Building with an astrology API means working with terminology from a 5,000-year-old tradition. This glossary defines every key term you will encounter in Vedika API responses, request parameters, and documentation. Each entry includes the Sanskrit or Hindi original, a developer-friendly definition, and the relevant API endpoint where applicable.
A
Amala Yoga (अमल योग)
A benefic yoga formed when a natural benefic (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Moon) occupies the 10th house from Lagna or Moon. Indicates a person of spotless character and good reputation.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Anapha Yoga (अनफा योग)
Formed when any planet (except Sun, Rahu, Ketu) occupies the 12th house from the Moon. Gives wealth, good health, and self-made success.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Antardasha (अंतर्दशा)
A sub-period within a Mahadasha in the Vimshottari Dasha system. Each Mahadasha is divided into 9 Antardashas, one for each planet. The Antardasha modifies the results of the major period.
See /v2/astrology/vimshottari-dasha
Arudha (आरूढ)
A Jaimini concept. The Arudha Lagna (AL) is a derived ascendant that shows how the world perceives you, as opposed to your actual self. Calculated by reflecting the house lord from its house.
Ascendant (लग्न / Lagna)
The zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. The ascendant determines the 1st house and sets the entire house framework. Also called Lagna in Vedic astrology.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → ascendant
Aspect (दृष्टि / Drishti)
A planetary glance or influence. In Vedic astrology, all planets aspect the 7th house from their position. Mars also aspects the 4th and 8th, Jupiter the 5th and 9th, and Saturn the 3rd and 10th. Different from Western aspects (conjunction, trine, square, etc.).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → aspects[]
Ashtakavarga (अष्टकवर्ग)
A scoring system where each of the 7 planets (Sun through Saturn) and the Lagna contribute benefic points (bindus) across the 12 signs. Used to evaluate transit strength and predict timing of events. Maximum score per sign is 8 (Sarvashtakavarga).
See /v2/astrology/ashtakavarga
Ashtakoota (अष्टकूट)
The 8-factor compatibility system used in Vedic marriage matching. The 8 kootas (Varna, Vashya, Tara, Yoni, Graha Maitri, Gana, Bhakoot, Nadi) yield a maximum of 36 Gunas. A score of 18+ is considered acceptable.
See /v2/astrology/guna-milan
Ayanamsa (अयनांश)
The angular difference between the tropical (Western) and sidereal (Vedic) zodiacs caused by the precession of equinoxes. Currently approximately 24 degrees. Vedika uses the Lahiri (Chitrapaksha) ayanamsa, the Indian government standard. Different ayanamsa values shift all planetary positions.
Returned in /v2/astrology/birth-chart → ayanamsa
B
Bhava (भाव)
A house in the birth chart. The 12 bhavas represent life domains: 1st (self), 2nd (wealth/speech), 3rd (siblings/courage), 4th (home/mother), 5th (children/creativity), 6th (enemies/health), 7th (marriage/partners), 8th (longevity/occult), 9th (luck/dharma), 10th (career), 11th (gains), 12th (losses/liberation).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → houses[]
Birth Chart (जन्म कुंडली)
A map of the sky at the exact moment and location of birth, showing the positions of planets in signs and houses. The foundation of all astrological analysis. Also called Janam Kundali, natal chart, or horoscope.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart
BPHS (बृहत् पाराशर होरा शास्त्र)
Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra — the foundational text of Vedic astrology attributed to Sage Parashara. Contains rules for chart interpretation, yogas, dashas, remedies, and predictive techniques. Vedika's calculations follow BPHS rules.
Budha-Aditya Yoga (बुध-आदित्य योग)
Formed when Mercury (Budha) and Sun (Aditya) are conjunct in the same house. Indicates intelligence, communication skills, and scholarly abilities. Mercury must not be combust for full strength.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
C
Combustion (अस्त)
When a planet is too close to the Sun, it becomes "combust" and loses strength. Each planet has a different combustion threshold defined by BPHS: Moon 12 degrees, Mars 17 degrees, Mercury 14 degrees (12 degrees if retrograde), Jupiter 11 degrees, Venus 10 degrees, Saturn 15 degrees.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].combust
Conjunction (युति)
When two or more planets occupy the same house (in Vedic) or are within a specific orb of degrees (in Western). Conjunctions blend planetary energies and are the basis for many yogas.
