RBSE VU Jyotish Shastra study materials
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Question 1Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

In classical Jyotish, the twelve bhavas are counted in which direction from the Lagna?

  1. Clockwise through the zodiac from the Lagna rashi
  2. Counter-clockwise through the zodiac from the Lagna rashi Correct answer.
  3. In the order of the rashis starting from Mesha, regardless of Lagna
  4. In the order of the nakshatras beginning with Ashvini

Explanation

The Lagna is the first bhava, and the remaining bhavas follow in the reverse zodiacal order (counter-clockwise), so the second bhava is the rashi preceding the Lagna in the natural zodiac. This is why the bhava chakra is read opposite to the rashi chakra numbering. Counting from Mesha or from Ashvini ignores the actual rising sign.

Question 2Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which rashi is the natural 10th house when counting from Mesha in the rashi chakra?

  1. Mithuna
  2. Karka
  3. Vrishabha
  4. Makara Correct answer.

Explanation

Counting Mesha as the first, the tenth sign in the natural zodiac is Makara. Makara is therefore the natural karma-sthana, which is why the 10th house is associated with career and public standing. Vrishabha is second, Mithuna third, and Karka fourth in this count.

Question 3Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

The Chitrapaksha ayanamsha is most closely associated with which school or lineage of Jyotish?

  1. The Kerala school centred on the Surya Siddhanta
  2. The Sripati school of medieval Karnataka
  3. The modern Vimshottari school of the north Indian tradition
  4. The Lahiri-based Indian national ephemeris standard Correct answer.

Explanation

Chitrapaksha ayanamsha is the value adopted for the Indian national ephemeris and is commonly identified with N. C. Lahiri's work. It fixes the ayanamsha so that Chitra nakshatra retains a defined position relative to the equinox. This makes it the most widely used sidereal standard in modern Indian Jyotish.

Question 4Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

A native's Moon is at 5 degrees of Simha. Which nakshatra does the Moon occupy, and which dasha lord applies at birth under Vimshottari?

  1. Purva Phalguni, with Shukra as the starting dasha lord
  2. Uttara Phalguni, with Surya as the starting dasha lord
  3. Magha, with Ketu as the starting dasha lord Correct answer.
  4. Ashlesha, with Budha as the starting dasha lord

Explanation

Magha spans 0 to 13 degrees 20 minutes of Simha, so a Moon at 5 degrees Simha falls in Magha. Magha is ruled by Ketu, so the Vimshottari sequence begins with the Ketu mahadasha, with the balance computed from the elapsed portion of the nakshatra.

Question 5Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which pair correctly matches a graha with the rashi it is said to own in classical Jyotish?

  1. Shukra owns Vrishabha and Tula Correct answer.
  2. Guru owns Makara and Kumbha
  3. Budha owns Karka and Simha
  4. Mangala owns Mithuna and Kanya

Explanation

Shukra rules Vrishabha and Tula, the two signs flanking the second and seventh positions from Mesha. Ownership follows the classical scheme in which Surya and Chandra own one sign each and the remaining grahas own two. Budha owns Mithuna and Kanya, Mangala owns Mesha and Vrischika, and Guru owns Dhanu and Meena.

Question 6Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

In the Vimshottari dasha, what is the total number of years in one complete cycle of the nine mahadashas?

  1. 100 years
  2. 120 years Correct answer.
  3. 108 years
  4. 144 years

Explanation

The nine Vimshottari mahadashas sum to 120 years, from Ketu's 7 years through Shukra's 20 years. This 120-year total is treated as the nominal full lifespan for the purposes of the dasha calculation. Other totals such as 108 or 144 belong to different numerical schemes.

Question 7Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

A prashna chart is cast for the moment a question is asked. Which statement best describes the interpretive stance of classical prashna?

