KP astrology: the Krishnamurti Paddhati
KP astrology was developed by K. S. Krishnamurti. It keeps Vedic sidereal positions but adds a finer subdivision of the zodiac, and judges events mainly from the sub-lord of the relevant house cusp.
The 249 subdivisions
Each of the 27 nakshatras is split into nine unequal parts in proportion to the Vimshottari Dasha years. That gives 243 parts. Where a part would cross a sign boundary it is split in two, which brings the total to 249. Every part has a sign lord, a star lord and a sub lord.
House cusps and significators
KP uses Placidus house cusps rather than whole-sign houses. For every cusp, the sign lord, star lord and sub lord are listed. A house is judged through its significators: planets that sit in it, own it, or occupy the star of its occupants or owner.
The cuspal sub-lord rule
To judge whether an event will happen, KP checks the sub-lord of the relevant cusp (for example the 7th for marriage) and asks whether it signifies the houses that support the event. Timing is then read from Vimshottari Dasha and transits of the significators.
Horary numbers 1 to 249
In KP horary (Prashna), the querent names a number between 1 and 249. The number maps to a sub-division of the zodiac, which becomes the ascendant for the question's chart.
Frequently asked questions
Which ayanamsa does KP use?
Traditionally the Krishnamurti (KP) ayanamsa, which differs slightly from Lahiri. Shiv Parashara lets you choose the ayanamsa.
Why 249 and not 243?
243 is nine sub-divisions in each of 27 nakshatras. Six sub-divisions cross sign boundaries and are split, giving 249.
Is KP the same as Vedic astrology?
KP uses the Vedic sidereal zodiac and Vimshottari Dasha, but its house system and its sub-lord method are its own.