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Hare Rama Krishna

LESSON#!5: LAGNA BHAVA

1. LAGNA & SUDARSHANA CHAKRA PRINCIPLE

1.1 The first house is also called Tanu1 Bhava and lords of matters of health. It
indicates the intelligence of the native and his intrinsic nature, peculiar makeup
etc. The Sun indicates the true self and is the Naisargika Karaka (Natural
Significator). Similarly, the Moon is Mana Karaka and rules the mind that has
its seat in the intelligence of the brain. It is for this reason that the Sudarshan
Chakra is drawn to study the varying influences on the first and other houses
from Lagna, Surya Lagna & Chandra Lagna.
1.2 The Surya Chakra gives the natural vitality of the chart and the strength and
weaknesses inherent in the planets at the time of birth. Maharshi Jaimini
teaches about the Physical body in the Fourth Chapter First Quarter. In the
very first Sloka he states that "Pith Dineshayoh Prani dehah' i.e. the stronger2
between the Sun sign and Lagna shall represent the Deha (Body) of the native.
This is also the Kendra3 of the Dharma Trikona4 and hence, Vishnu is the
presiding deity of the Lagna. The nature of a person to have a set of life
principles and to adhere to them is seen from planets in the Dharma Trikona.
1.3 Maharshi Jaimini gives another vital secret about the Moon sign in the next
Sloka "Labha Chandrayoh Prani h rid ay ant i.e. the stronger of the seventh
houses from the Moon and the Lagna shall determine the qualities of the heart
of the native. This can also imply all desires and hence the seventh house
becomes the primary seat of the trines of desire (i.e. it is the Kendra Bhava
among the Kaama Trikona). The desires of a person and the scope of
fulfillment of all desires are seen from the seventh house from the Moon and
Lagna.
1.4 According to the Pacha kadi Sanibandha (Bhavartha Ratnakara of Vyankatesh
Sarma), the sixth house from the Sun and the twelfth house from the Moon act
as its enemies. While the sixth house from the Sun is easy to understand as
the Sun is akin to Lagna, the 12th house from the Moon is the sixth from the
seventh house (desires) and thus acts as an obstruction to the desires. Thus,
the Lagna Bhava and its seventh become the Satya Peetha or the houses
where truth about the self and the cause of rebirth respectively, shall prevail.
Assignment:
Q1: What are the primary combinations for heart disease? Which deity should be
worshipped to have a strong heart and hence, long life?
Q2: Which deity is the natural protector of Dharma and is the Human being a
replica / created in the mould of this deity? What is the significance of the three
syllable mantra given in the Bhagavat Gita?
Q3: Why is the eastern horizon taken as the first house or Lagna? Why not the
mid-heaven or western horizon or any other sign?
1
2
Tan-Body; Bhava-House
The strength of Bhava's as given by IVfeharishi Jaimini should be used. In all such cases, the Sun or Moon as the
case
3
maybe for Surya Lagna/ Chandra Lagna should be initially ignored.
Kendra- Quadrant like 1,4,7,10 from any house become its quadrants. Planets in mutual quadrants tend to help
each other towards fulfillment of their objectives.
4
Trikona - trine like 1,5,9 from any house become its trims. Planets in trines tend to openly support the objective
that has to be achieved. This is the most harmonious aspect among the planets.
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2. THE BODY & APPEARANCE
2.1 The different parts of the body are to be reckoned from Lagna or Chandra
Lagna, whichever is stronger is the third Sloka in the same Chapter/Quarter by
Maharishi Jaimini. Thus, the Moon has a telling influence on the sustenance of
the body. It is a well known dictum that the process of creation or
starting/initiation of a Rajyoga including birth is controlled by the Sun whereas
the Moon governs its sustenance. Saravali is very specific about this point.
Since the body has already been created at the time of birth, the Moon governs
its sustenance in this worid. If the Moon is strong, then a host of Balarishta
Yoga's will fail just like the exalted Moon in the chart of Bhagavan Sri Krishna
destroying all the evils that the Lord faced as a baby. Look at the analogies in
Jyotish- Sukla Paksha is akin to Vishnu while Krishna Paksha is like Shiva;
Sukla Paksha is like the Sun (Rama) while Krishna Paksha is like the Moon
(Krishna). In another analogy, Brahma is the Creator, Vishnu is the sustainer
and Shiva is the destroyer of the bondageof birth. Thus, Vishnu avatar's must
have a strong Moon in the Lagna to confirm this aspect of their inner nature.
That is why in the charts of Bhagavan Sri Rama & Sri Krishna, the Moon is in
Lagna in great strength. What is more, since Moon is the natural sustainer, the
highest Avatar manifestation of Bhagavan is as Krishna (Moon Avatar) in this
world.
2.2 Parasara teaches (Sloka 11.2) that the Lagna Bhava indicates the body type
(physiqye), looks / appearance, intelligence, complexion and other strengths
and weaknesses
2.2.1 PHYSIQUE & LOOKS: The nature of the Lagna sign in the Rasi and Navamsa
has a telling impact on the physical attributes. Details of each rising Navamsa
of every Rasi have been given in Nasta Jatakam by Mukunda Daivagya and
other works. This will be further altered by the presence of planets in the
Lagna.
2.2.1.1 Generally, fiery signs give a robust physique and strong spine, earthy signs
