The beauty of Vedic astrology lies in its ability to assess different facets of human existence independently. Different ascendants, called lagnas, are defined for each person, shedding light on different aspects of our lives. Each lagna has a specific purpose and usage for 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 explains Arudha Lagna in detail, covering its meaning, calculation, and general rules to judge the results. We have included some example case studies to help grasp the knowledge.
Meaning of Arudha Lagna (AL) in Vedic Astrology:
Arudha Lagna in Vedic astrology shows our status & worldly image in society. The Ascendant or Lagna represents our true selves or how we are from the inside. Arudha Lagna represents that part of our identity that is known to others, hence, it represents people’s opinions about us. It reflects both good and bad traits, that others associate with us.
Lagna represents sunrise, beginning, inherent nature, and identity. Arudha means mounted one, visible to all. Therefore, Arudha Lagna means the identity or nature visible, or known to others. It is our public image and the mirror of perception.
Our intelligence, called the ascendant lord, creates our Arudha Lagna in the material world. Our worldly image & status keep transforming and changing with time, depending on the influences on Arudha Lagna and its lord.
Just as there is arudha for the Ascendant, there are also arudha for other houses/bhavas called Bhava Pada in Jyotish. Their calculation is similar to that of Arudha Lagna, but we use lord of the house.
Purpose of Arudha Lagna :
The Moon is the significator of Arudha Lagna because the Moon represents society. To exist as an independent person in society, we need a social identity, known to others. This is the real purpose of Arudha Lagna in Vedic astrology: to understand the social identity 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.
On the other side, when we renounce society and become a monk or sadhu, we give up our identity. Rather, a monk gives up his worldly belongings, relationships, status, and even name. The monks do not need Arudha Lagna anymore.
Astrologers use Arudha Lagna in every Divisional chart for Jyotish readings, remedies, and advice.
Method of Calculation of Arudha Lagna and Bhava Pada as given in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.
Both the words Arudha and Pada mean the same thing.
The Pada of the ascendant will correspond to the sign arrived at by counting as many signs from the ascendant lord as he is away from the ascendant. Similarly, Padas for other houses are known by their lords. -BPHS
Example: For Leo ascendant, if the Sun is in the 11th house, then AL will be in the 9th house.
Exception to rules
-The same house or the 7th from it does not become its pada.
-When the pada falls into the same house, the 10th will therefore be treated as its pada.
-Similarly, when the 7th becomes the pada of a house, the 4th from the original house in question be treated as its pada.
-If the ruler of the bhava is in the 4th from the bhava, then the very house occupied will be noted as the pada.
The following are some scenarios to understand the concept and then read Vedic charts.
Arudha Lagna (AL) Calculator: For Lagna Lords placed in 1 to 12 Houses:
Various synonyms of Arudha Lagna 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 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
Therefore, Arudha Lagna can never be in the 1st, 2nd, 12th, 6th, 7th, and 8th houses in any horoscope.
Special considerations for signs Scorpio and Aquarius
For signs Scorpio and Aquarius, there are 2 lords. Mars and Ketu co-lord Scorpio and Rahu and Saturn co-own Aquarius. The stronger planet among the two in the chart governs the calculation of Arudha Lagna.
-Just as there are padas of Bhava there are padas of Grahas as well, they are called Graha Arudha.
General Rules for Judging the Results of Arudha Lagna:
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 planets (Sun, Jupiter, and Moon) and the Rajo Guna planets (Mercury and Venus) on Arudha Lagna is welcome. They give a likable and positive social image.
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 (Rashi Drishti) the 11th H from AL, 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 Arudha Lagna, the natives will be very wealthy. The more, the merrier
6. The exalted planet in the 2nd or 7th house of Arudha Lagna will 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.
Arudha Lagna Predictions:
Case 1: How do we read the results of Arudha Lagna? How do we predict using this Lagna:
The lord of the sign, representing Arudha Lagna, indicates the family’s material status at birth. (-Jaimini Sutra, actually, it is stated for 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 low/poor social status at birth.
-Strength in-between should be read accordingly.
