Atmakaraka: Detailed Analysis plus Finding your Ishta Devata from Vedic Astrology

Atmakaraka: Detailed Analysis plus Finding your Ishta Devata from Vedic Astrology

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. ( not selfish or cunning nature ).

OM TAT SAT

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 benefik 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 pleas 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 savour (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).

Ishta Devata

According to Vedic tradition: Ego (Rishi) arises from the mind. The ego desires that which it perceives is lacking (not known). This initiates the process of knowing (Devata) which arises in the intellect. The known (Chandas) is then inventoried in the mind as memory, and it's from these stored memories that the desires of the ego rise again and again.

Rishi, Devata and Chandas: Rishi (I am, ego) is the knower and is ruled by Sun. Devata (intellect) is the process of knowing and is ruled by Mercury. Chandas (mind) is the known and is ruled by Moon.

Rishi is the knower or ego of the jiva. Each one of us senses this knower aspect of ourselves. It is that aspect that we identify as our Self. Rishi is a viewpoint of the universe that is uniquely personal, like a window through which an individual perceives the world.

Devata is the intellect or faculty of discrimination which connects the knower with the known, and completes the circuit that gives rise to knowledge.

Chandas: In the self-referral process of knowing, rishi becomes devata and devata becomes chandas and chandas is the new knowledge, which is the new rishi. The new rishi is different from the original rishi because of the assimilation of the knowledge.

In each horoscope there is a planet known asa Atma (divine soul trapped into the 8 types of bondage) and Karaka-(movable significator) which has to do with the functioning of the 8 chakra including the role of Somanath. Such graha (planet) is termed ATMAKARAKA . Atmakaraka is the most important planet in a chart. It is the King of the chart, and happy King shows happy kingdom and vice versa. Lagna is intelligence, while Chandra shows the mind. They are of secondary importance in comparison to Atmakaraka.

Atmakaraka therefore, shows the karma which caused our birth. This graha brought us into this plane, and forced Atma to take a certain mind and body.
It brought us to this planet to teach us certain lessons. This graha shows the “ lightning and storms” of Indra Devata

There are four main goals of human existance: dharma, artha, kama and moksha. In order to achieve them, people are advised to worship various devatas. Among all the devatas one can worship, the Ishta Devata is the foremost.

The term 'Ishta Devata' literally means 'the main deity'. This Deity can bless one with good passage through life. What is more, Ishta Devata is responsible for granting moksha to the native. Hence, its worship not only ensures that one's whole life is taken care of, but also makes it certain that one is moving towards liberation.

Among all the different devatas it is Vishnu, who is capable of bestowing moksha. He alone carries the sudarshana chakra and uses it specifically for that purpose. If one is hit by this astra of Lord Vishnu he achieves final emancipation as sudarshana chakra has the power to separate one's atma
from the mana. For these reasons the worship of an appropriate Vishnu Avatara as one's Ishta Devata is generally recommended.

However, it has to be borne in mind that one's Ishta Devata may not necessarily be Vishnu. The achievement of perfection is also possible for those who are worshipping other Deities, like Shiva or Durga Devi. Still, in such situations, moksha is granted by the via medium of Sri Vishnu and His sudarshana chakra, as it is Vishnu alone, who takes on the task of giving moksha.

The enmity between Sri Rama and Ravana depicted in the Ramayana clearly illustrates this point. It is a well-known fact that Ravana was a great devotee of Lord Shiva. He was blessed by the Lord and no weapon used by Sri Ramachandra could kill him. This was so, because Lord Shiva wanted to grant His devotee mukti. Ravana died only when Lord Rama threw His chakra and in this way granted him liberation.

Therefore both statements made in Shastras are right: that only Vishnu is the giver of moksha and that the other Devatas (like Lord Shiva or Devi) are also capable of blessing their devotees with mukti.
Every human being takes birth due to their karma from the previous births. After death, the body, mind and the soul separate, and body gets merged into the pancha tatva while mind and the soul follow the path of the ayanas, toward the planes deserved by accomplished karma. So the cycle goes on, and it will never stop unless one is given a moksha. Many people have wrong concept of moksha, mistaking the term for spirituality, which can be defined in so many ways. I am not going to discuss moksha right here, but will just add that it is often conceived as final emancipation of the soul. There are different types of moksha, and different paths to it. In jyotisha there are a few planets which play an important role, among which Atmakaraka (the planet in the highest degree, excluding rahu whose counting is done in reverse) and Ishta Devata are the most important.

