Understanding Shri Rama’s Birth Chart: Mythology and Astrology
Various Shastras give the birth details of Shri Rama and his birth chart. Let us first see Shloka’s and then analyze his horoscope based on the events registered in history.
Details of the birth of Shri Rama:
According to Ramcharitmanas written by Shri Tulsidas ji, the birth of Lord Rama is as follows:
नौमी तिथि मधुमास पुनीता, सुकल पच्छ अभिजित हरिप्रीता।
मध्य दिवस अति सीत न घामा, पावन काल लोक बिश्रामा।।
Bala Kanda – The Youthful Majesties
Translation: Shri Rama was born on Chaitra month, 9th Tithi (Navami) in the bright half (Shukla paksha) in Abhijit muhurta (around noon when Sun is in the 10th house). It was neither too cold nor too hot. It was an auspicious time giving peace and solace to all three worlds (lokas).
According to Ramayana written by Sage Valmiki the birth of Shri Ram is as follows.
ततो यज्ञे समाप्ते तु ऋतूनाम् षट् समत्ययुः |
ततः च द्वादशे मासे चैत्रे नावमिके तिथौ || १-१८-८
नक्क्षत्रे अदिति दैवत्ये स्व उच्छ संस्थेषु पंचसु |
ग्रहेषु कर्कटे लग्ने वाक्पता इंदुना सह || १-१८-९
प्रोद्यमाने जगन्नाथम् सर्व लोक नमस्कृतम् |
कौसल्या अजनयत् रामम् सर्व लक्षण संयुतम् || १-१८-१०
विष्णोः अर्धम् महाभागम् पुत्रम् ऐक्ष्वाकु नंदनम् |
लोहिताक्षम् महाबाहुम् रक्त ओष्टम् दुंदुभि स्वनम् || १-१८-११
Bala Kanda – The Youthful Majesties Chapter 18
Translation: On completion of the ritual, six seasons have passed by; then in the twelfth month, i.e., in Chaitra masa, and on the ninth day of that Chaitra month [April-May], when it is Punarvasu Nakshatra yukta Navami tithi, i.e., when the ruling star of that ninth day (thithi) is Punarvasu, for which Aditi is the presiding deity; and when five of the nine planets – Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn are exalted and when Moon and Jupiter are together in Cancer Lagna (ascendant) and when the day is advancing, Queen Kausalya gave birth to a son with all the divine attributes like lotus-red eyes, lengthy arms, roseate lips, voice like a drumbeat, and who took birth to delight the Ikshwaku dynasty and adored by all the worlds, and who is the greatly blessed epitome of Vishnu, namely Rama.
Horoscope, Birth Chart, or Kundali of Lord Shri Rama
AS: Lagna or Ascendant, AL: Arudha Lagna, UL: Upa pada, A7 :Daar pada,
A10: Rajay pada, A8: Mritu pada, A9: Bhagya pada, A3: Brhatri pada, A11: Laabh pada
Bhagwan Ram was born in Punarvasu Nakshatra, on the 9th Tithi or Navami. His moon sign and the ascendant sign were Cancer.
Personality and Image of Shri Rama:
The master archer (Dhanurdhar), is a very knowledgeable and determined warrior. Protector of Brahmins (holy people), women, and citizens. An Ideal king who has a lot of compassion for his fellow citizens.(Maryada Purushottam) upholder of righteousness (dharma) and social norms of the highest order. A peace-loving, spiritual, honorable, and wise personality.
Self-sacrificing person, who kept his interest below the interest of respected elders (like parents and gurus etc) and the state. He upheld one marriage in one lifetime and was devoted to his consort mother Sita, despite the prevalence of polygamy.
Jyotish Explanation:
The birth chart of Shri Rama has Cancer Ascendant with Lagna lord Moon and the 6th lord and 9th lord Jupiter are in Lagna. Moon and Jupiter in mutual quadrants that too in Lagna and in the quadrant from Arudha Lagna make a very powerful Gaja Kesari yoga of fame beyond death. Indeed the lord is famous and remembered since (Treta yuga till today in Kal yuga).