The grahas placed in AL & influencing it will show the type (quality/quantity) of contributions natives make via their karmas. Hence, further rise or fall in the material status of the native can be seen.
Sattva Guna and Rajo Guna planets give likeable images, hence, their influence on the Arudha Lagna is good. Sattva Guna planets are the Moon, Jupiter, and Sun. Rajo Guna planets are Venus and Mercury. 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).
Further, we use the natural characteristics of the planet placed in this Lagna to give readings.
If a person has Jupiter in Arudha Lagna and it is strong, he will exhibit positive traits associated with Jupiter in his image. Jupiter is a natural significator of qualities such as teaching, piety, peace, religion, law, righteousness, knowledge, and wisdom. When Jupiter is present in Arudha Lagna, the person’s public image will reflect some or most of these characteristics. This manifestation is an expected outcome.
We read the results of the lord of Arudha Lagna in the same manner. Ideally, we use planets placed in Arudha Lagna, its lord, planets having Rashi Drishti, and planets having Graha Drishti on this Lagna to give readings or predictions.
Please read about the Characteristics of the 9 planets in astrology to utilize their influence on Arudha Lagna
Case 2: Jupiter and/or Venus must influence the Arudha Lagna for one to be recognized as a Teacher, Professor, or an 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 2nd house from Arudha Lagna.
Saturn in 2nd H from Arudha Lagna (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. 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.
If Saturn is present in the 2nd house from Arudha Lagna (AL), and the individual wears a blue sapphire (नीलम), they may start exhibiting behavior as if they have limited or scarce resources. As a result, their material reputation may deteriorate.. This will hold well for Rashi Chart.
Read about the gemstones associated with the 9 planets
Saturn in 2nd house from Arudha Lagna in Siddhamsa D24 Chart:
The Siddhamsa (D24) chart guides us to see siddhis, knowledge or scholarship of a native. So placement of Shani in the 2nd House from Arudha Lagna can indicate someone :
-Who sometimes makes blunders or mistakes in education
-Who has 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 Arudha Lagna 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: How do planets placed in the 3rd and 6th houses of this lagna govern our material or spiritual pursuits?
Natural malefic planets present in the 3rd house and the 6th house from Arudha Lagna are in good placement. Why? Because: Natural malefic planets of Kroor Grahas are Rahu, Saturn, Ketu, Mars even the Sun.
-3rd house is Duschikya Sthan in the chart of Kaal Purusha! Duschikya Sthana promotes anger, aggression, and forcefulness in the character of a native.
-The 6th house is for overcoming obstacles, defeating the enemy, and being at the zenith of executing acute/pensive acts.
Consequently, when such natural malefic planets (because of their intrinsic harsh nature) are present in these two houses from Arudha Lagna: the 3rd house and the 6th house they promote harsh treatment and ruthlessness.
Hence, the native does the karmas to help promote, maintain, and defend his material status (Arudha Lagna) aggressively and forcefully.
This is very good for most material pursuits and for professions, where one needs to prove his might or superiority over rivals to be declared winner. Being an active attacker improves one’s image ( Arudha Lagna) and the scope of influence on others in the material world.
But real Saints are different from these worldly achievers, they never impose, nor do they retaliate or do any aggression. Surely, they have somya Grahas or natural benefices like Jupiter, Venus, un-inflicted Mercury and Moon in paksha bala, or having digital strength in the 3rd and 6th house from their Arudha Lagna (AL), or they have no planets there 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.
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 Arudha Lagna. Case study of Smt. Sonia Gandhi
Video Lesson : Arudha Lagna & Finances. Shlokas from Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) & Jaimini Sutra.
———————————–
-Buy Jyotish Videos:
Arudha Lagna & Bhav Pada : Part 1 of 2 (Hindi)
Arudha Lagna & Bhav Pada: Part 1 of 2 (Hindi)
Total 14 hours of quality video lessons to learn from the foundation to the professional level on Arudha Lagna in 2 parts.
-Join our Online Vedic Astrology Course
-Read the Syllabus of our Jyotish course
-Test your Jyotish knowledge: Astrology Quizzes