Atmakaraka carries the sins of the past birth and is akin to a inner light which prevents the outer light due to its papa or sin. Atmakaraka is like a Sun whose rays are so dazzling that we fail to see the light which is behind, the light of God. Ishta Devata represents the God in his numerous forms. Therefore, due to the interaction and experience of the world (through mana and indriya), atma falls into 8 types of bondage or bandana. In this phase, Atman is captured with the Sin and becomes Atma. Therefore, position of Atmakaraka in the chart indicates a place where we will suffer due to Ashta Bandana, and where we beleive that our Light is Stronger than the light of God. Therefore, it is almost impossible to state that any position in the chart of atmakaraka is good for moksha, due to its bandana, because that is the place where we BEHAVE like a God. So if atmakaraka is in 10th house, a person behaves like a God in that area and thus suffers. Position of Atmakarak is therefore dependent on any factor, but even the concept that its position in trines automatically gives spirituality is not correct. The spirituality given is more on the level of dharma (not moksha) and normally, if Ak is in 5th house a person may misues the authority, while in 9th house a person will behave like a God or Guru. Such positions are often reflections of their own ahamkar (ego), unless Ishtadevata and other factors intervenes. If bhavesha, Karaka, and Ishta Devata is not favourable, a person suffering will often turn into a hatred towards the world and anarchy. SO be carefull, think twice and deeply in case of analyzing Atmakaraka influence. People are often misguided by position of AK in navamsa lagna thinking it will automatically give them spirituality. Then why would Parashara and Jaimini state that in 2nd house it will lead towards moksha? If you wish to understand Atmakaraka, please meditate on your Ishta Devata with open heart and dedication.

Since the soul comes and leaves with dharma, Navamsa chart becomes crucial in understanding spirituality. 12th house indicates the exit from this world, so 12th house from Atmakaraka will show the “mask” God is wearing in the form of Ishta Devata. Ishta Devata can only come from Vishnu Rupa which is confirmed by Vishnu Gayatri in Rig Veda. Vishnu is Sarva Vyapakeshvara Devata and thus he is present everywhere in everyform, yet never represented by any form. Normally, Graha in 12th from Atmakaraka navamsa known as Karakamsa will indicate Ishta Devata. If there are no planets take the lord. This form of Vishnu will take and lure your soul towards final emancipation. There are other opinions on deciding Ishta Devata which I will leave for now on.

Now, the main task is to analyze this rupa of God, and this graha in the chart. There is a difference whether this planet is malefic, benefic male or female etc. Classical jyotish text known as Chandra Kala Nadi calls this place Jivanmuktamsa, or the place where Jiva attains liberation. Since there are four types of moksha among which one is Jivan mukti, this has a specific meaning in a higher spiritual teachings. Ishta devata planet will behave as a God hand also in a more mundane levels, where we can see its favourable or unfavourable infleunce in certain areas of life. So, whether a person will go towards moksha or not is judged from this planet. Therefore it is very important to understand position of Ishta Devata in all 12 houses of the chart.

The Form of Ishta Devata and its worship

Lord Vishnu appears in this world through different grahas and those grahas indicate the appropriate Avatara that should be worshipped as one's Ishta Devata. The list of those various incarnations and planets associated with them is given in the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, chapter 2, verses 5-7:

''From Surya the avatara of Rama, from Chandra that of Krishna, from Mangal that of Narasimha, from Buddha that of Lord Buddha, from Guru that of Vamana, from Shukra that of Parashurama, from Shani that of Kurma, from Rahu that of Varaha and from Ketu that of Meena occurred. All other incarnations (than these) are also through the grahas (...)''

As far as the worship of other Devatas is concerned, the list of those Deities and their corresponding planets was given by Parashara Muni in his Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra in the chapter on Karakamsa. It was also presented by Jaimini Maharishi in his Upadesha Sutras (1.2.72–79): Surya indicates Lord Shiva, Chandra indicates Gouri, Shukra indicates Lakshmi, Mangal indicates Skanda, Buddha and Shani both indicate Lord Vishnu, Guru indicates Samba Shiva, Rahu indicates Tamasi or Durga and Ketu indicates Lord Ganesha.

Everyone is eligible for the worship of one's Ishta Devata and everyone at least should know their Ishta Devata. The process of worship is simple and is based on the chanting of the dvadakshari mantra for the appropriate Deity. Although this chanting alone is very powerful, an ideal situation is when one also performs panca upachara puja to one's Ishta Devata.

The term 'dvadakshari mantra' means 'the twelve syllable mantra'. An examplary dvadakshari mantra for Lord Vishnu as Ishta Devata is given by the Parashara Muni in his Vishnu Purana. The ugra madhusudana mantra given there by the sage is as follows:

Om Namo Bhagavate Vasudevaya.

Parashara Muni advises people to chant it and says that with this mantra we ask Lord Vishnu to pick up His sudarshana chakra and liberate us. The mantra bhoga of this particular mantra is mukti. Therefore it should be done for one's Ishta Devata with the purpose of making progress towards final emancipation.

The Avataras of Lord Vishnu

Each Vishnu Avatar is worshipped with a different dvadakshari mantra. Herein I have presented each of these incarnations with a short description and the suggested mantra. One should know that there are often more than one dvadakshari mantra for a particular Vishnu Avatar. As some of them are not in line with the tradition and parampara it is advised to refer to authorities while choosing an appropriate one.

