How to find Ishta Devata in a chart

The key role in revealing one's Ishta Devata plays the Atma Karaka. Atma Karaka is the planet that
has the highest longitude. To find one's Ishta Devata we have to look at the Atma Karaka in
Navamsa, since the Navamsa shows blessings of God onto the native and the way in which the
native communicates with God. Navamsa is also known as the dharma-amsa, since it is the 9th
division (ninth house signifies dharma). Therefore we should look for Ishta Devata in this Varga.
The house that the Atma Karaka planet occupies in the Navamsa Chart (Varga/Division) is called the
Karakamsa. The twelfth house from Lagna shows that what releases one from the bonds of this
world. The twelfth house from the karakamsa is called the Jivanmuktamsa. This is the house
signifying the emancipation of the soul and we have to examine this house in order to find one's Ishta
Devata. If there is a graha in the jivanmuktamsa, it signifies the Devata. If there are more grahas than
one, we choose the strongest. If there is no graha in the jivanmuktamsa, we take its Lord (ruling
planet).
Find Your Ishta Devata Now from Placement of Atmakaraka in Your Navamsa Chart
As described, above, Ishta Devata can be found from placement of Atmakaraka in your Navamsa
Chart.
Atmakaraka in Navamsa is called Karakamsa.
Twelth house from karakamsa is to be examined for finding out one's Ishta devata. The planet in this
house represents your Ishta Devata.
If there is more then one planet in this house then the strongest planet signifies your Ishta devata. If
there is no planet then its lord (ruling planet of the karakamsha house) has to be considered.
Ishta Devatas of various planets are given below:
If Sun is placed then Lord Rama.
If Moon is placed then Lord Krishna.
If Mars is placed then Lord Narasimha.
If Jupiter is placed then Lord Vamana.
If Mercury is placed then Lord Buddha.
If Saturn is placed then Lord Kurma.
If Venus is placed then Lord Parasurama.
If Rahu is placed then Lord Varaha.
If Ketu is placed then Lord Mathsya.
According to Jaimini sutra, If the twelth house from Karakamsa contains Sun along with Ketu then the
Ishta Devata is Shiva. Jaimini is silent about Sun alone occupying that position or if it is empty.
Ishta Devata-placement of Ketu in Navamsa Chart:
Focusing on the spiritual direction, Maharishi Paraara and Jaimini explain that the key to open our
door towards God lies in the navma placement of Ketu. Further this gives Siddhi and great spiritual
depth.
If Sun is associated with Ketu then iva worship is indicated.
If Moon associates then Gouri worship is indicated.
If Venus associates then Lakshm worship is indicated.
If Mars associates then Skanda worship is indicated.
For both Mercury and Saturn Vishu/Krishna worship is indicated.
If Jupiter associates then Smbaiva worship is indicated.
If Rhu associates then Tmas or Durg worship is indicated.
If Ketu alone associates then Ganeha or Skanda worship is indicated
The sign/navamsa occupied by the tmakraka gives us a clue as to the desire of the tma and the
nature of the tmakraka gives us vital information about the nature of the tma, its spiritual
development etc. Some of my experiences are listed below:
1. If a malefic planet is the tmakraka, it indicates a high level of spiritual development whereas a
benefic planet as the tmakraka indicates a relatively lower level. Example: Rahu was the
tmakraka for Srila Prabhupada and Ramakrishna Paramhamsa
2. . The tmakraka invariably indicates suffering during its Vimsottari dasa, especially if a malefic.
During the Nryana dasa of the sign occupied by the tmakraka or those aspecting it, great
achievements are made. If the native is spiritually inclined then the dasa of the tmakraka can be
beneficial.
3. A retrograde tmakraka indicates a deep-rooted desire as being the cause of the birth. This has to
be seen from the nature of the planet which becomes the AK. For example, if Mars is AK and
retrograde, then there is a very strong desire related to succeeding in some battle or competition in
this planet and the native will be dragged into innumerable fights and will be fighting all the time. The
solution lies in finding the best self defense strategies based on Krakmsa of which,Ahimsa is the

greatest. Similarly, if Saturn is the retrograde AK then the desire would manifest in the native doing
something related to the elders or old knowledge in new bottles. When retrograde, this desire is very
strong and will be the cause of all direction in life. The other signification of Saturn is sorrow and if the
native gives sorrow to others, especially elders and those who are like Guru, then know that he is
running a bad time and a lot of sorrow is in his destiny (in any case). The best remedy for him would
be to develop a stoic attitude towards the acts and words of others and keep prodding in his path. In
this manner, the retrogression is to be understood.
4. Combustion of AK gives spiritual insight.
Planets as tmakraka:
1. Sun as AK indicates the native has to learn to overcome his ego and should become humble.
2. Moon as AK indicates that the native should be very caring and compassionate.
3. Mars as AK indicates that the native should refrain from all forms of violence and stick to the path
of Ahimsa.
4. Mercury as AK indicates that the native should control his speech and be truthful at all times.
5. Jupiter as AK indicates that the native should always respect the Guru, spouse and care for
children.
6. Venus as AK indicates that the native must have a very clean character and refrain from illegitimate
sex/lust.
7. Saturn as AK indicates that the native cannot give sorrow to others and will have to share the
sorrow of many others.8. Rahu as AK indicates that the native maybe cheated often and will still
haveto be free from guile and clean hearted. tmakraka in signs & houses Jaimini has indicated the
results of
Various navamsa for the placement of AK (atmakaraka)
Read this carefully and make a list for ready reference.
AK (atmakaraka) in different houses from Lagnmsa