give a bony muscular structure, airy signs dry up the body and make it thin
and watery signs add fluids and make the body soft and fat. Parasara adds
that if the Lagna or Moon is conjunct or aspected by a malefic planet and is
devoid of the aspect or conjunction of a benefic planet, poor health will
result (BPHS: 12-3).
2.2.1.2 The lordship of the sign also has a telling impact on the physique/looks just
like the presence of planets in it. The impact of the planets in the sign will
have a greater influence. Mars indicates a more muscular and energetic
countenance while the Sun makes the body heavier due to strong bones.
However, Mars indicates a lot of wavy/curly hair while the sun can indicate
baldness or straight hair. In both the cases, the eyes are light brown or
tawny. Jupiter adds weight and composure to the figure and can produce the
divine looking Greek God types of physique to overweight ones. The hair is
generally straight to wavy. Brunettes and blondes come under his sign. The
Moon and Venus gives very delicate and good-looking features and a soft
body due to their watery nature. The eyes are beautiful with big eyelashes.
Mercury is child-like and has a fine skin, in fact the best skin is given by
Mercury. Saturn gives a lanky figure (with curly hair) that looks older than
ones age. The body is emaciated but can also be very muscular like
rawhide. In general, a benefic planet in the Lagna gives a pleasing and
attractive appearance while a malefic makes the person repulsive and spoils
the looks (BPHS 12-4). Both benefic and malefic planets influencing the
Lagna contribute to the appearance, but the planet placed in Lagna shall
predominate. The aspect of a benefic planet gives good health and speedy
recovery from diseases (BPHS 12-4). Mercury, Jupiter and Venus are
considered first rate benefic planets in this regard.
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2.2.2 COMPLEXION: As regards complexion, Jupiter and Moon are of fair
complexion; Mars and Sun indicate a wheatish/tawny complexion (people ruled
by and under the influence of these planets normally try Sun tanning etc.);
Venus is middling to dark while Saturn and Mercury are dark. The signs ruled
by these planets will, accordingly alter the complexion of the native. Rahu is
dark and ugly, rather repulsive while Ketu can be very attractive (dangerously
beautiful like Kandarpa the God of Love).
3. ARISTHA5 YOGA & ANTIDOTE
3.1 ARISTHA: A detailed discussion on longevity is outside this lesson. However,
we shall discuss the general principles concerning evils and good results for
health etc. Parasara has (strictly) debarred the prediction of longevity for any
chart till after the 24th year of age (BPHS 9-2). Most other authors have said
that this can be done after the 12th year of age. We stick to Parasara for the
simple reason that till the age of 24 the native is under the strong influence of
the Karma of Mother, Father and self respectively.
3.2 UNDERSTANDING ARISTHA YOGA: Parasara and others have listed various
combinations for premature death and other evils to near and dear ones. It is
next to impossible to remember all of them. If the principles behind these
combinations are understood, then it will be easier for the Jyotisha to apply
them while studying charts. Some of them are being discussed here.
3.2.1 A weak Moon in a Dusthana6 aspected by a malefic planet indicates
Balarishtha (death before 8 years). Should a benefic planet aspect this
combination, then the longevity is around 8 years [BPHS 9-3]. As explained
earlier, the Moon is the natural sustainer of the chart and if ill placed, weak and
afflicted, sustenance in this world becomes difficult or impossible resulting in
premature death. A benefic planet aspecting this combination of evil will only
provide some succor but cannot end the evil.
3.2.2 If (when the Moon is weak and ill placed as above) the benefic planet is
retrograde in a Dusthana and is aspected by a malefic planet, then the child
dies within a month [BPHS 9-4]. Parasara has given a wealth of information in
this single Sloka, especially about the ways to understand retrogression.
3.2.2.1 To understand retrogression, we need to divide the planets into three groups
with the Luminaries (Sun & Moon) in the first as they are always in direct
motion; the Nodes (Rahu & Ketu) in the second group as they are always
retrograde; the remaining five planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn &
Venus) symbolizing the Pancha-Tatwa fall into the group for examination
(five elemental forms of all matter/energy) and are either retrograde ordirect
or stationary •
3.2.2.2 The Luminaries symbolize the life principle by lording the Hora's8. Thus,
planets in direct motion are akin to the Luminaries while those in retrograde
motion are like the Nodes and indicate the death principle.
3.2.2.3 Rahu represents the desires that have remained from the previous birth and
hence, in a way, the retrograde planets indicate strong desires pertaining to
their Karakatwa9. For example, if Jupiter is retrograde, there maybe a strong
desire pertaining to progeny and that this maybe achieved after a prolonged
effort and various remedial measures or medical intervention. If Venus is
retrograde, the desire for love may take very perverted forms. Ketu
represents the denial (either self imposed or forced by circumstances) of