1- Sri Ramachandra

Lord Rama has appeared in the dynasty of Maharaja Khatvanga as the son of Maharaja Dasharatha. He broke the Hara-dhanu, married Sitadevi and defeated Ravana. Later on the Lord became the king of Ayodhya. His glories and pastimes are depicted in the famous Ramayana. The mantra that should be chanted for Sri Ramachandra Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE RAMACHANDRAYA

2- Sri Krishna

Lord Krishna appeared in the dynasty of Yadu as the son of Vasudeva and Devaki. He has performed numerous pastimes during His presence in this world. He appeared on the plea of Lord Brahma, Lord Shiva, mother Earth and the demigods in order to defeat the demons and help mother Earth and Her inhabitants. Sri Krishna is the speaker of the famous Bhagavad Gita. The mantra that should be chanted for Sri Krishna Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA

3- Sri Narasimha Avatara

Lord Vishnu appeared in the form of Sri Narasimha in order to save His devotee Prahlada Maharaja. Sri Prahlad was a great devotee of Lord Vishnu and the son of a demon named Hiranyakashipu. Lord Narasimha appeared from the pillar in order to save him and kill Hiranyakashipu. The mantra that should be chanted for Narasimha Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE NARASIMHAYA

4- Sri Buddha

Lord Buddha appeared in this world because people were performing sinful deeds on the strength of Vedic authority. That is why He has rejected the Vedas and preached buddhist philosophy, teaching people the basic dharmic principles. However, because He has rejected the Vedas He is not accpeted as a worshipable incarnation. That is why, since the Buddha graha also signifies Vishnu, it is recommended to worship Lord Vishnu directly, instead of Lord Buddha. The mantra that should be chanted for Lord Vishnu Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE VASUDEVAYA

5- Sri Vamanadeva

Lord Vamana appeared in this world as the son of Kashyapa Muni and Aditi. He took the form of a brahmachari dwarf. Lord Vamana appeared on the sacrificial arena of Bali Maharaja and asked him for a threesteps-long area of his land as a donation. Maharaja agreed and Sri Vamanadeva took the entire universe with his two steps. He made the third step by putting His foot on Bali Maharaja's head. The mantra that should be chanted for Sri Vamanadeva Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE TRIVIKRAMAYA

6- Sri Parashurama

Rcika Muni and Satyavati devi had a son named Jamadagni. The son of Jamadagni was Parashurama. Once King Kartaviryarjuna has stolen Jamadagni his kamadhenu. He was therefore killed by Parashurama, who later on has slaughtered the dynasty of demoniac kshatriyas twenty one times . It is not recommended by the parampara to use the name 'Parashurama' directly in the dvadakshari mantra, hence the recommended mantra is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE HRISHIKESHAYA

7- Sri Kurma Avatara

Lord Vishnu has incarnated as a tortoise in order to become a base for the Mandara Mountain, which was used by the suras and the asuras for the churning of the ocean of milk. This took place because both parties desired the amrita. The mantra that should be chanted for the Kurma Avatara Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE AKUPARAYA

8- Sri Varahadeva

Lord Vishnu has took the form of a boar to save the Earth that has drowned in the water of the Garbhodaka ocean. This happened due to a demon named Hiranyaksha. The Lord has not only saved the Earth, but also killed the demon. The mantra that should be chanted for Sri Varaha Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE SHRIVARAHAYA

9- Sri Matsya Avatara

At the end of the previous kalpa there was one demon who desired to steal the Vedic knowledge from Lord Brahma. For this reason, at the begining of the era of Svayambhuva Manu, Lord Vishnu has incarnated in the form of a fish and saved the Vedas. During the era of Cakshusa Manu the Lord has appeared as a fish for the second time. He appered to save the great and pious ruler Satyavrata. Later on Satyavrata took birth as a son of the Sun god, and became a Manu. The mantra that should be chanted for Matsya Ishta Devata is:

OM NAMO BHAGAVATE MAHAMATSYAYA

How to find Ishta Devata in a chart

The key role in revealing one's Ishta Devata plays the Atma Karaka. Atma Karaka is the planet that has the highest longitude. To find one's Ishta Devata we have to look at the Atma Karaka in Navamsa, since the Navamsa shows blessings of God onto the native and the way in which the native communicates with God. Navamsa is also known as the dharma-amsa, since it is the 9th division (ninth house signifies dharma). Therefore we should look for Ishta Devata in this Varga.
The house that the Atma Karaka planet occupies in the Navamsa Chart (Varga/Division) is called the Karakamsa. The twelfth house from Lagna shows that what releases one from the bonds of this world. The twelfth house from the karakamsa is called the Jivanmuktamsa. This is the house signifying the emancipation of the soul and we have to examine this house in order to find one's Ishta Devata. If there is a graha in the jivanmuktamsa, it signifies the Devata. If there are more grahas than one, we choose the strongest. If there is no graha in the jivanmuktamsa, we take its Lord (ruling planet).

Find Your Ishta Devata Now from Placement of Atmakaraka in Your Navamsa Chart

As described, above, Ishta Devata can be found from placement of Atmakaraka in your Navamsa Chart.

Atmakaraka in Navamsa is called Karakamsa.

Twelth house from karakamsa is to be examined for finding out one's Ishta devata. The planet in this house represents your Ishta Devata.

If there is more then one planet in this house then the strongest planet signifies your Ishta devata. If there is no planet then its lord (ruling planet of the karakamsha house) has to be considered.

Ishta Devatas of various planets are given below:

If Sun is placed then Lord Rama.
If Moon is placed then Lord Krishna.
If Mars is placed then Lord Narasimha.
If Jupiter is placed then Lord Vamana.
If Mercury is placed then Lord Buddha.
If Saturn is placed then Lord Kurma.
If Venus is placed then Lord Parasurama.
If Rahu is placed then Lord Varaha.
If Ketu is placed then Lord Mathsya.