Cusp (भाव संधि)
The starting point (degree) of a house. In the Whole Sign system used by most Vedic astrologers, cusps align with sign boundaries. In the Placidus or KP system, cusps are calculated separately and can fall anywhere within a sign.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → cusps[]
D
Dasamsa (D10) (दशमांश)
The divisional chart for career and professional life. Each sign is divided into 10 parts of 3 degrees each. Planetary positions in D10 indicate career direction, professional success, and public standing.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → divisionalCharts.D10
Dasha (दशा)
A planetary period system used for timing predictions. The most common system is Vimshottari Dasha (120-year cycle). Each planet rules a major period (Mahadasha) of specific duration: Sun 6 years, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19, Mercury 17, Ketu 7, Venus 20.
See /v2/astrology/vimshottari-dasha
Debilitation (नीच)
When a planet is in its weakest sign. Each planet has one sign of debilitation: Sun in Libra, Moon in Scorpio, Mars in Cancer, Mercury in Pisces, Jupiter in Capricorn, Venus in Virgo, Saturn in Aries. A debilitated planet may still gain strength through Neecha Bhanga (cancellation of debilitation).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].dignity
Dharma-Karmadhipati Yoga (धर्म-कर्माधिपति योग)
A powerful Raja Yoga formed when the lords of the 9th house (dharma) and 10th house (karma) are conjunct, in mutual aspect, or in mutual exchange. Indicates great success, authority, and righteous career.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Dignity (स्थिति)
The strength or weakness of a planet based on which sign it occupies. Dignities from strongest to weakest: Exaltation, Moolatrikona, Own Sign, Friendly Sign, Neutral, Enemy Sign, Debilitation. The API returns this as a string field on each planet.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].dignity
Divisional Chart (वर्ग चार्ट)
A chart derived by dividing each sign into smaller parts. BPHS describes 16 main divisional charts (D1 through D60). The most commonly used are D1 (Rashi), D9 (Navamsa for marriage), D10 (Dasamsa for career), and D12 (Dwadasamsa for parents).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → divisionalCharts
Dosha (दोष)
An affliction or defect in a birth chart. Common doshas include Mangal Dosha (Mars in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house), Kaal Sarp Dosha (all planets between Rahu-Ketu axis), and Pitru Dosha (Sun-related affliction). Doshas can be mitigated through remedies.
See /v2/astrology/mangal-dosha
Drishti (दृष्टि)
Literally "sight" or "glance." The Vedic system of planetary aspects. Unlike Western astrology where aspects are symmetric, Vedic drishti is one-directional. See "Aspect" for details on special planetary aspects.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → aspects[]
G
Gaja Kesari Yoga (गज केसरी योग)
Formed when Jupiter is in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house) from the Moon, and Jupiter is not debilitated or combust. One of the most celebrated yogas, it gives wisdom, wealth, leadership, and lasting fame.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Gana (गण)
One of the 8 Ashtakoota factors. Classifies nakshatras into 3 temperaments: Deva (divine/gentle), Manushya (human/mixed), and Rakshasa (fierce/independent). Used in compatibility matching to assess emotional compatibility.
See /v2/astrology/guna-milan → kootas.gana
Graha (ग्रह)
A celestial body or "seizer" in Vedic astrology. The 9 grahas are: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Node), and Ketu (South Node). Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets (mathematical points).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[]
Graha Yuddha (ग्रह युद्ध)
Planetary war. Occurs when two planets (excluding Sun, Moon, Rahu, Ketu) are within 1 degree of each other. The planet with the higher latitude wins the war and gains strength; the loser is weakened.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planetaryWar
Guna Milan (गुण मिलान)
The process of matching horoscopes for marriage compatibility using the Ashtakoota system. The 8 kootas yield a maximum of 36 Gunas. Traditionally, 18+ Gunas is the minimum acceptable score for marriage.
See /v2/astrology/guna-milan
J
Janam Kundali (जन्म कुंडली)
Birth chart. See "Birth Chart" and "Kundali."
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart
Jupiter Return
When transiting Jupiter returns to the same sign it occupied at birth, occurring roughly every 12 years. Jupiter returns mark periods of growth, opportunity, and philosophical expansion. In Vedic astrology, transits are evaluated from the Moon sign.