  1. The chart of the question itself, with its own Lagna, is judged Correct answer.
  2. Only the Moon's nakshatra at the time of asking is read
  3. The answer is taken from the transit of Guru over the natal Lagna
  4. The ascendant of the querent's natal chart governs the answer

Explanation

Prashna treats the moment of the query as the birth of the question, so a fresh chart with its own Lagna, bhavas, and planetary positions is judged. The querent's natal chart may be considered for context, but it does not supply the primary chart. The technique is thus an application of electional and horary logic rather than natal analysis.

Question 8Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

The term 'karaka' in Jyotish most precisely denotes which of the following?

  1. The sign occupied by the Moon at birth
  2. A division of a rashi into nine equal parts
  3. The point of the ecliptic that is rising at birth
  4. A graha that signifies a particular matter or relationship Correct answer.

Explanation

Karaka means 'indicator' or 'significator', and each karaka graha is assigned to particular matters, such as Surya for the father and Shukra for the spouse. The concept allows a graha to be read for a topic independently of house placement. The rising point is the Lagna, and the ninefold division is the navamsha.

Question 9Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which statement correctly distinguishes the rashi chakra from the bhava chakra?

  1. The rashi chakra is fixed to the zodiac, while the bhava chakra is anchored to the Lagna Correct answer.
  2. The rashi chakra uses only the seven visible grahas, while the bhava chakra uses all nine
  3. The rashi chakra is always equal-house, while the bhava chakra is always unequal
  4. The rashi chakra is cast for the Moon, while the bhava chakra is cast for the Sun

Explanation

The rashi chakra is a fixed zodiacal wheel in which each rashi keeps its own boundaries. The bhava chakra is anchored to the rising degree, so the first bhava begins at the Lagna and the others follow from it. This is why the same planet can be in one rashi but a different bhava depending on the Lagna.

Question 10Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which of the following is a kendra (angular house) in Jyotish?

  1. The seventh bhava Correct answer.
  2. The eleventh bhava
  3. The third bhava
  4. The sixth bhava

Explanation

The kendras are the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th bhavas, the four angular positions that give a graha strength and visibility. The seventh bhava is therefore a kendra. The 3rd, 6th, and 11th are upachaya houses, which are classified differently.

Question 11Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which text is traditionally regarded as the foundational classical treatise of the Parashari school of Jyotish?

  1. Phaladeepika
  2. Brihat Jataka
  3. Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra Correct answer.
  4. Sarvartha Chintamani

Explanation

The Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra is the text attributed to Parashara and is the principal authority for the Parashari system, including its dasha and bhava schemes. The other three are also classical works but belong to different authors and lineages. Its prominence is why the Parashari approach is often treated as the mainstream of modern Jyotish.

Question 12Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

A planet is described as 'vakri' in a chart. What does this indicate?

  1. The planet is in retrograde motion Correct answer.
  2. The planet is in its own sign
  3. The planet is exalted in its sign
  4. The planet is combust and hidden by the Sun's rays

Explanation

Vakri means 'crooked' and refers to retrograde motion, when a graha appears to move backward against the zodiac. Retrograde grahas are given special treatment in interpretation, often with emphasis on their sign and strength. Combustion is asta, exaltation is uccha, and own-sign placement is swakshetra.

Question 13Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

In the Parashari system, which varga is used to assess the strength of the navamsha, and how many divisions does it contain?

  1. The D-7 saptamsha, dividing each rashi into seven parts
  2. The D-10 dashamsha, dividing each rashi into ten parts
  3. The D-9 navamsha, dividing each rashi into nine parts Correct answer.
  4. The D-12 dwadashamsha, dividing each rashi into twelve parts

Explanation

The navamsha is the D-9 varga, dividing each rashi into nine equal parts of 3 degrees 20 minutes. It is regarded as especially important because it is used to confirm the strength of a graha already judged from the rashi chart. The dwadashamsha, saptamsha, and dashamsha are different vargas with their own divisions.

