What is ayanamsa, and which setting should I use?
Ayanamsa is the star-based reference point used in Vedic astrology. Lahiri is the standard setting for most charts; this guide explains the alternatives.
Vedic astrology is sidereal: it measures the planets against the fixed stars, not the seasons. Ayanamsa is the small angle that bridges the two — in plain terms, it's the reference point used to place your planets against the zodiac.
The short answer
Leave it on Lahiri. It is the Indian government's official standard (the "Chitrapaksha" ayanamsa) and the right choice for almost everyone. You only need to change it if an astrologer has specifically asked you to use a different one.
The options
- Lahiri (recommended) — the national standard; what most Indian astrologers and almanacs (panchangs) use.
- Raman — B. V. Raman's system; sits about 1.4° earlier than Lahiri. Some schools that follow Raman's books prefer it.
- KP (Krishnamurti) — used by followers of the Krishnamurti Paddhati method.
- True Chitra — fixes the star Chitra (Spica) at exactly 0° of Libra.
Does it change my result?
For most charts the sign placements come out the same across all four. The differences show up at the edges — a planet sitting right on a sign or nakshatra boundary, or the exact balance of your dasha periods. So unless you have a specific reason to switch, the default is the safe, standard choice.