How to find Ishta Devata in a chartThe 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 Paraśara and Jaimini explain that the key to open our door towards God lies in the navāmśa placement of Ketu. Further this gives Siddhi and great spiritual depth. If Sun is associated with Ketu then Śiva worship is indicated. If Moon associates then Gouri worship is indicated. If Venus associates then Lakshmī 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 Sāmbaśiva worship is indicated. If Rāhu associates then Tāmasī or Durgā worship is indicated. If Ketu alone associates then Ganeśha or Skanda worship is indicated The sign/navamsa occupied by the ätmakäraka gives us a clue as to the desire of the ätma and the nature of the ätmakäraka gives us vital information about the nature of the ätma, its spiritual development etc. Some of my experiences are listed below: 1. If a malefic planet is the ätmakäraka, it indicates a high level of spiritual development whereas a benefic planet as the ätmakäraka indicates a relatively lower level. Example: Rahu was the ätmakäraka for Srila Prabhupada and Ramakrishna Paramhamsa 2. . The ätmakäraka invariably indicates suffering during its Vimsottari dasa, especially if a malefic. During the Näräyana dasa of the sign occupied by the ätmakäraka or those aspecting it, great achievements are made. If the native is spiritually inclined then the dasa of the ätmakäraka can be beneficial. 3. A retrograde ätmakäraka 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 Kärakämsa of which,Ahimsa is the 8. Mars as AK indicates that the native should refrain from all forms of violence and stick to the path of Ahimsa. 3. Combustion of AK gives spiritual insight. especially elders and those who are like Guru. Jupiter as AK indicates that the native should always respect the Guru. The other signification of Saturn is sorrow and if the native gives sorrow to others. 6. the retrogression is to be understood. Venus as AK indicates that the native must have a very clean character and refrain from illegitimate sex/lust. 2.greatest. Ätmakäraka 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. Similarly. 4. In this manner. 7. Mercury as AK indicates that the native should control his speech and be truthful at all times. AK (atmakaraka) in different houses from Lagnämsa . Rahu as AK indicates that the native maybe cheated often and will still haveto be free from guile and clean hearted. When retrograde. 5. Planets as ätmakäraka: 1. then know that he is running a bad time and a lot of sorrow is in his destiny (in any case). this desire is very strong and will be the cause of all direction in life. Sun as AK indicates the native has to learn to overcome his ego and should become humble. Moon as AK indicates that the native should be very caring and compassionate. Saturn as AK indicates that the native cannot give sorrow to others and will have to share the sorrow of many others. spouse and care for children. 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. 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. 4.