5
6
Aristha like in Balarishtha implies great evils like premature death, loss of limbs or means of sustenance etc.
Dusta means bad or evil and Sthana means place or house in this context. Dusthana refers to the bad houses i.e.
^7 h, 8,h and 12,h houses.
Stationary is the short duration between direct and retrograde motions.
Parasara defines the use of the Hora fa "Dhanam" and the first form of "Dhanam" is life sustaining food.
"Naidhanam"
9
means death.
Karakatwa (derived from Karaka) means signification.
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desires and hence, retrograde planets can also behave like Ketu. For
example, a retrograde Jupiter may deny progeny and adoption or other
methods of acquisition like through mating with other relatives maybe
resorted to. If Venus is retrograde, then this may result in a denial of
marriage and the native can become a priest or remain a forced bachelor
throughout life. The moot point is to study the various indications of the
planet in detail and then if retrograde, declare that these desires are from
past life karma.
Chart 1: Male born 7Aug 1963 ; 9-15' PMIST; 21N28' 84E01'
Jup
/tec Rahu / Jup \ Moon

/tec Sat (R)

Ven YX xx
Moon Rasi Sun

Sanjay Rath \l3/

Rahu 3 X 9 Ketu AL )
Sat (R) August 7, 1963 Merc / 6\
9:15 pm (1ST)
83 E 53, 21 N 27 Sun HL
AL GL Ven Mars GL
Ketu HL Mars
Merc

Asc; 14 Pi 04 Sun; 21 Cn 04 ( BK) Moon; 19 Aq 59 ( MK) Mars: 1 3 Vi 40 ( PK)

