Kuṇḍali: The Astrological Chart in Indian Astrology

Kuṇḍali: The Astrological Chart in Indian Astrology

Kuṇḍali, also known as janmapatra, is the term in Indian astrology referring to the astrological chart or diagram that depicts the positions of the navagraha-s (celestial entities) at a specific moment, often the birth of an individual. The navagraha-s include the Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and the two nodes of the Moon.

Zodiacal Signs in Indian Astrology:

In Indian astrology, the navagraha-s are positioned in one of the 12 zodiacal signs, known as rāśi-s. These signs are:

Meṣa (Aries)

Vṛṣabha (Taurus)

Mithuna (Gemini)

Karka (Cancer)

Siṃha (Leo)

Kanyā (Virgo)

Tulā (Libra)

Vṛścika (Scorpio)

Dhanuṣa (Sagittarius)

Makara (Capricorn)

Kumbha (Aquarius)

Mīna (Pisces)

Construction of Kuṇḍali:

A kuṇḍali is a visual representation, usually with 12 cells, each corresponding to one of the zodiacal signs. Different regions in India follow distinct conventions for constructing kuṇḍali. There are three primary formats: North Indian, South Indian, and Eastern Indian.

North Indian Kuṇḍali:

Bhāva-Centric: Prioritizes the ascendant (Lagna) as the starting point.

The first bhāva is in the topmost middle diamond.

Houses (bhāva-s) are static, and rāśi-s are numbered counter-clockwise.

South Indian Kuṇḍali:

Rāśi-Centric: Primarily focuses on zodiacal signs.

Each rāśi has a fixed position inside the kuṇḍali.

Ascendant is marked with a diagonal line or "Lagna."

Eastern Indian Kuṇḍali:

Rāśi-Centric: Similar to the South Indian format.

Meṣa occupies the central cell in the top row.

Cells are assigned rāśi-s in the anti-clockwise direction.

Scientific Aspects:

The construction of a kuṇḍali, representing the positions of celestial entities, is not considered unscientific. It is a diagrammatic portrayal of astronomical data. However, the practice of interpreting kuṇḍali to predict future events or personality traits lacks scientific basis and is regarded as a pseudo-science.

Regional Variations:

Different parts of India adhere to diverse kuṇḍali construction practices, reflecting regional astrological traditions. While the visual representation varies, the underlying astronomical principles remain consistent.

Conclusion:

Kuṇḍali serves as a tool for depicting the positions of navagraha-s in the zodiac at a specific moment. While the construction itself is not inherently unscientific, the act of using it for predictions ventures into the realm of pseudo-science. The varied formats across India showcase the rich diversity in astrological traditions.