janma

Janma is a term of Sanskrit origin meaning birth. In classical Sanskrit, the noun janma denotes the event of being born, and it is cognate with related forms in many Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, and others. The word appears in various compounds and phrases, such as punarjanma (rebirth) and Janmashtami, the festival celebrating the birth of the Hindu god Krishna.

In Indian astrology, janma refers to the moment of birth. The birth chart, called janma kundli or janm patri, is constructed from the date, time, and place of birth. The ascendant at the moment of birth is known as the janma lagna, a key factor in chart interpretation. Some astrologers also speak of the janma nakshatra, the birth star at the time of janma, and use it alongside other planetary positions to assess personality and destiny.

Philosophical and cultural context: In Hindu thought, janma marks one stage in the cycle of samsara, where beings undergo birth and death until moksha. The term is used in literature, religious discourse, and daily language to denote birth or origin, and it appears in various idioms and narratives that explore life’s beginnings.

Modern usage: The word remains common in Indian languages as the standard term for birth and is employed in naming, branding, and media to emphasize birth, origin, or beginning. It also appears in festival titles and cultural expressions that highlight the theme of birth.

See also: Janmashtami, Punarjanma, Samsara.