Jaimini astrology: Karakas, Arudhas and Chara Dasha
Jaimini Jyotish follows the Jaimini Sutras and works mainly with signs (rashis) rather than the Parashari emphasis on planets and nakshatras. Its main tools are Karakas, Arudha Padas, special aspects and the Chara Dasha.
Chara Karakas
Karakas are assigned by degree, not by fixed planet. The planet with the highest degree within its sign becomes the Atmakaraka (the soul significator); the next highest is the Amatyakaraka, then Bhratrikaraka, Matrikaraka, Putrakaraka, Gnatikaraka and finally Darakaraka. Some schools use seven karakas, others eight with Rahu included; Shiv Parashara supports both.
Arudha Padas and Upapada
The Arudha of a house is its image, how that house is seen from outside. It is found by counting from the house to its lord and the same distance again. The Arudha of the Lagna is the Arudha Lagna (AL), and the Arudha of the twelfth house is the Upapada (UL), used for marriage.
Shiv Parashara shows all twelve Arudha Padas with the counting laid out step by step, and lets you switch how the lord of Scorpio and Aquarius is chosen and how the usual exceptions are handled.
Karakamsha, Swamsha and Argala
- Karakamsha: the Navamsha sign of the Atmakaraka, read as a chart in itself.
- Swamsha: the Atmakaraka's Navamsha sign as a lagna.
- Argala: planets in particular houses from a reference house that support (or are obstructed by) others, with Badhaka marking obstruction.
Chara Dasha
Chara Dasha is a sign-based timing system. Each sign gets a period, and the order and direction depend on the Lagna. It is read together with Arudhas and Karakas, and is a common companion to Vimshottari.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Parashari and Jaimini?
Parashari analysis centres on planets, houses, nakshatras and Vimshottari Dasha. Jaimini centres on signs, aspects between signs, Chara Karakas, Arudhas and the Chara Dasha. Many astrologers use both.
What is Atmakaraka?
The planet at the highest degree in its sign in your chart. It is read as a significator of the soul and its direction.
What is Upapada Lagna?
The Arudha of the twelfth house, used in Jaimini analysis of marriage and partnerships.
Can I see these for my own chart?
Yes. Open your Kundali on Shiv Parashara and use the Jaimini tab.