Karakas in Vedic Astrology
The word karaka (pronounced as “kaaraka”) means “one who causes”. Karaka of a matter is the significator of the matter. He is the one who causes events related to that matter.
It literally means that which does or a factor or a suffix denoting the factor responsible for a result. One who does the work of others on their behalf as a duty assigned to him or gives similar results as expected from other planet, is called Karaka for that planet. Karakatwa is the duty assigned to him (Karaka). ln the astrological terms a planet doing the work of a house is called Karaka of that house(Bhava).
Kinds of Karakas
There are 3 kinds of karakas:
One should not use the three types of karakas in a mixed-up way. Karakas of each type have a specific purpose. One should understand the distinction between chara, sthira and naisargika karakas clearly and use them accordingly.