Jamini Karakas

Jaimini Astrology introduced the concept of Karakas—or planetary significators—a unique way to understand our life path through the lens of planetary degrees. Each planet, based on how far it has journeyed in its sign (its degree), takes on the role of a significator for a specific area of life. Rahu and Ketu, despite their importance in Vedic astrology, are not used as Karakas in the Jaimini system, regardless of their degrees.

Jaimini assigns seven key Karakas, each revealing a layer of our karmic story:

1. Atma Karaka – The Significator of the Soul

The planet with the highest degree in your chart becomes your Atma Karaka. This is the soul's compass, pointing to your deepest purpose in this lifetime. Wherever it sits in your chart, it highlights the life experiences that shape your inner evolution and guide you toward your spiritual destination.

2. Amatya Karaka – The Guide and Advisor

With the second highest degree, this planet becomes the Amatya Karaka—your inner minister, the wise advisor to your soul. It represents the tools, career paths, and inner strengths that support your soul’s journey. This Karaka reveals how you move toward your purpose, offering practical guidance along the way.

3. Bhratru Karaka – The Significator of Siblings

This is the planet with the third highest degree, and it governs your relationships with siblings, both literal and symbolic. It speaks to the support systems, rivalries, or karmic lessons you may experience through siblings or sibling-like connections.

4. Matru Karaka – The Significator of the Mother

The fourth highest degree planet becomes your Matru Karaka, representing your relationship with your mother, as well as themes connected to nurturing, emotional roots, home, vehicles, and property—all things under the domain of the 4th house.

5. Putra Karaka – The Significator of Children

With the fifth highest degree, this planet becomes the Putra Karaka, linked to children, creativity, and the legacy you leave behind. It also reveals insights into your role as a mentor or guide, and your connection to future generations—both biological and karmic.

6. Gnati Karaka – The Significator of Obstacles

Sometimes written as Ghatni Karaka, this sixth highest degree planet highlights conflicts, challenges, and karmic debts. It sheds light on the tests and trials you are meant to grow through in this life. In many ways, it is the teacher in disguise—pointing you toward areas of growth.

7. Dara Karaka – The Significator of the Spouse

Finally, the seventh highest degree planet becomes the Dara Karaka, governing your marriage, partnerships, and intimate bonds. It reflects not just your spouse, but the deeper lessons and healing that come through committed relationships.