Atmakaraka Graha

In every horoscope, there is always a planet which is called Atmakaraka Graha. It is the planet with highest degrees in a natives horoscope. The term Atma means a divine soul which is trapped into eight different types of bondage. We should also understand the meaning of Karaka. The term Karaka means a moving significator. Both of these terms can be associated with the functioning of eight Chakras which have been mentioned in our mythology.

As mentioned earlier, such a planet is popularly known as Atmakaraka Graha. Generally speaking it is the Sun which is associated with Atma or soul and hence referred to as Atmakaraka. On the other hand in Jaimini Sthira Karaka, planets with highest degrees are construed as Karakas. There are seven planets which are considered as Atmakaraka except Rahu and Ketu.

Atmakaraka Graha is considered to be the most important planet in a horoscope. It is believed to be the king of the horoscope or your natal chart. As the name suggests, it also behaves like a king. A happy king depicts a happy kingdom. On the other hand, a sad king depicts a sad kingdom. This planet has a direct affect on your lives and auspicious or inauspicious effects. Ascendant in a horoscope can be related to intelligence and Moon can be related to mind. However, they are secondary planets in comparison to Atmakaraka Graha.

Atma or soul is the one who determines decisions in our lives. Atma also defines our body and its structure and functions. As a result, Atmakaraka Graha is the most important planet among ascendants and other planets.

Atmakaraka Graha can be associated with the Karma that caused our birth and existence. Atmakaraka Graha brought our Atma to the planet Earth to take up a certain mind and body.The soul is the storehouse of our Karma and our desires. We take birth because of our unfulfilled desires. Our soul treads the wheel of desires which keep on changing. It is only under certain conditions that a native is exhumed its desires and moves towards Moksha, the ultimate aim of life. Atmakaraka reflects our material and spiritual goals.

It is also believed that Atmakaraka Graha brought us to this planet for certain reasons. Some believe it brought us to this planet to teach us certain lessons. Usually, Atmakaraka Graha is associated with the lightning and storms of Lord Indra.

Certain things are crucial for analyzing Atmakaraka Graha. In the following points, we will give you a brief account of all these crucial points which need to be kept in mind while analyzing this planet:

  • One has to analyze significance and other features of Atmakaraka Graha.

  • All the houses ruled by Atmakaraka Graha.

  • The house in which Atmakaraka Graha is present.

  • The house where Atmakaraka Graha is Naisargik Karaka.

  • The position and status of Atmakaraka Graha in a sign.

  • The link of Atmakaraka with planets conjoined or those which it aspects or which are aspected by it.
    The position of planets and houses from Atmakaraka ascendant in horoscope. This ascendant is known as Karaka ascendant.

  • Position of Atmakaraka in Navamsa is referred to as Karakamsa. Navamsa is seen from Karakamsa as ascendant for analysis.

  • Atmakaraka planet forms four Yogas if connected with Amatyakaraka, Putrakaraka, Darakaraka and the fifth Lord of the horoscope.