Sanskrit Astrology Terms
Complete Jyotish Vocabulary with Hindi & English Meanings
What are Sanskrit Astrology Terms?
Sanskrit astrology terms are the original vocabulary of Jyotish Shastra (Vedic astrology). Key terms include: Graha (planet), Rashi (zodiac sign), Bhava (house), Nakshatra (lunar mansion), Dasha (planetary period), and Yoga (planetary combination). These terms originate from texts like Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.
Graha - The Nine Planets
Graha (ग्रह) means "that which seizes or influences." The Navagraha (nine planets) are the cosmic influencers in Vedic astrology.
| Sanskrit | Hindi | English | Signifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surya | सूर्य | Sun | Soul, Father, Authority |
| Chandra | चंद्र | Moon | Mind, Mother, Emotions |
| Mangal | मंगल | Mars | Energy, Courage, Property |
| Budh | बुध | Mercury | Intellect, Speech, Commerce |
| Guru/Brihaspati | गुरु/बृहस्पति | Jupiter | Wisdom, Fortune, Children |
| Shukra | शुक्र | Venus | Love, Beauty, Marriage |
| Shani | शनि | Saturn | Karma, Discipline, Longevity |
| Rahu | राहु | North Node | Illusion, Desire, Foreign |
| Ketu | केतु | South Node | Moksha, Spirituality, Past |
Rashi - The Twelve Zodiac Signs
Rashi (राशि) means "heap" or "collection" - referring to star groups. The 12 Rashis divide the zodiac into 30-degree segments.
| Sanskrit | Hindi | English | Element |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesha | मेष | Aries | Fire |
| Vrishabha | वृषभ | Taurus | Earth |
| Mithuna | मिथुन | Gemini | Air |
| Karka | कर्क | Cancer | Water |
| Simha | सिंह | Leo | Fire |
| Kanya | कन्या | Virgo | Earth |
| Tula | तुला | Libra | Air |
| Vrishchika | वृश्चिक | Scorpio | Water |
| Dhanu | धनु | Sagittarius | Fire |
| Makara | मकर | Capricorn | Earth |
| Kumbha | कुंभ | Aquarius | Air |
| Meena | मीन | Pisces | Water |
Bhava - The Twelve Houses
Bhava (भाव) means "state of being" or "condition." Each of the 12 houses governs specific life areas.
| House | Sanskrit Name | Hindi | Signifies |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | Tanu Bhava | तनु भाव | Self, Body, Personality |
| 2nd | Dhana Bhava | धन भाव | Wealth, Family, Speech |
| 3rd | Sahaja Bhava | सहज भाव | Siblings, Courage, Skills |
| 4th | Sukha Bhava | सुख भाव | Mother, Home, Happiness |
| 5th | Putra Bhava | पुत्र भाव | Children, Intelligence, Creativity |
| 6th | Shatru Bhava | शत्रु भाव | Enemies, Disease, Service |
| 7th | Kalatra Bhava | कलत्र भाव | Spouse, Partnership, Marriage |
| 8th | Ayu Bhava | आयु भाव | Longevity, Transformation, Occult |
| 9th | Dharma Bhava | धर्म भाव | Fortune, Father, Religion |
| 10th | Karma Bhava | कर्म भाव | Career, Status, Authority |
| 11th | Labha Bhava | लाभ भाव | Gains, Friends, Aspirations |
| 12th | Vyaya Bhava | व्यय भाव | Losses, Foreign, Moksha |
Common Jyotish Terms
Kundali (कुंडली)
Birth chart or horoscope showing planetary positions at birth
Drishti (दृष्टि)
Planetary aspect - how planets "see" or influence each other
Uccha (उच्च)
Exaltation - sign where planet is strongest
Neecha (नीच)
Debilitation - sign where planet is weakest
Yogakaraka (योगकारक)
Planet that rules both a Kendra and Trikona house
Maraka (मारक)
Death-inflicting planet (2nd and 7th house lords)