun (within specific degree ranges). A combust planet loses its strength and ability to give results. The degrees of combustion vary: Moon (12°), Mars (17°), Mercury (14° direct/12° retrograde), Jupiter (11°), Venus (10° direct/8° retrograde), Saturn (15°). A combust planet in your chart weakens the houses it rules.
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Dasha
Dasha is a planetary period system that divides your life into distinct phases, each ruled by a specific planet. The most widely used system is Vimshottari Dasha, a 120-year cycle with periods assigned to each of the 9 planets. Your starting Dasha is determined by the Moon's nakshatra at birth. Each Mahadasha (major period) is subdivided into Antardashas (sub-periods). Dasha timing is the primary predictive tool in Vedic astrology.
Learn more →Debilitation (Neecha)
Debilitation is the weakest position for a planet — the sign where it performs worst. The debilitated positions are: Sun in Libra, Moon in Scorpio, Mars in Cancer, Mercury in Pisces, Jupiter in Capricorn, Venus in Virgo, Saturn in Aries. A debilitated planet struggles to deliver its natural significations. However, Neechabhanga (cancellation of debilitation) occurs when certain conditions are met, potentially turning weakness into unexpected strength.
Divisional Charts (Vargas)
Divisional charts (Vargas) are derived charts created by dividing each zodiac sign into smaller segments. The 16 main Varga charts include: D1 (Rashi — main chart), D2 (Hora — wealth), D3 (Drekkana — siblings), D4 (Chaturthamsha — fortune), D7 (Saptamsha — children), D9 (Navamsha — marriage/dharma), D10 (Dashamsha — career), D12 (Dwadashamsha — parents), and others. D9 Navamsha is the most important after D1.
Dosha
Dosha means "flaw" or "affliction" in Vedic astrology. It refers to specific planetary configurations in a birth chart that indicate challenges or obstacles. Major doshas include: Mangal Dosha (Mars affliction affecting marriage), Kaal Sarp Dosha (all planets between Rahu-Ketu axis), Pitru Dosha (ancestral karma), Shani Dosha (Saturn affliction), and Nadi Dosha (compatibility flaw in matching). Each dosha has specific remedies in Vedic tradition.
Learn more →E
Exaltation (Uchcha)
Exaltation is the strongest position for a planet — the sign where it performs best. The exalted positions are: Sun in Aries (10°), Moon in Taurus (3°), Mars in Capricorn (28°), Mercury in Virgo (15°), Jupiter in Cancer (5°), Venus in Pisces (27°), Saturn in Libra (20°). An exalted planet in your chart strongly enhances the houses it rules and the house it occupies.
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Gana
Gana refers to the temperament classification of nakshatras into three groups: Deva (divine/gentle — 9 nakshatras), Manushya (human/moderate — 9 nakshatras), and Rakshasa (demon/intense — 9 nakshatras). Gana compatibility is the 6th factor in Ashtakoot matching (worth 6 points). Deva-Deva and Manushya-Manushya matches are best; Deva-Rakshasa combinations are considered most challenging.
Gochar (Transit)
Gochar means planetary transit — the current real-time movement of planets through the zodiac. Vedic astrology analyzes how transiting planets interact with your birth chart positions to predict timing of events. Major transits include: Saturn (Shani) transit through signs (2.5 years each), Jupiter transit (1 year each sign), Rahu-Ketu transit (18 months each sign). Saturn's transit through the 12th, 1st, and 2nd houses from Moon is called Sade Sati.
Graha
Graha means "that which seizes" — the 9 celestial bodies used in Vedic astrology: Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu (North Node), and Ketu (South Node). Unlike Western astrology, Vedic does not use Uranus, Neptune, or Pluto. Each Graha rules specific signs, houses, and life areas.
