Fifth House (Putra Bhava) in Vedic Astrology
The Fifth House (Putra Bhava) is the fifth house of the Vedic birth chart. Its natural sign is Leo, ruled by Sun, and its karaka is Jupiter. It governs children, intelligence, romance. Here is what the Fifth House means, the results of a strong or afflicted Fifth House, and how to read it.
Quick facts
| Natural sign | Leo |
| Natural lord | Sun |
| Karaka (significator) | Jupiter |
| House type | Trikona |
| Body part (Kalapurusha) | Stomach, upper abdomen |
What it governs
- Children and progeny
- Intelligence, wisdom and education
- Romance, love and creativity
- Poorva punya — merit from past lives; mantra & speculation
When it is strong
A strong 5th house gives sharp intelligence, good education, happiness from children, creativity and the grace of past-life merit.
When it is afflicted
An afflicted 5th house can bring difficulties with children or education, poor judgement, or disappointments in love.
Planets in this house
Which planets sit in this house, and the strength of its lord, decide the actual outcome. As a rule, natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, a waxing Moon) support the house, while malefics (Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, the Sun) stress it — except in the upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11), where malefics often do very well.
How to read it
To read the Fifth House in your own chart, look at three things: the sign on the house, the planet that rules that sign (and where it sits), and any planets placed in the house. Generate your free birth chart to see all three for every house.