Guide · Question-based astrologyWhat is Jamakkol Prashnam?
Jamakkol (also spelled Jamakkol) is a system of question-based astrology from Tamil Nadu. It answers a specific question from a chart cast for the moment the question is asked, rather than from the birth chart.
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What the name means
"Jama" (yama) is a watch of the day and "kol" means planet. In Jamakkol the 24 hours of day and night are divided into eight jamas, and a separate set of planets, the Jama grahas, is placed in the outer ring of the chart according to the jama in which the question is asked.
How the chart is built
A Jamakkol chart is drawn in the South Indian square format and has two layers:
- Inner ring: the actual (transit) positions of the planets at the time of the question.
- Outer ring: the Jama grahas, placed in the signs according to the jama of the question.
The astrologer reads the relationships between the planets of both layers together.
Udayam, Arudam and Kavippu
Alongside the planets, Jamakkol uses special reference points:
- Udayam: the rising point for the moment of the question, which plays the role of the question’s ascendant.
- Arudam: a point connected with the querent, fixed by traditional rules.
- Kavippu: a further reference point read together with Udayam and Arudam.
The relationship of planets and houses to these points forms the basis of the reading. Calculation and interpretation rules vary slightly between lineages, so practitioners apply the method they were taught.
How a reading proceeds
- Write down the question clearly and record the time and place.
- Cast the chart and note Udayam, Arudam, Kavippu and the Jama grahas.
- Study the houses that relate to the question and their planets, then confirm with the Panchang and Dasha.
- Save your conclusion in the client’s record so the follow-up has context.
Jamakkol compared with KP Horary
| Aspect | Jamakkol | KP Horary |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Tamil tradition | Krishnamurti Paddhati (20th century) |
| Querent’s input | Time and place of the question | A number from 1 to 249 |
| Key references | Udayam, Arudam, Kavippu, Jama grahas | Cuspal sub-lords and significators |
| Chart format | South Indian, two rings | Usually with house cusps |
Jamakkol in JyotishGrid
JyotishGrid does not force Jamakkol into a horary template. It has its own chart, with Udayam, Arudam, Kavippu and the Jama grahas shown together. On Pro, JyotishG AI can draft an interpretation from the question and the chart. See the Jamakkol and Horary tools or the KP astrology software.
Video tutorials
Jamakkol Horary
Prashna, Panchang, Dasha & JyotishG AI Analysis
Jamakkol Horary
Complete Horary Analysis Workflow
Frequently asked questions
Is Jamakkol the same as KP Horary?
No. Both are question-based methods, but Jamakkol uses the Jama grahas and special points such as Udayam and Arudam, while KP Horary uses a number from 1 to 249 and sub-lords.
Do I need birth details for Jamakkol?
No. The chart is cast for the time and place of the question, so it can be used when birth details are missing.
Does JyotishGrid offer AI interpretation for Jamakkol?
Yes. On Pro, JyotishG AI can draft an interpretation from the question and the Jamakkol chart. The astrologer makes the final judgement.
Read your next Jamakkol question.
JyotishGrid gives Jamakkol its own chart, with client records and JyotishG AI support.
Explore the Jamakkol and Horary tools