Karaka

Karaka means significator - a planet that naturally signifies specific things regardless of its chart placement. These are called naisargika karakas (natural significators). For example, Venus is the karaka for marriage, Jupiter for children, Saturn for longevity, and Sun for father.

In addition to natural karakas, there are chara karakas (variable significators) in Jaimini astrology, determined by planetary degrees. The planet at the highest degree becomes Atmakaraka (self significator), and others take roles in descending order.

Understanding karakas is essential for interpretation. To analyze marriage, examine: Venus (natural karaka), 7th house and its lord, and the chara karaka for spouse (Darakaraka). A karaka placed in its own house (karako bhava nashaya) can sometimes damage that house’s significations - a subtle but important interpretive principle.