According to Jaimini sutra, If the twelth house from Karakamsa contains Sun along with Ketu then the Ishta Devata is Shiva. Jaimini is silent about Sun alone occupying that position or if it is empty.

Ishta Devata-placement of Ketu in Navamsa Chart:

Focusing on the spiritual direction, Maharishi Paraśara and Jaimini explain that the key to open our door towards God lies in the navāmśa placement of Ketu. Further this gives Siddhi and great spiritual depth.

If Sun is associated with Ketu then Śiva worship is indicated.

If Moon associates then Gouri worship is indicated.

If Venus associates then Lakshmī worship is indicated.

If Mars associates then Skanda worship is indicated.

For both Mercury and Saturn Vishu/Krishna worship is indicated.

If Jupiter associates then Sāmbaśiva worship is indicated.

If Rāhu associates then Tāmasī or Durgā worship is indicated.

If Ketu alone associates then Ganeśha or Skanda worship is indicated

The sign/navamsa occupied by the ätmakäraka gives us a clue as to the desire of the ätma and the nature of the ätmakäraka gives us vital information about the nature of the ätma, its spiritual development etc. Some of my experiences are listed below:

1. If a malefic planet is the ätmakäraka, it indicates a high level of spiritual development whereas a benefic planet as the ätmakäraka indicates a relatively lower level. Example: Rahu was the ätmakäraka for Srila Prabhupada and Ramakrishna Paramhamsa

2. . The ätmakäraka invariably indicates suffering during its Vimsottari dasa, especially if a malefic. During the Näräyana dasa of the sign occupied by the ätmakäraka or those aspecting it, great achievements are made. If the native is spiritually inclined then the dasa of the ätmakäraka can be beneficial.

3. A retrograde ätmakäraka indicates a deep-rooted desire as being the cause of the birth. This has to be seen from the nature of the planet which becomes the AK. For example, if Mars is AK and retrograde, then there is a very strong desire related to succeeding in some battle or competition in this planet and the native will be dragged into innumerable fights and will be fighting all the time. The solution lies in finding the best self defense strategies based on Kärakämsa of which,Ahimsa is the greatest. Similarly, if Saturn is the retrograde AK then the desire would manifest in the native doing something related to the elders or old knowledge in new bottles. When retrograde, this desire is very strong and will be the cause of all direction in life. The other signification of Saturn is sorrow and if the native gives sorrow to others, especially elders and those who are like Guru, then know that he is running a bad time and a lot of sorrow is in his destiny (in any case). The best remedy for him would be to develop a stoic attitude towards the acts and words of others and keep prodding in his path. In this manner, the retrogression is to be understood.

4. Combustion of AK gives spiritual insight.

Planets as ätmakäraka:

1. Sun as AK indicates the native has to learn to overcome his ego and should become humble.

2. Moon as AK indicates that the native should be very caring and compassionate.

3. Mars as AK indicates that the native should refrain from all forms of violence and stick to the path of Ahimsa.

4. Mercury as AK indicates that the native should control his speech and be truthful at all times.

5. Jupiter as AK indicates that the native should always respect the Guru, spouse and care for children.

6. Venus as AK indicates that the native must have a very clean character and refrain from illegitimate sex/lust.

7. Saturn as AK indicates that the native cannot give sorrow to others and willhave to share the sorrow of many others.8. Rahu as AK indicates that the native maybe cheated often and will still haveto be free from guile and clean hearted.Ätmakäraka in signs & housesJaimini has indicated the results of

Various navamsa for the placement of AK (atmakaraka)

Read this carefully and make a list for ready reference.

AK (atmakaraka) in different houses from Lagnämsa

(Hint: Count the number of signs from AK to navamsa lagna, the number shall indicate the results of the house that shall predominate. check the strength of Karaka of such house; do this exercise both in Rasi and navamsa Chart; Rasi chart results like that of Sri Krishna & other great persons while navamsa for all others.)

1. If AK is in navamsa Lagna, the native belongs to a royal family/ is of noblebirth and lineage. If navamsa Lagna Lord conjoins AK, then the native, althoughof humble origin shall rise to a high rank equal to a king. If the AK aspects navamsa Lagna, then Royal association shall be present from birth. The natural karaka of 1st house (Sun) should be strong to indicate the extent of Rajyoga.

2. If AK is in 2nd house, the native shall be very spiritual and a great saint.If Saturn is strong, the renunciation shall be complete whereas if Venus is strong the native shall perform severe austerities.

3. If AK is in 3rd house, the native shall be rich and successful in many undertakings. He shall be a friend of many powerful people.

4. If AK is in 4th house the native shall be a Karma Yogi. If the Moon and Jupiter are strong, he shall have fame whereas if the Sun is strong Rajyoga and a strong Saturn indicate a hard working person.

5. If AK is in 5th house the native is Dharma Parayana i.e. obeys the laws of his dharma diligently and is straightforward. If Sun is strong, he shall have many good yogas. Blessings of his father shall always protect him.

6. If AK is in 6th house, the native is diseased and troubled. Propitiate as perSaturn or Lord Satya Näräyana, fast on full Moon days and speak the truth OM TAT SAT.

