Introduction

All inanimate as well as the animate being in the world are signified by the
planets and hence the word karaka is associated with them. Karaka means
the doer of certain activities. This means that the karakas represent the
influence of various things animate or inanimate, in our life. Based on the
inherent gunas, Sattva, Rajas and Tamas the karakas are classified in three
categories namly the Naisargik karaka which is predominant in Rajas Guna,
the Chara Karaka which is predominant in the Sattva guna and the the
Sthira Karaka which is predominant in the Tamas guna. The utility of these
karakas can be understood from the standpoint of their gunas. The
sthirakarakas are governed by by Shiva and there are 7 such karakas. They
represent the death of various animate things surrounding us (Rahu and
Ketu, who are the shadowy planets without body cannot die and hence is
excluded from the scheme of the 7 sthira karakas). The charakaraka is
governed by vishnu and are 8 such karakas. They show the influence of
various atmas / souls in our life and thus means our sustainence in this
material world in the form of a social life (having inter relationships with
various souls in this world) and spiritual growth. The remaining category is
the Naisargik karaka governed by Brahma and there are 9 such karakas.
They represent the creation process and hence all perceptible and
imperceptible creation of the world are governed by them.
We know that when we talk of a horoscope we are talking of Narayana
(Maha Vishnu) who is the creator and preserver of the brahmanda. While
the rasis represent different parts of the Lord and the grahas represent the
deities who signify a particular aspect and event in the life of a creature.
The rasis are fixed and represent the environment, while the grahas are in
motion which represent people who come and influence us.

The Charakarakas (8 Planets)

Atmakaraka
The graha that obtains the highest longitude in the chart is the Atmakaraka.
It is the significator of the soul (atma). It is the king of the chart. Being the
significator of the soul, the 12th house of liberation is seen from the
Atmakaraka in the Navamsa to find out the Ista devata of the native who
would guide the soul towards liberation from the bondage of life and death.

Amatyakaraka
The graha obtaining the second highest longitude is called Amatyakaraka.
It signifies the mind. Its role is that of a Minister who guides the king. It is
the Amatyakaraka who guides the destiny of the person towards attainment
of the desires of the atma. Being the protector of the soul, the palanadevata
(the deity who sustains oneself in this world) is seen from the 6th from the
Amatyakaraka in the Navamsa.

Bhratrikaraka
The graha obtaining the third highest longitude is called the Bhratrikaraka
- the significator of brothers and co-born who actually are expected to stand
by the individual in times of dire need. It is also known as the Gurukaraka,
as next to the Amatya it is only the Guru (preceptor) who can guide the
atma towards its desired goal and God. The guru and their influence on our
life and its purpose can be seen from the Bhratrikarka in the Rasi and the
Navamsa chart. In the Navamsa chart, they show the promise, how the
guru would influence the life of the native, while in the rasi chart, it would
show how the promise is fulfilled.

Matrikaraka
The graha obtaining the fourth highest longitude is called the Matrikaraka
- the significator of mother. Among the four karakas of prime importance,
Matrikaraka is one (and the first in ascending order to the Atmakaraka) as
mother is the person who has brings the atma into existence in the world.
It is she who has the first right over the child and guides the child at all
stages to do the right thing to attain glory and God. The influence of mother
on the life of the native need to be studied from this Charakaraka.

Pitrikaraka
The graha obtaining the fifth highest longitude is called the Pitrikaraka -
the significator of father. Father is the one who is the cause for the birth of
the person, being the one who has carried the soul of the native and
transmitted to the womb of mother. Hence he comes next in hierarchy to
the mother. The influence of father on the life of the native need to be
studied from this Charakaraka.

Putrakaraka
The graha obtaining the sixth highest longitude is known as the Putrakaraka
and it is the significator of children. Children bear the future of the person.
A son is the one who is to perform the last rites of the person. Hence he
gains the sixth place of importance in the relationship of the person. The
influence of father on the life of the native need to be studied from this
Charakaraka.The influence of children on the life of the native need to be
studied from this Charakaraka.
Gnyatikaraka
The graha obtaining the 7th highest longitude is known as the Gnyatikaraka
- the significator of relatives. The relatives of the person are the ones who
are expected to be near the person in times of happiness and distress.
Hence, they gain the seventh place of importance in the relationship of the
person. The influence of kith and kins on the life of the native need to be
studied from this Charakaraka.