Question 14Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which statement best captures the difference between the Sayana and Nirayana zodiacs as used in Jyotish?

  1. Sayana measures from the vernal equinox, while Nirayana measures from a fixed sidereal reference Correct answer.
  2. Sayana and Nirayana differ only in the number of rashis they contain
  3. Sayana uses only the Sun and Moon, while Nirayana uses all nine grahas
  4. Sayana is used for prashna, while Nirayana is used only for muhurta

Explanation

The Sayana or tropical zodiac measures longitudes from the vernal equinox, which moves with precession. The Nirayana or sidereal zodiac measures from a fixed stellar reference and is corrected by the ayanamsha. Jyotish uses the Nirayana zodiac, which is why the ayanamsha must be subtracted from tropical positions.

Question 15Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

A graha is placed in its own sign and also in a kendra from the Lagna. Which combination of dignity and positional strength does this represent?

  1. Swakshetra and kendra sthana, both strengthening the graha Correct answer.
  2. Uccha and trikona, both strengthening the graha
  3. Neecha and dusthana, both weakening the graha
  4. Moolatrikona and apoklima, both weakening the graha

Explanation

Own-sign placement is swakshetra, a dignity condition, and a kendra is an angular house that gives positional strength. Together they make the graha well placed and able to express its significations effectively. Exaltation, debilitation, and moolatrikona are different dignity categories, and apoklima is a cadent house.

Question 16Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which statement about the two pakshas of the lunar month is correct in Jyotish?

  1. Shukla paksha runs from new moon to full moon Correct answer.
  2. Krishna paksha runs from new moon to full moon
  3. The pakshas are defined by the Sun's declination
  4. Shukla paksha runs from full moon to new moon

Explanation

Shukla paksha is the waxing fortnight, running from new moon to full moon, and Krishna paksha is the waning fortnight that follows. The pakshas are defined by the Moon's phase relative to the Sun, not by solar declination. This distinction matters for tithi, muhurta, and several dasha calculations.

Question 17Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

In the Ashtakavarga system, what does a bindu in a planet's own ashtakavarga represent?

  1. A nakshatra pada used for computing the navamsha
  2. A year of the Vimshottari dasha assigned to that planet
  3. A point of strength contributed by the reference planet's position Correct answer.
  4. A point of weakness indicating the planet's debilitation

Explanation

Ashtakavarga assigns bindus to positions based on the contributions of the eight reference planets, and a bindu marks a point of strength for the planet whose varga is being examined. The total bindus in a rashi or bhava indicate how supportive that place is. Bindus are not debilitation markers, nakshatra padas, or dasha years.

Question 18Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

A candidate asks which graha is termed 'shubha' by nature in classical Jyotish. Which set is traditionally classified as natural benefics?

  1. Mangala, Budha, Guru, and Shani
  2. Surya, Mangala, Shani, and Rahu
  3. Guru, Shukra, Budha, and a waxing Chandra Correct answer.
  4. Shani, Rahu, Ketu, and a waning Chandra

Explanation

The natural benefics are Guru and Shukra, with Budha benefic when unafflicted and the Moon benefic when waxing. Surya, Mangala, Shani, and the nodes are generally classified as natural malefics. Functional benefic status can differ by Lagna, but the natural classification is fixed.

Question 19Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which statement correctly describes the relationship between a nakshatra and its ruling graha in the Vimshottari scheme?

  1. Nakshatras have no ruling graha and are used only for muhurta
  2. Nakshatras are ruled only by Surya and Chandra, alternating
  3. Each nakshatra is ruled by the graha that owns the rashi it falls in
  4. Each of the 27 nakshatras is assigned to one of the nine grahas in a repeating cycle of nine Correct answer.

Explanation

The 27 nakshatras are grouped into three cycles of nine, each nakshatra being assigned to one of the nine Vimshottari lords in order from Ashvini. This assignment is what allows the balance of the first mahadasha to be computed from the Moon's nakshatra position. Rashi ownership is a separate scheme and does not determine nakshatra rulership.