7. If AK is in 7th house, the native is blessed with a clean heart and many joys. If Venus is strong, marriage shall be a great blessing.

8. If AK is in 8th house, the native has many troubles and weaknesses. He is defeated in war. Propitiate as per Saturn or Lord Satya Näräyana, fast on full Moon days and speak the truth OM TAT SAT.

9. If AK is in 9th house, the native is a very pious person and is wealthy and fortunate.

10. If AK is in 10th house, the native is blessed with a clean heart and good home. He shall be a pillar for his family and mother; the Moon in strength shall be an added blessing for this.

11. If AK is in 11th house, the native shall be brave, successful in war and capable of executing any task. If Mars is strong there shall be Rajyoga.

12. If AK is in 12th house the native is very rich and blessed by Lakshmi.

From the "Jaimini Sutras" of Maharishi Jaimini, I am quoting the following extremely important astrological secrets about the Atma Karaka and its significance in Vedic Astrology / Spirituality:
Of the seven planets from the Sun to Saturn, or the eight planets from the Sun to Rahu, whichever gets the highest number of degrees becomes the Atmakaraka.

Atmakaraka gives bad and good results by virtue of malefic and benefic dispositions such as debility, exaltation, etc.

If the Atmakaraka occupies Mesha (Aries) Navamsa, then the person will be subjected to the fears and bites of rats, cats, and other similar animals.

If Atmakaraka is in Taurus Navamsa, there will be fear from quadrupeds.

If Atmakaraka occupies Mithuna (Gemini) the person will suffer from corpulence, itches and cutaneous eruptions.

If the Atmakaraka occupies Kataka (Cancer) Navamsa, dangers and troubles come from watery places and leprosy.

If the Atmakaraka joins Simha (Leo) Navamsa, troubles will come through dogs and such canine animals.

If Atmakaraka is in Kanya (Virgo) Navamsa, the native will suffer from fire, itches, and corpulence.

If the Atmakaraka joins Thula (Libra) Navamsa, the person will make much money by merchandise.

If the Atmakaraka joins Vrischikamsa (Scorpio), the person will have fears and dangers from watery animals, snakes and he will also have no milk from his mother.

If the Atmakaraka joins the Navamsa of Dhanus (Saggitarius), the person will have suffering and dangers from falls, .from conveyances, horses, etc., and also from elevated places like trees, houses, hills and mountains.

If the Atmakaraka joins Makara (Capricorn) the person will have troubles and sorrows from aquatic animals from fierce birds, skin diseases, large wounds and glandular expansions.

If the Atmakaraka occupies Kumbha (Aquarius) Navamsa the person will do charities in the shape of constructing wells, tracks, topes or gardens, temples and dharmasalas or chatrams.

If the Atmakaraka occupies Meena amsa (Pisces), the person will be fond of virtuous deeds and charities, and will take residence in Swargadi Lokas or will attain to the final bliss or what is called by the Sanskrit writers Moksha or final emancipation or freedom from rebirths.

If the Sun occupies the Karakamsa, the person will be fond of public service and will work in political activities.

If Full Moon and Venus join Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, the person will command great wealth and all comforts attendant on wealth and he will also earn money and live by the profession of education.

When Kuja (Mars) joins Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, the person becomes great in the preparation of various medical mixtures, will bear arms like kuntayudha and other weapons, and live by profession involving preparations in or near fire.

If Budha conjoins the Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, the persons become merchants, weavers and manufacturers of clothes, artists and persons clever in preparing curios, and those well versed in the affairs of social and political matters.

When Guru (Jupiter) joins the Navamsa with Atmakaraka, the person will be well versed in Vedic or religious rituals, will have religious wisdom, well known in the rules of sacrificial functions and will have good knowledge in Vedanta and will be a religious man.

I will end with this last Sutra of Maharishi Parashara:

The beings with more Jeevatmamsa are (mortal) beings. The high degree of Paramatmamsa from the Grahas, viz. Sun, etc. did incarnate as Rama, Krishna, etc.. After completing the mission, the Paramatmamsas (of the respective) Grahas again merge (in the respective) Grahas. The Jeevatma portions from the Grahas take births as human beings and live their lives according to their Karmas and again merge in the Grahas. And at the time of Great Destruction, the Grahas as well merge in the Lord Vishnu. One who knows of all these, will become versed in the knowledge of the past, present, and future. Without a knowledge of astrology these cannot be known. Hence everyone should have a knowledge of Astrology particularly the Brahmin. One who, devoid of astrological knowledge, blames this science will go to the hell called 'Raurava', and will be reborn blind.

If Sukra (Venus) joins the Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, the person will become a great official or political personage, will be fond of many women and will retain vitality and sexual passions till he is hundred years old.

If Sani (Saturn) joins Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, he will produce a famous person in his own line of business.

If Rahu joins the Atmakaraka in Navamsa the person will live by the skilful use of warlike instruments, he will earn bread as thief and dacoit; he becomes a doctor dealing in poisons, manufacturer of gold, silver, copper and other metallic machinery.

When Ketu joins the Atmakaraka in the Navamsa the persons born under such combination trade in elephants or become thieves and robbers.

If Ravi (Sun) and Rahu join Atmakaraka in the Navamsa the person dies by snake-bites.

