Functional Nature of Planets

Functional Nature of planets 1: Introduction © Sarajit Poddar, March 2015

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Functional nature of planets 1

INTRODUCTION

Sarajit Poddar, SJC

March 2015


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Principle 1: Kendradhipatya Dosa

BPHS 34.2

केन्द्राधिपतयः सौम्या ना दिशन्न्द्त शभु ंफलम ्।

कू्ररा नवैाऽशभु ंकुयुयः शभुिाश्च त्रिकोणपाः॥ २॥

kendrādhipatayaḥ saumyā nā diśanti śubhaṁ phalam |

krūrā naivā'śubhaṁ kuryuḥ śubhadāśca trikoṇapāḥ || 2||

Translation:

Natural benefics (Saumya Grahas) owning Kendras does not give auspicious

results, while natural malefics (Krura Grahas) owning Kendras does not give

inauspicious results. The Trikona lords always give auspicious results.

Remarks:

The four Kendras are like the four doors of a fort which are protecting the

inhabitants of the fort. If these doors are guarded by malefics, they use all their

fierce (Krura) means to protect it. Benefic lords of the doors are incapable of

protecting it as they are benevolent in nature and have lesser capability to fight.

Hence, it is always ideal if the doors are guarded by the Krura Grahas.

While auspiciousness of the Kendra lords depends on whether or not they are

natural benefics or malefics, the Trikona lords (5L and 9L) are always auspicious

irrespective of their natural nature (naisargika svabhaba).

Explanation of the Samya and Krura Grahas and their roles in the Kendradhipatya Dosa.

BPHS 34.8

गुरुशुक्रौ शुभौ प्रोक्तौ चन्द्रो मध्यम उच्यते।

उिासीनो बुिः ख्यातः पापा रव्यार्कय भूममजाः॥ ८॥

guruśukrau śubhau proktau candro madhyama ucyate |

udāsīno budhaḥ khyātaḥ pāpā ravyārkibhūmijāḥ || 8||


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Translation:

Guru and Śukra are auspicious grahas, Candra is mediocre in auspiciousness and Budha is indifferent (udāsīna).

Inauspicious (pāpa) grahas are Sūrya, Śani and Mangal.

Remarks:

In verse 34.2, Maharishi Parashara mentioned about the Kendradhipatya Dosa. Here is explains which Grahas

are to be treated as natural benefics (Saumya) and which are to be treated as natural malefics (Krura).

Jupiter and Venus are always considered as Saumya grahs while Sun, Saturn and Mars are always considered as

Krura grahas. While Moon is considered as only mild in auspiciousness, Mercury is considered neutral.

BPHS 34.9

पूणेन्द्िजेु्ञज्यशुक्राश्च प्रबला उत्तरोत्तरम ्।

क्षीणेन्द््वकायर्कय भूपुिाः प्रबलाश्च यथोत्तरम ्॥ ९॥

pūrṇendujñejyaśukrāśca prabalā uttarottaram |

kṣīṇendvarkārkibhūputrāḥ prabalāśca yathottaram || 9||

Translation:

Full Candra, Budha, Guru and Śukra are stronger in the ascending order. Weak Candra, Sūrya, Śani and Mangal

are stronger (in malefic disposition) in the ascending order.

Remarks:

Among the natural benefics Venus is considered to be the strongest, hence is considered as to be worst when

affected by the Kendradhipatya Dosa. The next is Jupiter which is followed by Mercury and Moon. Moon

becomes auspicious when strong in Paksha Bala and Mercury becomes auspicious when associated with other

Saumya Grahas. Thus the order of Grahas affected by the Kendradhipatya Dosa are Venus < Jupiter < Mercury

and Moon.

On the other hand the malefics are stronger in the order of weak Moon (in Paksha bala) < the Sun < Saturn <

Mars. i.e., Mars becomes highest in auspiciousness by the virtue of Kendra ownership. He is followed by Saturn,

Sun and the weak Moon. Mercury is considered to be higher in natural beneficence than Moon, hence his

position comes after the Moon, provided he is associated with other Krura Grahas.