See /v2/astrology/transits
Jyotish (ज्योतिष)
The Sanskrit word for Vedic astrology, meaning "science of light." Jyotish is one of the six Vedangas (limbs of the Vedas) and encompasses astronomical calculations, horoscope interpretation, and predictive techniques.
K
Kaal Sarp Dosha (काल सर्प दोष)
An affliction occurring when all 7 planets (Sun through Saturn) are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. Believed to cause delays, obstacles, and karmic challenges. There are 12 types named after serpents (Anant, Kulik, Vasuki, etc.).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → doshas
Kendra (केंद्र)
The angular houses: 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th. Kendras are the strongest houses in a chart. Planets in Kendras gain directional strength (Dig Bala) and form important yogas (like Pancha Mahapurusha yogas).
Kemadruma Yoga (केमद्रुम योग)
Formed when there are no planets in the 2nd or 12th house from the Moon (excluding Sun, Rahu, Ketu). Indicates potential poverty, loneliness, or lack of support. Many cancellation conditions exist.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
KP System (कृष्णमूर्ति पद्धति)
Krishnamurti Paddhati — a modern astrological system developed by K.S. Krishnamurti. Uses Placidus house cusps, sub-lord theory, and the concept of significators. More predictive and less interpretive than Parashari. Vedika supports KP as a separate system.
Use system: "kp" in AI chat queries
Kundali (कुंडली)
The Vedic birth chart diagram showing the 12 houses and planetary placements. Displayed in North Indian (diamond) or South Indian (square) format. Also spelled Kundli. The API returns data that can render either format.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart
M
Mahadasha (महादशा)
The major planetary period in the Vimshottari system. Each planet rules a Mahadasha of fixed duration: Sun 6 years, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19, Mercury 17, Ketu 7, Venus 20. The total cycle is 120 years. Which Mahadasha is running at birth depends on the Moon's nakshatra.
See /v2/astrology/vimshottari-dasha → mahadasha
Mangal Dosha (मंगल दोष)
An affliction caused by Mars placed in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house from Lagna, Moon, or Venus. Associated with delays and difficulties in marriage. Also called Manglik Dosha or Kuja Dosha. BPHS Ch.80 v.47 (Stri Jataka) lists Mars in houses 1, 4, 7, 8, 12; Jataka Parijata Ch.14 v.34 adds the 2nd house. Vedika uses the aggregated classical 6-house definition.
See /v2/astrology/mangal-dosha
Moon Sign (चंद्र राशि)
The zodiac sign where the Moon is placed at birth. In Vedic astrology, the Moon sign (Rashi) is more important than the Sun sign for daily predictions, compatibility matching, and dasha calculations. Indian horoscope columns are based on Moon signs.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[] (Moon)
Moolatrikona (मूलत्रिकोण)
A dignity level between Exaltation and Own Sign. Each planet has a Moolatrikona range within one of its own signs: Sun in Leo 0-20 degrees, Moon in Taurus 3-30 degrees, Mars in Aries 0-12 degrees, Mercury in Virgo 16-20 degrees, Jupiter in Sagittarius 0-10 degrees, Venus in Libra 0-15 degrees, Saturn in Aquarius 0-20 degrees.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].dignity = "Moolatrikona"
Muhurta (मुहूर्त)
Electional astrology — the science of selecting auspicious times for important activities like marriage, travel, starting a business, or buying property. A muhurta calculation considers the Panchang elements, planetary transits, and the person's birth chart.
See /v2/astrology/muhurta
N
Nadi (नाडी)
One of the 8 Ashtakoota matching factors, carrying the highest weight (8 points). Classifies nakshatras into 3 nadis: Aadi (Vata), Madhya (Pitta), and Antya (Kapha). Same nadi between partners scores 0 and is considered a serious mismatch for marriage.