Darakaraka
The graha obtaining the eighth highest longitude is called Darakaraka - the
significator of wife. The spouse is the 'Ardhangini' (equal partner) of the
person. Thus, the spouse is no different from the person as whatever is to
happen with the person is to be shared jointly by both. As importance to
the self is always last, the spouse (Dara) is placed last at the 8th place. The
influence of spouse and companion on the life of the native need to be
studied from this Charakaraka.

The Atmakaraka
The Atmakaraka has a very vital role to play in the horoscope of a person.
It actually shows the objectives, ideals and goals of the soul for which it
has born on earth. No graha in the horoscope can actually give benefic or
malefic results beyond what the Atmakaraka could signify. Any deviation in
life from the desired path or objective of the atma renders it disillusioned.
As it actually performs no role in the active life of the person except to
watch (as a Judge) the direction of growth of the person, it finally deserts
the body in the form of death at a time when it can no longer sustain the
misdeeds of the person. It simply leaves the physical body and an Atma
whose primary desire is not fulfilled has actually lived a wasted life.

Our atma is a jeevatma. The ultimate objective of the atma is to mingle

with the parmatmamsa, which is God. To attain this, the activity of the
person whose physical form the atma has obtained, should perform sattwik
acts so as to cleanse the soul off its impurities and lead it to God. Sattwik
guna alone is the sustainer of the atma and it leads it to the lord.

As the atmakaraka has an objective with which it is born, it has certain

abilities of its own towards that direction. What are the desires of the atma?
What are its abilities? Whether it has the power to fulfil its objective or
utilize its abilities? Whether the abilities and the powers of the atma would
be utilized in the right direction or not? Whether the birth of the atma would
attain its purpose or not? All these factors are to be seen from the Navamsa
(the 9th division – D9 – chart of the person), which, thus, becomes a very
vital part of vedic astrology divination.

The Navamsa sign occupied by the atmakaraka is called the Karakamsa,

while the ascendant or Lagna sign of the Navamsa is called the Lagnamsa
and, both these together are called the Swamsa (Swa meaning self and
amsa meaning division). If the Karakamsa and Lagnamsa become the same
or have any connection between them, then it becomes the Swamsa, in
which case, the objective and the abilities of the atmakaraka are attained.
The gati in that direction may be slow or obstructed due to various other
factors. Regular prayer to the Ishta Devta (to be determined from the 12
house from the placement of Karakamsa) and the Lord of Bhratrikarak (also
called the Gurukarak) helps attain the gati for the atma to move speedily
in the desired direction.

While the Karakamsa itself will help see the desire of the atma, the Trines
from the Karakamsa will show the actual desire of the atma. The Trines
from the Karakamsa, therefore, become very vital signs to determine the
native’s spiritualism. Any graha located in the 1st, 5th and 9th (Trines)
bhavas from the Karakamsa, thus, become automatically good for the
spiritualism of the person and also to provide gati for his atma (known as
Atmagati).

Thus, the role of Brihaspati (who represents God) becomes very vital in the
Navamsa division of the person, as Brihaspati is the naisargika karaka for
the 9th house (Dharma) significations. It is Brihaspati as the sustainer of
the jeevatma and Surya as the provider of jeeva (life) who predominate
the person’s Dharma bhava. This is one of the very important and
significant reasons why the 9th house in the Rasi chart is associated with
Jupiter and Sun as the natural significators of the person’s Dharma bhava.
The Sthira Karakas (7 Planets)
Stronger among Sun and Venus- Father
Stronger among Moon and Mars- Moon
Mars- Younger sister, younger brother brother-in-law, sister-in-law
Mercury- Maternal uncles, aunts and all maternal relatives
Jupiter- paternal grand parents, Husband (for female chart), children
Venus- Wife, maternal grandparents, father & mother-in-law, maternal
grand parents
Saturn- Elder brother & Elder sister
THE BHAVA KARAKAS (Controller of Bhava)
Though the primary bhavakarakas are given below, each bhava has many
secondary karakas. Both the primary and secondary karakas are important
for protecting the signification of a bhava. Any bhava whose karaka is well
placed in kendra/ trine from the bhava in good dignity or is aspecting the
bhava or is placed with the lord of the bhava try to fulfil the promise of the
bhava.