Graha Maitri
Graha Maitri (planetary friendship) is the 5th factor in Ashtakoot matching, worth 5 points. It compares the ruling planets of both partners' Moon signs to check if they are friends, neutral, or enemies. Planetary friendships: Sun is friends with Moon, Mars, Jupiter; Mercury is friends with Sun, Venus; Jupiter is friends with Sun, Moon, Mars; Venus is friends with Mercury, Saturn; Saturn is friends with Mercury, Venus.
Guru (Jupiter)(Brihaspati)
Guru (Jupiter/Brihaspati) is the largest and most benefic planet in Vedic astrology. It represents wisdom, knowledge, spirituality, children, fortune, teachers, and expansion. Jupiter rules Sagittarius and Pisces, is exalted in Cancer, and debilitated in Capricorn. Its transit through your chart (1 year per sign) brings growth to the houses it aspects. Jupiter aspects the 5th, 7th, and 9th houses from its position — a unique trine aspect.
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House Lordship
House lordship refers to the planet that rules a particular house in your chart. The ruling planet of the sign on the cusp of each house becomes its lord. For example, if Aries is your 1st house, Mars (ruler of Aries) is your 1st house lord. House lordships create a complex web of connections — the lord of the 7th house (marriage) placed in the 10th house (career) connects marriage with professional life.
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Kaal Sarp Dosha
Kaal Sarp Dosha occurs when all 7 visible planets (Sun through Saturn) are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu — meaning they all fall on one side of the Rahu-Ketu axis in the birth chart. This is considered a significant dosha indicating karmic debt, obstacles, and sudden life changes. There are 12 types depending on which house Rahu occupies. Remedies include Kaal Sarp Puja at Trimbakeshwar and Rahu-Ketu mantras.
Kendra
Kendra refers to the angular houses — the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses. These are the most powerful houses in the chart, forming the structural pillars of life: self (1st), home (4th), partnerships (7th), and career (10th). Planets placed in Kendra houses gain strength and visibility. The lords of Kendra houses interacting with lords of Trikona houses (1st, 5th, 9th) create the most auspicious yogas in Vedic astrology.
Kundli Matching(Guna Milan)
Kundli Matching (Guna Milan) is the Vedic system of assessing marriage compatibility by comparing two birth charts. The Ashtakoot system evaluates 8 factors totaling 36 points. Beyond the point score, a complete matching also checks: Mangal Dosha in both charts, Nadi Dosha (health/genetic compatibility), planetary periods (Dasha alignment), and 7th house analysis. Score of 18+ is acceptable, 24+ is good, 30+ is excellent.
Learn more →L
Lagna
Lagna is the Sanskrit term for Ascendant — the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. In Vedic astrology, the Lagna determines the entire house structure of the birth chart. There are also special Lagnas used for specific analysis: Chandra Lagna (Moon as Ascendant), Surya Lagna (Sun as Ascendant), Arudha Lagna (perceived image), and Hora Lagna (wealth).
Learn more →M
Mahadasha
Mahadasha is the major planetary period in the Vimshottari Dasha system. The 120-year cycle is divided into 9 periods: Sun (6 years), Moon (10), Mars (7), Rahu (18), Jupiter (16), Saturn (19), Mercury (17), Ketu (7), Venus (20). The sequence starts from the planet ruling your birth nakshatra. During a Mahadasha, the ruling planet's significations and house lordships become prominent in your life.
Mangal Dosha
Mangal Dosha (Mars affliction) occurs when Mars occupies the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house from the Ascendant, Moon, or Venus in a birth chart. It is specifically analyzed for marriage compatibility, as it can indicate delays, conflicts, or challenges in married life. Approximately 40-50% of people have some form of Mangal Dosha. If both partners have it, the doshas cancel. Remedies include Kumbh Vivah and specific temple rituals.
Learn more →Muhurta
Muhurta is the Vedic system of electional astrology — choosing the most auspicious time to begin important activities. It considers the positions of planets, nakshatras, tithis (lunar days), yogas, and karanas to find times that maximize success. Common activities requiring Muhurta: marriage, business launch, house construction, travel, buying property. Panchang (daily almanac) is the primary tool for Muhurta selection.