Jupiter is the 6th lord and the 9th lord in Shri Rama’s birth chart is placed in Lagna with Lagna lord Moon. (Lagna is the most auspicious house as it is a trine and a quadrant) this placement with the Moon in lagna makes Jupiter a benefic of the highest order for the native. Being the 9th H lord the primary focus of Jupiter is to enable the native to uphold his duties (dharma) and because it is exalted it will make the native do it very happily.
Being the 6th lord in Lagna directly brings enmity and obstacles (6th H) to his head but he will emerge victorious because of his luck/fortune (9th H) and own morals and principles (1st H). The native because of this will bring some problems for himself and his close ones and they may suffer because of it but will not let anything bad happen to others. He will also take those challenges as his duty.
Ref: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra by Shri Sanhtanam. Chapter 34:Yoga Karakas
(Maharishi Parashara has also taught that the Moon, Jupiter, and Mars are benefices for Cancer ascendant. Jupiter being a 6th lord, if also owns a trine that gives auspicious results. Here Jupiter owns the 9th house and is with lagna lord Moon. Venus and Mercury are malefic planets for Cancer Lagna, they will make the natives struggle. Moreover, Venus is Badhaka for Cancer Lagna:-Jatak Parijata.
Yoga karaka Mars (5th lord and 10th lord) is forming Raj yoga with Jupiter (9th lord) and Moon (lagna lord). Yoga is formed by the mutual aspect of planets (as they are present in 7th H from each other).
This gives rise to the most powerful Dharma Karma Adhipati Yoga for Lord Shri Rama in his birth chart. It is the combination of the 10th lord (work, here Mars) and the 9th lord (righteousness or dharma, here Jupiter) that are strongly connected with the lagna lord Moon. Hence his ideals and principles, and his actions (karmas) in the world will be governed by welfare and righteousness of the highest order. Above all the Raj yoga-forming planets are friends (Moon, Jupiter, and Mars), which makes it even stronger.
It also gives rise to some other important Yogas in Jyotish: like Guru-Mangal yoga ( Jupiter and Mars yoga), Chandra-Mangal yoga (Moon and Mars yoga), and Chandra-Guru-Mangal yoga ( Moon, Jupiter, and Mars yoga).
Raj yoga is formed by the union of quadrant and trine lords only. Quadrants are ruled by Lord Vishnu(signifying constructive efforts and karma) and Trines by Maha Laxmi (signifying fortune, blessings, and good results with less effort).
In Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, verse 22), Lord Shri Krishna says :
Translation: In the three worlds (lokas) I do not have any prescribed duty or I don’t need to do anything in the three worlds (lokas). Also, there is nothing in the three worlds that I wish to achieve/acquire and I can not do so. Yet I am engaged in my karma and doing my duty. So must all do their selfless Karma without focusing on results/fruits.
Jupiter in Lagna has Dik Bala (directional strength) and grants the native blessings of Ishana or Shiva(the deity ruling dik or direction of Jupiter in Dik Chakra). With the blessings of the deity, the native has the highest wisdom and knowledge and will always behave following them. Before the commencement of the War with Ravana, Bhagwan Ram prayed to Lord Shiva in Rameshwaram to seek his blessings for victory.
The exalted 9th lord in Lagna makes the native very much liked by his father and or gurus. His father was in great love with him and wanted him to rule Ayodhya after him (the kingdom of Shri Dashrath, his father). The gurus and rishis used to demand he and his younger brother save them from the autocracies of demons.
Jupiter and Moon in Lagna make natives very peace-loving and wise personalities by nature who would use violence as only the last resort to any problem.
Jupiter is the owner of one bad house (of enmity and overcoming obstacles) and one good house (9th H of dharma and righteousness) to uphold values and follow the good path in life. He always followed dharma sacrificed his interest and did what was correct in life.
All the fights/wars he fought were for just and righteous causes. Right from killing various demons who were creating problems for Rishis and people of his state, to killing Ravana, who abducted his spouse forcefully.
Shri Rama has the 2nd lord Sun exalted in 10th H in Dik Bala (directional strength) in this birth chart making the native victorious in all his pursuits. In Dik Chara, the concerned deity is Indra, who is always victorious. Lord Rama always conquered all his enemies in battles and wars against unrighteous people.
There are 5 exalted planets in the birth chart of Shri Rama giving rise to Samrata yoga. He was indeed a king of high order.
