Parashara’s “Navagraha karakas” in Jyotish
“नवग्रह कारक”

In Sanskrit, the term “karaka” (कारक) means “one who causes or brings about.” It is derived from the root word “kara” which means “doing” or “making.” In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), “karaka” refers to the significator or indicator of certain aspects or areas of life represented by different planets.

Each planet is associated with particular significations in an individual’s birth chart. For example, the Sun is the karaka for the soul, vitality, and father; the Moon is the karaka for the mind, emotions, and mother; Mars is the karaka for energy, courage, and siblings, and so on.

The concept of karakas helps astrologers understand the influence and effects of planets on different aspects of a person’s life based on their placements and interactions in the birth chart. By analyzing the position of karakas, astrologers can interpret and predict various life events, strengths, challenges, and potential outcomes in a person’s life.

These are the karakas associated with each of the Navagraha according to the Parashara tradition of Vedic astrology.

Surya (Sun) – Rashi Karaka (Individuality, Soul)

Surya is referred to as the Rashi Karaka in Jyotish (Vedic astrology) because it is considered to be the significator or the planet that represents the individual’s sense of self and personal identity.
Surya, also known as the Sun, symbolizes soul, consciousness, ego, power, authority, and vitality. It is the primary source of energy and light in the solar system, and its influence is believed to have a significant impact on an individual’s overall personality and life path.

In Jyotish, each planet is associated with specific qualities and aspects of life. Surya is associated with the zodiac sign Leo and is considered the natural ruler of the first house, which represents the self, physical appearance, and overall life philosophy.
As the Rashi Karaka, Surya represents one’s core personality, individuality, and the ability to express oneself authentically. Its placement, aspects, and conjunctions with other planets in a birth chart provide insights into a person’s character, strengths, weaknesses, and overall life purpose.

Thus, Surya is called the Rashi Karaka in Jyotish due to its significance in determining an individual’s sense of self and personal identity in Vedic astrology.

Chandra (Moon) – Karka Karaka (Emotions, Mother)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Chandra, which refers to the Moon, is called the Karka Karaka. This means it is the significator or the planet that represents the mother, emotions, mind, and nurturing qualities.

Chandra is associated with the zodiac sign Cancer and is considered the natural ruler of the fourth house, which represents home, family, emotions, and inner stability. It plays a crucial role in understanding an individual’s emotional and psychological makeup.
The Moon represents the mind, intuition, and the subconscious. It governs one’s emotions, sensitivity, and nurturing instincts. Its placement, aspects, and conjunctions in a birth chart provide insights into a person’s emotional well-being, relationships with the mother and other nurturing figures, and their intuitive abilities.

Chandra’s role as the Karka Karaka is significant because it helps determine an individual’s emotional responses, attachment patterns, intuition, and their deep connection with their mother or mother figures. It influences the way individuals process and express their feelings and how they find comfort and security in their personal lives.
By analyzing the Chandra’s placement and its interactions with other planets, Jyotish practitioners gain insights into an individual’s emotional needs, patterns of behavior, and overall psychological makeup.

Mangala (Mars) – Bhratri Karaka (Siblings, Courage)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), “bratri” (ब्रातृ) refers to siblings or brothers. Mars, also known as Mangal or Kuja, is considered the significator or indicator (karaka) for siblings or brothers in a person’s birth chart.

Mars is associated with energy, assertion, courage, and competitiveness. It represents the masculine and fiery qualities. In terms of sibling relationships, Mars signifies the dynamics between brothers, including their strength, aggression, rivalry, and companionship. Mars’ influence on the individual’s birth chart can provide insights into the nature and experiences related to siblings or brothers in their life. Hence, Mars is called the “bratri karaka” in Jyotish.

Budh (Mercury) – Matru Karaka (Intellect, Learning)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), “matru” (मातृ) refers to the mother. Budh, also known as Mercury, is considered the significator or indicator (karaka) for the mother in a person’s birth chart.