Lagna- Sun
2nd- Jupiter
3rd- Mars
4th- Moon; Mercury
5th- Jupiter
6th- Mars; Saturn
7th- Venus
8th- Saturn
9th- Sun; Jupiter
10th- Sun; Mercury; Jupiter; Saturn
11th- Jupiter
12th- Saturn
Atmakaraka
A person's body is like a CAGE. Atma lives in this body (cage). If
Atmakaraka is weak or afflicted , then the Atma does not like to live in this
cage for a long while. If Atmalaraka is weak then this shows weak body
constitution. AK in Dustana houses (6,8,12) in Navamsa too shows sickly
nature, i.e body constitution.
Given that the Navamsa chart (D-9) illustrates the dharma and karmic
landscape of the native spanning life times, the Atmakaraka’s house
position therein is very important to study the spirituality of the native.
First take the house placement of the Atmakaraka in the Navamsa chart.
Then, count the number of signs from its position to the Navamsa Lagna.
Then, count the number of signs from its position to the Navamsa Lagna.
The house arrived at gives the results of the Atmakaraka’s house position.
Additionally, the strength of the natural karaka of that house should be
noted both in Navamsa as well as Rasi charts. The Rasi chart gives more
 suitable results for great personalities such as Sri Krsna or Sri Caitanya,
while the Navamsa is suitable for all others.

Results of the Atmakaraka in the various Astrological houses of

your Navamsa Chart:

The following points are crucial when analyzing Atmakaraka graha (planet):

1. Significations and other features of Graha which is Atmakaraka

2. Bhavas ruled by Atmakaraka
3. Bhava where Atmakaraka is placed
4. Bhava/s/ whose Atmakaraka is Naisarghik Karaka
5. The position and status of Atmakaraka in a rashi or sign
6. The link of Atmakaraka with Grahas conjoined or those which aspect/
or are aspected by it
7. The position of planets and houses from Atmakaraka Lagna in Rashi
chart. This lagna is known as Karaka Lagna
8. Bhava Arudhas associated with Atmakaraka or those ruled by it etc
Observe the guna and tatva of Atmakaraka. This guna and Tatva will show
the path and type of soul cleansing and its experience.
Each graha and charakaraka tends to merge into Ketu, moksha karaka
graha. As long as there is any type of bandana associated with Atmakaraka,
a person cannot attain moksha. Thus, to reach moksha, Ketu has to turn
atmakaraka graha into a smoke.
Atmakaraka indicates that the light of our soul (as moon) has
overshadowed the light of Atman. This happens due to Ahamkara. In such
significations and positions we cannot or refuse to accept the light of God,
while at the same time perceive our own light. It is similar to a night time,
where we can observe the moon’s light only, not realizing or observing that
such light is only the reflection of the true light of Sun.
It is for that reason that the soul is cleansed from its sins, and God teaches
us to break the shell of bandana, so that Atma can becoma the pure Atman.
Note the following:
1. We tend to identify with significations of Atmakaraka as our own nature
2. Atmakaraka turning into a smoke by Ketu is a very painful process, and
it will take place through that particular guna, bhava etc.
3. All relevant information about grahas from the 1st year are crucial in
case of graha being atmakaraka.

