Planets & Dignity

Moolatrikona

मूलत्रिकोण • Moolatrikona

Moolatrikona is the second-strongest planetary dignity after exaltation, where a planet functions with great efficacy within specific degrees of a sign.

What is Moolatrikona?

Moolatrikona (Moolatrikona, मूलत्रिकोण) — Moolatrikona is the second-strongest planetary dignity after exaltation, where a planet functions with great efficacy within specific degrees of a sign.

Moolatrikona is a special zone of strength for each planet, considered the second most powerful dignity after exaltation. Unlike exaltation which covers the entire sign, Moolatrikona occupies specific degree ranges within a planet's own sign (or, for the Sun and Moon, a related sign). The Moolatrikona positions are: Sun in Leo (0°-20°), Moon in Taurus (4°-20°), Mars in Aries (0°-12°), Mercury in Virgo (16°-20°), Jupiter in Sagittarius (0°-10°), Venus in Libra (0°-15°), and Saturn in Aquarius (0°-20°). A planet in its Moolatrikona functions like an efficient minister — slightly less powerful than an exalted king but highly effective.

Examples

Sun in Leo between 0°-20° is in Moolatrikona, giving strong leadership and authority.
Jupiter in Sagittarius between 0°-10° is in Moolatrikona, enhancing wisdom and teaching ability.
Venus in Libra between 0°-15° is in Moolatrikona, strengthening relationships and artistic ability.

Practical Application

When analyzing planetary strength, check if the planet falls within its Moolatrikona degrees. A Moolatrikona planet is very reliable and produces consistently strong results in the life areas it governs.

Common Misconceptions

Moolatrikona is not the same as own sign (Swagruha) — it occupies specific degrees within the sign.
A planet can be in its own sign but outside Moolatrikona degrees, giving it own-sign dignity but not Moolatrikona strength.
Moolatrikona is considered stronger than own-sign placement but slightly below exaltation.

Related Terms

Ucchaउच्च
Neechaनीच
Grahaग्रह

More Planets & Dignity Terms

Ucchaउच्चNeechaनीच

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Moolatrikona in Vedic astrology?

Moolatrikona is the second-strongest planetary dignity, where a planet occupies specific powerful degrees within its sign. It's stronger than own sign but slightly below exaltation. Each planet has defined Moolatrikona degree ranges.

How is Moolatrikona different from own sign?

Own sign covers the entire 30° of a planet's ruled sign. Moolatrikona is a subset — specific degrees within the sign where the planet is even more powerful. For example, Sun owns Leo (all 30°) but is Moolatrikona only in Leo 0°-20°.

What is the dignity hierarchy?

From strongest to weakest: Exalted → Moolatrikona → Own Sign → Friendly Sign → Neutral → Enemy Sign → Debilitated. Each level indicates decreasing ability to deliver positive results.

Do all planets have Moolatrikona?

Yes, all seven visible planets and the luminaries have Moolatrikona positions. Rahu and Ketu don't have traditional Moolatrikona assignments, though some authorities assign them Moolatrikona in specific signs.