See /v2/astrology/guna-milan → kootas.nadi
Nakshatra (नक्षत्र)
One of 27 lunar mansions, each spanning 13 degrees 20 minutes of the sidereal zodiac. Every nakshatra has 4 padas (quarters) of 3 degrees 20 minutes each. Nakshatras are fundamental to Dasha calculations, compatibility matching, muhurta selection, and naming conventions. Each has a ruling planet, deity, and animal symbol.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].nakshatra
Navamsa (D9) (नवांश)
The 9th divisional chart, considered the second most important chart after the Rashi (D1). Each sign is divided into 9 parts of 3 degrees 20 minutes. Navamsa reveals marriage quality, spiritual nature, and the deeper potential of planets. A planet in the same sign in both D1 and D9 is called Vargottama.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → divisionalCharts.D9
Neecha Bhanga Raja Yoga (नीच भंग राज योग)
Cancellation of debilitation. When a debilitated planet meets specific BPHS conditions (its debilitation lord is in a kendra, the exaltation lord aspects it, etc.), the debilitation is cancelled and the planet can produce Raja Yoga results. There are 5 conditions defined by Parashara.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
P
Pada (पद)
A quarter of a nakshatra, spanning 3 degrees 20 minutes. Each nakshatra has 4 padas. Padas determine the Navamsa sign of a planet and are used in naming conventions (each pada is assigned Sanskrit syllables for naming a child).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].nakshatra.pada
Panchang (पंचांग)
The Vedic almanac with 5 elements: Tithi (lunar day), Vara (weekday), Nakshatra (Moon's mansion), Yoga (Sun-Moon angular relationship), and Karana (half-tithi). Used for daily auspicious timing, festival dates, and muhurta selection.
See /v2/astrology/panchang
Pancha Mahapurusha Yoga (पंच महापुरुष योग)
Five great-person yogas formed when Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, or Saturn is in its own sign or exalted AND in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house). The 5 yogas: Ruchaka (Mars), Bhadra (Mercury), Hamsa (Jupiter), Malavya (Venus), Sasa (Saturn).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Parivartana Yoga (परिवर्तन योग)
Mutual exchange of signs between two planets — each planet sits in the other's sign. BPHS classifies 3 types: Maha (between Kendra/Trikona lords, very auspicious), Khala (involving 3rd/6th lords, mixed), and Dainya (involving 6th/8th/12th lords, inauspicious).
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Planetary War (ग्रह युद्ध)
See "Graha Yuddha." Occurs when two planets are within 1 degree of longitude. The northern planet wins per BPHS rules.
Pratyantardasha (प्रत्यंतर्दशा)
The sub-sub-period within an Antardasha. Provides finer timing for event prediction. The API returns Pratyantardasha data as the third level of the dasha hierarchy.
See /v2/astrology/vimshottari-dasha → pratyantardasha
R
Raja Yoga (राज योग)
A category of yogas that give power, authority, and success. Formed when lords of Kendra houses (1,4,7,10) and Trikona houses (1,5,9) are connected by conjunction, mutual aspect, or exchange. The 1st house is both a Kendra and a Trikona, making the Lagna lord a key Raja Yoga participant.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Rashi (राशि)
A zodiac sign. The 12 rashis in order: Mesha (Aries), Vrishabha (Taurus), Mithuna (Gemini), Karka (Cancer), Simha (Leo), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), Vrischika (Scorpio), Dhanu (Sagittarius), Makara (Capricorn), Kumbha (Aquarius), Meena (Pisces). Each spans 30 degrees of the sidereal zodiac.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].sign
Retrograde (वक्री)
When a planet appears to move backward through the zodiac from Earth's perspective. Sun and Moon never retrograde. Rahu and Ketu are always retrograde by convention. A retrograde planet is not inherently weak — in Vedic astrology, retrograde planets can gain strength and produce intense results.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[].retrograde
S
Sade Sati (साढ़े साती)
A 7.5-year period when transit Saturn passes through the 12th, 1st, and 2nd houses from the natal Moon sign. Often associated with challenges, transformation, and hard lessons. Occurs 2-3 times in a lifetime. Has 3 phases: Rising (12th from Moon), Peak (over Moon), Setting (2nd from Moon).
See /v2/astrology/sade-sati
Saturn Return
When transiting Saturn returns to its natal position, occurring every 29.5 years. In Vedic astrology, Saturn's transit through different houses from the Moon sign is more commonly analyzed than the exact return.
See /v2/astrology/transits
Shadbala (षड्बल)
The six-fold strength calculation for planets: Sthana Bala (positional), Dig Bala (directional), Kala Bala (temporal), Cheshta Bala (motional), Naisargika Bala (natural), and Drik Bala (aspectual). Expressed in Shashtiamsas (60ths). Vedika normalizes these to a 0-100 scale for easier interpretation.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → shadbala
Sidereal Zodiac (निरयण)
The zodiac system used in Vedic astrology, aligned with the actual fixed star positions (nakshatras). It differs from the tropical zodiac by the ayanamsa value (currently about 24 degrees). Most Vedic astrologers use the Lahiri ayanamsa.
