Core Concepts

Lagna

लग्न • Lagna

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.

What is Lagna?

Lagna (Lagna, लग्न) — 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.

Lagna, also called the Ascendant or Rising Sign, is the zodiac sign that was ascending on the eastern horizon at the precise moment and location of birth. It determines the first house of the birth chart and sets the framework for all 12 houses. The Lagna changes approximately every 2 hours, making the exact birth time critical for accurate chart calculation. It represents the native's physical body, personality, appearance, general approach to life, and how they are perceived by others. The Lagna lord (the planet ruling the Ascendant sign) becomes one of the most important planets in the chart.

Examples

A person born with Leo Lagna (Simha Lagna) has the Sun as their Lagna lord, giving them a regal, authoritative personality.
If Lagna is at 15° Aries, the first house begins at Aries and the second house at Taurus.
The Lagna lord's placement determines many life outcomes — a strong Lagna lord indicates good health and confidence.

Practical Application

The Lagna determines the house layout of the entire chart. Every prediction about career (10th from Lagna), marriage (7th from Lagna), wealth (2nd from Lagna), etc., starts from the Lagna. This is why exact birth time is essential.

Common Misconceptions

Lagna is not the same as Moon sign (Rashi) — Lagna depends on birth time, while Moon sign depends on the Moon's position.
The Lagna changes every ~2 hours, so twins born minutes apart can have different Lagnas and very different charts.
In Vedic astrology, the Lagna is arguably more important than both Sun and Moon signs for chart interpretation.

Related Terms

Kundliकुंडली
Rashiराशि
Bhavaभाव
Navamsaनवांश

More Core Concepts Terms

KundliकुंडलीVedic Astrologyवैदिक ज्योतिषRashiराशिNakshatraनक्षत्रGrahaग्रह

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lagna in Vedic astrology?

Lagna (Ascendant) is the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at your exact birth time and place. It determines the layout of all 12 houses in your birth chart and represents your physical self, personality, and general life approach.

How is Lagna different from Rashi?

Lagna (Ascendant) is determined by birth time and location — it's the rising sign. Rashi typically refers to the Moon sign. Both are important but represent different aspects: Lagna is your outer personality, Rashi is your emotional nature.

Why is exact birth time important for Lagna?

The Lagna changes approximately every 2 hours as Earth rotates. Even a few minutes' difference can shift the Ascendant to a different sign, completely changing the house placements and predictions.

What if I don't know my exact birth time?

Without exact birth time, the Lagna cannot be accurately determined. Vedic astrologers use a technique called Lagna Shodhan (birth time rectification) using life events to estimate the correct time.