1st House — Tanu Bhav

self, body, personality

The Lagna, the Ascendant

The first bhava is the first of the twelve houses, the domains of life into which the chart is divided. It is known as the lagna, the ascendant: the rashi (zodiac sign) rising on the eastern horizon at the moment of birth. The lord of the rashi occupying the lagna is called the lagnesh, the lagna lord.

This is the most important bhava of the entire kundali (birth chart): for every single matter concerning the native, this bhava must be examined. Indeed, if the lagna and the lagnesh themselves are weak, the results of all the bhavas are reduced to mediocrity.

The Karaka: Surya

The karaka (the natural significator) of this bhava is Surya, the Sun. At sunrise, Surya stands in the lagna bhava.

In the Puranic imagination, the Sun's appearance on the eastern horizon is regarded as the Sun's birth; therefore the portion of the chart that gives the first sight of the Sun has been assigned birth itself as its subject. And because at the time of birth it is the native's head that appears first, the head region of the body has been allotted to this bhava.

Rashis Strong in the First Bhava

The rashis Mithuna (Gemini), Kanya (Virgo), Tula (Libra), and Kumbha (Aquarius) are considered strong in the first bhava.

A Masculine Bhava

Nature has made man outwardly stronger than woman and suited to work outside the home. Just as Surya rises above the horizon and performs the task of giving light to the world, so this responsibility within the household and family has, in the ordinary course, been given to the man. The first bhava has therefore been designated purusha, the masculine.

Principal Subjects of the First Bhava

The principal subjects of this bhava are:

• The native's body, complexion, and form
• The head and brain
• Colour, appearance, and height
• Strength, qualities, and vigour
• Health and longevity
• Benevolence
• One's seat and the throne
• Animals with upright horns
• The present time
• Medicinal herbs
• The eastern direction