Janma Karana Calculator — Birth Karana & Its Meaning
What is Janma Karana?
Your Janma Karana is the karana active at your birth. A karana is half of a tithi, which is the Moon's 12° separation from the Sun. Each 6° half is one karana. A lunar month has 60 karanas, derived from 11 names.
Seven are chara (movable) karanas: Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, and Vishti. These rotate eight times monthly. The four sthira (fixed) karanas—Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, and Kimstughna—each occur once, near Amavasya. Each karana has a presiding lord, symbol, and is rated auspicious or inauspicious for starting work. Vishti (Bhadra) is avoided for all good muhurtas. Your birth karana indicates a fine shade of temperament within your birth tithi.
- Your birth karana, its meaning, and whether it is movable (chara) or fixed (sthira).
- Its presiding lord, classical symbol, and auspicious or inauspicious nature.
- The tithi half you were born in, and its progression.
- Sun and Moon positions, Moon sign, Nakshatra, and the full Panchang of your birth moment.
For accuracy, enter your exact birth time and city. A karana changes every 9-12 hours, so precise birth time is crucial. An inauspicious birth karana is not a negative verdict; it signifies an intense temperament. Consult a qualified astrologer to interpret it within your full birth chart.
Frequently asked questions about Janma Karana
What does Janma Karana cover?
Your Janma Karana is the karana active at your birth. A karana is half of a tithi, which is the Moon's 12° separation from the Sun. Each 6° half is one karana. A lunar month has 60 karanas, derived from 11 names.
How does Janma Karana read the chart?
Seven are chara (movable) karanas: Bava, Balava, Kaulava, Taitila, Gara, Vanija, and Vishti. These rotate eight times monthly. The four sthira (fixed) karanas—Shakuni, Chatushpada, Naga, and Kimstughna—each occur once, near Amavasya. Each karana has a presiding lord, symbol, and is rated auspicious or inauspicious for starting work. Vishti (Bhadra) is avoided for all good muhurtas. Your birth karana indicates a fine shade of temperament within your birth tithi.
What else should I know about Janma Karana?
For accuracy, enter your exact birth time and city. A karana changes every 9-12 hours, so precise birth time is crucial. An inauspicious birth karana is not a negative verdict; it signifies an intense temperament. Consult a qualified astrologer to interpret it within your full birth chart.
Do I need my exact birth time for Janma Karana?
Yes for a reliable reading. Janma Karana depends on the ascendant and house lords, which shift with the birth time — so enter the exact time with the correct AM/PM and pick your city from the suggestions. A rough time can still give a broad sense, but house-based results may change.
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