Question 20Foundations of Jyotish (history, schools, basic terminology)

Which statement best explains why the Lagna is considered central to chart interpretation in Jyotish?

  1. It selects which varga charts may be cast for the native
  2. It fixes the native's Moon sign and therefore the dasha sequence
  3. It determines the ayanamsha used to convert tropical positions
  4. It fixes the frame from which the bhavas are reckoned, so it personalises the zodiac Correct answer.

Explanation

The Lagna is the rising degree at birth, and the twelve bhavas are reckoned from it, so the same planetary positions yield different house meanings for different natives. This is what personalises the fixed zodiac for a given birth. The Moon sign governs the dasha sequence, while the ayanamsha is a separate astronomical correction.

Question 21Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

In classical Vedic astrology, Surya (the Sun) is the natural karaka for which combination of life areas?

  1. The mind, mother, memory and emotional comfort
  2. The atma (soul), father, authority and vitality Correct answer.
  3. Marriage, partnership, luxury and artistic taste
  4. Speech, intellect, siblings and courage

Explanation

Surya is treated as the karaka of the atma, the father, government and royal authority, and of bodily vitality and self-confidence. Being the natural lord of Leo, it also signifies dignity and honour. The moon governs the mind and mother, so that set belongs to Chandra.

Question 22Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is described as the natural karaka for buddhi, speech, commerce and analytical skill?

  1. Mangala
  2. Guru
  3. Shani
  4. Budha Correct answer.

Explanation

Budha (Mercury) rules the intellect, speech, calculation, trade and communication, and is regarded as the natural karaka for buddhi. Mercury's mutable, quick nature makes it the planet of analysis and exchange. Guru governs wisdom and expansion rather than analytical cleverness.

Question 23Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

In the classical friendship scheme, which graha is considered the greatest natural enemy (shatru) of Surya?

  1. Guru
  2. Chandra
  3. Mangala
  4. Shukra Correct answer.

Explanation

Shukra (Venus) is counted among the natural enemies of Surya, along with Shani and Rahu. The Sun's burning, austere nature is seen as hostile to Venus's comfort and pleasure. Chandra, Mangala and Guru are natural friends of the Sun.

Question 24Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is the natural karaka for marriage, pleasure, art, vehicles and semen (viriya)?

  1. Shukra Correct answer.
  2. Mangala
  3. Chandra
  4. Shani

Explanation

Shukra (Venus) is the natural karaka of kalatra (spouse), kama, artistic refinement, vehicles and the reproductive fluid. Its connection with beauty and harmony explains its role in marriage matters. Mangala, by contrast, signifies energy and conflict rather than conjugal pleasure.

Question 25Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is designated the natural karaka for longevity (ayush), discipline, labour, sorrow and renunciation?

  1. Budha
  2. Shani Correct answer.
  3. Surya
  4. Guru

Explanation

Shani (Saturn) is the karaka of ayush (longevity), hard labour, delay, discipline, grief and vairagya. Its slow motion and cold nature are linked with endurance and restriction. Guru, in contrast, signifies expansion and grace.

Question 26Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which of the following grahas is classified as a natural benefic (shubha graha) in classical Jyotish?

  1. Surya
  2. Shani
  3. Guru Correct answer.
  4. Mangala

Explanation

Guru (Jupiter) is the foremost natural benefic, along with Shukra, the waxing Chandra and well-associated Budha. Benefics bestow growth, protection and auspicious results. Surya, Mangala and Shani are natural malefics (papagrahas).

Question 27Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Chandra (the Moon) is the natural karaka for which set of significations?

  1. Father, authority and bones
  2. Courage, brothers and land
  3. Wisdom, dharma and fat
  4. Mother, mind, blood and public popularity Correct answer.

