Complete Dictionary of Vedic Astrology Terms
Master the language of Jyotish with our comprehensive glossary. Each term includes Sanskrit origin, Hindi translation, clear definition, and practical usage examples.
Vedic astrology terms are Sanskrit words used in Jyotish Shastra (Hindu astrology). Key terms include: Lagna (Ascendant), Rashi (Moon Sign), Nakshatra (Birth Star), Dasha (Planetary Period), Yoga (Planetary Combination), and Dosha (Affliction). Understanding these terms is essential for reading a Kundali (birth chart).
दशा - Dasha
A planetary period system where each planet rules for a fixed duration. Vimshottari Dasha spans 120 years across 9 planets.
महादशा - Mahadasha
The main planetary period lasting years to decades. Sun: 6 years, Moon: 10 years, Saturn: 19 years, etc.
अंतर्दशा - Antardasha
Sub-period within a Mahadasha. Modifies the main period's effects based on the sub-lord planet's nature and placement.
दोष - Dosh
Planetary imbalance or affliction in a birth chart. Common doshas include Manglik, Kaal Sarp, and Pitra Dosh.
मांगलिक दोष - Manglik Dosh
Mars (Mangal) placed in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house. Believed to affect marriage; remedies available.
साढ़े साती - Saade Saati
Saturn's 7.5-year transit over your Moon sign in three phases. A transformative period requiring patience and discipline.
काल सर्प दोष - Kaal Sarp Dosh
All planets positioned between Rahu and Ketu. Creates karmic patterns; 12 types based on axis placement.
पितृ दोष - Pitra Dosh
Ancestral karmic debt indicated by Sun-Rahu or Sun-Ketu combinations. Remedied through ancestral worship rituals.
शनि ढैया - Shani Dhaiya
Saturn's 2.5-year transit in 4th or 8th house from Moon. Less intense than Sade Sati but still significant.
तिथि - Tithi
Lunar day based on Moon-Sun angular distance. 30 tithis in a lunar month, 15 in Shukla Paksha and 15 in Krishna Paksha.
करण - Karan
Half of a Tithi. 11 Karanas exist: 4 fixed (Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, Kimstughna) and 7 repeating ones.
योग - Yog (पंचांग)
Sun-Moon longitudinal combination in Panchang. 27 Yogas from auspicious Siddha to inauspicious Vyaghata.
अयनांश - Ayanamsha
The angular difference between Tropical and Sidereal zodiacs (~24°). Lahiri Ayanamsa is official in India.
नक्षत्र पद - Nakshatra Pad
Quarter division of a Nakshatra (3°20' each). Determines the Navamsa chart and first letter of name.
वर्ग कुंडली - Varga Kundali
Sub-charts derived from the main birth chart. Navamsa (D9) for marriage, Dasamsa (D10) for career, etc.
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