Jyothishi

Kota Chakra

Introduction

Vedic astrology has proved that transiting planets  have profound impact on every individual in their day to day life.  Janma Nakshatra or Birth star has an important place in ones chart and often has been used as the starting point for predictions resulting from transiting planets.

Kota Chakra is one such tool which can be used to predict the good & bad happenings in one’s life resulting from transiting planets at a particular moment of time.

Kota (कोट) is a Sanskrit word, means fort. Kota Chakra is fundamentally a diagram depicting transit routes of planets through 28 Nakshatras, including Abhijit.

Purpose of Kota Chakra

In ancient times, Kota Chakra was erected for a designated time to predict the outcome of war / battle and the result of fighting between two warlords. In today’s context the chart provides information regarding professional setback, transfer, termination, failure and fall from the position, bodily discomfort, outcome of a dispute or lawsuit, destruction and death.

 Construction of Kota Chakra

Kota Chakra, also known as Durga Chakra (दुर्गा चक्र), is a quadrangle diagram comprising four divisions. Two small squares inside expands into a large square that forms three segments, while fourth segment is the outer boundary of large square.

The figures are divided into two halves by a vertical straight line or a pair of straight lines :these are then further divided into two – and thereby resulting in four quarters – by a horizontal straight line or a pair of straight lines. Thereafter, two diagonal straight lines or two pairs of straight lines are used for making further divisions. Thus the chart is divided into 8 parts. Please see the figure below for better understanding.  

The placement of 28 Nakshatra in Kota Chakra always begins with Janma Nakshatra, which is placed in the North Eastern corner of diagram.

Kota Chakra is divided into four sections as follows:

• Stambha (Innermost Portion)
• Durgantara or Madhya (Inner-Middle Portion)
• Prakaara (Boundary Wall)
• Bahya (Exterior of the Fort)

Stambha:

Stambha literally means pillar that support a building. In Kota Chakra, it is the central courtyard. This innermost portion of the Kota Chakra is indicated as green coloured box in above figure. Counting from Janma Nakshatra; 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th constellation falls in this division. If a native’s Janma Nakshatra is Rohini then Punarvasu, Chitra, Uttarashada, and Revati form the Stambha Bhaga of his Kota Chakra.

Durgantara or Madhya:

It lies in between inner and outer divisions of Kota Chakra. 3rd, 5th, 10th, 12th, 17th, 19th, 24th, and 26th Nakshatra from Janma Nakshatra falls in this portion. Following this distribution, if Rohini is the Janma Nakshatra then Ardra, Pushya, Hasta, Swati, Purvashadha, Abhijit, Uttarabhadra and Aswini constitute Madhya Bhaga or Durgantara.

Prakaara:

Prakaara is generally the outer boundary, edge or walls. This portion of Kota Chakra is depicted here in pinkish red colour.  Counting from Janma Nakshatra, 2nd, 6th, 9th, 13th, 16th, 20th, 23rd, and 27th Nakshatra is placed in this division of Kota Chakra. If someone is born in Rohini Nakshatra then Mrigashira, Aslesha, Uttaraphalguni, Visakha, Moola, Sravana, Purvabhadra, and Bharani form Prakaara Bhaga.

Bahya

Bahya means outside boundary. This outermost division is the portion that surrounds the rest of Kota. Bahya Bhaga comprises 1st, 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th, 21st, 22nd, and 28th lunar constellation from Janma Nakshatra. Following this if somebody is born with Rohini Janma Nakshatra, the Rohini, Magha, Purvaphalguni, Anuradha, Jyeshta, Dhanista, Satabhisha, and Krittika lie in this area.

                                                             Terminologies

Kota Swami:

Kota Swami is also referred to as Durgapati. It literally means Lord of the Fort. Kota Swami is simply the Lord of the Rashi in which the natal Moon is posited. For example, if someone was born with Moon in Taurus then Venus should be his Kota Swami of Kota Chakra.

Kota Paala

Kota Paala literally means Guard of the Ford. Paala also signifies one who tends and cares. Finding Kota Paala is bit difficult and cumbersome. Kota Paala is the lord of Pada of Janma Nakshatra as per Avakahada Chakra (आवकहदग चक्र) and is the planet representing the initial sound /first letter of the native’s name.