The degree of beneficence in the decreasing order is as follows:

Venus > Jupiter > Saumya Mercury > strong moon > Krura Mercury> Weak Moon > the Sun > Saturn >

Mars.

Mercury is considered as Saumya when associated with other Saumya Grahas i.e., Jupiter, Venus and strong

Moon. It is considered as Krura, when associated with other Krura Grahas i.e., Mars, Saturn, Sun and weak Moon.

BPHS 34.10

केन्द्राधिपत्यिोषोयः शुभानां कधथतो दि सः।

चन्द्रज्ञगुरुशुक्राणां प्रबलाश्चोत्तरोत्तरम ्॥ १०॥


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kendrādhipatyadoṣoyaḥ śubhānāṁ kathito hi saḥ |

candrajñaguruśukrāṇāṁ prabalāścottarottaram || 10||

Translation:

The kendradhipatya dosa of Candra, Budha, Guru and Śukra are significant in the ascending order.

Remarks:

This is confirmed by the sage here that the Kendradhipatya dosa of Venus is the strongest and that of the Moon

is the weakest. Extending the same logic, the Kendradhipatya yoga of Mars is strongest and that of the Krura

Mercury is the weakest.

Nullification of the Kendradhipatya Dosa and formation of Yoga

BPHS 34.11

केन्द्रकोणपती स्यातां परस्परगिृोपगौ।

एकभे ्वौ न्स्थतौ वापप ह्येकभेऽन्द्यतरः न्स्थतः॥ ११॥

kendrakoṇapatī syātāṁ parasparagṛhopagau |

ekabhe dvau sthitau vāpi hyekabhe'nyataraḥ sthitaḥ || 11||

Translation:

If there is an exchange between a Kendra and a Kona lord or if a Kendra lord is conjoined with a Kona lord in a

Kendra or in a Kona or if a Kona lord is in a Kendra or vice versa (then the yoga is caused).

Remarks:

It is earlier noted that when natural benefics own a Kendra, it attains a weakness called Kendradhipatya dosa.

However, this is nullified, if the Graha is conjoined with a Trikona lord or placed in a Trikona.

Any sambandha between a Kendra and Kona lord produces auspicious yoga. The sambandha can be established

in one of the following manner:

1. Exchange between a Kendra and a Kona lord

2. Conjunction of a Kendra and a Kona lord in any bhava auspicious or inauspicious. Even if the conjunction

happens in a dusthana, it is going to bestow only auspicious results. This is especially true if they are not

weak and afflicted in the sign where they are placed.

3. If the Kendra lord is placed in a Kona or a Kona lord is placed in a Kendra, they become highly auspicious.

However, the extent of auspiciousness is lesser than exchange or conjunction.

4. They are in mutual aspect of each other.


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BPHS 34.12

पूणयदृष्ट् येक्षक्षतौ वापप ममथो योगकारौ तिा।

योगेऽन्स्मन ् जायते भूपो पवख्यातो वा जनो भवेत ्॥ १२॥

pūrṇadṛṣṭyekṣitau vāpi mitho yogakārau tadā |

yoge'smin jāyate bhūpo vikhyāto vā jano bhavet || 12||

Translation:

If there happens to be a full mutual aspect between a Kendra and Kona lord they cause Yoga. One born in such

Yoga will becomes a king and be famous.

Remarks:

In the verses 34.11 and 34.12, the sage mentioned about yoga caused by the virtue of sambandha between a

Kendra and a Kona lord. This sambandha cause Rajayoga which bestow kingship and fame. Kingship here means

huge authority and influence over many people and the power to rule over them. Fame and reputation also

comes with the authority and influence as people who are ruled (guided, governed etc.) will know and talk about

this person.

One should also judge the strength of Lagna and the 10th houses, because they govern the extent of fame one

receives in life. The Lagna rules fame that comes due to birth in a specific lineage, place or community, inherent

skills and knowledge etc. The 10th house rules fame that comes due to the ability to perform righteous action in

the society and the ability and authority to guide or govern people.

