Patrika — Your Complete Astrological Document
Understanding the traditional format of a Janam Kundali document and how to use it
What is a Patrika?
A Patrika (पत्रिका) — also called Janam Patri, Janam Kundali, or Janma Patrika — is the complete astrological document prepared at a person's birth. Traditionally, it was handwritten by the family astrologer on a folded sheet of paper or a small booklet, and kept safely throughout life as a reference for all major life decisions.
The Patrika is more than a chart — it is a comprehensive record that includes birth data, planetary positions with exact degrees, house placements, Vimshottari Dasha periods, active Yogas, Dosha analysis, and compatibility-relevant information. It serves as the "source document" that any astrologer can reference for consultations throughout your life.
Traditional Format vs Modern Digital
Traditional Patrikas were handwritten documents, often on specially prepared paper, sometimes with decorative borders and auspicious symbols. The astrologer would calculate everything manually using Panchangs and ephemeris tables. A single Patrika could take hours to prepare. The format varied by region:
North Indian booklet
A folded booklet with diamond-shaped charts, red ink for headings, and detailed handwritten calculations. Often enclosed in a red cloth.
South Indian palm leaf
Grid-style charts engraved or written on dried palm leaves, following the Tamil/Kannada tradition. Some families possess centuries-old collections (Nadi Granthas).
Modern digital
Software-generated documents with exact calculations, multi-language support, color-coded charts, and printable PDF format. Our Patrika tab provides this — calculated to arc-second precision.
What is Included in a Patrika
Birth Data
Name, date, time (to the minute), place, timezone, and coordinates. This is the foundation — any error here makes the entire document unreliable. Our system records latitude/longitude for precise astronomical calculations.
Birth Chart (Rashi Chart / D1)
The main chart showing all 9 planets in 12 houses. The Ascendant sign, planet positions, and retrograde status are all encoded. This is what most people think of as "the Kundali."
Planet Positions Table
Exact degree, minute, and second for each planet. Sign, nakshatra, nakshatra lord, and pada are listed. This table is essential for any astrologer to verify calculations independently.
Navamsha Chart (D9)
The most important divisional chart — confirms the D1 reading and reveals marriage, dharma, and the soul's deeper nature. A planet strong in both D1 and D9 is reliably powerful.
Vimshottari Dasha Table
Complete Mahadasha and Antardasha periods from birth through the full 120-year cycle. Each period shows start/end dates. This is the timing roadmap of your life.
Yogas
All identified Yogas — Raja, Dhana, Pancha Mahapurusha, Viparita, and others. Each yoga's forming planets and houses are listed so any astrologer can verify.
Dosha Analysis
Manglik status, Kala Sarpa, Pitru Dosha, and other challenging combinations with cancellation analysis. Essential for marriage matching.
Matching Data
Moon sign, nakshatra, pada, gana, nadi, vashya, and other Ashta Kuta factors needed for compatibility matching with a potential partner.
How to Read Each Section
A Patrika is designed to be self-contained — any qualified astrologer should be able to pick it up and give a reading without needing additional calculations. Here is how to approach each section:
- 1.Start with the Rashi chart — identify the Ascendant, Moon, and Sun positions
- 2.Check the planet positions table for exact degrees and dignities (exalted/debilitated/retrograde)
- 3.Cross-reference D1 with D9 (Navamsha) — planets strong in both are confirmed strengths
- 4.Note active Yogas — these define your major life themes and talents
- 5.Check Dasha periods — identify which period you are currently running
- 6.Review Dosha analysis for marriage considerations or challenging periods
When You Need a Patrika
Marriage matching (Kundali Milan)
The most common use — both families exchange Patrikas and an astrologer performs Ashta Kuta matching to assess compatibility. The 36-point Guna Milan system requires data from both charts.
Muhurta selection (auspicious timing)
Before starting a business, buying property, or performing ceremonies, the Patrika is consulted to identify favorable transit periods aligned with your Dasha.
Career consultation
When facing career crossroads, an astrologer examines the 10th house, its lord, Dashamsha (D10), current Dasha, and relevant transits from your Patrika.
Health concerns
The 6th and 8th houses, their lords, and afflictions to specific body-part significators help identify vulnerable periods and organ systems.
Naming a child (Namakarana)
The baby's Moon nakshatra pada determines the first syllable of the name. The Patrika provides this information for the naming ceremony.
Export and Print Features
On Dekho Panchang, the Patrika tab of your generated Kundali provides a complete, printable document. You can:
- •Print as PDF — generates a beautifully formatted document suitable for sharing with astrologers or family
- •Save to your account — access your Patrika anytime from any device
- •Share link — generate a unique URL for your chart that others can view
- •Bilingual output — Patrika generated in English + Hindi/Sanskrit