Vedic Astrology Glossary

A Kundli (birth chart) is a map of planetary positions at the exact time and place of a person's birth, used in Vedic astrology for life predictions.

Vedic astrology (Jyotish) is the ancient Indian system of astrology based on the sidereal zodiac, using precise planetary positions to understand life patterns.

Rashi means zodiac sign in Vedic astrology. There are 12 Rashis, each spanning 30 degrees, representing distinct personality archetypes and qualities.

Lagna (Ascendant) is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the exact time and place of birth, forming the foundation of the birth chart.

Nakshatras are the 27 lunar mansions in Vedic astrology, dividing the zodiac into precise segments that reveal deeper personality traits and life patterns.

Graha means 'planet' in Vedic astrology. The Navagraha (nine planets) include Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.

Bhava means 'house' in Vedic astrology. The 12 Bhavas represent different life domains — from self (1st) to spirituality (12th).

Kendra houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) are the angular houses in Vedic astrology — the strongest positions for planets, governing self, home, partnerships, and career.

Trikona houses (1st, 5th, 9th) are the trinal houses in Vedic astrology — the most auspicious positions governing self, creativity, and fortune.

Dusthana houses (6th, 8th, 12th) are the challenging houses in Vedic astrology, governing enemies, transformation, and loss — but also growth and spiritual progress.

Uccha means exaltation — the zodiac sign where a planet reaches its maximum strength and delivers its most auspicious results.

Neecha means debilitation — the zodiac sign where a planet is at its weakest, struggling to deliver its natural significations effectively.

Moolatrikona is the second-strongest planetary dignity after exaltation, where a planet functions with great efficacy within specific degrees of a sign.

In Vedic astrology, a Yoga is a specific planetary combination that produces significant positive or negative effects in the native's life.

A Dosha is a planetary affliction or blemish in the birth chart that can cause challenges in specific life areas like marriage, health, or finances.

Mangal Dosha (Mars affliction) occurs when Mars occupies certain houses in the birth chart, potentially affecting marriage and partnerships.

Kaal Sarp Dosha forms when all seven planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu, creating a pattern of struggle, delays, and eventual transformation.

Raj Yoga is a powerful planetary combination formed by the lords of Kendra and Trikona houses, bestowing authority, success, and high status.

Gajakesari Yoga forms when Jupiter is in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th) from the Moon, bestowing wisdom, fame, and lasting prosperity.

Sade Sati is Saturn's 7.5-year transit period over the natal Moon, considered one of the most significant astrological events affecting emotional wellbeing, career, and relationships.

Dasha is the Vedic astrology planetary period system that divides life into sequential timeframes, each ruled by a specific planet.

Mahadasha is the major planetary period in the Vimshottari Dasha system, lasting from 6 to 20 years and defining the primary life themes during that time.

Gochar refers to planetary transits — the current real-time positions of planets relative to the birth chart, used for timing predictions.

Gun Milan (Ashtakoot matching) is the Vedic compatibility system that scores two birth charts across 8 categories for a total of 36 points to assess marriage compatibility.

Panchang is the Hindu calendar system based on five elements: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra, Yoga, and Karana, used for daily astrological guidance.

Muhurta is the Vedic practice of selecting an auspicious time for important activities like marriage, business, or travel based on planetary positions.

Navamsa (D9) is the most important divisional chart in Vedic astrology, revealing marriage, spiritual destiny, and the true strength of planets.

In Vedic astrology, mantras are sacred sound formulas chanted to strengthen weak planets, reduce malefic effects, and invoke planetary blessings.

Ratna means gemstone in Vedic astrology. Each planet has an associated gemstone that, when worn correctly, strengthens the planet's positive influence.

Ayanamsa is the angular difference between the tropical and sidereal zodiacs, currently about 24 degrees, used to convert Western positions to Vedic positions.

Atmakaraka is the planet with the highest degree in the birth chart, representing the soul's desire and the primary karmic lesson of this lifetime.