Explanation

Chandra rules manas (the mind), the mother, fluids and blood, the public, and emotional receptivity. Its waxing and waning are read as fluctuations of mood and fortune. Father and authority belong to Surya, not Chandra.

Question 28Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

In the nisargika (natural) friendship scheme, which graha is a natural friend of both Surya and Chandra?

  1. Shani
  2. Rahu
  3. Guru Correct answer.
  4. Shukra

Explanation

Guru is a natural friend of both Surya and Chandra in the classical nisargika relationship table. Jupiter's benign, expansive nature is considered compatible with both luminaries. Shukra and Shani are enemies of the Sun, and Rahu is inimical to both luminaries.

Question 29Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which pair of grahas are natural enemies of each other in the nisargika scheme?

  1. Surya and Mangala
  2. Shukra and Shani Correct answer.
  3. Budha and Shukra
  4. Guru and Chandra

Explanation

Shukra and Shani are mutual natural enemies: Venus's pleasure-loving nature conflicts with Saturn's austerity and restraint. This enmity is used when judging combinations such as Shukra-Shani conjunctions. Guru and Chandra, by contrast, are mutual friends.

Question 30Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

A graha occupies the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th or 12th sign from another graha. In the tatkalika (temporary) friendship scheme, what relationship results?

  1. Permanent neutrality
  2. Temporary friendship Correct answer.
  3. Temporary enmity
  4. Natural friendship

Explanation

In tatkalika relationships, grahas placed in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th or 12th from each other become temporary friends. Those in the 1st, 5th, 6th, 7th, 8th or 9th become temporary enemies. The temporary relation is then combined with the natural one to obtain the panchadha maitri.

Question 31Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Under panchadha maitri, a graha that is a natural friend but a temporary enemy is classified as which of the five relationships?

  1. Adhishatru (great enemy)
  2. Shatru (enemy)
  3. Sama (neutral) Correct answer.
  4. Mitra (friend)

Explanation

Panchadha maitri combines natural and temporary relations: a natural friend that is a temporary enemy becomes sama (neutral). The five categories are adhimitra, mitra, sama, shatru and adhishatru. Natural friendship alone does not guarantee the final relation of mitra.

Question 32Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

A graha is a natural enemy and also a temporary enemy of another graha. What is the resulting panchadha maitri relationship?

  1. Adhishatru Correct answer.
  2. Adhimitra
  3. Shatru
  4. Sama

Explanation

When natural enmity is reinforced by temporary enmity, the relation becomes adhishatru, the category of great enmity. This is the most hostile of the five relationships and predicts severe mutual affliction. A natural enemy who is a temporary friend merely becomes shatru.

Question 33Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Mangala (Mars) is the natural karaka for which group of significations?

  1. Speech, trade and calculation
  2. Wisdom, children and fortune
  3. Courage, brothers, land and muscular strength Correct answer.
  4. Sorrow, longevity and service

Explanation

Mangala signifies parakrama (courage), younger siblings, landed property, energy and muscular strength, and is the natural karaka of the 3rd and 8th houses. Its fiery malefic nature produces both valour and conflict. Wisdom and children belong to Guru.

Question 34Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is the natural karaka for dharma, children (putra), wealth, wisdom and expansion?

  1. Guru Correct answer.
  2. Shukra
  3. Surya
  4. Budha

Explanation

Guru (Jupiter) governs dharma, putra (children), dhana (wealth), higher wisdom and growth, and is the natural karaka of the 5th and 9th houses. As the great benefic it also signifies protection and grace. Budha governs intellect and speech instead.

Question 35Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which grahas are traditionally described as the two chaya grahas (shadow planets) of Jyotish?

  1. Rahu and Ketu Correct answer.
  2. Mangala and Shani
  3. Budha and Shukra
  4. Surya and Chandra

Explanation

Rahu and Ketu are the chaya grahas, the nodes of the Moon, and are counted among the navagrahas despite lacking physical bodies. Rahu is associated with obsession, foreignness and illusion, and Ketu with detachment and moksha. The other seven are the physical grahas.

