The beauty of Vedic astrology lies in its ability to independently assess different aspects of human existence. Each person has distinct ascendants, known as lagnas. They provide insight into various dimensions of our lives. Each lagna serves a specific purpose in reading a birth chart. Important lagnas include Lagna, Arudha Lagna, Ghati Lagna, Hora Lagna, Shri Lagna, Chandra Lagna, and Atmakaraka as Lagna, Upapada Lagna.
This article delves into Arudha Lagna in detail, covering its meaning, calculation, and general rules for interpreting the results. To help convey this knowledge effectively, we have included some example case studies.
What is Arudha Lagna? The meaning of AL in Vedic Astrology
Arudha Lagna in Vedic astrology represents our status and worldly image in society. While the Ascendant or Lagna symbolizes our true selves or our inner nature, Arudha Lagna reflects how others perceive us. It embodies both the positive and negative traits that people associate with us.
The Lagna signifies the sunrise, beginnings, inherent nature, and identity. While “Arudha” means “mounted” or “visible to all.” Therefore, Arudha Lagna denotes the identity or nature that is publicly known. It serves as our public image and a mirror of perception.
Our intelligence, represented by the ascendant lord, shapes our AL in the material world. Our worldly image and status continually evolve based on the influences affecting Arudha Lagna and its lord.
In addition to the arudha for the Ascendant, there are also arudha calculations for other houses (bhavas). They are known as Bhava Pada in Jyotish. The method for calculating these is similar to that of AL, but it relies on the lord of the specific house.
What are the benefits and purpose of Arudha Lagna?
The Moon is the significator of Arudha Lagna because it represents society. We need a social identity to exist as an independent person in society. Thus the real purpose and benefits of AL in Vedic astrology is to understand the social identity or the material image of a person via his birth chart. Aspects like rich or poor, good or bad, peaceful or aggressive, intelligent or foolish, etc. are social categorizations to describe a person.
However, when one renounces society and becomes a monk or sadhu, one gives up self-identity. Rather, a monk gives up his worldly belongings, relationships, status, and even name. The monks do not need Arudha Lagna anymore.
Vedic astrologers use AL in every Divisional chart for Jyotish readings, remedies, and advice. By doing pertinent vedic remedies and constantly exhibiting our positive traits we can enhance our public image and reputation. This is the real benefit of AL analysis.
How is Arudha Lagna Calculated? The method of calculation of AL as explained in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra:
- Count the number of houses from the Ascendant to the Ascendant lord.
- Then, count the same number of houses from the Ascendant lord.
- The house we arrive at is the place of Arudha Lagna in the birth chart.
Exception to the Rules for Arudha Lagna Calculation :
- AL can never be in the 1st or the 7th house.
- If we reach the 1st or the 7th house in our counting, we count 10 houses from them to reach the Arudha Lagna.
Arudha Lagna (AL) Calculator: For Lagna Lords placed in 1 to 12 Houses:
Arudha Lagna is also known as? The various synonyms of AL are Lagna Pada, Lagna Arudha, and Pada Lagna.
1. If the Ascendant lord is in the 1st house, then Arudha Lagna is in the 10th house.
2. When the Lagna lord is present in the 2nd house, Pada Lagna is in the 3rd house.
3. In case the Ascendant lord is present in the 3rd house, then AL is in the 5th house.
4. If Lagnesh is present in the 4th house, then Lagna Pada is in the 4th house.
5. For Lagna lord placed in the 5th house, the AL is in the 9th house.
6. If the Lagna lord is present in the 6th house, then Pada Lagna is in the 11th house.
7. When Lagnesh is present in the 7th house, then AL is in the 10th house.
8. When the Lagna lord is in the 8th house, then Lagna Pada is in the 3rd house.
9. In case the Lagnesh is present in the 9th house, then Lagna Arudha is in the 5th house.
10. If Lagnesh is present in the 10th house, then Pada Lagna is in the 4th house.
11. If the Lagna lord is present in the 11th house, then Arudha Lagna is in the 9th house.
12. When the Ascendant lord is present in the 12th house, the AL is in the 11th house
Note: In a Vedic chart, the Arudha Lagna can never be present in the 1st, 2nd, 12th, 6th, 7th, and 8th houses from the Ascendant.
Exceptions to AL calculation for Scorpio and Aquarius ascendants.
There are two lords for the two signs, Scorpio and Aquarius.
Mars and Ketu are co-lords of Scorpio, and Rahu and Saturn co-own Aquarius. The stronger planet among the two in the chart becomes the lord of the sign, hence governing Arudha Lagna’s calculation.