Merc; 13 Le 23 ( GK) Jup; 26 Pi 07 (AmK) Ven: 14 Cn 56 (PiK) Sat (R): 26 Cp 49 ( AK)
Rahu; 25 Ge 45 ( DK) Ketu; 25 Sg 45 HL; 13 Sc 19 GL: 2 Sc 38
In Chart 1, Saturn is the Atmakaraka and is placed in the 11th house. This
shows knowledge and a strong desire to learn Astrology and the occult sciences.
Being the Atmakaraka, it is placed in the Karakamsa in Virgo (Navamsa Chart). This
shows following the tradition and the footsteps of his family elders like his grandfather
who was a learned Jyotish. Since the retrograde planet is associated with the
Atmakaraka this is the single strongest desire of the native that will overshadow all
other desires.
Timing is best done from the Narayana Dasa. With the advent of Capricorn
Narayana Dasa, the native threw away his comfortable Government job to set up a
business and his dream called "Sri Jagannath Vedic Centre". When will this fructify?
3.2.2.4 Natural benefic planets placed in evil houses like the 3rd, 6th, 8th, 11thor12th
house can become weak and very evil whereas malefic planets placed in
these houses give good results. When a benefic planet is so placed and is
also retrograde, it becomes all the more evil, and if afflicted by malefic
planets by aspect, then Parasara says that it can cause Balarishtha. As a
corollary, a malefic planet if placed in a Dusthana orTrika house gives good
results and if retrograde, it shall become all the more beneficial. Further
details on retrogression later.
3.2.3 The newborn shall immediately depart for Yamaloka10 if Saturn is in Lagna,
Moon is in the eighth house and Jupiter is in the third house [BPHS 9-9]. These
are Marana Karaka Sthana for these planets. When a planet is in Marana
Karaka Sthana, the Narayana Dasa of its sign shall cause a lot of destruction
and suffering. Death may also result. If the Moon and Saturn are so placed
10
Yama is the God of death and rides a Buffalo. He is also called Dharmaraja. Study the episode of Satyavan &
Savitri and reflect on the importance of the SEVEN STEPS THAT SAVITRI (GAYATRI) TOOK WITH YAMA. Thus,
Yamaloka refers to the abode of the departed souls or the house of the dead.
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(note that these planets are involved in one of the Ayur Sutras in the three pair
method of longevity analysis) then longevity is at stake. To add fuel to fire, if
Jupiter the greatest protection in any chart is also so placed, then immediate
death shall occur.
3.2.4 In the Hora Chakra11 (Parasara uses the term Horayam), if the Sun is in the 9th
house, Saturn in the 7th house (Santanam's version has a misprint of Mars
here) and Jupiter and Venus are in the 11th house, the child survives for a
month [BPHS 9-10]. I am not giving an explanation for this now. Some of the
Hora Charts have been explained in my translation of the Jaimini Sutra. Suffice
is to say that even Parasara is not referring to the Hora Chart where all the
planets are in the two signs Cancer & Leo. There are other Hora Charts that
will be taught in due course of time.
3.2.5 The weak Moon afflicted by malefic planets should be placed in Lagna, Ninth
or Seventh house or and neither aspected nor conjoined any benefic planet is
capable of giving premature death [BPHS 9-12].
3.2.6 If birth is in the Sandhya , Moon Hora or Gandanta as the Moon and malefic
planets are in quadrants, then Balarishta occurs [BPHS 9-13]. In both the
above Sloka's the emphasis is on the Moon being in quadrants ortrines under
the affliction of malefic planets and without any relief from benefic planets by
way of conjunction or aspect.
3.3 ANTIDOTES FOR ARISTHA: Parasara has emphasized the examination of
Aristha Yoga and its antidotes before venturing into predictions. The antidotes
are the real protection in any chart.
3.3.1 Parasara teaches that should either of Mercury, Jupiter or Venus be in
quadrants to Lagna, then like the Sun eliminating darkness, the Aristha Yoga's
in the chart are annulled (BPHS 10-2). Parasara has, time and again,
emphasized the importance of these three planets Mercury, Jupiter and Venus
while discussing about the Lagna. Mercury and Jupiter can add great strength
to any sign as explained by Jaimini (Second source of strength) and
Varahamihira (Brihat Jataka). Parasara adds "just as a single reverential bow
to the trident holder (Shiva) destroys the sins of many lives, so also a strong
Jupiter in Lagna can check all the evils/Aristha Yoga (BPHS 10-3). Thus,
Jaimini has correctly pointed out the tradition of Devata as Vishnu (Mercury)
and Samba-Shiva (Jupiter). Venus mostly represents Shakti/ Lakshmi/different
aspects of the Mother Goddess. These three planets indicate the three main
streams of Hinduism.
3.3.2 Parasara adds that the Lord of Lagna if strong in a quadrant is capable of
effectively destroying all the evils just like Pinaki15 the destroyer of the three
cities (of gold, silver and iron built by the demon 'Maya') [BPHS 10-4]. Heie
again, Parasara implies the following (a) that the Lord of Lagna in strength can
counter any evil. This is an important clue for Vedic remedies as that of the
Lord of Lagna is the greatest protection against all evils and (b) that the sign
occupied by the Lord of Lagna (called Paka Lagna) is akin to Guru (Shiva) and
that by implication, Jupiter is the Karaka for the Paka Lagna.
3.3.3 If birth is in the night in Sukla Paksha, a benefic planet aspecting Lagna is
singularly capable of destroying all evils. Similarly, if birth is in the day time in
Krishna Paksha, then also the aspect of a benefic planet on Lagna destroys
11
12
D-2 Chart is called Hora Chakra.
Santanam's version of BPHS has a typing error in translating "Dharmd' as 8,h house instead of the 9,h house. It
shows the manner in which his manuscript was seized by the publisher and printed without his correction. He had
refused
13
to translate Vol-2, which was done by another astrologer.
In the next Slcka pPHS 9-14] Parasara defines Sandhya as a perbd of 3 Ghati's before (Sunrise) and after
(Sunset) the sight of the semi-disc of the Sun. The sight is referred to by the sage indicating apparent time of Sunrise/
Sunset
14
i.e. including the corrections for refraction etc.
Gandanta is roughly defined as the placement of Moon (or Lagna) in the last Navamsa of watery signs or the first
Navamsa
15
of fiery signs.
Pinaki - derived from Pinaka meaning Spear or Bow. Hence Pinaki refers to Shiva as the weilder cf the Trishula
(trident/spear) or the bow.
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many evils [BPHS 10-5]. The interpretation of Santanam thatif birth is in the
day time in Krishna Paksha, then the aspect of a malefic planet on Lagna
destroys many evils" is not correct. The word used by Parasara is "Vipareetam
Krishnapakshe.." implying the reverse of "night time" i.e. the same yoga of
benefic aspect on Lagna stands good during the day time of Krishna Paksha.
To extend the "Vipareetam" to malefic planets instead of benefic planets is
stretching things too far as Parasara has earlier given various Sloka indicating
that the aspect of malefic planets on the Lagna is very inauspicious.
Assignment:
Q4: Describe the physical attributes and looks of this actress.