If benefics aspect the Yoga mentioned above, there will be no deaths from snake-bites.

If Ravi (sun) and Rahu join Atmakaraka in the Navamsa and have only beneficial aspects the person will have no snake-bites, but will become a doctor who deals solely in poisonous matters.

If Ravi (sun) and Rahu join Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, and have the evil aspect of Kuja, the person will burn houses or lend fire and other help to the incendiaries.

If Ravi (sun) and Rahu join Atmakaraka in the Navamsa and have the aspect of Sukra, the person will not burn the houses himself, but will lend fire to the rogues who do it.

If Ravi (sun) and Rahu join Atmakaraka in the Navamsa, but have the aspect of Guru alone, the person will burn houses at a distance from his own house.

If the Karaka (Cancer) Navamsa falls in Gulikakala or the time governed by Gulika, the person will administer poison to others and kill them or be killed by such administrations of poison by others.

If Chandra (moon) aspects the Atmakaraka Navamsa falling in Gulikakala, the person will be a receiver of stolen property or will become himself a thief.

If the Atmakaraka Navamsa falls in Gulikakala and possesses only the aspect of Budha (mercury), the person will have enlarged testicles.

If Ketu joins the Atmakaraka Navamsa the person will have his ears cut off or will have serious ear complaints

If Atmakaraka and Ketu in the Navamsa, have the aspect of Sukra (venus), the person will become a Deekshita or performer of Yagnyas or religious sacrifices.

If the Atmakaraks with Ketu in the Navamsa has the aspects of Budha (mercury) and Sani (saturn), the bind of an impotent or eunuch should be predicted.

If the Karakamsa Rasi (sign) with Ketu has the aspect of Sukra (Venus) and Budha (mercury), the person will talk repeating and repeating the same ideas or will be the son of a prostitute or dancing woman.

If the Karakamsa with Ketu has the aspect of Sani (saturn), he will become a Tapaswi or recluse or be a dependent and servant under somebody.

If in the above combination there is only the aspect of Sani (saturn) and there is no other planetary aspect, he will put on the appearance of a sanyasi but will not be a true or real sanyasi. He will be an impostor.

If Ravi (sun) and Sukra aspect (venus) the Karakamsa the person will be employed by royal or political personages to do their work. He will be their confident.

If the tenth from the Karaka Navamsa possesses the aspect of Budha (saturn), he will get similar results as have been given by Sani (saturn).

If in the 10th from Karakamsa, there is beneficial aspect, the person will be one of great determination and never capricious.

If the 10th from the Karakamsa, there is Ravi (sun) possessing only the aspect of Guru (jupiter) and no other aspects, the person will have success through the sales of cow, bulls and other cattle.

If the lord of the 4th from the Karakamsa is joined or aspected by Chandra (moon) and Sukra (venus), the person will be blessed with storeyed houses.

If the fourth from the Karakamsa is occupied by an exalted planet, the person will have many fine and splendid houses.

If the fourth from the Karakamsa is occupied by Rahu and Sani (saturn), the houses will be constructed with rough stones not well plastered.

If the 4th from Karakamsa is occupied by Kuja (mars) and Ketu, the houses will be constructed of bricks, lumps of earth.

If the 4th from Karakamsa is occupied by Guru (jupiter) wooden houses will be constructed by the native.

If the 4th is occupied by the Sun, the houses will be constructed from thatch and grasses.

If the 9th from Karakamsa is occupied or aspected by benefics, the person will have truth as his ideal and motto. He will be righteous in conduct, lover of truth and will be faithful and dutiful to elders, preceptors and Gurus.

If the 9th from Karakamsa has evil conjunction or aspects, he will be quite the reverse in character. He will be a liar, uncharitable and sinful, and will have no faith and respect for Gurus and elders.

If Sani (saturn) and Rahu occupy or aspect the 9th from Karakamsa, the person will become ungrateful to Gurus and will prove a traitor to them.

If Guru (jupiter) and Ravi (sun) occupy or aspect the 9th from Karakamsa, he will not love his parents, elders and preceptors.

If the 9th from Karakamsa falls in one of the shadvargas of Sukra (venus) and Kuja (mars), he will be fond of others' wives.

If Kuja (mars) and Sukra (venus) join or aspect the 9th from Karakamsa, the person will have the evil habit of seducing and keeping illegal gratifications till the end of his life.

If the 9th from Karakamsa has the conjunction or aspect of Ketu, he will be fond of women for some time and then give up the bad tendency.

If the 9th from Karakamsa has the conjunction or aspect of Guru, he will be excessively fond of other women.

If the 9th from Karakamsa is joined or aspected by Rahu, the person will lose all his wealth by female excesses.

If Guru (jupiter) and Chandra (moon) occupy the 7th from the Karakamsa, the wife will be handsome and loving.

If the 7th from the Karakamsa joins with Rahu or has his aspect, the person will have widows for connection.

If the 7th from Karakamsa is occupied or aspected by Sani (saturn), the wife will be older or will be sickly or will be a tapaswini or a woman who will be engaged in religious meditations.

If Kuja (mars) joins or aspects the 7th from Karakamsa, the wife will be deformed or there will be defect in her limbs.

If Ravi (sun) occupies or aspects the 7th from Karakamsa, the wife will be protected from the members of the husband's family and will have no defects in her limbs.