Learn more →N
Nadi Dosha
Nadi Dosha is the most serious compatibility flaw in Kundli Matching, worth 8 out of 36 points in Ashtakoot. It occurs when both partners have the same Nadi (constitutional type): Aadi (Vata), Madhya (Pitta), or Antya (Kapha). Same Nadi is believed to cause health issues in offspring and lack of attraction between partners. It is cancelled if both partners share the same Rashi but different nakshatras, or same nakshatra but different Rashi.
Nakshatra
Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology, each spanning 13°20' of the zodiac. Your Janma Nakshatra (birth star) is determined by the Moon's position at birth and is more specific than your zodiac sign. Each nakshatra has: a ruling planet, a presiding deity, a symbol, 4 padas (quarters), and prescribed naming syllables. Nakshatras are essential for Dasha calculation, Kundli Matching, Muhurta selection, and detailed personality analysis.
Learn more →Neechabhanga Raja Yoga
Neechabhanga Raja Yoga occurs when a debilitated planet has its debilitation cancelled by specific conditions, potentially transforming weakness into extraordinary strength. Cancellation happens when: the lord of the debilitation sign is in a Kendra, the exaltation lord is in a Kendra, or the debilitated planet is aspected by its exaltation lord. This yoga can produce unexpected rise to power from humble or challenging beginnings.
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Panchang
Panchang is the Vedic calendar system consisting of five (pancha) elements (anga): Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (Moon's star), Yoga (luni-solar combination), and Karana (half-tithi). It is the primary reference for determining auspicious times (Muhurta), daily spiritual practices, and festival dates. Panchang is computed based on the exact positions of the Sun and Moon using astronomical calculations.
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Rahu
Rahu is the North Node of the Moon — a shadow planet (mathematical point) with immense karmic significance. It represents material desires, obsession, illusion, foreign connections, technology, and unconventional paths. Rahu amplifies whatever it touches but can create confusion and excess. It is exalted in Taurus/Gemini and debilitated in Scorpio/Sagittarius. Rahu's transit through a sign lasts 18 months and its Mahadasha lasts 18 years.
Rahu Kaal
Rahu Kaal is a daily inauspicious period ruled by Rahu, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. It is calculated by dividing the time between sunrise and sunset into 8 parts, with Rahu Kaal falling on a different part each day: Monday (2nd), Saturday (3rd), Friday (4th), Wednesday (5th), Thursday (6th), Tuesday (7th), Sunday (8th). Important activities like starting a business, signing contracts, or travel should be avoided during Rahu Kaal.
Raja Yoga
Raja Yoga is one of the most auspicious combinations in Vedic astrology, formed when lords of Kendra houses (1, 4, 7, 10) and Trikona houses (1, 5, 9) connect through conjunction, mutual aspect, or exchange. It indicates success, status, authority, and wealth. Different Ascendants produce Raja Yoga through different planetary combinations. For example, for Cancer Ascendant, Jupiter (9th lord) and Mars (5th and 10th lord) forming connection creates a powerful Raja Yoga.
Rashi
Rashi means zodiac sign in Vedic astrology. There are 12 Rashis: Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrishchika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), Meena (Pisces). Your Moon Rashi is your primary zodiac identity in Vedic astrology, unlike Western astrology which emphasizes Sun sign.
Learn more →Retrograde (Vakri)
Retrograde (Vakri) is when a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth's perspective. In Vedic astrology, retrograde planets are considered stronger (not weaker as in Western astrology) because they are closer to Earth. However, their energy becomes internalized and their effects can be unexpected or delayed. Mercury retrogrades approximately 3 times per year; Saturn, Jupiter, and the outer planets retrograde once annually.