GL \ Rahu Sat (R)

HL Moon
/tec Jup
Ketu !x\ Xx
Rasi Mars

Chart Sophia Loren \j/

[3 X 6 Sun Merc ^
Sat (R) AL
Moon September 20,1934 Ven / 3 \
Ratu 2:10 pm (1:00 East)
12 E 30, 41 N 53 Ven
Merc /^\\ AL
/tec Jup Sun
HL Mars
/ GL Ketu
Asc; 12 Sg 32 Sun; 3 Vi 56 ( GK) Moon; 27 Cp 48 (AmK) Mars: 20Cn15(MK)
Merc; 22 Vi 58 ( BK) Jup; 2 Li 43 ( DK) Ven; 18Le41(PiK) Sat (R); 29 Cp 36 ( AK)
Rahu: 14 Cp 43 ( PK) Ketu: 14Cn43 HL: 11Ta17 GL: 22 Ta 49
Q5: List the types of food liked by the Navagraha and determine the foods that
contribute to good health. Is it better to become a Vegetarian?
Q6: A peculiar remedy for Bronchitis and Asthma in South India is the swallowing
of a single small fish stuffed with medicinal herbs during a particular week of the
year. Once consumed, this has been found to give miraculous cure to the chronic
patients of respiratory disorders. Why does this happen?
Q7: Study BPHS Sloka's 9-5 to 9-8, Sloka 9-11 and Sloka's 9-15 to 9-24 and
explain the principle behind them.
Q8: Study BPHS Sloka's 10-6 to 10-9 and explain the principle behind them.
Q9: Explain the presence of a powerful Yoga for protection and destruction of
Balarishta in the chart of Sri Krishna.
Q10: Why was He attacked by so many evils like "Putana the demoness who came
to feed Him milk" or by the "Crane beak demon"? which planets indicate the evil
and how will you time this evil? Was his maternal uncle really involved behind all
this?
Q11: How do the Rajyoga begin after the killing of His maternal uncle Kamsa?
What are the combinations that show Krishna as a great wrestler?
Q12: Is the episode of Govardhana hill being uprooted to protect His followers from
the ire of Indra (Jupiter) a myth or is there some indication in the chart? Who won
and why? What is the significance of this? What was the promise given by Sri
Krishna? Does Jupiter become a benefic and follower of Krishna? In what form
do we see this in the Mahabharata?
Q13: What is the Dharma of Sri Krishna and what are His desires? Is there a strong
desire to establish Dharma?

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Q14: Which part(s) of His body were weak and why? What was His longevity i.e.
period of stay in this world? Will Vimsottari Dasa work in such a case or is
Narayana the only Dasa that can function?

Chart 2: Bhagavan Sri Krishna

Moon
HL Moon\^
Rahu\
Mars Asc HL
Ven jx /X 2
Ven
Rasi Mars GL. y
GL Ralu
Chart 1 \ 2/
Sun i X U
Ketu July 1 9,-3227 Sun X 8 \
11:50 pm (5:11 East) AL \
77 E 41, 27 N 30 Merc Ketu
Jup Jup Sat
Sat Merc /"x
AL

Asc; 16 Ta 24 Sun; 1 8 Le 08 ( AK) Moon; 16 Ta 14 ( BK) Mars; 3 Cn 12 ( PK)

Merc: 1 Vi 49 ( GK) Jup; 1 Vi 22 ( DK) Ven; 15 Cn 23 (PiK) Sat; 17 So 02 (AmK)
Rahu; 14 Cn 32 ( MK) Ketu; 14 Cp 32 HL; 13 Pi 51 GL; 23 Cn 35

To be continued Lesson#15A

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