Question

Arrange the following 'Kaṇṭakasthānas' (Angular Houses or Kēndras) in ascending order of their house number:
A. 10
B. 7
C. 1
D. 4

• A. A, B, C, D
• B. C, D, B, A
• C. B, C, D, A
• D. D, C, A, B

Hint:

Remember: Kendra = 1, 4, 7, 10. These are the "Power Centers" of any chart. In the context of "Kantaka", think of them as the four corners of a house that support the roof.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Jyōtiṣa, the 1st, 4th, 7th, and 10th houses are known by several names, most notably 'Kēndra' (Angular) and 'Kaṇṭaka' (Thorn or Pillar). These four houses are the most powerful in a horoscope and represent the pillars of a person's life: the self (1st), happiness/home (4th), partnerships (7th), and career/status (10th). The term 'Kaṇṭaka' implies that these houses act as sharp, supportive pillars that hold up the structure of one's destiny.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The question asks to arrange the labels (A, B, C, D) corresponding to these houses in ascending order of the house number itself (1 to 10).

1. The 1st House (Lagna): This corresponds to label C. It is the most important Kendra, representing the head and the soul's manifestation.
2. The 4th House (Caturtha): This corresponds to label D. It is the house of 'Sukha' (comfort) and mother.
3. The 7th House (Saptama): This corresponds to label B. It is the house of marriage and business relationships.
4. The 10th House (Daśama): This corresponds to label A. It is the 'Karma Sthāna', the highest point of achievement.

The resulting sequence of the labels in ascending house order is C, D, B, A. In predictive astrology, planets placed in these 'Kaṇṭaka' houses exert a disproportionately large influence on the native's life compared to other houses. For example, natural malefics like Mars or Saturn in Kendras (excluding specific friendly signs) are said to have a 'Kaṇṭaka' effect, meaning they can cause sudden, sharp challenges or 'thorns' in the path of the native. However, these houses are also where the 'Digbala' (directional strength) of planets is calculated, making them the engines of the horoscope.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct ascending order of the Angular houses by house number is C, D, B, A.