Astrology rules for evaluating the lordships of Scorpio and Aquarius:
1. The planet present in the sign is not the lord.
2. The planet with more planets is stronger.
3. The planet aspected by Jupiter, Mercury, and its dispositor by Rasi Drishti is stronger.
4. The Exalted planet is strongest, then Multrikon, then the planet in its sign, and so on.
The rules should be parsed from up to down, and when we find a winner, we stop.
For example, if Mars is present in the Scorpion, then Ketu automatically becomes the lord using Rule number 1.
-Just as there are padas of Bhava, there are padas of Grahas as well, they are called Graha Arudha.
How to find Arudha Lagna Nakshatra?
The Arudha Lagna is located at the same degree as Lagna but in a different sign from Lagna.
One can find the Arudha Lagna by counting from Lagna to Lagna lord and then counting the same number of houses from Lagna lord.
For example, if one has Leo Lagna at 3 degrees and the ascendant lord is in the 11th house, then the Arudha Lagna will be in Aries at 3 degrees in the 9th house.
We can look at the Nakshatra at 3 degrees of Aries; that will be the Nakshatra of Arudha Lagna.
Here in this case, Ashwani Nakshatra is at 3 degrees of Aries, so AL Nakshatra is Ashwani.
How to read Arudha Lagna in a Vedic chart? General Rules for Judging the Results of AL:
1. Natural benefic planets, when present in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th houses from Arudha Lagna, give auspicious results.
2. Natural malefic planets, when present in the 3rd, 6th, and 11th houses of AL, give good results.
3. The influence of the Sattva Guna and the Rajo Guna planets on Arudha Lagna is welcome. They give a likable and positive social image. Sattva Guna planets are: the Sun, Jupiter, and Moon. Rajo Guna planets are: Mercury and Venus.
4. The planets influencing the 11th house from AL are the source of gains. If strong planets play a role here, then natives are happy and rich. If all planets are placed or aspect the 11th H from AL by Rashi Drishti, then the native becomes a king or equal to a king.
5. If Jupiter, Venus, or the Moon are present in the 2nd or 7th of AL, the natives will be very wealthy. The more, the merrier
6. The exalted planet in the 2nd or 7th house of Arudha Lagna make the natives affluent and famous.
7. The planets influencing the 12th house from AL are the source of losses. Too many planets should not influence the 12th house from AL.
What is the relationship between Arudha Lagna and Upapada Lagna?
In Vedic astrology, the Arudha Lagna shows our social identity, status, and worldly image in society. Whereas, the Upapada Lagna (UL) shows that for our spouse.
The mutual Quadrant and trine placement of AL and UL shows harmony, coordination, and healthy partnership between the two partners in a marriage.
Whereas, 6/8 and 2/12 mutual placement of AL and UL show disharmony, ignorance, rift, etc., in the relationship. In the long run, even physical relationships between married partners suffer due to such undesirable mutual placements.
Arudha Lagna Predictions:
Case 1: How do we read the results of AL? How do we predict using this Lagna?
The lord of the sign, representing Arudha Lagna, indicates the family’s material status at birth. (In the Jaimini Sutra, it is stated for the spouse using Upapada Lagna UL.)
Why? Because at the time of birth, it is the family name & status that govern the identity of a native. The baby has not done karmas to shape their image. The world treats us according to the name & status of our family.
– The exalted planet shows good/high social status at birth.
– The debilitated planet shows a low/poor social status at birth.
– Strength in between should be read accordingly.
The grahas lording the AL, placed in AL, and the planets having Rasi Drishti on Arudha Lagna shape the public image of an individual.
Sattva Guna and Rajo Guna planets give likable images; hence, their influence on the Arudha Lagna is good. These planets are not negative in any sense. Well, the Sun is harsh and authoritative by nature, but is a Satwo guna (representing light, knowledge, and positivity).
Planets placed in or lording over Arudha Lagna give the following Public Image to a native:
♦ Sun: Royal & dignified image, authoritative leader, respected by all.
♦ Moon: Caring, nurturing, healing, emotionally engaging, likeable image.
♦ Mars: Assertive, aggressive, logical, and courageous public image. Can be an engineer or a defense person.
♦ Mercury: Intelligent, witty, fun-loving, and communicative persona.
♦ Jupiter: Wise, knowledgeable, peaceful, generous, law-abiding, and ethical image. Can be a teacher/professor; a native can work in law, religion, finance, etc.
♦ Venus: Attractive, charming, worldly-clever, and artistic projection. A native can be a teacher/professor, or a trainer.
♦ Saturn: Serious, stubborn, hardworking, disciplined, and traditional image.
