Chara Karaka Calculator
Enter the degrees of planets from your birth chart. Enter only the degrees within the sign (0-30°), not cumulative degrees from Aries 0°.
Your Chara Karakas
Discover Your Soul's Purpose
Unlock the ancient wisdom of Jaimini Astrology and calculate your Chara Karakas to understand your life's true direction
What is Jaimini Astrology?
Jaimini astrology is a unique branch of Vedic astrology developed by Sage Jaimini. Unlike traditional Parashari astrology, Jaimini uses a revolutionary system based on sign aspects rather than planetary aspects, and employs movable significators called Chara Karakas.
Key Features of Jaimini System
Chara Karakas
Movable planetary significators that vary from chart to chart based on planetary degrees
Rashi Drishti
Sign-based aspects where movable signs aspect fixed signs, providing a broader perspective
Chara Dasha
Unique sign-based timing system for accurate life event predictions
Understanding Chara Karakas
Chara Karakas are variable planetary significators determined by the degrees occupied by planets in your birth chart. The planet with the highest degree becomes the Atmakaraka (soul significator), and others follow in descending order.
The 7 Primary Chara Karakas
| Karaka | Rank | Significance | Life Area |
|---|---|---|---|
| Atmakaraka (AK) | 1st (Highest Degree) | Soul & Self | Soul's desire, ego, identity, primary life purpose |
| Amatyakaraka (AmK) | 2nd | Career & Intellect | Profession, advisor, minister, career path, wealth |
| Bhratrukaraka (BK) | 3rd | Siblings & Courage | Brothers, sisters, courage, communication, initiatives |
| Matrukaraka (MK) | 4th | Mother & Emotions | Mother, emotional nourishment, comfort, property |
| Putrakaraka (PK) | 5th | Children & Creativity | Children, education, creativity, intelligence, speculation |
| Gnatikaraka (GK) | 6th | Obstacles & Relatives | Enemies, diseases, debts, maternal relatives, conflicts |
| Darakaraka (DK) | 7th (Lowest Degree) | Spouse & Relationships | Marriage partner, committed relationships, intimacy |
Detailed Karaka Meanings & Predictions
1. Atmakaraka (AK) - The Soul Significator
Core Meaning: The planet with highest degree represents your soul's deepest desires and the primary lesson you're here to learn in this lifetime.
Predictions by Planet:
- Sun as AK: Life lesson involves developing humility and learning to listen to others. You may struggle with ego but are here to become a leader who serves.
- Moon as AK: Emotional mastery is your journey. You must learn to nurture others while not losing yourself in their emotions.
- Mars as AK: Courage and controlled aggression are your lessons. Transform anger into constructive action and leadership.
- Mercury as AK: Communication and intellect define your path. Speak truth but learn when silence is wiser.
- Jupiter as AK: Wisdom and teaching are your calling. Share knowledge while remaining humble and open to learning.
- Venus as AK: Love, beauty, and relationships teach you. Balance material pleasures with spiritual growth.
- Saturn as AK: Discipline and service through suffering. Help others overcome their pain while managing your own.
2. Amatyakaraka (AmK) - Career & Profession
Core Meaning: This planet reveals your professional strengths, career path, and how you serve in the world.
Career Indications:
- Sun: Government, authority positions, administration, politics
- Moon: Public dealing, hospitality, nursing, counseling, food industry
- Mars: Military, police, engineering, sports, surgery
- Mercury: Business, communication, writing, accounting, technology
- Jupiter: Teaching, law, spirituality, advisory roles, finance
- Venus: Arts, entertainment, fashion, luxury goods, beauty industry
- Saturn: Labor-intensive work, mining, agriculture, service sector
3. Bhratrukaraka (BK) - Siblings & Courage
Indicates relationship with siblings, your courage level, and ability to take initiatives. Strong BK gives good siblings and bravery; weak BK may indicate conflicts with siblings or lack of courage.
4. Matrukaraka (MK) - Mother & Emotional Foundation
Shows your relationship with mother, emotional security, and property matters. Strong MK indicates nurturing mother and emotional stability; afflicted MK may show maternal challenges or emotional insecurity.
5. Putrakaraka (PK) - Children & Creativity
Reveals matters related to children, education, intelligence, and creative pursuits. Strong PK blesses with good children and creativity; weak PK may delay children or cause educational challenges.