There are 3 Mahapurusha Yogas in the horoscope of Bhagwan Rama, which makes the native a Mahapurusha (great man)
The Janma Nakshatra (birth constellation) of Lord Shi Rama was Punarvasu, the symbol is a Bow and a quiver of arrows.
Major events of Shri Rama’s life recorded in history and Jyotish explanation from his Birth Chart:
1. Birth in a royal family: Suryavanshi. Belonging to the lineage of the Sun god. The birth of his consort, mother Sita in an elite royal family, and she is a very vitreous and beautiful lady. How does Shri Ram Birth Chart reveals birth in high status family?
Jyotish Explanation:
Arudha Lagna represents the status and image of the native in society at the time of birth.
Lord Shri Rama has Arudha Lagna in Aries in his birth chart. Aries is ruled by Mars. The planet is exalted confirming his birth in a very high-class family and granting the native high status in the society.
Note: Just as the status of the spouse is seen from UL (Upapada) in the same way the status of the person is seen from AL (Arudha Lagna).
Reference: Jaimini Maharishi Updesha Sutra by Pt. Sanjay Rath. Chapter 1 Quarter 4
Translation: If the Lord of Upapada (UL) is exalted, the spouse hails from the elite/upper class.
Reference: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra by Shri Sanhtanam. Chapter 30:Upa Pada.
Translation: If the lord of Upapada (UL) or Venus (sthir karaka for wife is exalted) then the wife is from a noble family reverse is true. If the 2nd house from Upapada (UL) has benefic and the 2nd lord is exalted, the wife of the native will be endowed with beauty and virtues.
All conditions stated by Maharshi Parashar and by Maharshi Jaimini are fulfilled. UL lord (Mars) is exalted and Venus is exalted as well, There is benefic Mercury in the 2nd house from UL and 2nd lord from UL, Venus is exalted as well. No doubt that Mother Sita was a very beautiful and vitreous lady and Ravana wanted to possess her.
Exalted Sun is in Arudha Lagna giving him the royal status of a King. He was born into a royal family (because of Mars) and his karmas were such that he further increased his name and fame because of the exalted Sun in Arudha Lagna.
Exalted planet (a friend of Moon) if in Arudha Lagna, will give very high status and a very positive image to the natives in society. In this case, both the planets associated with his Arudha Lagna are of warrior class (Kshatriya: Mars and Sun) so his image in the manifested world is that of a great warrior, ruler, and Ideal king (Raja Ram: King Ram). The exalted Sun in AL gives royal status and a very high spiritual image as well.
2. Breaking the Shiva Dhanusha (bow) and marrying goddess Mahalaxmi in the role of mother Sita during Sita Swayamvar. The blessings of lord Shiva in Birth Chart of Shri Ram.
In Sita swayamvar (the custom that allowed a young princess to choose the husband of her free will) the qualifying condition for a groom was to break the bow of Lord Shiva (Shiva Dhanush). Bhagwan Rama broke the Shiva Dhanusha in a fraction of a second which all other participants could not even move, proving his might.
Vedic Astrology Explanation:
All the love/physical partners are represented by A7 (Dar pada) and the spouse with whom the person settles down in life is shown by UL (Upa pada).
Rules for all Arudhas except Arudha Lagna (AL) and Upa pada (UL) (focusing on the 7th house from any arudha):
All planets placed in the 7th house from any arudha will block, oppose, or create obstacles in the path of that Arudha. The lord of 7th H from any arudha will help raise that arudha if it is strong and well placed (exaltation sign, own sign, mool-triton sign, etc). In the contrary case, it will block or create obstacles for that arudha.
Who will block or oppose will be seen by the Natural significance represented by planets or Naisargik Karaka Tatwa of the planet for the native.
Rules for Upa pada (UL) :
The planet placed in the 7th house from UL as well as the 7th lord from UL represents the relative of the spouse and not that of the native. When considering other things represented by Naisargik Karaka Tatwa, (other than relatives) it is the same for all.
If there is no planet in the 7th house from UL and the 7th lord from UL is placed in an enemy’s sign or is in debility, then that relative of the spouse (represented by the 7th lord from UL) will oppose the marriage. Example: If UL is in Gemini and there is no planet in Pisces, and 7th lord Jupiter is in enemy’s sign or is in debility, then the elder brother of the “to be spouse” can be the opposition to the marriage.