Sunapha Yoga (सुनफा योग)
Formed when any planet (except Sun, Rahu, Ketu) occupies the 2nd house from the Moon. Indicates self-earned wealth, intelligence, and royal comforts.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Sun Sign (सूर्य राशि)
The zodiac sign where the Sun is placed at birth. While dominant in Western astrology, the Sun sign is secondary to the Moon sign in Vedic astrology. In the sidereal system, Sun sign dates differ from Western dates by about 24 days.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → planets[] (Sun)
Vedika Ephemeris
Vedika's in-house astronomical calculation engine for planetary positions. Provides sub-arcsecond precision for planetary longitudes, latitudes, and speeds. Validated against JPL DE431 ephemeris data. Powers all 516+ Vedika calculation endpoints with zero external API dependency.
T
Transit (गोचर)
The current positions of planets in the sky relative to the natal chart. In Vedic astrology, transits are primarily evaluated from the Moon sign (Chandra). Key transits include Saturn (Sade Sati), Jupiter (guru peyarchi), and Rahu-Ketu (18-month cycles).
See /v2/astrology/transits
Trikona (त्रिकोण)
The trine houses: 1st, 5th, and 9th. Trikonas are the most auspicious houses — their lords are always benefic regardless of their natural nature. The 1st house is both a Kendra and a Trikona, making its lord especially significant.
Tropical Zodiac (सायन)
The zodiac system used in Western astrology, aligned with the equinoxes rather than fixed stars. The first point of Aries begins at the vernal equinox. Due to precession, the tropical zodiac drifts relative to the sidereal by about 1 degree every 72 years.
See /v2/western/ endpoints
V
Vargottama (वर्गोत्तम)
When a planet occupies the same sign in both the Rashi chart (D1) and the Navamsa chart (D9). A Vargottama planet is considered very strong, as if exalted. It indicates that the planet's promise in the birth chart will manifest fully.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → divisionalCharts.D9 (compare with D1)
Vimshottari Dasha (विंशोत्तरी दशा)
The 120-year planetary period system based on the Moon's nakshatra at birth. The most widely used dasha system in Vedic astrology. The starting point is determined by the Moon's exact degree within its nakshatra. Contains 3 levels: Mahadasha, Antardasha, and Pratyantardasha.
See /v2/astrology/vimshottari-dasha
Viparita Raja Yoga (विपरीत राज योग)
A paradoxical yoga where lords of dusthana houses (6th, 8th, 12th) are placed in other dusthana houses. The "evil cancels evil" principle — the person gains through crises, enemies' losses, or unexpected inheritance.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
W
Western Astrology
The astrological tradition using the tropical zodiac, popular in Europe and the Americas. Uses aspects (conjunction, trine, square, opposition, sextile), transits, progressions, and solar returns. Vedika API supports Western astrology through dedicated /v2/western/ endpoints with complete system isolation from Vedic calculations.
See /v2/western/ endpoints
Whole Sign House System
The house system used by most traditional Vedic astrologers. Each house equals exactly one zodiac sign — the ascendant sign is the 1st house, the next sign is the 2nd house, and so on. Simpler than quadrant-based systems (Placidus, Koch) used in Western astrology.
Y
Yoga (योग)
A specific planetary combination that produces defined results. Classical texts describe hundreds of yogas across categories: Raja Yogas (power), Dhana Yogas (wealth), Arishta Yogas (hardship), Sannyasa Yogas (renunciation), and Nabhasa Yogas (pattern-based). Vedika detects 21 mathematically verifiable yogas per chart.
See /v2/astrology/birth-chart → yogas[]
Yoni (योनि)
One of the 8 Ashtakoota matching factors (4 points). Each nakshatra is assigned an animal yoni (horse, elephant, deer, serpent, dog, cat, rat, cow, buffalo, tiger, hare, monkey, mongoose, lion). Matching evaluates sexual and physical compatibility between partners.
See /v2/astrology/guna-milan → kootas.yoni