6. Gnatikaraka (GK) - Obstacles & Health
Indicates health issues, enemies, debts, and obstacles in life. Paradoxically, a strong GK can help overcome enemies and diseases, while weak GK may increase vulnerability to these issues.
7. Darakaraka (DK) - Spouse & Marriage
Core Meaning: The planet with lowest degree indicates the nature of your spouse and marriage experience.
Spouse Characteristics:
- Sun: Dignified, authoritative spouse; may have ego conflicts
- Moon: Emotional, caring spouse; needs emotional security
- Mars: Active, courageous spouse; possible conflicts
- Mercury: Intellectual, communicative spouse; business-minded
- Jupiter: Wise, spiritual spouse; expansive relationship
- Venus: Loving, beautiful spouse; harmonious marriage
- Saturn: Mature, responsible spouse; delayed but stable marriage
How to Calculate Chara Karakas
Step-by-Step Process:
- Get Your Birth Chart: Obtain your complete birth chart from any Vedic astrology software or astrologer.
- Note Planet Degrees: Write down the degree of each planet within its sign (0-30°). For example, if Jupiter is at Cancer 19°22', note it as 19.37 degrees (converting minutes to decimal).
- Rank the Planets: Arrange all seven planets (Sun through Saturn) in descending order of their degrees.
- Assign Karakas: The planet with highest degree = Atmakaraka, second highest = Amatyakaraka, and so on, with lowest degree = Darakaraka.
Converting Minutes to Decimal
To convert minutes to decimal degrees, divide the minutes by 60. For example:
- 19°22' = 19 + (22 ÷ 60) = 19 + 0.37 = 19.37°
- 14°15' = 14 + (15 ÷ 60) = 14 + 0.25 = 14.25°
- 3°12' = 3 + (12 ÷ 60) = 3 + 0.20 = 3.20°
Important Considerations
Degrees vs Minutes: Some traditional texts emphasize comparing minutes and seconds when degrees are equal, making calculations very precise.
7 vs 8 Karakas: There's debate whether to include Pitrukaraka (8th karaka). The 7-karaka system is more widely used and what this calculator implements.
Using Karakas for Predictions
Karaka Bhava Nashaya Principle
An interesting principle in Jaimini astrology: When a Karaka sits in its own signification house, that area may face challenges. For example, if Putrakaraka sits in the 5th house, there may be issues with children or creativity. This is called Karaka Bhava Nashaya.
Karakas in Houses
Atmakaraka in Different Houses:
- 1st House: Strong personality, self-focused life lessons
- 4th House: Emotional lessons, property matters important
- 7th House: Life lessons through relationships and partnerships
- 10th House: Career defines your soul's journey
- 12th House: Spiritual liberation, foreign connections, losses teach you
Combining with Chara Dasha
Chara Dasha periods ruled by signs containing your Karakas become especially significant. Events related to that Karaka's significations manifest during those periods.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Jaimini and Parashari astrology?
Parashari uses fixed planetary significators and house-based aspects, while Jaimini uses movable Karakas based on degrees and sign-based aspects. Jaimini is considered more event-oriented and karmic in nature.
Why is Atmakaraka so important?
Atmakaraka represents your soul's primary desire and the main karmic lesson you're here to learn. It's the king of your chart and colors every major life experience.
Can Karakas change?
Karakas are fixed at birth based on planetary positions at that moment. They don't change, though their effects manifest differently during various Dasha periods.
Should I use 7 or 8 Karakas?
Both systems exist. The 7-Karaka system (Sun to Saturn) is more commonly used for human births, while some texts mention 8 Karakas including Pitrukaraka for comprehensive analysis.
How accurate is Jaimini astrology?
When properly applied, Jaimini astrology is highly accurate for timing events and understanding karmic patterns. It's particularly effective when combined with traditional Parashari methods.
What if two planets have the same degree?
In such rare cases, compare the minutes and seconds. The planet with higher minutes/seconds ranks higher. If still equal, both planets can share the same Karaka role.
Further Learning
Jaimini astrology is a profound system requiring dedicated study. This calculator provides a basic introduction to Chara Karakas. For deeper insights:
- Study the original Jaimini Sutras
- Learn about Karakamsa (Atmakaraka in Navamsa chart)
- Understand Argala (planetary interventions)
- Master Chara Dasha timing techniques
- Study Arudha Padas (reflected houses)
- Consult with experienced Jaimini astrologers