Rules for Arudha Lagna (focusing on the 7th house from AL):
All planets placed in favorable sign (own sign, exaltation sign, mool trikona sign, etc) in the 7th house from Arudha Lagna will help raise the status of the person. They will contribute to the success of the person. If they are weak or ill-placed (debilitation sign, enemy sign, etc) they will create a lot of opposition for the person and hence the person will have a hard time getting his work done /raising his social status.
Weak natural malefic planets like the Sun, Saturn, Mars, Ketu, and Rahu (kroor grahas) will create great obstacles for Arudha Lagna (image) to rise. Weak natural benefic planets ( saumya grahas) like Venus, Jupiter, Moon (sukla Ashtami to Krishna Saptami), and mercury (not influenced by malefic) still try to do some good for the natives.
The lord of 7th H from Arudha Lagna will help raise the image of the person if it is strong and well placed (exaltation sign, own sign, mool-triton sign, etc). In the contrary case, it will block or create obstacles for the native.
Who will block or oppose will be seen by the Natural significance represented by planets or Naisargik Karaka Tatwa of the planet for the native.
Lord Shri Rama, has AL, A7, and UL all together in 10th H in his birth chart and there is exalted Saturn in the 7th house from them.
According to above stated rules. Exalted Saturn will create big obstacles or challenges for his UL (marriage) and A7 (intimate relationship) but will surely help raise his Arudha (his image or AL).
Maharishi Jaimini gives a clear indication that Saturn is Naisargik Karaka for a bow also in the following Updesha.
Reference: Jaimini Maharishi Updesha Sutra
Translation: Saturn alone in 5th H, produces an archer. (Navamansh Kundali -D9).
There was a big challenge in his way for his marriage with mother Sita and it was to break a very heavy Shiva Dhanush (bow). This obstacle was put in place by the family of the bride (mother Sita). It was such a great challenge that all other fellow participants could not even move it.
For the image of Shri Rama (Arudha Lagna), Saturn behaved very favorably so Shri Rama could break the bow in two pieces in a fraction of a second proving his great might and immense strength over all other contestants. Saturn being a malefic planet by nature gave difficult situations but always proved to be good for Shri Ram personally.
It was an association of two other Arudha (A7 and UL) with his AL that made this marriage possible. Further, it was the presence of the exalted Sun (Blessings of Lord Shiva) with the three arudhas that enabled him to marry his consort (Maha Laxmi).
The exalted Sun in UL behaves like a benefic for Upapada and helps to manifest it in the material world, the marriage took place in front of the world.
3. Declaration to the world as the 7th incarnation (Avatar) of lord Vishnu and the departure of Shri Parshuram as the 6th incarnation of Lord Vishnu (end of the karma, as 6 avatars).
When Shri Rama broke the Shiva Dhanusha (bow), the 6th Incarnation of lord Vishnu Shri Parshuram appeared in the ceremony and challenged Shri Ram to use his bow (given to him by lord Vishnu) and launch an arrow to prove his superhuman might as Lord Vishnu.
Jyotish Explanation
Again the exalted Saturn (bow and arrow) in the 7th H from Arudha Lagna of lord Rama enabled him to do this task very easily thereby helping him raise his status from a normal prince to the 7th incarnation of lord Vishnu.
Lord Shri Rama shot an arrow to kill the egos and anger of Shri Parshuram with his consent leading to his departure as the 6th incarnation of lord Vishnu.
4. Exile in the forest for 14 years after marriage, just before his swearing-in ceremony for the kingship of Ayodhaya. Shri Ram Birth Chart reveals lot of sufferings as well.
Opposition was caused by the presence of the younger brother, whose mother (Shri Rama’s stepmother) wanted his son to become the king. She played her cards well and forced the king (Shri Dashrath) to accept her demands. Younger step bother (Shri Bharat) was in agony and frustration because of the evil act of his mother and even cursed and misbehaved with her over the entire incident. Shri Rama accepts the verdict of his father (King) and peacefully departs for exile in the forest (Vanvasa).