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Sade Sati
Sade Sati is the 7.5-year period when Saturn transits through the 12th, 1st, and 2nd houses from your Moon sign (approximately 2.5 years in each). It occurs roughly every 29.5 years (Saturn's orbital period). While traditionally feared, Sade Sati is primarily a period of hard work, discipline, and karmic lessons rather than universal suffering. The impact depends heavily on Saturn's role in your birth chart — for some Ascendants, Saturn is a yoga-karaka (benefic).
Shadbala
Shadbala is the six-fold strength calculation system for planets in Vedic astrology. The six strengths are: Sthana Bala (positional), Dig Bala (directional), Kala Bala (temporal), Chesta Bala (motional), Naisargika Bala (natural), and Drig Bala (aspectual). A planet's total Shadbala score determines how effectively it can deliver results in your chart. This calculation requires precise astronomical data — Jyotir AI computes it using Swiss Ephemeris.
Shani (Saturn)
Shani (Saturn) is the planet of discipline, karma, hard work, longevity, and restriction. It rules Capricorn and Aquarius, is exalted in Libra, and debilitated in Aries. Saturn's transit is the slowest of visible planets (2.5 years per sign), making its effects long-lasting. Saturn aspects the 3rd, 7th, and 10th houses from its position. While feared in popular culture, Saturn rewards those who work hard, serve others, and maintain discipline.
Swiss Ephemeris
Swiss Ephemeris is the professional-grade astronomical calculation library used by Jyotir AI (and most serious astrology software worldwide) for computing planetary positions. Developed by Astrodienst in Switzerland, it provides planetary position accuracy to 0.001 arc-seconds — the same precision used by astronomical observatories. It calculates positions for all traditional Vedic planets using actual astronomical data rather than approximations.
Learn more →T
Trikona
Trikona refers to the trine houses — the 1st, 5th, and 9th houses. These are the most auspicious houses in Vedic astrology, representing dharma (righteous path). The 1st house is self, 5th is intelligence/children/past-life merit, and 9th is fortune/guru/higher wisdom. The lords of Trikona houses are always benefic regardless of their natural nature. Trikona lords connecting with Kendra lords create the most powerful Raja Yogas.
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Upachaya
Upachaya houses are the "growing" houses — 3rd, 6th, 10th, and 11th. Natural malefics (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu) perform well in these houses because their competitive energy helps overcome challenges and achieve growth. Planets in Upachaya houses improve their results with age — struggles in youth transform into strengths in maturity. This is why some charts show dramatic improvement after age 30-36.
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Vimshottari Dasha
Vimshottari Dasha is the 120-year planetary period system most widely used in Vedic astrology for timing predictions. Starting from the Moon's nakshatra at birth, it assigns sequential periods to each planet: Ketu (7), Venus (20), Sun (6), Moon (10), Mars (7), Rahu (18), Jupiter (16), Saturn (19), Mercury (17). Each Mahadasha subdivides into Antardashas, Pratyantardashas, and finer levels for precise timing. It is the primary tool for predicting when specific life events will unfold.
Learn more →Y
Yoga (Astrological)
Yoga in Vedic astrology refers to specific planetary combinations that produce particular results — distinct from the physical practice of yoga. There are hundreds of yogas catalogued in classical texts. Auspicious yogas include Raja Yoga (power), Dhana Yoga (wealth), Gaja Kesari Yoga (wisdom/fame), and Pancha Mahapurusha Yogas. Inauspicious yogas include Kemadruma Yoga (isolation) and Daridra Yoga (poverty). Jyotir AI's Logic Engine identifies all major yogas in your chart.
Yoni
Yoni is the 4th factor in Ashtakoot compatibility matching (worth 4 points). Each nakshatra is assigned an animal symbol (Yoni) representing its sexual and instinctive nature. The 14 Yoni animals are: Horse, Elephant, Sheep, Serpent, Dog, Cat, Rat, Cow, Buffalo, Tiger, Deer/Hare, Monkey, Mongoose, Lion. Same Yoni or friendly Yoni pairs score 4 points; enemy Yoni pairs score 0. This factor primarily assesses physical and instinctive compatibility.
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