Vedic Astrology Glossary
Plain-English definitions for every major Vedic astrology (Jyotish) term — from Kundli and Lagna to Nakshatra, Dasha, and Panchang. Reference guide for beginners and practitioners alike.
Core Concepts
- Kundli
- A Vedic birth chart (Janam Kundli) showing planetary positions at the time of birth, used for astrological analysis and life predictions.
- Lagna
- The Ascendant or rising sign in a Vedic birth chart, representing the self, physical body, personality, and life path.
- Rashi
- Zodiac sign or Moon sign in Vedic astrology. There are 12 Rashis (Mesha to Meena) corresponding to the 12 zodiac signs.
- Nakshatra
- A lunar mansion or star constellation in Vedic astrology. There are 27 Nakshatras, each with unique characteristics, ruling deities, and influences.
- Yoga
- A specific planetary combination or configuration in Vedic astrology that produces particular results or effects in a person's life.
- Dosha
- An affliction or defect in a birth chart caused by specific planetary placements, such as Mangal Dosha (Mars affliction) or Kaalsarp Dosha (planets between Rahu and Ketu).
- Muhurat
- An auspicious time or moment for undertaking important activities such as weddings, housewarming (Griha Pravesh), or business launches, calculated using Vedic astrological principles.
- Nadi
- An ancient system of Vedic astrology based on Nadi Nakshatra principles, focused on specific life events and their precise timing through planetary period analysis.
- Shubh Muhurat
- An auspicious or favorable time determined by Vedic astrology for beginning important life events such as marriage, housewarming, or business ventures.
Planets (Grahas)
- Graha
- Planet in Vedic astrology. The nine primary Grahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Node), and Ketu (South Node).
- Karka
- Significator or indicator planet in Vedic astrology. Each planet naturally signifies specific life areas: Sun for soul/father, Moon for mind/mother, Mars for energy, Mercury for intellect, Jupiter for wisdom, Venus for love/marriage, Saturn for karma, Rahu for desires, Ketu for spirituality.
Houses (Bhavas)
- Bhava
- House in Vedic astrology. There are 12 Bhavas representing different areas of life: self (1st), wealth (2nd), siblings (3rd), family (4th), children (5th), health (6th), marriage (7th), longevity (8th), fortune (9th), career (10th), gains (11th), and losses (12th).
Dasha Periods
- Dasha
- Planetary period system in Vedic astrology. The Vimshottari Dasha system uses a 120-year cycle of planetary periods to predict the timing of life events.
- Mahadasha
- Major planetary period in the Vimshottari Dasha system, ruled by one of the nine planets for a specific number of years (ranging from 6 to 20 years).
- Antardasha
- Sub-period within a Mahadasha, providing more precise timing of events. Each Mahadasha contains Antardashas of all nine planets in a specific order.
- Pratyantardasha
- Sub-sub-period within an Antardasha, used for highly precise event timing in Vedic astrology predictions.
- Vimshottari Dasha
- The most widely used Dasha system in Vedic astrology, with a 120-year cycle of planetary periods calculated based on the Moon's Nakshatra at the time of birth.
Doshas & Afflictions
- Mangal Dosha
- A condition in Vedic astrology where Mars (Mangala) is placed in certain houses (1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th), traditionally considered challenging for marriage harmony.
- Kaalsarp Dosha
- A yogic condition where all planets are positioned between Rahu and Ketu in the birth chart, creating a serpent-like pattern believed to cause obstacles and delays.
Transits & Gochar
- Sade Sati
- A 7.5-year period of Saturn's transit over the natal Moon in a birth chart, considered a phase of transformation, challenges, and karmic lessons in Vedic astrology.
- Gochar
- Planetary transit in Vedic astrology — the current movement of planets through zodiac signs relative to the positions in one's birth chart.
Compatibility & Marriage
- Ashtakoot Milan
- The 8-category compatibility scoring system used in Kundli matching for marriage. It evaluates Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Graha Maitri, Gana, Bhakoot, and Nadi — totaling 36 Gunas (points).
- Guna
- Points or qualities in Kundli matching. Each of the 8 Ashtakoot categories awards a specific number of Gunas, with a minimum of 18 out of 36 required for marriage compatibility.
- Kundli Matching
- The process of comparing two individuals' birth charts for marriage compatibility using Ashtakoot Guna Milan, Mangal Dosha analysis, and other Vedic compatibility systems.
Chart Types
Panchang & Muhurat
- Tithi
- Lunar day in the Hindu calendar system. There are 30 Tithis in a lunar month, each with specific qualities used for determining auspicious and inauspicious timings.
- Panchang
- The five-limbed Hindu calendar system consisting of Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (constellation), Yoga (auspicious moment), and Karana (half-day).
- Rahu Kaal
- An inauspicious period of approximately 90 minutes each day, ruled by Rahu (the North Lunar Node), during which important or new activities are traditionally avoided.
- Choghadiya
- A muhurat system dividing day and night into 8 periods each, with specific qualities (good/bad) for undertaking different activities.
Horoscope
- Rashifal
- Hindi term for horoscope or zodiac sign predictions. Typically published as daily (aaj ka rashifal), weekly, monthly, or yearly forecasts for each of the 12 zodiac signs.
Technical
- Swiss Ephemeris
- High-precision astronomical ephemeris used by Zodia for sub-arc-second accurate planetary position calculations, ensuring authentic and accurate Vedic chart generation.
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