Reference
Jyotish Glossary
A bilingual reference page for the Sanskrit and astrological vocabulary used across the site.
Jyotish uses a technical vocabulary that becomes much easier once the core words are familiar. This glossary gives short working definitions so readers can move from confusion to confident reading more quickly.
Use it as a companion while reading the guides, calculators, or kundli results. Most terms are explained in plain language first, while still respecting the traditional meaning behind the word.
Antardasha
The sub-period operating within a Mahadasha. It shows the nearer chapter and modifies how the larger dasha is experienced.
Arudha
A reflected image or projection of a house used in Jaimini-based techniques. It often relates to appearance, perception, or how something is seen publicly.
Ashtakoot
The classical eight-factor framework used in kundli matching. It contributes to the 36-point Gun Milan system.
Atmakaraka
In Jaimini astrology, the planet with the highest degree in a sign among the main planets. It is linked with deep soul lessons and personal evolution.
Ayanamsa
The correction used to convert tropical positions to sidereal positions. Different ayanamsa choices can shift sign and divisional outcomes slightly.
Bhava
A house in the horoscope. Bhavas describe life areas such as self, wealth, marriage, work, and spiritual release.
Bhukti
Another common name for Antardasha, the sub-period within a major dasha cycle.
Chandra Lagna
A house framework counted from the Moon sign instead of the ascendant. It is useful for emotional and transit-based interpretation.
Chara Karaka
A Jaimini system of movable significators assigned by planetary degrees. Examples include Atmakaraka and Darakaraka.
Choghadiya
A traditional time-selection method dividing day and night into segments rated for different kinds of activity.
Dasha
A planetary period system used for timing life events and themes. It shows when different karmic promises become active.
Dhana Yoga
A wealth-producing combination formed by supportive links between houses and lords related to finance and gain.
Dosha
A problematic or imbalancing pattern in a chart. Its result depends on intensity, context, and cancellation factors.
Drekkana
A divisional scheme that splits each sign into three parts. It is often linked with courage, siblings, and finer chart analysis.
Gochara
Planetary transit in the sky relative to the natal chart. Transits show temporary activation and environmental pressure or support.
Graha
A planetary force in Jyotish. Grahas are interpreted as carriers of karma and intelligence, not only as astronomical bodies.
Gun Milan
The score-based compatibility assessment used in traditional marriage matching, usually calculated through Ashtakoot.
Hora
A planetary hour system used in electional timing, and also the name of a divisional concept in some chart methods.
Janma Kundli
The birth chart cast for the date, time, and place of birth. It is the main map used for natal analysis.
Janma Nakshatra
The nakshatra occupied by the Moon at birth. It is important for mind, naming, and Vimshottari dasha starting point.
Karaka
A significator, or a planet that naturally represents a topic. For example, Venus is a karaka for relationships and comfort.
Karana
One of the five limbs of Panchang. A karana is half of a tithi and is used in timing and ritual selection.
Kendra
The angular houses: 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th. They form the structural pillars of the chart.
Lagna
The rising sign on the eastern horizon at birth. It sets the house structure and is a central anchor of chart interpretation.
Lagnesh
The lord of the ascendant sign. Its condition strongly influences health, direction, and how the whole chart operates.
Mahadasha
The main planetary period in a dasha sequence. It defines the larger chapter active in a phase of life.
Muhurat
An auspicious or carefully chosen time for beginning an activity. Muhurat considers planetary and Panchang conditions.
Nakshatra
A lunar mansion in Vedic astrology. There are 27 main nakshatras, each adding a finer layer beyond the zodiac sign.
Navamsa
The D9 divisional chart. It is widely used for dharma, marriage, inner strength, and the deeper maturity of planets.
Neecha
Debilitation, or a sign position where a planet is considered weak or uncomfortable in classical dignity terms.
Panchang
The five-limbed Hindu calendar system comprising tithi, vara, nakshatra, yoga, and karana.
Papa Graha
A natural malefic planet such as Saturn, Mars, Rahu, or Ketu in many contexts. Their results still depend on chart function and strength.
Pitra Dosha
A chart pattern associated with ancestral themes or obligations. It is judged through combinations, not by one factor alone.
Purva Punya
Merit carried from past actions, often discussed through the 5th house and supportive blessings in the chart.
Rahu Kaal
A daily period traditionally avoided for beginning important tasks. It is one of the common timing filters in everyday astrology.
Rashi
A zodiac sign. In Vedic astrology, the 12 rashis are usually read in a sidereal framework.
Sade Sati
A Saturn transit cycle around the Moon sign lasting roughly seven and a half years. Its effects vary widely by chart and timing.
Shadbala
A classical sixfold strength system used to assess planetary power in a chart.
Shubha Graha
A natural benefic planet such as Jupiter or Venus in many contexts. Even benefics must still be judged by chart function.
Tithi
A lunar day measured by the angular distance between the Sun and Moon. It is one of the five limbs of Panchang.
Upaya
A remedial measure suggested in response to chart imbalance, often involving prayer, discipline, charity, mantra, or ritual.
Vakri
Retrograde motion as seen from Earth. Vakri planets are often interpreted as inward, delayed, unusual, or intensified in expression.
Vimshottari
The most widely used dasha system in Jyotish, based on the Moon’s nakshatra at birth and a total cycle of 120 years.
Yoga
A planetary combination that creates a distinct pattern or result in the horoscope. Yogas can be supportive, obstructive, or mixed.
Yogakaraka
A planet that becomes especially auspicious for a particular ascendant by ruling a kendra and a trikona.