Rider to the auspiciousness of malefics owning Kendra

BPHS 34.14

केन्द्रेशत्वेन पापाना ंया प्रोक्ता शुभकाररता।

सा त्रिकोणाधिपत्येऽपप न केन्द्रेशत्वमाितः॥ १४॥

kendreśatvena pāpānāṁ yā proktā śubhakāritā |

sā trikoṇādhipatye'pi na kendreśatvamātrataḥ || 14||

Translation:

It has been said, that a malefic owning a Kendra becomes auspicious, which is true, only when it simultaneously

owns a Kona and not by merely owning a Kendra.

Remarks:

In verse 34.2, the sage mentioned that malefics owning a Kendra becomes auspicious. However, here he clarifies

that mere ownership of a Kendra does not make them auspicious but make them lose their inauspiciousness due

to natural svabhaba. However, they become specifically auspicious when the simultaneously own a Kona.

On the other hand, if they own a Trishadaaya instead, they can’t become auspicious and remain inauspicious,

true to the nature of Trishadaaya lordship. For instance for Scorpio Lagna, Saturn ruled the 3rd and 4th house.


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Does it become auspicious by the virtue of Kendra ownership or becomes a malefic due to Trishadaaya

ownership? In verse 34.35 the sage specifically says that for Scorpio Lagna Saturn is inauspicious.

Similarly for Leo Lagna Saturn owns the 6th and 7th Bhava. Its 7th bhava ownership does not make it auspicious

because it owns the 6th house, a Trishadaaya. It being the ruler of the 7th house, it also becomes a killer.

Principle 2: Treatment of the Lagna

BPHS 34.3

लग्न ंकेन्द्रत्रिकोणत्वा् पवशषेणे शभुप्रिम ्।

पञ्चम ंनवम ंचैव पवशषेिनमचु्यत॥े ३॥

lagnaṁ kendratrikoṇatvād viśeṣeṇa śubhapradam |

pañcamaṁ navamaṁ caiva viśeṣadhanamucyate || 3||

Translation:

The Lagna lord is especially auspicious as it is both a Kendra and a Trikona. The

fifth and the ninth houses are bestower of extraordinary wealth.

Remarks:

The Lagna is primarily a Kendra and secondarily a Trikona. Although it is a

Kendra, it is exempted from the Kendra principle (i.e., judging their nature

based on their naisargika svabhaba of Saumya or Krura. This is because, is a

also a Trikona which atre always auspicious (vide BPHS 34.3). Since, one might

think that Lagna is a Trikona, he clarifies that the 5H and 9H are the primary

Trikona are specifically known for their capability to bestow wealth.

Thus Lagna plays lesser role in bestowing wealth (Trikona principle) and is

important in determining the direction of life (Kendra principle).


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Principle 3: Treatment of 7H-10H and Trishadaaya

BPHS 34.4

सप्तम ंिशम ंचैव पवशषेसखुमचु्यत।े

त्रिषडायाधिपाः सवे ग्रिाः पापफलाः स्मतृाः॥ ४॥

saptamaṁ daśamaṁ caiva viśeṣasukhamucyate |

triṣaḍāyādhipāḥ sarve grahāḥ pāpaphalāḥ smṛtāḥ || 4||

Translation:

Seventh and the tenth bhava are especially known to bestow happiness. The

lords of the Trishadaaya are always known to bestow inauspicious results.

Remarks:

There are four Kendras Lagna, 4H, 7H and 10H. In the previous shlokas, the

sage mentioned about the treatment of overall Kendra lords and the Lagna

Lord. The remaining Kendras on which explanation are needed are the 4H, 7H

and 10H. While the Trikona (5H and 9H) are the bestower of wealth, the

Saptama and Dasama Kendras are specifically known to bestow happiness. 7H

is important from the matter of happiness from partner, companion and spouse

while 10H is known to give success, recognition and fame. From a Bhavat

Bhavam standpoint 7H is Bhavat Bhavam of 4H and also of 10H. 7H = 4th from

4H, 10th from 10H. Hence 7H is important from the standpoint of Sukha

(Happiness, 4H) and Karma (success, 10H).