Jyotish explanation
Kingship, rajya pada (A10) for Shri Rama is placed in ascendant in his birth chart with powerful Moon and Jupiter making it very strong and famous. The karaka of younger brother, Mars is in 7th from A10, his formal nomination as the King. So this Mars will create tremendous opposition for his A10 or will obstruct it fully.
Also, Mars is in the 7th house, Marana Karaka Sthana (death signifying house) making his younger brother Shri Bharat feel like dying because of the evil and selfish act of his mother. Shri Bharta loved his elder brother Rama very much and wanted him to rule the Kingdom.
Shri Rama as A8 (Mritu pada, associated with suffering and or transformation) in 12th H with debilitated Ketu in it in his birth chart. Indicating that the lord will have terrible suffering in faraway places from his motherland (foreign), also. Mars and Ketu are plants of sudden developments, hence these events taking place quite fast.
5. Wandering and living in the forest along with wife and another younger stepbrother Shri Laxman for 14 years, continuously helping rishis and killing demons. Another younger brother (Shri Bharat) ruled the throne by keeping his slippers on the throne.
Vedic Astrology Explanation
Lord Shri Rama has 2 benefic planets in Lagna in this kundali, indicating his pure and pious intentions and personality but dire malefic like Saturn in the 4th H will give him a lot of sorrow in life. Saturn is the enemy of Mars (Karak of house and property) and will rob lord Rama’s happiness of house and other comforts.
There is Sarpa yoga in the birth chart of Shri Rama, with the presence of 3 malefic in 3 quadrants. The native will be tormented in his life because of various circumstances and consequently will have to suffer in life.
In his horoscope, there are also 2 benefic planets in Lagna (ascendant) yoga. They will surely nullify the effects of sarpa yoga but only to some extent.
Saturn is exalted 7th lord from A10 (his kingship) so he will enable his kingship to manifest in the world. Also, Saturn is in the 7th H from AL, so he will prove helpful in flourishing his AL (Own Status). Saturn is also karaka of 12th H (foot). His younger brother placed Shri Rama’s slippers on the throne in his absence and ruled as his representative during his 14-year stay in forests.
The two planets that manifest his kingship (Rajya Pada or A10) are Moon and Jupiter in Lagna. These plants have Argala on the 12th H having (A8, suffering), the 10th H having (AL, own image), the 9th H having (A5, following), and on the 3rd H having no Arudha but which shows younger siblings. By carefully examining all these factors the Moon and Jupiter combination is more powerful and Mars is a yoga karaka planet (owning a quadrant and trine) hence it will finally make the A10 ( kingship) become reality even in his absence in Ayodhya.
Shri Rama has Exalted Sun in 10th H in his birth chart. From an early age, he had Raj yogas. The strength of Su is seen in the quality and degree of Raj yogas in the Chart. As it is present in 10 th house it will happen early in life.
Also, the Moon is very strong in the chart, which is necessary for the sustenance of Raj Yogas. He became the King quite early in life and continued to remain one with no opposition at all for his entire lifetime, except once. Though his formal coronation took place after his return from exile.
6. Abduction of mother Sita by Ravana. The declaration of war by Shri Rama on Ravana on the account of the irreligious and immoral act (adharma) he did by abducting mother Sita forcefully. In the end victory over the enemy and return to Ayodhya along with his consort mother Sita. Shri Ram Birth Chart the role of Dharma & Karma.
Jyotish explanation
When the 6th lord is in Ascendant (Lagna) the native loses his wife to someone else. Dr. B.V Raman (Exact reference will be quoted ..).
One possible explanation is that the 6th is the house of the enemy and the loss of a marriage or staying away from the spouse, so if that planet is in Lagna then this situation is coming to the head of the native.
From the 6th house of enmity as lagna, the lagna lord is in 8th H indicating the enemy putting in very hard work to torment the native. The Lagna is maraka sthana (7th H) for the 7th House (spouse) or relationship of the person. So the enemy is tormenting the native and breaking his marriage. Also in this case A6 (the tangible manifestation of enmity/enemy) is in the 8th house from Lagna. The 8th house is the house that destroys the marriage or killer (maraka) for marriage (the 2nd and 7th are maraka houses from any house). In this particular case, a manifestation of enmity (A6 is in 8th H) destroys the spouse relationship for the native (7th House).