Budh is associated with intelligence, communication, analysis, and learning. It represents the intellect and the power of speech. In the context of the mother, Budh signifies the nurturing, caring, and communicative aspects of a person’s mother figure. Budh’s influence on the individual’s birth chart can provide insights into the nature of the relationship with the mother, her characteristics, and the experiences related to the mother in their life. Hence, Budh is called the “matru karaka” in Jyotish.

Guru (Jupiter) – Jeeva Karaka (Wisdom, Education)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), “jiva” (जीव) refers to the soul or the individual consciousness. Guru, also known as Jupiter, is considered the significator or indicator (karaka) for the jiva in a person’s birth chart.

Guru represents wisdom, knowledge, guidance, expansion, and spirituality. It is associated with higher learning, philosophy, and the pursuit of truth. Guru’s influence on the individual’s birth chart indicates their potential for growth and spiritual development, as well as their moral and ethical values. Guru is also associated with one’s belief systems, religious inclinations, and sense of righteousness.

As the jiva karaka, Guru represents the individual’s inner self, their higher aspirations, and the connection with their spiritual path. It reveals the individual’s potential for personal growth, self-improvement, and their ability to tap into their inner wisdom and higher consciousness. The placement and aspects of Guru in the birth chart provide insights into the individual’s spiritual evolution, purpose in life, and connection with the divine.

Shukra (Venus) – Sukha Karaka (Sensuality, Pleasure)

In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Shukra is referred to as the Sukha karaka, which translates to the “indicator of happiness” or “bringer of pleasure.” This is because Shukra is primarily associated with beauty, charm, love, luxury, and sensuality. Shukra also rules over relationships, including romantic partnerships, marriage, and harmonious interactions with others.

As a benefic planet, Shukra is believed to bring happiness, joy, and contentment to a person’s life. It is associated with material comforts, wealth, and the fulfillment of desires. Shukra’s influence on the astrology chart is often seen in a person’s taste for art, fashion, beauty, and entertainment. It signifies sensuality, attractions, and the ability to appreciate physical pleasures.

However, it is important to note that Shukra’s influence can be both positive and negative. While it can enhance one’s enjoyment, it may also make a person overly indulgent, seeking only material pleasures. Additionally, Shukra’s placement and aspects in the chart, as well as its planetary influences, should always be considered to get a complete understanding of its effects on an individual.

Shani (Saturn) – Karma Karaka (Karma, Discipline)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Shani, also known as Saturn, is referred to as the Karma karaka, which translates to “significator of action” or “indicator of karma.”
Shani represents discipline, restriction, responsibility, and the consequences of one’s actions. It symbolizes the law of cause and effect, karmic debts, and the effects of past actions on the present life. Shani’s influence in a person’s birth chart signifies the areas of life where they will encounter challenges, tests, and the need for hard work and perseverance.

Shani is associated with the principle of karma, emphasizing that one’s actions, choices, and behaviors have repercussions. It reflects the importance of fulfilling duties, obligations, and taking responsibility for one’s actions. Shani’s placement and aspects in the birth chart provide insights into the individual’s karmic lessons, the consequences of past actions, and the potential for growth through facing challenges, hard work, and learning life lessons.

Overall, Shani as the Karma karaka reminds individuals of the significance of their actions and the consequences they may face. It encourages self-reflection, discipline, and the understanding that personal growth and spiritual evolution can be achieved through the fulfillment of responsibilities and the balancing of karmic debts.

Rahu – Bhoga Karaka (Worldly Enjoyments)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Rahu is referred to as the Bhoga karaka, which translates to “significator of enjoyment” or “indicator of worldly desires and materialistic pursuits.”
Rahu is known as a shadow planet, representing unfulfilled desires, cravings, and worldly attachments. It symbolizes obsession, ambition, and the pursuit of material wealth, power, and success. Rahu’s influence in a person’s birth chart indicates the areas of life where they may experience intense desires, ambitions, and indulgence in material pleasures.