The Trishadaaya comprises of Tri + Shad + Aaya houses i.e., the 3rd (Tri), 6th

(Shad) and the 11th (Aaya) houses. The lords of these houses are specifically

inauspicious and are the bestower of all kinds of troubles.


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For different Lagnas the Trishadaaya rulers simultaneously rule one among a

Kendra, Trikona, another Trishadaaya or a Dependent bhava. Based on that,

their natures are altered as follows:

1. Trishadaaya + Kendra = Inauspicious

2. Trishadaaya + Trikona = Auspicious

3. Trishadaaya + Lagna = Auspicious

4. Trishadaaya + Another Trishadaaya = Extremely inauspicious

5. Trishadaaya + Dependent bhava (2nd, 12th) = Inauspicious

6. Trishadaaya + Randhra (8th) = Extremely inauspicious and deadly

Dual Trishadaaya lordship: For Aries, Libra and Sagittarius Lagnas, Mercury,

Jupiter and Venus respectively become the lords of two Trishadaayas. This

makes them extremely inauspicious. Their dasas turn out to be the worst dasas

in the life of the natives of the mentioned Lagnas. The ideal situation is when

these dasas don’t appear in their lifetime, which is based on the Moon’s

nakshatra position. For instance, one born in Aries Lagna will not likely face

Mercury’s dasa in their lifetime, if they are born with Moon in Ketu or Venus’s

nakshatra.

Principle 4: Principle of the dependent lords (2-8-12)

BPHS 34.5

व्यय्पवतीयरन्द्रेशाः सािचयायत ् फलप्रिाः।

स्थानान्द्तरानरुोिात्त ेप्रबलाश्चोत्तरोत्तरम ्॥ ५॥

vyayadvitīyarandhreśāḥ sāhacaryāt phalapradāḥ |

sthānāntarānurodhātte prabalāścottarottaram || 5||


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Translation:

The effects due to the lords of Vyaya (12th), Dvitiya (2nd) and Randhr (8th) Bhava

depend on their association. In each group the strength will be in the ascending

order.

Remarks:

In the previous verses, the sage gave the principles for determining the

auspiciousness for the lords of Kendra, Trikona and Trishadaaya. This covered

the houses 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10 and 11. The houses remaining are the 2, 8 and

12. While the auspiciousness of Kendra lords depend on the naisargika

svabhaba of these lord, Lagna lord and the Trikona lords are always auspicious,

and Trishadaaya lords are always inauspicious.

When it comes to the lordship of the remaining houses viz., 2, 8 and 12, their

auspiciousness depends on the ownership of the other Bhava. For instance, for

Dhanu lagna, Saturn owns, the 2H and 3H. Since the 3H ownership makes it

inauspicious, Saturn will remain to be inauspicious as 2nd lordship will just

follow the nature bestowed by the 3rd lordship and will not have an independent

say.

Sun and Moon are the ruler of only one signs. Hence when they become the

lords of the 2nd, 8th and 12th, they remain neutral, neither auspicious nor

inauspicious.

Mentioned here are four groups of bhava lords (1) Kendra (1-4-7-10) (2)

Trikona (5-9), (3) Trishadaaya (3-6-11) and (4) Dependents (2-8-12). In each

of these groups, the strength increases in the ascending order. For instance

among the Kendras 10th is the strongest and among the Trikonas, 9th is the

strongest and so on.


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Principle 5: Special treatment of 8th lord

BPHS 34.6

ति भाग्यव्ययेशत्वारन्द्रेशो न शभुप्रिः।

त्रिषिायाधिपत्वेऽथो कोणपत्व ेत ुसत्फलः॥ ६॥

tatra bhāgyavyayeśatvādrandhreśo na śubhapradaḥ |

triṣadāyādhipatve'tho koṇapatve tu satphalaḥ || 6||

Translation:

Randhresha (8L) is not auspicious as he owns the 12th bhava from the Dharma

Bhava. If the Randhresha simultaneously owns a Trishadaaya (3-6-11), he will

prove specifically harmful, while his simultaneous ownership of a Kona will

bestow auspicious effects.