Question 36Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Among the navagrahas, which graha is regarded as the most sattvic and the natural significator of moksha and detachment?

  1. Chandra
  2. Shukra
  3. Guru
  4. Ketu Correct answer.

Explanation

Ketu is associated with moksha, vairagya and spiritual detachment, and is often described as the most sattvic of the nine grahas. Its headless form symbolises release from worldly identification. Guru is sattvic too, but it promotes dharma and expansion rather than renunciation.

Question 37Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is the natural karaka of the 7th house and of the spouse, while also being the karaka of the 2nd house in some classical lists?

  1. Mangala
  2. Shukra Correct answer.
  3. Guru
  4. Shani

Explanation

Shukra is the natural karaka of the 7th house (spouse and partnership) and is also the karaka of the 2nd house (family and wealth) in several classical schemes. Its association with pleasure and harmony explains the marital link. Guru is the karaka of the 5th and 9th houses.

Question 38Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is the natural karaka of the 8th house, and therefore of longevity, sudden events and chronic illness?

  1. Shani Correct answer.
  2. Mangala
  3. Surya
  4. Budha

Explanation

Shani is the natural karaka of the 8th house, which governs ayush (longevity), sudden events, chronic disease and the hidden. Saturn's connection with time, endurance and death explains this assignment. Mangala is the karaka of the 3rd house and shares the 8th only as a secondary significator.

Question 39Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Surya and Budha are conjoined in a sign but separated by more than the usual closeness of combustion. For the purposes of natural friendship, how are Surya and Budha classed?

  1. Mutual enemies
  2. One-sided enemies
  3. Mutual friends Correct answer.
  4. Neutral to each other

Explanation

In the nisargika table, Surya and Budha are mutual friends, and Budha is often described as the closest friend of the Sun. Their proximity in the sky reflects this affinity. Combustion is a separate matter of strength, not a change in natural friendship.

Question 40Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

A graha is a natural friend of another but becomes a temporary friend by position. Under panchadha maitri, what is the relationship called?

  1. Sama
  2. Adhimitra Correct answer.
  3. Mitra
  4. Shatru

Explanation

When natural friendship is reinforced by temporary friendship, the resulting relation is adhimitra, the category of great friendship. This is the strongest of the five panchadha maitri categories. A natural friend who is only a temporary enemy falls to sama.

Question 41Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which statement correctly describes the compound nature of Rahu as given in classical texts?

  1. It behaves like Shukra and is chiefly a karaka of marriage
  2. It behaves like Guru and is a natural friend of all benefics
  3. It behaves like Budha and is chiefly a karaka of speech
  4. It behaves like Shani in many respects and is a natural enemy of Surya and Chandra Correct answer.

Explanation

Rahu is often said to act like Shani, being malefic, cold and associated with illusion, and it is a natural enemy of both Surya and Chandra. This is why Rahu eclipses the luminaries. It is not a benefic and does not carry Venus's or Mercury's primary significations.

Question 42Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

In evaluating a graha's strength, the natural friendship table is applied together with the temporary positional relation. What is the principal purpose of this combined panchadha maitri?

  1. To decide the graha's functional benefic or malefic status for a lagna
  2. To assign the dasha periods of each graha
  3. To fix the exaltation degree of each graha
  4. To determine the degree of harmony or friction between two grahas in a chart Correct answer.

Explanation

Panchadha maitri measures how far two grahas cooperate or conflict, which is essential in judging conjunctions, aspects and mutual reception. It is a relational tool, not a device for fixing exaltation degrees or dasha lengths. Functional benefic status depends on the lagna and house rulership.

Question 43Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Which graha is the natural karaka of the 4th house, governing mother, home and emotional security?

