A kundli, also called a janam kundli or birth chart, is a diagram used in Indian (Vedic) astrology. It shows the positions of the Sun, Moon and planets at the exact time and place a person was born. Astrology is a belief system and is not supported by scientific evidence, so this article is for general interest.
Photo credit: Fred the Oyster, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.
What details are needed?
An astrologer or software needs your date, exact time and place of birth. Even a small error in the time can change the rising sign and the house positions.
The main parts of a kundli
- Lagna (ascendant): the zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at birth. It is the starting point of the chart.
- 12 houses (bhavas): each house is linked to areas of life such as self, wealth, family, career and relationships.
- Nine planets (Navagraha): the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn and the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu.
- Moon sign (Rashi) and nakshatra: the sign and lunar mansion in which the Moon sat at birth.
Chart styles
Kundlis are drawn in different layouts. The North Indian style uses a diamond layout, while the South Indian style uses a square with fixed signs. The information is the same; only the way it is drawn differs.
How is it used?
Many families use kundlis for naming a child, choosing auspicious dates, or matching horoscopes before marriage. These are traditions and personal choices, and they should not replace professional medical, legal or financial advice.
Written by The Popular Story desk.
