Question

Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).
Assertion (A): The planet that has progressed to the highest degree, minute, and second within its sign is designated as the 'Ātmakāraka'.
Reason (R): Among the seven planets (Sun to Saturn), the one with the maximum longitude (in terms of signs, degrees, and minutes) acts as the significator of the soul (Ātmakāraka) in the Jaimini system.

• A. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
• B. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A).
• C. (A) is true but (R) is false.
• D. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Hint:

Atmakaraka = "Soul King".
Rank the planets 1 to 7 by their degrees in the sign.
Rank 1 (Highest Degree) = Atmakaraka.
Rank 7 (Lowest Degree) = Darakaraka (Spouse).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
In Jaimini Astrology, the 'Cara-kārakas' are determined by the degrees a planet has traveled within a sign. The planet with the highest travel is the 'Ātmakāraka' (AK), the King of the horoscope.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Analysis of Assertion (A):
The core definition of Ātmakāraka in Jaimini Sūtras is: "Ātmādhikaḥ kalādibhir-bhōgaḥ" (The one with more degrees, minutes etc. is the Atman). This refers to the planet that has traversed the largest portion of its current sign (out of 30 degrees). Thus, Assertion (A) is correct.

Analysis of Reason (R):
The reason provides the functional rule: to identify the AK, one must compare the longitudes of the seven primary planets. The one that stands at the 'maximum' value becomes the significator of the soul. Note that in the 7-planet system, Rāhu is excluded, but in the 8-planet system, Rāhu is calculated differently (30 minus its degree). The statement accurately reflects the standard Jaimini practice of ranking planets by degree. Thus, Reason (R) is correct.

Evaluating the Relationship:
Assertion (A) states the definition (who is Atmakaraka). Reason (R) provides the explanation of how to identify it (by checking maximum degrees among the planets). Since the reason describes the exact mathematical procedure that defines the assertion, it is the correct explanation.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Both are true and R provides the logical definition/explanation for A.