Comments

Among the dependent lords, 8th lord attains a special position as it owns the

Bhava which signify loss of dharma. Anything that can’t uphold dharma can’t be

auspicious. Lord Krsna proclaims in Bhagavadgita that whenever there is fall of

dharma he manifests to uplift the dharma and rescue the righteous ones. The

8th lordship however takes a backseat when the Graha also owns a Trikona (1H,

5H and 9H). For instance for Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra and Aquarius, the 8L also

simultaneously owns an auspicious Bhava viz., Lagna, 5H or 9H, hence they lose

their inauspiciousness due to 8th lordship.

On the other hand, if the 8L also owns a Trishadaaya, then it becomes the

deadliest Graha in the horoscope. This applies to Jupiter for Taurus Lagna, Mars

for Virgo Lagna, Mercury for Scorpio Lagna and Venus for Pisces Lagna. This

applies to all the even signs Lagnas with the exception to the ones ruled by

Moon and Saturn.


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Principle 6: Rajayoga formation

BPHS 34.11

केन्द्रकोणपती स्यातां परस्परगिृोपगौ।

एकभ े्वौ न्स्थतौ वापप ह्येकभेऽन्द्यतरः न्स्थतः॥ ११॥

kendrakoṇapatī syātāṁ parasparagṛhopagau |

ekabhe dvau sthitau vāpi hyekabhe'nyataraḥ sthitaḥ || 11||

Translation:

If there is an exchange between a Kendra and a Kona lord or if a Kendra lord is

conjoined with a Kona lord in a Kendra or in a Kona or if a Kona lord is in a

Kendra or vice versa (then the yoga is caused).

Remarks:

A sambandha between a Kendra and Kona lord produces auspicious yoga. The

sambandha can be established in one of the following manner:

1. Exchange between a Kendra and a Kona lord

2. Conjunction of a Kendra and a Kona lord in any bhava auspicious or

inauspicious. Even if the conjunction happens in a dusthana, it is

going to bestow only auspicious results. This is especially true if they

are not weak and afflicted in the sign where they are placed.

3. If the Kendra lord is placed in a Kona or a Kona lord is placed in a

Kendra, they become highly auspicious. However, the extent of

auspiciousness is lesser than exchange or conjunction.

4. They are in mutual aspect of each other.


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BPHS 34.12

पूणयदृष्ट् येक्षक्षतौ वापप ममथो योगकारौ तिा।

योगेऽन्स्मन ् जायते भूपो पवख्यातो वा जनो भवेत ्॥ १२॥

pūrṇadṛṣṭyekṣitau vāpi mitho yogakārau tadā |

yoge'smin jāyate bhūpo vikhyāto vā jano bhavet || 12||

Translation:

If there happens to be a full mutual aspect between a Kendra and Kona lord

they cause a Rajayoga. One born in such a yoga will becomes a king and be

famous.

Remarks:

In the verses 34.11 and 34.12, the sage mentioned about yoga caused by the

virtue of sambandha between a Kendra and a Kona lord. This sambandha cause

Rajayoga which bestow kingship and fame. Kingship here means huge authority

and influence over many people and the power to rule over them. Fame and

reputation also comes with the authority and influence as people who are ruled

(guided, governed etc.) will know and talk about this person.

One should also judge the strength of Lagna and the 10th houses, because they

govern the extent of fame one receives in life. The Lagna rules fame that comes

due to birth in a specific lineage, place or community, inherent skills and

knowledge etc. The 10th house rules fame that comes due to the ability to

perform righteous action in the society and the ability and authority to guide or

govern people.


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BPHS 34.13

कोणेशत्वे यिैकस्य केन्द्रेशत्वं च जायते।

केन्द्रे कोणे न्स्थतो वाऽसौ पवशषेा्योगकारकः॥ १३॥

koṇeśatve yadaikasya kendreśatvaṁ ca jāyate |

kendre koṇe sthito vā'sau viśeṣādyogakārakaḥ || 13||

Translation:

If the Kona lord also becomes the lord of a Kendra, then its placement in a

Kendra or a Kona specifically prove to be a Yogakaraka.

