Atmakaraka: PART 1

How to find Ishta Devata in a chart

The key role in revealing one's Ishta Devata plays the Atma Karaka.
Atma Karaka is the planet that has the highest longitude. To find one's
Ishta Devata we have to look at the Atma Karaka in Navamsa, since the
Navamsa shows blessings of God onto the native and the way in which
the native communicates with God. Navamsa is also known as the
dharma-amsa, since it is the 9th division (ninth house signifies dharma).
Therefore we should look for Ishta Devata in this Varga.
The house that the Atma Karaka planet occupies in the Navamsa Chart
(Varga/Division) is called the Karakamsa. The twelfth house from Lagna
shows that what releases one from the bonds of this world. The twelfth
house from the karakamsa is called the Jivanmuktamsa. This is the house
signifying the emancipation of the soul and we have to examine this
house in order to find one's Ishta Devata. If there is a graha in the
jivanmuktamsa, it signifies the Devata. If there are more grahas than
one, we choose the strongest. If there is no graha in the jivanmuktamsa,
we take its Lord (ruling planet).
Find Your Ishta Devata Now from Placement of Atmakaraka in Your
Navamsa

Chart

As described, above, Ishta Devata can be found from placement of

Atmakaraka in your Navamsa Chart.
Atmakaraka in Navamsa is called Karakamsa.
Twelth house from karakamsa is to be examined for finding out one's
Ishta devata. The planet in this house represents your Ishta Devata.
If there is more then one planet in this house then the strongest planet
signifies your Ishta devata. If there is no planet then its lord (ruling
planet of the karakamsha house) has to be considered.
Ishta Devatas of various planets are given below:
If

Sun

is

placed

If

Moon

is

placed

If

Mars

If

Jupiter

If

Mercury

If

Saturn

If

Venus

If

Rahu

is

placed
is
is
is

is
is

placed

then
then
then
then

Lord
Lord
Lord
Lord

Rama.
Krishna.
Narasimha.
Vamana.

placed

then

Lord

Buddha.

placed

then

Lord

Kurma.

placed
placed

If Ketu is placed then Lord Mathsya.

then
then

Lord
Lord

Parasurama.
Varaha.

According to Jaimini sutra, If the twelth house from Karakamsa contains

Sun along with Ketu then the Ishta Devata is Shiva. Jaimini is silent
about Sun alone occupying that position or if it is empty.
Ishta

Devata-placement

of

Ketu

in

Navamsa

Chart:

Focusing on the spiritual direction, Maharishi Parasara and Jaimini

explain that the key to open our door towards God lies in the navamsa
placement of Ketu. Further this gives Siddhi and great spiritual depth.
If Sun is associated with Ketu then Siva worship is indicated.
If Moon associates then Gouri worship is indicated.
If Venus associates then Lakshmi worship is indicated.
If Mars associates then Skanda worship is indicated.
For both Mercury and Saturn Vishu/Krishna worship is indicated.
If Jupiter associates then Sambasiva worship is indicated.
If Rahu associates then Tamasi or Durga worship is indicated.
If Ketu alone associates then Ganesha or Skanda worship is indicated
The sign/navamsa occupied by the tmakraka gives us a clue as to the
desire of the tma and the nature of the tmakraka gives us vital

information about the nature of the tma, its spiritual development etc.
Some of my experiences are listed below:
1. If a malefic planet is the tmakraka, it indicates a high level of
spiritual development whereas a benefic planet as the tmakraka
indicates a relatively lower level. Example: Rahu was the tmakraka for
Srila Prabhupada and Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
2. . The tmakraka invariably indicates suffering during its Vimsottari
dasa, especially if a malefic. During the Nryana dasa of the sign
occupied by the tmakraka or those aspecting it, great achievements are
made. If the native is spiritually inclined then the dasa of the tmakraka
can be beneficial.
3. A retrograde tmakraka indicates a deep-rooted desire as being the
cause of the birth. This has to be seen from the nature of the planet
which becomes the AK. For example, if Mars is AK and retrograde, then
there is a very strong desire related to succeeding in some battle or
competition in this planet and the native will be dragged into
innumerable fights and will be fighting all the time. The solution lies in
finding the best self defense strategies based on Krakmsa of
which,Ahimsa is the greatest. Similarly, if Saturn is the retrograde AK
then the desire would manifest in the native doing something related to
the elders or old knowledge in new bottles. When retrograde, this desire
is very strong and will be the cause of all direction in life. The other

signification of Saturn is sorrow and if the native gives sorrow to others,

especially elders and those who are like Guru, then know that he is
running a bad time and a lot of sorrow is in his destiny (in any case). The
best remedy for him would be to develop a stoic attitude towards the acts
and words of others and keep prodding in his path. In this manner, the
retrogression is to be understood.
4. Combustion of AK gives spiritual insight.
Planets as tmakraka:
1. Sun as AK indicates the native has to learn to overcome his ego and
should become humble.
2. Moon as AK indicates that the native should be very caring and
compassionate.
3. Mars as AK indicates that the native should refrain from all forms of
violence and stick to the path of Ahimsa.
4. Mercury as AK indicates that the native should control his speech and
be truthful at all times.
5. Jupiter as AK indicates that the native should always respect the Guru,
spouse and care for children.

6. Venus as AK indicates that the native must have a very clean character
and refrain from illegitimate sex/lust.
7. Saturn as AK indicates that the native cannot give sorrow to others
and willhave to share the sorrow of many others.8. Rahu as AK indicates
that the native maybe cheated often and will still haveto be free from
guile and clean hearted.tmakraka in signs & housesJaimini has
indicated the results ofVarious navamsa for the placement of AK
(atmakaraka) Read this carefully and make a list for ready reference.