If Budha (mercury) joins or aspects the 7th from Karakamsa, the wife will be well versed in music, arts, dancing and other fine accomplishments.

If Chandra (moon) occupies the 4th from Karakamsa the first sexual union of the wives, mentioned in the above sutras, will take place in an open place uncovered by root or ceiling.

If the 3rd from the Karakamsa contains evil planets, the person becomes courageous and a warrior.

If the 3rd from Karakamsa has benefics, the person becomes a coward.

If the 3rd and 6th from Karakamsa are occupied by malefics, the person lives by ploughing and agriculture.

If Guru (jupiter) occupies the 9th from Karakamsa, he will become a great agriculturist.

If benefics occupy 12 from Karakamsa, the person goes to superior Lokas (heavens/realms/planes).

(Loka (Sanskrit) means: Place, locality; in Brahmanic literature, heavens; in theosophical literature, world, sphere, plane. Used in the metaphysical systems of India, both in contrast to and in conjunction with tala (inferior world). "Wherever there is a loka there is an exactly correspondential tala, and in fact, the tala is the nether pole of its corresponding loka. Lokas and talas, therefore, in a way of speaking, may be considered to be the spiritual and the material aspects or substance-principles of the different worlds which compose and in fact are the kosmic universe" (OG 168). The lokas and talas must be thought of by twos: a loka and its corresponding tala can no more be separated than can the two poles of a magnet. They are the two sides of being, the two contrasting forces of nature, the light-side and the night-side. There are many different divisions of the lokas and talas used in Hindu literature, but many are merely exoteric blinds. Dividing the universe into seven manifested grades or planes of being, which are really worlds, these worlds are polarized into lokas and talas, two by two throughout. The seven lokas and seven talas together form the seven cosmic planes. Of these seven loka-tala pairs, the three highest belong to the relatively arupa (formless) or spiritual worlds, and are often called arupa lokas and arupa talas. )

If a benefic occupies Karakamsa; the person will have Moksha or Final Bliss.

If Karakamsa is Mesha (aries) or Dhanus (saggitarius) with benefics there, the subject gets Moksha. If Mesha or Dhanus happens to be the 12th from Karakamsa and Ketu is there, the person will get Moksha.

If the 12th from the Karakamsa is occupied by evil planets, he will go to hell and will have no Bliss.

If Ravi (sun) and Ketu are in Karakamsa, the person will become a Saivite or one who worships Shiva.

If Chandra (moon) joins Karakamsa, the person will worship Gouri, wife of Shiva.

If Sukra (venus) joins Karakamsa, he will worship Lakshmi spouse of Vishnu.

If Kuja (mars) occupies Karakamsa, he becomes a worshipper of Skanda or Shanmukha the warrior son of Shiva.

If Budha (mercury) and Sani (saturn) join Karakamsa, he will worship Vishnu.

If Karakamsa is joined by Guru (jupiter), he will worship Sambasiva or Parvati and Paramesvara.

If Rahu joins Karakamsa, the person will worship evil spirits and Durga.

If Ketu joins Karakamsa, the person becomes a devotee of Ganesa and Kumaraswami.

If Sani (saturn) occupies the Karakamsa falling in an evil sign, the person becomes a great devotee of evil spirits.

If Sukra (venus) occupies the evil Karakamsa, the person will worship devils, spirits, etc.

If the 6th from Amatyakaraka (AmK) joins evil Karakamsa, the person devotes himself to the worship of evil spirits.

If the 5th and 9th from the Karakamsa are occupied by evil planets,. the person becomes a Mantrika or magician and will be able to exercise devils and evil spirits.

If the evil planets in the 5th and 9th from Karakamsa have evil conjunctions or aspects, the person becomes a great Mantraic and will be able to root out all evil spirits.

If the evil planets in the 5th and 9th from Karakamsa have beneficial aspects or conjunction, the person will help the people and do them good.

If Sukra (venus) aspects Karakamsa and the Moon, the person becomes an alchemist.

If Karakamsa and Chandra (moon) have the aspect of Budha (mercury), the person becomes a medical man.

If Moon is in the 4th from Karakamsa and has the aspect of Sukra (venus), the person will suffer from white leprosy.

If Kuja (mars) aspects Chandra in the 4th house from the Karakamsa, the man will have serious form of leprosy.

If Chandra (moon) in the 4th from the Karakamsa is aspected by Ketu, the person will have black leprosy.

If the 4th or 5th from Karakamsa is joined by Kuja (mars) and Rahu, the person will suffer from consumption or pthysis.

If such Kuja (mars) and Rahu, started in the above sutra, have the inner aspect, certainly the person will have serious form of consumption.

If the 4th or 5th from the Karakamsa is occupied by Kuja (mars), the person will suffer from excessive sweating, cuts, itches or boils and sores in the body.

If Ketu joins the 4th or 5th from Karakamsa, the man will suffer from Grahani or a kind of glandular disease and from watery diseases like dropsy, diabetes, loose motions, etc.

If the 4th or 5th from the Karakamsa is joined by Rahu and Gulika, there will be suffering from the poisonous effects of rats, cats, etc.

