In Vedic Astrology, houses (bhavas) play a crucial role in analyzing an individual’s life. The twelve houses in a horoscope represent different areas of life and are derived based on the position of the Ascendant (Lagna) and the movement of celestial bodies. The interpretation of these houses is detailed in classical texts like Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), which is one of the most authoritative scriptures on astrology.
Each house has multiple significations and represents various aspects of life. Below is a detailed breakdown of each house, its name, and its significations:
1st House (Tanu Bhava – House of Self)
- Sanskrit Name: Tanu Bhava (तनु भाव)
- Significations:
- Physical Appearance: Body structure, face, head, and general health.
- Personality: Self-identity, temperament, character, and ego.
- Vitality & Strength: Energy, stamina, and confidence.
- Beginnings: Birth, early childhood, and the general course of life.
2nd House (Dhana Bhava – House of Wealth & Family)
- Sanskrit Name: Dhana Bhava (धन भाव)
- Significations:
- Wealth & Finances: Savings, material possessions, and financial stability.
- Family & Speech: Family relationships, speech quality, and communication.
- Food Habits & Voice: Eating habits, vocal abilities, and speech impact.
- Values & Ethics: Moral values, traditions, and accumulated wealth.
3rd House (Sahaj Bhava – House of Siblings & Courage)
- Sanskrit Name: Sahaj Bhava (सहज भाव)
- Significations:
- Siblings & Friends: Relationship with brothers, sisters, and close companions.
- Courage & Determination: Mental strength, bravery, and risk-taking ability.
- Communication & Writing: Writing skills, publications, and media.
- Short Travels: Small journeys, adventures, and local trips.
- Hobbies & Skills: Artistic talents, learning new skills, and creativity.
4th House (Sukh Bhava – House of Home & Comfort)
- Sanskrit Name: Sukh Bhava (सुख भाव)
- Significations:
- Home & Property: House, land, real estate, and living conditions.
- Mother & Nurturing: Relationship with mother, maternal care, and emotional security.
- Comforts & Luxury: Vehicles, conveniences, and material happiness.
- Emotional Stability: Mental peace, inner joy, and well-being.
5th House (Putra Bhava – House of Children & Creativity)
- Sanskrit Name: Putra Bhava (पुत्र भाव)
- Significations:
- Children & Progeny: Birth of children, their well-being, and education.
- Intelligence & Wisdom: Creativity, intellect, and problem-solving skills.
- Education & Knowledge: Academic success, higher learning, and talents.
- Love Affairs & Romance: Romantic relationships, dating, and love life.
- Spiritual Practices: Mantras, devotion, and past-life karma.
6th House (Ripu Bhava – House of Enemies & Diseases)
- Sanskrit Name: Ripu Bhava (रिपु भाव)
- Significations:
- Enemies & Competitors: Conflicts, rivals, and obstacles.
- Health & Diseases: Illnesses, accidents, and physical fitness.
- Work & Service: Job, routine work, employees, and subordinates.
- Litigation & Legal Issues: Lawsuits, debts, and disputes.
- Discipline & Hard Work: Persistence, overcoming struggles, and personal growth.
7th House (Kalatra Bhava – House of Marriage & Partnerships)
- Sanskrit Name: Kalatra Bhava (कलत्र भाव)
- Significations:
- Marriage & Life Partner: Spouse, marital happiness, and relationship harmony.
- Business Partnerships: Business deals, contracts, and collaborations.
- Public Relations & Society: Social interactions, dealing with others.
- Sexuality & Desires: Sexual attraction, intimacy, and physical relationships.
- Travel & Foreign Relations: Foreign connections, travel, and diplomacy.
8th House (Ayush Bhava – House of Death & Mysticism)
- Sanskrit Name: Ayush Bhava (आयुष भाव)
- Significations:
- Longevity & Death: Life span, cause of death, and afterlife.
- Mysteries & Occult: Astrology, spiritual transformation, and hidden knowledge.
- Sudden Events: Inheritances, unexpected gains/losses, and accidents.
- Research & Deep Knowledge: Investigation, scientific study, and esoteric knowledge.
- Sexual Energy & Transformation: Deep transformation through relationships.
9th House (Dharma Bhava – House of Fortune & Religion)
- Sanskrit Name: Dharma Bhava (धर्म भाव)
- Significations:
- Religion & Spirituality: Beliefs, faith, and righteousness.
- Luck & Fortune: Divine blessings, fate, and good karma.
- Higher Education & Wisdom: Advanced studies, philosophy, and ethics.
- Long Journeys & Foreign Travels: Pilgrimages, global travel, and adventure.
- Father & Gurus: Relationship with father, teachers, and mentors.
10th House (Karma Bhava – House of Career & Status)
- Sanskrit Name: Karma Bhava (कर्म भाव)
- Significations:
- Profession & Career: Job, business, and work-related status.
- Social Status & Recognition: Reputation, fame, and honors.
- Government & Authority: Interaction with the government, politics, and leadership.
- Duties & Responsibilities: Work ethics, discipline, and professional success.
11th House (Labha Bhava – House of Gains & Desires)
- Sanskrit Name: Labha Bhava (लाभ भाव)
- Significations:
- Income & Earnings: Profits, financial growth, and investments.
- Friendships & Social Circles: Networking, social connections, and groups.
- Ambitions & Desires: Aspirations, personal goals, and wish fulfillment.
- Elder Siblings & Support: Relations with elder brothers and well-wishers.
12th House (Vyaya Bhava – House of Loss & Liberation)
- Sanskrit Name: Vyaya Bhava (व्यय भाव)
- Significations:
- Expenses & Losses: Expenditures, financial losses, and charity.
- Isolation & Seclusion: Foreign lands, ashrams, hospitals, and jails.
- Spiritual Liberation: Moksha (salvation), detachment, and enlightenment.
- Foreign Travels & Immigration: Settling abroad, spiritual journeys.
- Hidden Enemies & Secrets: Unknown obstacles, betrayal, and secret activities.
The 12 houses in Vedic Astrology form the foundation of a horoscope and are deeply analyzed in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. Each house represents a unique aspect of life, from self and wealth to relationships, career, and spirituality. Their meanings change based on planetary placements, aspects, and rulership, making astrology a complex but insightful tool for understanding life’s journey.