♦ Rahu: Mysterious, manipulative, controversial image. Even an image of a foreigner is possible
♦ Ketu: Enigmatic or spiritual, traditional, and conservative.
Strong planets give a positive image, and weak planets give negative traits to one’s public identity.
For example, a debilitated Saturn in AL can show a stubborn, foolish, lazy, and overcritical personality. An exalted Saturn in AL can show a hardworking, determined, tolerant, and traditional person.
We use the natural characteristics of the planets influencing this Lagna to give readings.
Please read about the characteristics of the 9 planets in astrology to utilize their influence on AL.
Case 2: Jupiter and/or Venus must influence the AL for one to be recognized as a Teacher, Professor, or Educator.
– Swami Vivekananda: AL is in Leo, Jupiter from Libra, and Venus from Capricorn aspected AL by Rashi Drishti.
– Shri Ramakrishna Paramhansa: AL is in Gemini, having Jupiter in it. Venus from Pisces aspect AL by Rashi Drishti.
– Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore: AL is in Scorpio, Jupiter from Cancer, and Venus from Aries aspect it by Rashi Drishti.
– Pope Jean-Paul 2: AL is in Cancer and Jupiter is present in the sign.
Case 3: Placement of Saturn in the 2nd house from AL.
Saturn in the 2nd house from AL will always impoverish the image and material status of a native. Saturn is the natural significator of poverty, scarcity, abandonment, and unfortunateness. Hence, his placement where he has to provide food and shelter (2nd house), is undesirable for high status. The 2nd house is very important for sustenance and lasting effects for any Arudha pada. Swami ji was a monk, a renunciate with no attachment to wealth.
However, if Saturn is present in its exaltation sign, in its sign, or in Multrikona sign then the impoverishment is considerably low.
Read about the gemstones associated with the 9 planets
Saturn in the 2nd house from Arudha Lagna in Siddhamsa D24 Chart:
The Siddhamsa (D24) chart guides us to see the siddhis, knowledge, or scholarship of a native. So placement of Shani in the 2nd House from AL can indicate someone :
-Who sometimes makes blunders or mistakes in education
-Who has a lack of knowledge/ignorance in some areas and hence can degrade his honor in the field of academics.
Cause, Arudha Lagna, or the manifested social image, is sustained in a very poor way, there is inadequate feeding to sustain it healthily.
Likewise, we should understand the meaning and context of a Divisional Chart and use the information to draw clear and crisp readings.
Case 4: Placement of Rahu in 3rd house from Lagna Pada ( AL)
When Rahu is present in the 3rd house from Arudha Lagna, the person will mislead/cheat, deceive, or be manipulative and cannot be truthful in all his/her dealings; unfortunately!
Rest all we can judge from the influence of Grahas and Rashis on Lagna. The greater the influence of Satwa guna planets (Sun, Moon, and Jupiter) on Lagna, the better. Even the influence of Rajo guna planets like Mercury and Venus is fine.
When we are considering the Drishti or aspects of planets on the Lagna, we should only see Graha Drishti in this regard.
Case 5: Placement of Lagna Lord in the 11th house from Arudha Lagna
Normally, the placement of Lagna Lord in 3rd house from Lagna is very good for material prosperity. As it makes the AL in the 5th house. From Arudha Lagna, the Lagnesh is present in the 11th house of actual gains. Native’s intelligence, Paka Lagna, has a governing say on the acquisition of wealth.
It means a native’s intelligence makes him accept or renounce material gains.
Positive influence makes the native accept happily, and negative influence makes him deny/renounce wealth. Or wealth is not proposed to him, via this placement. Please refer to the Jaimini Sutras for financial relationships between Grahas promoting financial growth or demoting it.
The most troubling situation is that of Devguru Brihaspati, Jupiter! Because it is the Marana Karaka Sthana (MKS) for him. Eg: Lagna is Sagittarius or Pisces, and Jupiter is present in the 3rd house.
Case 6: What are the 3rd and 6th houses in Arudha Lagna? How do they govern Material or Spiritual Success?
The natural malefic planets in the 3rd and 6th houses from the AL promote material success. The natural malefic planets are Rahu, Saturn, Ketu, Mars, and even the Sun. Moon near Amavasya time and Mercury when closely joined a natural malefic also are malefic.
The 3rd house is known as Duschikya Sthan in the Kaal Purusha chart. This house is associated with qualities such as anger, aggression, and forcefulness in a person’s character. Meanwhile, the 6th house is concerned with overcoming obstacles, defeating enemies, and executing decisive actions.
Thus, when natural malefic planets occupy these two houses, their inherent harsh nature can lead to a tendency for aggressive and ruthless behavior. This results in the individual actively pursuing and defending their material status (represented by the Arudha Lagna) with vigor and determination.