  1. Chandra Correct answer.
  2. Shani
  3. Surya
  4. Mangala

Explanation

Chandra is the natural karaka of the 4th house, which rules the mother, home, land and inner emotional security. The Moon's nurturing, receptive nature matches these significations. Surya is the karaka of the 9th house and the father.

Question 44Grahas (planetary significations, natures, friendships and enmities)

Surya, Mangala and Guru are all placed in the same sign. Using the natural friendship table, how do these three grahas regard one another?

  1. Surya and Mangala are friends, but both are enemies of Guru
  2. All three are mutual natural friends Correct answer.
  3. Guru and Mangala are enemies, while Surya is neutral to both
  4. All three are mutual natural enemies

Explanation

In the nisargika scheme Surya, Mangala and Guru are mutual friends, so their conjunction is harmonious by natural relationship. This friendship is why the trio is often read as a dharmic and courageous combination. Natural enmity with the Sun applies to Shukra, Shani and Rahu, not to Mangala or Guru.

Question 45Rashis and Bhavas (zodiac signs and houses)

In the Vedic sidereal zodiac used in Jyotish, which rashi is counted first and marks the start of the twelve-sign cycle?

  1. Vrishabha
  2. Mesha Correct answer.
  3. Meena
  4. Karka

Explanation

Jyotish counts the rashis from Mesha, which begins the sidereal cycle at 0° and runs to 30°. Vrishabha follows it, while Meena is the twelfth and final sign, so the cycle always opens with Mesha.

Question 46Rashis and Bhavas (zodiac signs and houses)

How many degrees of the sidereal zodiac does a single bhava span in the equal-house (rashi-based) scheme commonly used in Parashari practice?

  1. 60°
  2. 15°
  3. 45°
  4. 30° Correct answer.

Explanation

In the rashi-based equal-house scheme each bhava corresponds to one complete rashi, so every house covers 30° of the sidereal circle. Twelve such divisions of 30° add up to the full 360° zodiac.

Question 47Rashis and Bhavas (zodiac signs and houses)

Which bhava is traditionally called the Tanu Bhava and governs the physical body, appearance, and vitality?

  1. Saptama Bhava
  2. Prathama Bhava Correct answer.
  3. Dwitiya Bhava
  4. Tritiya Bhava

Explanation

The first house, Prathama Bhava, is known as Tanu Bhava and signifies the body, complexion, temperament, and general vitality. Dwitiya concerns wealth and Tritiya siblings, so neither carries the Tanu designation.

Question 48Rashis and Bhavas (zodiac signs and houses)

A planet occupies the rashi that is fourth from the lagna rashi. In the rashi-based house scheme, which bhava does it occupy?

  1. Tritiya Bhava
  2. Dwitiya Bhava
  3. Chaturtha Bhava Correct answer.
  4. Panchama Bhava

Explanation

Counting begins with the lagna rashi as the first bhava, so the next rashi is the second and the fourth rashi from lagna is the fourth bhava. A planet in that sign therefore occupies Chaturtha Bhava, the house of home and mother.

Question 49Rashis and Bhavas (zodiac signs and houses)

Which rashi is ruled by Chandra (the Moon) and is noted for a changeable, receptive nature?

  1. Vrishabha
  2. Simha
  3. Karka Correct answer.
  4. Kanya

Explanation

Karka is the rashi of the Moon, and its watery, mutable character reflects the Moon's changing phases. Simha belongs to the Sun and Vrishabha to Venus, so neither is a lunar sign.

Question 50Rashis and Bhavas (zodiac signs and houses)

Which pair of rashis forms the dual (dvisvabhava) signs of the zodiac?

  1. Mesha and Tula
  2. Vrishabha and Vrischika
  3. Karka and Makara
  4. Mithuna and Dhanu Correct answer.

Explanation

The dual or common signs are Mithuna, Kanya, Dhanu, and Meena, so Mithuna and Dhanu belong to that group. Mesha and Tula are movable, while Vrishabha and Vrischika are fixed.