Atmakaraka as a Natural Malefic or Benefic

1. We have learnt that the colours of natural benefics on the soul level are
light. The very fact that the light colour does not imbibe or better to say
rejects a considerable quantity of light, indicates that natural benefic as
Atmakarak does not easily follow the path of self-purification nor gives the
chance for easy and fast Self-realization.
2. Please keep in mind that Grahas conjoined Atmakaraka tend to absorb
the nature of Atmakaraka, and please apply the rules you have been taught
for conjunctions of the planets.
3. When benefic graha is Atmakaraka and undergoes a Graha shapa or
curse, it shows that the papa or sins has been glued to a soul for a few
lifetimes.
4. If atmakaraka is a malefic planet, it can teach you bad things, but you
will receive instant and quick punishment, and suffering. This gives chance
to quickly cleanse and learn the lesson. So, the soul cleansing becomes
very painful, the soul remains in the dark, and desires for light and saviour
(similar as dark colour quickly absorbs the light) When malefic is
Atmakaraka and there comes intense soul purification and pain. The effect
is often twofold:
a) a person devolops hatred and bitterness towards the world (Sun) and
becomes self destruction and antisocial.
b) a person accepts suffering as a hand of God and becomes very spiritual.

There are certiain rules which show whether will person go either way

1. Nobility and birth in a royal family result if the Atmakaraka is in the

Navamsa Lagna or 1st house. High attainments and position likened to
those of a king result if the lord of the Navamsa Lagna conjoins the AK even
if the native is born in humble conditions. If, on the other hand, the AK
aspects the Navamsa Lagna, then the native enjoys royalty from birth. The
strength of Raja-yogas also depends on the strength, position and
associations of the Sun, who is the karaka of the first house.

2. If the Atmakaraka is in 2nd house (lagna in the 12th from AK), then the
native is a renunciate and possibly even a saint (if other criteria additionally
apply in the horoscope). Saturn is the karaka of the 12th house, and thus
indicates the path of either a sannyasi (a formal renunciate) or someone
who gives charity for humanitarian purposes. If Venus is strong, and
especially if Ketu and Saturn join or mutually aspect Venus, then the native
performs tapasya or yogic austerities.

3. If the Atmakaraka is in 3rd house (lagna in the 11th from AK), then the
native may have many high social contacts, be popular and influential,
wealthy and successful in many undertakings. He has friends among
powerful and successful persons.
4. If the Atmakaraka is in 4th house (lagna in the 10th from AK), then the
native’s work is an essential contributor to the successful performance of
Dharma. The strength of various karakas of 10th house indicates the
avenues through which karma is performed. If Mercury and Jupiter are
strong, then he is benevolent, well-linked and moves in a variety of circles.
If the Sun is strong, then the native enjoys the effects of raja-yoga. If
Saturn is strong, then he purges the results of past sins by hard work and
sacrifice.

5. The 5th house position of Atmakaraka (lagna in the 9th from AK)
indicates a very truthful person who follows the dictates of dharma very
seriously. The results of much punya bring opportunities to perform
sadhana (spiritual practice), to meet and learn from advanced spiritualists
and to serve the cause of promoting Truth in the world.

6. If the Atmakaraka is in 6th house (lagna in the 8th from AK), then the
native confronts many challenges which result from stigmatic karmas from
past lives. The native with such a placement of the AK is recommended to
propitiate Saturn. More importantly, they should perform the Satya
Narayana Vrata regularly or as often as possible. Recitation of the Maha-
mantra is ultimately beneficial for anyone in current era, kali-yuga.

7. The position of the Atmakaraka in 7th house (lagna in 7th from AK) is
highly auspicious and blesses the native with a good spouse and the
enjoyments of many beneficial associations. The native is pure in heart,
well-intentioned and compassionate to all.

8. If the Atmakaraka is in the 8th house (lagna in the 6th from AK), then
the results are similar to those for the 6th house. The native may confront
vexing problems which are hard to solve. Physical ailments, challenging
longevity, in addition to emotional and domestic discontinuity may be
problematic for such natives. Recitation of the Maha-mantra and the
Vishnu-sahasra-nama stotram, as well as performance of the Satya
Narayana Vrata is ultimately beneficial. The native should also try to
practice truthfulness and straightforwardness in all dealings.

9. The 9th house position of the Atmakaraka (lagna in 5th from AK) is
perhaps the most auspicious and brings in full results of bhagya (fortune)
to the native. A powerful Sun brings raja-yoga and enables the native to
be very influential in educational and spiritual circles. If Jupiter is powerful,
then the native becomes a guru in his own right, after receiving the
blessings of self-realized souls or those advanced in higher knowledge.
Materially speaking, such a native has no concerns in this world.

