Plain-English reference

Vedic astrology terms, explained without stripping away their context.

This glossary describes how Anantrix uses fifteen recurring Sanskrit terms. Different traditions, languages and transliterations may use alternate labels or give a term a narrower emphasis.

A term can mean something more specific in context, especially Rashi, Yoga and Dasha.

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sidereal zodiac adjustment

Ayanamsha

An Ayanamsha specifies the angular offset used to convert tropical longitudes to a sidereal zodiac. Different accepted settings can move a placement near a sign or Nakshatra boundary, so the chosen reference belongs in transparent methodology.

See Anantrix calculation settings

chart house

Bhava

The twelve Bhavas organise a chart into fields of experience such as identity, resources, relationships and vocation. Their boundaries depend on the chart's ascendant and therefore on birth-time confidence.

Explore the twelve houses

planetary timing period

Dasha

A Dasha assigns successive periods of life to planetary rulers. Anantrix uses the active period as a timing layer, then checks the natal chart and transits instead of treating the period ruler as a stand-alone prediction.

See how personal timing is used

challenging chart condition

Dosha

Dosha is used for a chart condition a tradition treats as potentially challenging, such as Manglik Dosha. It should be assessed with exceptions, severity and chart context rather than used as a fear label or automatic marriage decision.

Read the interpretation methodology

planetary influence

Graha

Graha does not map perfectly to the modern astronomical word planet; it names a traditional astrological influence. Vedic astrology includes the Sun, Moon and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu among the nine Grahas.

Explore the nine Grahas

36-point compatibility system

Guna Milan

Guna Milan compares the two Moon signs and birth Nakshatras across eight traditional factors for a maximum of 36 points. The score is one compatibility lens, not a complete relationship assessment or a substitute for consent, safety and lived compatibility.

Use the compatibility calculator

Vedic birth chart

Kundali

Also used: Janam Kundali

A Kundali is the calculated map of planetary positions for a person's birth date, time and place. It is the shared source for the chart, timing and personalised readings rather than a separate prediction product.

Create and understand a birth chart

rising sign

Lagna

Also used: ascendant

Lagna is the sidereal sign rising on the eastern horizon at the recorded birth moment. It changes relatively quickly, so an exact birth time matters when interpreting houses and ascendant-based themes.

See how birth time affects the chart

supportive time for an activity

Muhurat

Muhurat is the practice of selecting a supportive time for a defined activity. The activity, location and local date matter, and a general daily window is not the same as a full election for a major event.

Check today's worldwide timings

birth star

Nakshatra

Also used: birth star

The sidereal zodiac is divided into 27 Nakshatras, and each covers a specific span of celestial longitude. In Anantrix, the Moon's Nakshatra is used for birth-star interpretation, compatibility and parts of planetary-period timing.

Explore all 27 Nakshatras

five-part Vedic calendar

Panchang

Also used: Panchanga

A Panchang describes five daily factors: Tithi, Vara, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana. Tithi, Nakshatra, Yoga and Karana change at the same instant worldwide in this geocentric system, but their local clock times differ. Sunrise-based day labels and daily windows also depend on place, so choose the reader's location and date.

Read the Panchang guide

Moon sign

Rashi

Also used: Janma Rashi

When Anantrix says your Rashi in a Moon-focused reading, it means the sidereal zodiac sign occupied by the Moon at birth. This is distinct from using rashi as the general Sanskrit word for any zodiac sign.

Read the Moon-sign guides

zodiac sign

Rashi

Rashi can also refer to any one of the twelve zodiac signs, such as the sign occupied by Mars or the ascendant. The surrounding sentence matters: Anantrix writes “Moon sign” when Rashi specifically means the Moon's sign.

Explore the twelve zodiac signs

120-year planetary timing cycle

Vimshottari Dasha

Vimshottari Dasha is a 120-year sequence whose starting point is derived from the Moon's birth Nakshatra. Major and sub-periods help organise longer themes, but their reading still depends on the relevant planets in the natal chart.

Read the calculation methodology

planetary combination

Yoga

A Yoga is formed when specified planets, signs, houses or rulerships meet a traditional rule. Its presence alone is not a complete verdict; strength, condition, timing and the rest of the chart affect how much weight it deserves.

Read the interpretation methodology

Put each term beside an example

A sign describes a section of the zodiac. A house describes an area of the chart relative to the rising sign and chosen house system. A planetary period describes a traditional timing sequence. These words answer different questions. Learning the label is useful when you can also see the input, calculation and limits behind it.

Read an annotated birth-chart example

A little more clarity

Questions, answered.

Why does the same word have several English spellings?

Sanskrit and Hindi terms can be written in Latin letters in different ways. Rashi and Rasi, or Dasha and Dasa, may name the same concept. Read the definition and the calculation convention rather than assuming a spelling change means a different method.

Do I need to learn every term before reading my chart?

No. Start with the term beside the question you are exploring, then return to the explanation. A useful reading should say what a factor contributes in ordinary language. You do not need to memorise the glossary to ask for a clear answer.