How the atmakaraka and darakaraka are calculated
In Jaimini astrology the seven classical planets (Sun through Saturn) are ranked by how far each has travelled within its sign — degrees, minutes, seconds. The planet at the highest degree is your Atmakaraka, the soul's significator; the lowest becomes the Darakaraka, significator of the spouse. This calculator ranks all seven for your chart (the 7-karaka scheme, without Rahu).
Because the ranking uses degree-in-sign, two planets less than a degree apart can swap ranks with a small birth-time correction — the table shows the degrees so you can see how decisive your ranking is.
The seven charakarakas and what each signifies
Jaimini assigns each rank a life domain. The Atmakaraka is read like a second lagna lord — its sign in the navamsa (the Karakamsa) seeds further analysis, including the Ishta Devata.
| Karaka | Signifies |
|---|---|
| Atmakaraka | Self, soul's purpose — the chart's king |
| Amatyakaraka | Career, counsel — the king's minister |
| Bhratrikaraka | Siblings, courage, guru |
| Matrikaraka | Mother, home, emotional base |
| Putrakaraka | Children, students, creativity |
| Gnatikaraka | Kin, rivalry, obstacles overcome |
| Darakaraka | Spouse, partnership |
Frequently asked questions
What is my atmakaraka?
Enter your birth details above — the planet with the highest degree in its sign is your Atmakaraka, shown with the full 7-karaka ranking. It signifies the soul's agenda: the lessons this life keeps returning to.
What does my darakaraka tell about my spouse?
The Darakaraka (lowest degree) is the Jaimini significator of the partner — its nature colours what you seek in and receive from marriage. Read it alongside the 7th house and Venus/Jupiter, never alone. We have a dedicated darakaraka calculator with the planet-by-planet readings.
Is Rahu counted as a charakaraka?
Schools differ. The 8-karaka scheme includes Rahu (counted from the END of its sign); the older 7-karaka scheme used here does not. For most charts the Atmakaraka is the same either way — it changes only when Rahu happens to hold the top degree.
What is the karakamsa?
The navamsa (D9) sign occupied by your Atmakaraka. Jaimini reads talents, spirituality and the Ishta Devata from it — our karakamsa calculator walks through it.
Can my atmakaraka change with birth-time correction?
Yes, if the top two planets are within a few arc-minutes. The table shows every planet's degree, so you can see whether your ranking is decisive or sits on a knife-edge.