A Hindu Astrological Birth Chart from Rajasthan.

A janampatri is a birth chart prepared as per Vedic Astrology, a particular system of prediction developed by ancient pundits, is said to be a graphical representation of planets at the time of one’s birth. Based on these birth details, a Janampatri, also known as a Kundali, can be prepared to throw light on all astrological prospects of a person’s life. One’s Ascendant (lagna), Zodiac Sign (Rasi), and movement or position of planets in a Janampatri influence his/her life from birth to death.

Generally speaking, a Janampatri represents the positions of seven planets and two shadowy planets. In the Janampatri, you would broadly observe a chart mentioning different Houses occupied by different planets. There are twelve Houses in one’s birth-chart according to Vedic Astrology. These Houses show places of the planets Sun (Su), Moon (Mo), Mars (Ma), Mercury (Me), Jupiter (Ju), Venus (Ve), Saturn (Sa), Rahu (Ra), Ketu (Ke). And, these specific places indicate the auspicious and inauspicious influences that these planets have on one’s life.

At the very top is the customary presence of Ganesh or Ganpati who is invoked to remove all obstacles.

Mathematical charts have been written on both sides of the 2 metre long scroll alongside vertically arranged numbered rows of sanskrit script. The numbering goes from 1 to 15 representing the two phases of the lunar calendar that is the foundation for all the the mind-boggling number of Hindu calendars.

The paintings represent various aspects of life – there is a musical instrument, a bow and arrow and others representing the various areas the newborn must be trained in.
A painting of a parables that offers a role model is seen –  the scene depicting Shravan and his exemplary filial piety and a scene depicting Krishna’s charm and romance.

Though it is believed that these character maps are employed in the janam patri as a way of foretelling, perhaps it was a way of providing guidance and direction.