10. If the Atmakaraka is in 10th house (lagna in the 4th from AK), then
happiness through family, home and mother are well-earned. Blessings
through assets and property accrue, as well as respect and love through
close allies and associates. The degree to which such results manifest
depends on the strength, placement and association of the Moon in the
Navamsa chart.

11. Courage and capability is the execution of any task result when the
Atmakaraka is in the 11th house of the chart (lagna in the 3rd from AK).
The native is intelligent and possesses firmness of mind and unwavering
determination in the performance of duties. He has the ability to solve the
problems quickly and to act decisively in crisis situations. If Mars is strong,
then the native receives the results of raja-yoga akin to that of Ruchaka
Maha- Purusa-yoga. The native is respected or admired by others due to
valor and fearlessness in any confrontational situation.

12. If the Atmakaraka is in the 12th house (lagna in the 2nd from AK), then
the native easily attains wealth as the result of the blessings of Lakshmi-
devi, the consort of Vishnu. If simultaneously Mercury, Jupiter and Venus
are in strength, then the native may achieve knowledge due to the
blessings of the goddess Sarasvati. If the lord of the 2nd house joins that
of the 5th and/or 9th, then the native enjoys the results of Dhana-yoga
(wealth).
What is Karakamsa in Jaimini Astrology? A deeper look

Karakamsa is a term mainly used in Jaimini sutra, or Jaimini astrology. In

Jaimini there are seven karakas which represents different things in your
life. Based on their degrees they play a certain role in the horoscope. From
the highest to the lowest (7th) degree, planets are given a certain karaka
name. The planet with the highest degree in the horoscope which is
between 0-30 degrees, becomes the atmakaraka. Planet closest to the 30th
degree is the atmakarka. This excludes Rahu, Ketu, Neptune, Uranus and
Pluto. These planets are not part of the Jaimini. Once you add these plantes
in Jaimini your entire prediction will be wrong.

Once you figure out which planet is the atmakaraka, look at the sign
placement of that planet in the navamsa chart. This is known karakamsa:
Placement of atmakaraka in Navamsa. This is sign and house placement
both for D9 (Navamsa chart). Such placements give a much clear indication
of the native's spiritual and professional life. Through the placement of
karakamsa one can see what the soul or 'Atma' is desiring. How it wants
the life to be live and viewed on this three dimensional plane. There is a lot
more information on this besides this small article, but due to tremendous
amount of interest in Jamini which has been invoked through my videos, I
am obligated to write about it, at least what I have learned.

One thing you can see with karakamsa is the soul's ability to reach the next
level of salvation or a higher frequency lokha (world). When looking at the
placement of atmakarkaa in navamsa, you should see what planet is sitting
in 12th from the atmakarka planet, if any. This will tell what will happen to
the soul. A malefic planet like Saturn, Mars or Rahu sitting 12th from
atmakarka or Karakamsa shows that souls still has many lessons to learn
before elevating itself to a higher plane. If a benefic planet sits 12th from
karakamsa, it shows that the soul has reached a point where it will move
to the higher world after the death of physical body. Ketu sitting 12th from
karakamsa means the soul will not go to any higher world, rather it will go
back to the source energy and finally receive moksha, as in no longer
returning to any dimenison for eternity, unless it wants to come back. This
is just one way of using the karakamsa. If there are multiple planets sitting
in 12th from the atmakaraka, then one with the highest degree in the birth
chart takes the charge. But most of the time someone may not have any
planets 12th from karakamsa, in such a case you will use the sign that sits
and its lord. If the lord of that sign is malefic then struggle in attaining
moksha, if benefic then easy in attaining moksha.

If you look at 9th place from karakamsa it will show the luck and easyness
the souls has in this to achieve it's spiritual studies and guidance from
gurus. Malefic sitting 9th from the atmakraka will show a struggle to
understand spiritual world, vs. benefic in the 9th from atmakarka will show
that one has blessings to learn their way into the other lokha.