Rahu’s influence can bring about worldly success and the fulfillment of material desires, but it can also lead to negative consequences if one becomes too consumed by their desires or loses sight of their true spiritual path. Rahu’s placement and aspects in the birth chart provide insights into the areas of life where a person may have strong aspirations, cravings, and worldly pursuits.

However, it should be noted that Rahu’s influence can be both positive and negative. While it can grant material success and worldly comforts, it can also create a sense of restlessness, dissatisfaction, and constant craving for more. Therefore, it is important for individuals to find a balance between their desires and their higher spiritual goals.
Overall, Rahu as the Bhoga karaka serves as a reminder to individuals to examine their desires and attachments and to seek a state of balance between worldly pursuits and inner spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to understand the transitory nature of materialistic pleasures and to direct their energies towards a higher purpose in life.

Ketu – Moksha Karaka (Spiritual Liberation)
In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Ketu is referred to as the Moksha karaka, which translates to “significator of liberation” or “indicator of spiritual enlightenment and liberation from the cycle of birth and death.”

Ketu is another shadow planet like Rahu and holds great spiritual significance in Vedic astrology. It represents detachment, asceticism, renunciation, and spiritual pursuits. Ketu’s energy is associated with the spiritual path, inner wisdom, and transcendence.
Ketu’s influence in a person’s birth chart indicates areas where they may have a natural inclination towards spiritual growth, self-realization, and liberation from worldly attachments. It signifies experiences and lessons that lead one towards a state of selflessness, detachment, and spiritual awakening.

Ketu’s placement and aspects in the birth chart provide insights into the karmic patterns and past-life experiences that an individual needs to resolve and transcend in order to achieve spiritual liberation. It signifies a detachment from materialistic pursuits and a focus on attaining higher spiritual knowledge and enlightenment.

While Rahu represents worldly desires and materialistic pursuits, Ketu encourages individuals to detach from these desires and focus on their spiritual evolution. Ketu’s energy can bring about profound spiritual insights, psychic abilities, and the ability to let go of attachments and ego-driven pursuits.

Overall, Ketu as the Moksha karaka signifies the importance of spiritual liberation and finding a higher purpose in life. It reminds individuals to let go of worldly attachments and seek inner wisdom and self-realization. It encourages a path of spiritual growth and ultimately, liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

These are the karaka planets for each of the 12 rashis; a yogakaraka planet rules either a kendra or a trikonal house:

Aries: Jupiter, the Sun, and Mars are the influential planets for Aries, with Jupiter being the most powerful among them.

Taurus: Saturn, Mercury, the Sun, and Mars serve as the significant planets for Taurus. Saturn holds significance as the yogakaraka since it rules over the 9th and 10th houses.

Gemini: Venus is the sole karaka planet for Gemini, while Saturn is not associated with this sign as it governs the 7th and 8th houses.

Cancer: Mars and Jupiter play the role of karaka planets for Cancer, and Mars also holds the position of yogkaraka due to its rulership over the 5th and 10th houses.

Leo: Mars and the Sun are the karaka planets for Leo, with Mars serving as the yogkaraka.

Virgo: Saturn and Venus are the karaka planets for Virgo.

Libra: Saturn, Mercury, and Venus are the karaka planets for Libra, with Saturn being considered the yogkaraka.

Scorpio: The Moon, Jupiter, and the Sun are the karaka planets for Scorpio, with the Moon being the most influential among them.

Sagittarius: The Sun and Mars are the karaka planets for Sagittarius, and this sign becomes the strongest karaka when the Sun rules the 9th house and Mars governs the 5th house.

Capricorn: Venus, Mercury, and Saturn are considered karaka planets for Capricorn.

Aquarius: Venus is the yogkaraka planet for Aquarius due to its rulership over the 4th and 9th houses. The Sun, Mars, and Saturn also play the role of karaka planets.

Pisces: Mars and the Moon are the most potent karakas among all the planets for Pisces.