What is a Horoscope? The Significance of Janma Kundali
A birth chart records celestial positions for a particular date, time and place. This lesson introduces the Moon sign and birth nakshatra, then shows how to read a simple Panchang example.
What is a Horoscope or Janma Kundali?
A Horoscope Chart (Map of Heavens) is an astronomical map showing which signs and Nakshatra quarters (Padas) the nine planets were occupying at the moment of your birth. Also known as a Janma Kundali, it reflects the planetary influences that shape an individual's life journey.
How to Determine your Janma Rashi and Nakshatra?
Your Moon sign is the zodiac sign occupied by the Moon at birth. Your birth nakshatra is the lunar mansion occupied by the Moon at that time. Some nakshatras cross a sign boundary, so a nakshatra name alone does not always identify the Moon sign.
Calculation Method using Panchang (Example):
For this hypothetical example, assume a local Panchang shows Krittika ending at 06:58 AM and Rohini continuing through 2:00 PM. A child is born at 2:00 PM. These are teaching values, not verified timings for a historical date.
- According to that day's Panchang, Krittika Nakshatra lasted until 06:58 AM.
- After 06:58 AM, Rohini Nakshatra began.
- Since the child was born at 2:00 PM, Rohini Nakshatra was in effect at the time of birth.
- Rohini Nakshatra belongs to Vrishabha Rashi (Taurus). Therefore, the child's Rashi is Vrishabha and Nakshatra is Rohini.
Do not worry if you don't have old physical Panchangs. You can find accurate details for any year or date for free on the Panchang page of our website, OnlineJyotish.com.
Exercise - A Question for You
Practice is essential to learning astrology. Calculate the Rashi and Nakshatra for the following details and let me know via comments or email:
- 11-10-1967, 10:10 AM, Hyderabad
- 24-04-1973, 06:00 AM, Mumbai
- 10-08-2003, 12:00 PM, Vijayawada
In the next lesson, we will learn in detail about Nakshatra Padas (quarters) and Janma Namam (birth names).