Gaja Kesari Yog is probably the most well known and one of the easily recognised Yog in Jyotisha. But of certain it is also one of the toughest Yog to qualify in any Birth chart.
As name goes Gaja Kesari translates to Elephant and Lion respectively. Both are the most powerful and prominent animals of jungle, so is this Yog if happens to occur in full strength. This Yog when in power and having a good favour of strength in chart and timing in life (Dasha at the right time of life) can make a person, Ace in his area of endeavour.
In General approach, most of the jyotishi (an indian astrologer) consider it to be a Gaja Kesari Yog any time Jupiter happens to fall in an angle from Moon. One fact which should be kept in mind is that a Yog of such potentials and only a single condition to qualify it don’t go well together.
Having a look on what Parasara Hora says, gives a better idea and additional stipulation in qualifying this Yog.
“If Jupiter is in an angle from the ascendent or from the Moon if he is in conjunction with and/or aspected by a benefic, and if Jupiter is not in debilitation or inimical sign or combust the Yog thus caused is called Gaja Kesari.
The native Born in this Yog will be splendorous wealthy, intelligent, endowed with many virtues and be a favourite of the King.”
On the other hand, Phaladipika only speaks of Kesari Yog and does not include additional stipulations to the basic defination.
“The Moon in an angular position to Jupiter gives Kesari Yog.”
“The native with Kesari Yog in his Birth chart will be a lion-like destroyer of his enemies. He will impress the audience with his noble and lofty ideas. In his behaviour, he will be both passionate and emotional. He will enjoy a long life with great renown and wisdom. Due to his valor, he will get over every hurdle.”
Explanation
The additional qualification for this Yog given in Brihat Parasara Hora is very important because occurrence of this Yog is very come in Birth charts. As Moon stays in a sign for approximately two and half days. This concludes that Moon will fall in an angular position to Jupiter for about ten days out of a month. So about 25% of people will be likely having Jupiter in an angle from Moon. But the truth is vast majority from these individuals only few will experience the effects go this Yog.
So the bottom line for this Yog to be highly vibrant in any Birth chart is, Jupiter and Moon both should fall in angle houses from ascendent and having at least some extra sources of strengths. This Yog will then properly qualify to give someone a prominent personality and long lasting fame.
Blemished Gaja Kesari Yog
Gaja Kesari Yog when extremely blemished can contribute to everlasting infamy rather than fame. This happens when this Yog or participating planets Jupiter and Moon are heavily influenced by natural malefics by conjunction, aspect or malefic hemming. Rulership of Moon and Jupiter also decides the nature and flavour of Gaja Kesari Yog in your Birth chart. Unless very afflicted, this Yog is usually a positive feature of any Birth chart.
This conditions above not only apply to Gaja Kesari, but to all other good yogas.
Kesari Yog or Ordinary Gaja Kesari Yog
Not every one will be having a very potential Gaja Kesari Yog, but definitely this Yog will continue to form in one third of the total population’s Birth chart and will be a matter of day to day encounter for any good practicing astrologer/Jyotishi.
When Jupiter and Moon have no extra qualifying strengths, but basic strengths like not in debilition sign and Jupiter not combust, and they are only in angle from each other and not in angle from Lagna. Than this Yog can be more accurately referred to as Kesari Yog.