Entry Path

If you look at the Kota Chakra and the order of placement of Nakshatra, it will appear as though the stars are entering through semi-cardinal points, namely, NE, SE, SW & NW and converging at Stambha. These four ingress routes are called ‘Entry Path’

Exit Path

Similarly the route of Nakshatra appears as though they are exiting from Stambha towards cardinal points, namely, E, S, W & N. These four egress routes are called ‘Exit Path’

Example

Kota Chakra generated for Bangalore at 1800 hrs on 02 June 2011  for native born on 6th February 1985. His Moon was in Leo / Magha 3rd Pada and hence his Kota Swami is Sun. Kota Paala is Saturn.

Kota Chakra for Bangalore at 1800 hrs on 02 June 2011 for a native born 6th Feb 1985

Simple Thumb Rule to interpret Kota Chakra

• The ‘Stambha’ and the ‘Madhya’ regions constitute heart of the Kota Chakra. Natural and functional benefic planets in this area indicate  strength and ability to face adverse impacts; natural and functional malefic planets may do the reverse.
• The ‘Prakaara’ and ‘Bahya’ regions represent the circumstances and surroundings. Natural and functional malefic planets indicate adverse circumstances but natural and functional benefic planets indicate improved condition.
• If natural malefic planets transit through the Nakshatras that are placed on the course of “Entry Path” and at the same time, natural benefic planets transit on “Exit Path” forms Durga Bhanga (दुर्गाभगांर्) yoga. This yoga indicates defeat.
  
• If natural benefic planets are on the “Entry Path” and natural malefic planets are on the “Exit Path” then one wins the battle.
• Auspicious results accrue when Kota Swami transits Madhya Bhaga or Durgantara, and Kota Paala transits Bahya Bhaga.
• If fast moving planets like Moon, Mercury, or Venus becomes the Kota Swami or Kota Paala, and transits through adverse positions, they may not do much harm  due to their fast movement. But if Saturn happens to be a Kota Swami or Kota Paala, and transits through these positions , then it is a matter for concern.
• Rahu & Ketu are always retrograde and therefore the ‘entry’ becomes ‘exit’ and vice versa. Similar is the case for ‘Retrograde’ planets.
• Commencement of “Retrogression” of any planet is always bad. In case of natural malefic planets, it is indicative of accidental mishap, untoward happening, etc; and in case of natural benefic planets, it signifies withdrawal of support or protection.

Author’s Note

This is a vast subject and requires extensive reading and research. I have endeavoured to give a glimpse of the same and serious students of astrology are advised to go through the following classics / books for a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

• Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra
• Daivajna Vallabha by Varahamihira
• Uttrakalamrita by Kalidasa
• Astrological Applications of Kota Chakra by KK Joshi
• The mystery of Kota Chakra unraveled by KN Rao

Caution

Like any other method used for transit prediction, the result obtained from this method also has to be corroborated by the Dasha – Bhukti currently running for the native. Therefore do not be hasty in coming to conclusion using results of this method only. If Dasha – Bhukti is good, many results may have to be moderated or  some of them may not even happen.

(Om Gurubhyo Namaha)

“Gurur Brahma, gurur Vishnu, gurur devo Maheswara,

Guru sakshath param Brahman thasmai Sri Guruave nama”

Guru is Brahma, Vishnu and the great Maheswara,

Guru is the real Brahman and so I salute the Guru.

Jupiter’s Transit into Aries

Jupiter is transiting from Pisces to Aries on 08^th May 2011 and it will remain in Aries for about a year, till 17^th May 2012 to be precise. “Will Jupiter’s change of Zodiac Signs bring you health and wealth? Or could he actually bring you sickness and hospital bills?

One of the Sanskrit names for Jupiter is “Guru” which means teacher. Jupiter is also known as ‘Brihaspati’. In the ancient Vedic texts, it is even said the Jupiter is the prime advisor to the celestial angels or “Devas”. Jupiter removes our ignorance and darkness and offers wisdom. This planetary lord is also the god of righteousness and justice.

Jupiter takes about 12 years to complete cycle of 12 zodiac signs. It stays for about a year in each sign.  Whenever Jupiter moves in to 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th houses from the Janmarashi we can say that the native has Gurubala and it gives good results. Just as the guru removes the problems of the devotees, the planet Guru brings fortune for most people across the board. The placement of Guru in the 9th house is extremely beneficial. The person with a 9th House Guru will overcome all problems and become successful in a miraculous way.

Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, and its symbolism bears this out. Jupiter is the principle of expansion: expanding the mind to super conscious realms and philosophy, expanding our physical horizons through long journeys, and expanding the physical body through putting on weight (or just plain being large).

Jupiter is the significator for wealth, children, education, religion, prosperity, fame, gain, good marital order, providential help, political power, good luck, finances and long journeys. In Medical astrology Jupiter rules: blood, liver, arteries, thighs, neck, weight problems, diabetes, cataract, intoxication, biliousness, cholesterol.