Such traits are beneficial for various material pursuits and professions that require one to demonstrate strength or superiority over competitors to achieve success. Being an assertive contender enhances an individual’s reputation and influence in the material world.
However, true saints differ significantly from these worldly achievers. They do not impose their will, retaliate, or act with aggression. Instead, they often possess benefic planets, such as Jupiter, Venus, or an unafflicted Mercury and Moon with sufficient strength in the 3rd and 6th houses from their Arudha Lagna. Alternatively, they may have no planets in these houses at all.
The image attached shows the analysis of Swami Vivekananda’s chart to judge this aspect.
From Arudha Lagna:
-The 3rd house from Arudha Lagna (AL) has two guna & a natural benefic planet, Jupiter
-The 3rd lord from AL is a natural benefic planet, Venus.
-The 6th house has Mercury & Venus and Ketu is aspecting it by Rashi Drishti. Saturn owns the sign in strength.
-2 somya grahas and 2 kroor grahas are there to handle enmity, competition, or blockage in his material pursuits.
From Lagna:
-3rd lord, Saturn is strong. He is present in a friendly sign and forming a parivartana yoga with Mercury. Saturn is one of the karaka of the 10th house.
-Karaka for bravery, Mars is strong and well placed in his own sign, Aries.
Further lord of the Ascendant, Jupiter is present in 11th H and he is forming a Yoga with Mars.
-Jupiter is Karaka of 11th H. Strong Sun as 9th lord & Atmakaraka in Lagna.
-Brave personality: 3rd house, 3rd lord, karaka of bravery Mars and Lagna all are strong.
Conclusion: We can say that this native has no upfront tamas, does not like to hurt anyone, and does not do aggression, despite being brave.
Case 7: What is the 9th house from Arudha Lagna?
The 9th house from the AL represents the protection and support we receive in the material world during difficult times.
When there are planets located in the 9th house from the Arudha Lagna, it is important to honor those planets and the individuals represented by their natural signification (Naisargik Karak Tatwa). These individuals often become our greatest supporters during challenging periods. When our reputation or standing is at stake, they are quick to come forward to help, protect, and defend us. It is essential to express gratitude to them in our daily lives.
Having such support is a blessing from Lord Vishnu. Even the presence of Saturn in the 9th house from the Arudha Lagna is a great blessing. Common people, blue-collar workers, servants, and elders typically assist individuals in need.
For example, if the Sun is in the 9th house from the Arudha Lagna, one can expect support and shelter from fathers, senior bosses, leaders, administrators, and politicians. Similarly, we can analyze the influence of other planets by considering their natural signification when making astrological readings.
How to strengthen Arudha Lagna?
By doing Vedic remedies like: fasting, worship & mantra chanting, and wearing a gemstone
1. Fast on the day ruled by the lord of AL and worship the planet in the evening.
-If AL is in cancer then fast on Monday and worship Moon.
-If Mars is the lord of AL, then one can fast on Tuesday and chant the Gayatri Mantra of Mangal Dev.
2. Worship of Arudha Lagna Nakshatra Devata is a great way to boost one’s fame and material status. If one has AL in Ashwani Nakshatra (Aries), then worship Ashwani Kumars (Diety of this Nakshatra) with Nakshatra Suktam or other powerful mantras, this native can achieve good fame and material status in society.
3. Wear a gemstone for the lord of your AL. Example: If AL is in Leo, then wear a ruby.
One should consult a knowledgeable Vedic astrologer, as gemstones can affect otherwise as well. A thorough analysis of the horoscope is necessary.
Conclusion:
Arudha Lagna analysis is a potent method for assessing an individual’s public image, personality, and material well-being.
Life events can be timed beautifully using Vimshottari Dasa, Arudha Lagna, and Bhava Pada. Especially the Antardasha of planets gives results, as indicated in the chart.
We use Arudha Lagna analysis in every divisional chart. The context and environment of the divisional chart give meaning to the analysis.
For example, the Arudha Lagna in the Dasamsa Chart D10 shows the manifested image in the professional or work environment. In the Chatur Vimsamsa D24 chart, the AL will show the public image in the domains of academics and learning.
A strong Arudha Lagna in Dasamsa D10 chart grants fame and reputation by work and success. Read our complete article: « Angry Young Man » of Bollywood Amitabh Bachchan Birth Chart Analysis
Video Lesson: Placement of Rahu in AL. Case study of Smt. Sonia Gandhi
Video Lesson : Arudha Lagna & Finances. Shlokas from Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) & Jaimini Sutra.
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