The Planets and Their Karakatvas (Significators) in Vedic Astrology

Sparkling Splendid Surya

Surya (Sun) is the soul of the universe, representing the core self, vitality, and authority. It is the pitri-karaka (significator of the father) and jyoti-karaka (significator of light). Surya signifies leadership, ego, willpower, and health.

  • Atma Karaka: Significator of the soul.
  • Rajya Karaka: Significator of kingship and authority.
  • Teja Karaka: Significator of brilliance and radiance.

Nature: The Sun is a powerful and authoritative planet. It bestows strength, courage, and a sense of responsibility. It represents the father figure and male authority. A well-placed Sun in a chart brings success, fame, and respect.

Comfortable Caretaking Chandra

Chandra (Moon) represents the mind, emotions, and motherly care. It is the matrikaraka (significator of the mother) and garha-karaka (significator of home/village). Chandra symbolizes intuition, feelings, and nurturing qualities.

  • Mana Karaka: Significator of the mind.
  • Jala Karaka: Significator of water.
  • Stree Karaka: Significator of women.

Nature: The Moon is a nurturing and comforting planet. It governs emotions, instincts, and domestic life. A strong Moon enhances sensitivity, adaptability, and psychic abilities. It reflects the nurturing and protective nature of a mother.

Competitive Champion Kuja

Kuja (Mars) represents energy, courage, and action. It is the bhratru-karaka (significator of brothers) and virya-karaka (significator of virility). Mars symbolizes drive, ambition, and physical strength.

  • Bhoomi Karaka: Significator of land.
  • Shakti Karaka: Significator of power and energy.
  • Kshatriya Karaka: Significator of warriors.

Nature: Mars is a dynamic and aggressive planet. It fuels ambition, competition, and the desire to conquer. A strong Mars in a chart indicates courage, determination, and a strong
physical constitution.

Brilliant Budha

Budha (Mercury) represents intellect, communication, and skills. It is the jamayah-karaka (significator of siblings), sandesha-karaka (significator of messages), zisya-karaka (significator of students), and karaha-karaka (significator of hands). Mercury signifies intelligence, wit, and versatility.

  • Vani Karaka: Significator of speech.
  • Vidyā Karaka: Significator of education.
  • Vartalaapa Karaka: Significator of conversation.

Nature: Mercury is a youthful and adaptable planet. It enhances analytical abilities, communication skills, and intellectual pursuits. A well-placed Mercury indicates quick learning, curiosity, and eloquence.

Generous Growing Guru

Guru (Jupiter) represents wisdom, growth, and prosperity. It is the dhava-karaka (significator of husband) and bahuta-karaka (significator of variety). Jupiter signifies knowledge, spirituality, and generosity.

  • Dhana Karaka: Significator of wealth.
  • Putra Karaka: Significator of children.
  • Vidhya Karaka: Significator of higher education.

Nature: Jupiter is a benevolent and expansive planet. It promotes growth, abundance, and wisdom. A strong Jupiter brings good fortune, ethical values, and a spiritual outlook.

Sweetly Suave Shukra

Shukra (Venus) represents love, beauty, and pleasure. It is the svadu-karaka (significator of sweetness) and kalatra-karaka (significator of the spouse). Venus signifies romance, luxury, and artistic inclinations.

  • Kala Karaka: Significator of arts.
  • Sukha Karaka: Significator of comfort.
  • Bhoga Karaka: Significator of enjoyment.

Nature: Venus is a harmonious and charming planet. It enhances aesthetic sense, sensual pleasures, and relationship harmony. A strong Venus indicates artistic talents, beauty, and a loving nature.

Sober Structural Shani

Shani (Saturn) represents discipline, endurance, and structure. It is the duro-karaka (significator of endurance) and jara-karaka (significator of longevity). Saturn signifies hard work, responsibility, and perseverance.

  • Karma Karaka: Significator of duty.
  • Ayush Karaka: Significator of lifespan.
  • Moksha Karaka: Significator of liberation.

Nature: Saturn is a strict and disciplined planet. It enforces limitations, delays, and challenges to foster growth and maturity. A strong Saturn brings wisdom, patience, and long-term success.

Risk-rewarding Rahu

Rahu represents ambition, innovation, and unconventional paths. It is the rajyalobha-karaka (significator of craving for power) and picchala-karaka (significator of slipperiness). Rahu signifies material desires, obsessions, and breakthroughs.

  • Maya Karaka: Significator of illusions.
  • Chaya Karaka: Significator of shadows.
  • Vidvesha Karaka: Significator of separations.

Nature:Rahu is a mysterious and transformative planet. It drives ambition, unconventional thinking, and the pursuit of material success. A strong Rahu can lead to innovation, sudden gains, and unique perspectives.

Collapsing Unshackling Ketu

Ketu represents detachment, spirituality, and liberation. It is the kavandha-karaka (significator of headlessness), chidra-karaka (significator of gaps), and vasana-karaka (significator of vacuum). Ketu signifies spiritual insight, mysticism, and release from material attachments.

  • Moksha Karaka: Significator of spiritual liberation.
  • Vairagya Karaka: Significator of renunciation.
  • Dukha Karaka: Significator of sorrow.

Nature:Ketu is a spiritual and enigmatic planet. It fosters detachment, introspection, and the quest for higher knowledge. A strong Ketu brings mystical experiences, inner peace, and spiritual growth.