If the 4th from the Karakamsa is joined by Sani (saturn), the person becomes an expert in inflicting wounds. This means he will be skilled in the use of deadly arms.

If Ketu joins the 4th from Karakamsa, the person becomes skilful in preparing clocks, watches and other time indicating machines.

If the 4th from the Karakamsa is combined (or aspected) by Budha (mercury), the person becomes a paramahamsa or a great yogi, or one who bears Palasa Danda, etc., showing Brahmacharya or Sanyasayoga of particular kind.

If the 4th from the Karakamsa is occupied by Rahu, he will become proficient in preparing machinery out of metals or a clever mechanic.

If Ravi (sun) joins the 4th from Karakamsa, the person lives by his sword.

If Kuja (mars) joins the 4th from Karakamsa, he will live by the profession of using Kuntayudha, maces and long sticks.

If Chandra (moon) and Guru (jupiter) are in the Karakamsa or in the 5th from it, the person will become an author and will live by writing books.

If Chandra (moon) and Sukra (venus) join Karakamsa or the 5th house from it, the person becomes an ordinary author.

The person becomes still less famous than in the above Sutra if Budha (mercury) joins Chandra instead of Sukra (venus) in Karakamsa or the 5th from it.

If Sukra (venus) joins Karakamsa or the 5th from it, the person becomes a great poet; an eloquent speaker and well versed in poetry and literature.

If Guru (jupiter) joins the Karakamsa or the 5th from it, he will be an all-round man and will know many branches of knowledge, well read in sciences and author of various works. He becomes a versatile genius.

In the above combination of Guru (jupiter), though a person becomes learned he will not become a good speaker nor possess powers of eloquence.

If Guru (jupiter) joins Karakamsa or the 5th from it, the person becomes learned in Vyakarana or Grammar, Vedic literature and Vedangas.

If Sani (saturn) joins Karakamsa or the 5th from it, the person becomes nervous in an assembly.

If Budha joins 1st or 5th of Karakamsa, he w ill shine as a Meemamsaka.

If Kuja (mars) joins 1st or 5th of Karakamsa, the person will become a great logician.

If Chandra (moon) joins 1st or 5th of Karakamsa, the person becomes clever in sankhyasastra, learned in language, poetry, drama and attendant subjects, will have great proficiency in music and other accomplishments.

If Ravi (sun) combines in 1st or 5th of Karakamsa, the person will become a great Vedantist and musician.

If Ketu combines in above houses, the person becomes well versed in mathematics.

If in the above combinations of planets, Guru (jupiter) joins or aspects, knowledge in the different branches will be well founded and regularly trained as per principles of those sciences.

The results ascribed for planetary positions in the 1st and 5th from Karakamsa will also hold good for similar positions in the 2nd from Karakamsa.

Bha stands for 4 and Ya denotes 1= 41, reversed we get 14, divided by 12, the remainder is 2. Sada =Sa stands for 7, Da stands for 8 = 78, in the inverse order we have 87, divided by 12, the balance is 3. By this the author means, all those results from the positions of the planets in the 1st and the Karakamsa must or may be predicted by the combination of the above planets in the 2nd and 3rd houses from the Karakamsa.

Ketu in the 2nd from Karakamsa, aspected by evil planets, will make the person indistinct or a slow speaker.

If evil planets are found in the 2nd and 8th houses from Janma Lagna or the Arudha Lagna, the person will suffer from Kemadruma Yoga or combination for great poverty. The same results apply to the positions of planets in the 3rd from Karakamsa.

If Chandra (moon) aspects the evil planets in the above combination, the person suffers from abject poverty. The majority consider poverty as a great curse.

The results, mentioned in all the combinations above named, will be experienced during all the Dasas of Rasis or in their Antardasas or periods and subperiods of the zodiacal signs.

The colour or complexion of the person, yellow dark, golden or white must be predicted from the nature of the Navamsa occupied by the Atmakaraka.

Take the planet next in degrees to Amatya. karaka and find out from him the religious tendencies of the person.

If evil planets occupy Atmakarakamsa Rasi, the person will be born of adultery.

If the Atmakaraka is himself evil and other evil planets are not with him, then the evil in the above sutra should not be attributed.

If Sani (saturn) and Rahu are in conjunction with Atmakarakamsa Rasi, the person will become a notorious rake.

If in the Atmakarakamsa other evil planets than Sani (saturn) and Rahu are conjoined, the person will not be born to another's seed, but his mother will be immoral.

If shubha Shadwarga arises in the Atmakarakamsa in the above-mentioned yogas, there will be scandal about his legitimacy but he will be really born of his father's seed.

If there are two planets in the Atmakarakamsa, the person will become a leader in his community.

If the 3rd and 6th houses from Atmakaraka are equal or if they are joined by malefics, there will be Rajayogas.

If the lords of the 3rd and 6th from Lagna and Atmakaraka aspect the latter or if the planets in those houses aspect them and if the lord of the 5th aspect them, the person becomes extremely intelligent.

If Sukra (venus) and Chandra (moon) occupy the 4th from Atmakaraka, the person will have the paraphernalia of royalty, viz., Nagara or drums, Noubhat, music Chatras umbrellas, Chamaras or tufts of hair-fans which attendants keep waving about the royal personage and other signs and emblems of royal state.