Question 1

Is ShivAstro free?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every feature — your full Vedic Kundli, Western birth chart, Nakshatras, Vimshottari Dasha, doshas, divisional charts, transits and the AI astrologer chat — is completely free, with no sign-up and no payment required.

Question 2

What is the difference between Vedic and Western astrology?

Accepted Answer

Western astrology uses the tropical zodiac (tied to the seasons) with Placidus houses and the Sun sign as the centre. Vedic astrology (Jyotish) uses the sidereal zodiac (tied to the actual stars, offset about 24°), Whole-Sign houses, and treats the Moon sign and Nakshatra as central. ShivAstro computes both from the same accurate birth data so you can compare them.

Question 3

What is a birth chart or Kundli?

Accepted Answer

A birth chart (Kundli or natal chart) is a map of where every planet sat in the sky at the exact moment and place you were born. It is the foundation of astrology — your rising sign, Sun, Moon and planetary placements all come from it, and they describe your personality, strengths and life patterns.

Question 4

Do I need my exact birth time for an accurate chart?

Accepted Answer

Yes, birth time matters a lot. The rising sign (Ascendant/Lagna) moves about one degree every four minutes, which shifts your houses, dasha balance and many yogas. An approximate time gives an approximate chart; your exact recorded birth time gives an accurate one.

Question 5

What is a Nakshatra?

Accepted Answer

A Nakshatra is a lunar mansion — one of 27 finer star-segments of the Vedic zodiac. The Nakshatra your Moon occupies at birth (your Janma Nakshatra) is considered the deepest, most personal signature in a Vedic chart, and it is the starting point for calculating your Vimshottari Dasha periods.

Question 6

What is Vimshottari Dasha?

Accepted Answer

Vimshottari Dasha is the main Vedic timing system. It divides life into a 120-year cycle of planetary periods (Mahadashas), each further split into sub-periods (Antardashas). The planet ruling your current period shows which themes are most active in your life right now. ShivAstro calculates it from your Moon's Nakshatra.

Question 7

What is Mangal Dosha, and how do I know if I am Manglik?

Accepted Answer

Mangal Dosha (being 'Manglik') is when Mars sits in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house, counted from your Ascendant, Moon or Venus. It is traditionally linked to marriage timing and intensity, not misfortune, and there are well-known cancellation rules that reduce or nullify it. ShivAstro checks all three reference points and the cancellations automatically.

Question 8

What is Kaal Sarp Dosha?

Accepted Answer

Kaal Sarp Dosha forms when all seven classical planets are hemmed between the lunar nodes Rahu and Ketu. It is regarded as a karmic pattern that can make life feel like it moves in intense cycles, not a catastrophe, and it comes in 12 named types depending on which house Rahu occupies. ShivAstro detects both full and partial Kaal Sarp.

Question 9

Is my birth data private?

Accepted Answer

Yes. ShivAstro computes your chart on the server and does not require an account. Saved charts are stored only in your own browser (local storage). Nothing about your birth details is sold or shared.

Question 10

Does ShivAstro give accurate planetary positions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Positions are computed with a precise astronomical ephemeris engine, not stock pre-written readings, and handle historical time zones and daylight saving automatically. Vedic positions use the standard Lahiri ayanamsa.

The 27 Nakshatras

What each Nakshatra tells you