Jupiter is the 9th lord as well and is placed with lagna lord Moon, making the native fortunate because of luck and his ideals and he is undefeatable because of the presence of dik bala Sun (Indra) in 10th H.
Venus is the most malefic planet for the native of Cancer ascendant being a natural benefic and 4th lord and lord of 11th house.
Reference: Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra by Shri Sanhtanam. Chapter 34:Yoga Karakas
Moreover, Venus is badhaka for cancer ascendant and is exalted in the chart. For movable signs 11th house is badhaka sthana, causing trouble for the natives. Jataka Parijat
7. Separation with mother Sita on account of charges levied by a dry cleaner (dhobhi) that mother Sita had stayed in the custody of another man (Ravan) for many days without the consent of her husband and hence should be abandoned on moral grounds as she is no more chaste. Shri Rama accepted this verdict as social/state law prevalent at that time. They did not divorce or separate officially but Mother Sita went away and started living in the ashram of Sage Valmiki.
Vedic Astrology Explanation from Birth chart of Shri Ram
Lord Shir Ram has Brahmin’s curse (sharpa) in his birth chart as Jupiter, representing Brahmin or Guru, and is aspected (graha drishti) by Saturn and Mars. The Brahmin who gave this curse (sharpa) was Dev Rishi Narad ji. He was very angry (Mars) and very sad (Saturn) as lord Vishnu did not let him marry a girl he liked. So he gave lord Vishnu a sharpa that as he has suffered for his loved one in the same way lord Vishnu will suffer in one human life for his beloved spouse.
Saturn is separative by nature. He is the karaka of common man, servant, labor class or one doing jobs like cleaning and washing. Saturn is placed in the 7th house from UL generating great obstacle for marriage/wife thereby leading to their separation.
Venus is the 7th lord from Arudha Lagna in the birth chart of Shri Rama, so he will do all that is necessary to make rise all the three arudha: AL+A7+UL. Also, Venus is 2nd lord of the 3 arudhas so he will sustain Lord Rama’s image and their marriage. Venus is the natural significator of the wife (Naisargik karaa) so the wife will do all good for the three arudha: to make them rise and sustain them. But this Venus is in the 12th house from AL. So we can say that the wife (Venus) is not destined to see the rise of the great status of Shri Rama as King of Ayodhya.
Moreover, the planet is exalted hence wife will sacrifice herself happily for his sake. One can also say that Venus is in 12th H from Arudha Lagna of Shri Rama. So he will be forced to ignore his spouse (pure and pious love, exalted Venus) because of circumstances in life.
Bhagwan Rama leaving his spouse boosted his image as a just and impartial king.
At the same time, Saturn is exalted 7th L from A10 ( his kingship). So it made his kingship shine more as an ideal ruler.
8. Great suffering on account of this separation all through his life, then after. His decision not to marry again. He continued all his religious duties/yogas/ prayers with a statue of his consort.
Vedic Astrology Explanation
The chastity of a person and his heart is seen from the 4th House. The fourth lord Venus is exalted in the 9th house linking his happiness directly to righteousness (9th H of Dharma). Such a person is liked by all as he is happy doing what is right according to the law. This placement makes Shri Rama a very chaste pious and virtuous personality. Moreover, the exalted Sun is there in the 3 Arudha ( AL, A7, UL) making them inseparable.
Lord Shri Rama’s birth chart tells us that he was born on Navami tithi, ruled by the Sun. Tithi lord is analyzed to see the quality of relationships a person has in life. The Panchanga element, Tithi has to do with emotions, feelings, and relationships hence it is jala tatwa by definition. The placement of the Tithi lord is best in Jala tatwa Rasi (water signs: Cancer, Scorpio, and Pisces). Its placement in fire signs or Agni tatwa signs is considered bad because Agni and Jala are enemies by nature. Agni burns away the water and hence the relationships die out in life. Also, the exalted Sun brings a lot of idealism to a relationship.
Despite knowing that Mother Sita was completely chaste and pure, lord Shri Rama let her go. Perhaps it was right according to social and legal norms of that time.
II Aum Namho Bhagwatey Ramchandray II