Remarks:

For certain lagnas, say those owned by Venus and Saturn, one Graha becomes

the owner of a Kendra and a Trikona. In such cases, they become suo-moto

Rajayoga-karaka. The suo-moto Rajayoga karakas can bestow the yoga on their

own accord, without any sambandha of any other Grahas. However, they lack

the support which comes from the sambandha of two Rajayoga-karakas. Hence,

they get support for bestowing their auspicious results only when they are

placed in a Kendra or a Trikona. When they are placed in a Kendra, their Trikona

ownership takes the front seat in driving the Rajayoga. On the other hand if

they are placed in a Trikona, their Kendra ownership takes the front seat (vide

34.11).

On the other hand, if the Graha is associated with an inauspicious bhava such

as Trishadaaya or the 8th house by placement or conjunction with their lords,

then yoga does not manifest. This is similar to the situation whereby ownership

of the Trishadaaya or the 8th house render them ineligible to bestow Rajayoga.


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Rider to the formation of the Rajayoga:

BPHS 34.15

केन्द्रकोणाधिपावेव पापस्थानाधिपौ यिा।

तयोः सम्बन्द्िमािणे न योगं लभते नरः॥ १५॥

kendrakoṇādhipāveva pāpasthānādhipau yadā |

tayoḥ sambandhamātreṇa na yogaṁ labhate naraḥ || 15||

Translation:

If the Lords of a Kendra or Kona own simultaneously an inauspicious Bhava, they don’t cause Rajayoga by mere

relations stipulated (vide 34.11-12).

Remarks:

When the Kendra or the Kona lords also own a Trishadaaya, their sambandha with another Kendra or Kona

lords don’t cause the Rajayoga mentioned before. This also applies to the ownership of 8th house which is

specifically known as the destroyer of the Rajayogas. The reason being, the Rajayoga is sustained by righteous

action (9th house, dharma). 8th house being the 12th from the 9th house represent loss of dharma. Hence

ownership, conjunction or aspect of the 8H or its lord completely destroys the Rajayoga.

For instance for Aries Lagna, Saturn is the lord of 10th and 11th lord. In verse 34.90, the sage made it explicit that

conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn does not produce the promised Rajayoga due to 11H ownership of Saturn.

Similarly for Gemini lagna, Saturn-Jupiter sambandha does not produce Rajayoga, as here Saturn owns both 8th

and 9th house. The 8th house ownership makes the Rajayoga null and void.

What happens when the 9L owns a Trishadaaya? Would it bestow Rajayoga? For two lagnas, Cancer and

Capricorn, the 9L also becomes the 6th lord. This is not possible for other Lagnas as 9L can’t become 3L or 11L.

For the mentioned Lagnas, Maharishi didn’t speak anything about the formation of the Dharma-Karmadhipati

yoga but says that these two lagnas are suo-moto Rajayoga karakas i.e., Mars for Cancer Lagna and Venus for

Capricorn and have the capacity to bestow Rajayoga if they are well placed. From this we can infer that

Trishadaaya ownership of the Kona lord nullify its eligibility to bestow yoga. This is also evident for Virgo Lagna

where Saturn rules the 5th and 6th houses. Such Saturn is also incapable of bestowing Kendra-Kona Rajayoga due

to Trishadaaya ownership.

One should note that strong Rajayoga is possible by conjunction of 4th and 5th lords or 9th and 10th lords

provided they don’t get inadvertently associated with Trishadaaya lords or the 8th lord, in which case, the yoga is

broken. However, the Grahas being the Trikona lords don’t become inauspicious and continue to give auspicious

results.


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Principle 7: Single planet conferring Rajayogas:

When a Graha simultaneously own a Kendra and a Kona, it gains the ability to

bestow Rajayoga, provided it is well placed in a Kendra or a Kona in the

horoscope. This is possible only for 6 Lagnas as given below:

1. Saturn for Taurus and Libra Lagnas

2. Mars for Cancer and Leo Lagnas

3. Venus for Capricorn and Aquarius Lagna

Documents

Functional Nature of Planets