Jupiter transits only once every year and is moving into Aries on 08^th May 2011. The following is generally what is going to happen for each of your Moon signs (Janmarashi)

Interpretation of Transit Results

While interpreting the result of the transit, the following points must be borne in mind.

Reference Point: The reference or starting point is the Janmarashi or the sign in which the Moon is posited in the natal chart. There are many astrologers who advocate interpretation with reference to Lagna or Ascendant but the classical texts recommend using Janmarashi only.

Lordship of Jupiter in Natal Chart: It is important that we should identify the lordship of Jupiter in the natal chart before we set out to make any predictions. For example, for a native whose Ascendant is Pisces and Janmarashi is Gemini May 2011 transit should be interpreted to give specific results pertaining to the Karakatwa of First House and Tenth House apart from the general prediction given above of Jupiter being in the 11^th house during transit.

Dasha and Bhukti: Whatever interpretation we arrive at using above method must be corroborated by the Dasha and Bhukti currently running for the native. If the Dasha and Bhukti are not favourable then the results thus predicted may not come true.

Conclusion: The transit interpretation though appears very simple; it involves in-depth analysis of afflictions, retrogression and ownership of Dusthanas / Bad Houses of Jupiter in natal chart as well as Veda (Obstruction) to Jupiter in Transit and the result obtained from the transit of other powerful planet, namely Saturn. Notwithstanding all these, Jupiter being the most benefic planet will normally not harm any native unless he is highly afflicted. As stated earlier Jupiter is the promoter par excellence, and I wish that all mankind receive his blessings for peace and harmony.

MOORTI NIRNAYA

This is another popular method of judging the Transit results mostly used in North India. The method is described below.

•  Note the Janma Rashi.
• Choose the planet transit result for which predictions to be made.
• Note the transit position of the Moon with reference to Natal Moon (Janma Rashi) when the chosen planet enters a new sign.

Name the Moorti as follows:- •

• If the transit Moon is in 1st, 6th or 11th from Natal Moon – Swarna (Golden) Moorti.
•  If it is in 2nd, 5th or 9th – Rajata (Silver) Moorti.
• If it is in 3rd, 7th or 10th – Tamra (Copper) Moorti.
• If it is in 4th, 8th or 12th – Loha (Iron) Moorti.

The results will be as follows:-

• Swarna: Extremely favourable
• Rajata: Favourable
• Tamra: Average
• Loha: Extremely unfavourable

Example

• We are interested in finding the result of Jupiter transit from Virgo to Libra and the native’s Janma Rashi is Aquarius.
• At the time of Jupiter’s transit, the transit Moon was in Pisces or the second house from Janma Rashi.
• Being in second will result in Rajata Moorti and hence the Jupiter transit will be favourable to the native.

 Year of Major Transits

The year 2011 is an important year wherein four major planetary transits are taking place.

• 8th May 2011 – Jupiter enters Aries
• 6th June 2011 – Rahu enters Scorpio
• 6th June 2011 – Ketu enters Taurus
• 15th November 2011 – Saturn enters Libra

All these transits will have profound effect on individuals depending on their Janma Rashi.

The general effects are as follows:

Jupiter

• You are said to have Gurubala when Jupiter is in 2nd, 5th, 7th, 9th and 11th from your Janma Rashi.
•  This transit will be favourable for Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius and Pisces
•  This transit will be unfavourable for Aries, Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn & Aquarius.
• There is no need to be scared if the results are unfavourable because if you are running good Dasha & Bhukti many of the negatives will be corrected.
• Propitiating Lord Shiva on Mondays and Thursdays will mitigate many problems.
• Detailed results for each Rashi will be published nearer the date.

Saturn, Rahu and Ketu

• All these malefics are good in 3rd, 6th and 11th from your Janma Rashi.
• For Saturn, the transit will be favorable for Leo, Taurus and Sagittarius.
• For Rahu, its transit will be favourable for Virgo, Gemini and Capricorn.
• For Ketu, its transit will be favourable for Pisces, Sagittarius and Cancer.
• Propitiating following deities will bring succor / relief to those people for whom the transits are unfavourable
• Saturn – Lighting Till Oil lamp / Pooja to Lord Shaneshwara on Saturdays.
• Rahu – Pooja to Goddess Durga on Fridays.
• Ketu – Pooja to Lord Ganesha on Saturdays.

Note: As said earlier, if you are running good Dasha & Bhukti, many of the negatives predicted by this transits may not happen. Please check your horoscopes / consult an astrologer.