Padma yoga — also called Kamala, the lotus — is a Nabhasa yoga in which all seven planets, Sun to Saturn, occupy the four kendras: the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses. Rahu and Ketu are not counted. Classical texts describe a virtuous, wealthy, long-lived and famous person of high standing. It is very rare.
How the yoga forms
All seven planets are in the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses, with no planet elsewhere. The companion yoga Vapi (a well) forms when all planets are in the houses next to the kendras instead — all in the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th, or all in the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th.
How rare it is
Mercury stays within about 28° of the Sun and Venus within about 47°, while kendras are 90° apart. So for Padma yoga the Sun, Mercury and Venus must all be in the same kendra sign, and the Moon, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn must also fall only in kendras. Such charts are uncommon. Several planets in kendras without completing the pattern is good, but it is not Padma yoga.
Typical results
Classical texts promise good character, wealth, long life, fame and authority comparable to a ruler’s, with a wide circle of influence. Planets in kendras are visible and active, so the life tends to be public and eventful; the dignity of the planets decides whether that shows as achievement or strain.
Check it in your own chart
Yogas are read together with planetary strength, the houses ruled for your lagna and the running dasha. A free kundli shows these placements; the yoga finder lists common yogas. For a full reading, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Padma yoga?
All seven planets from the Sun to Saturn in the four kendras — the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th houses.
Is Padma yoga the same as Kamala yoga?
Yes, both names mean lotus and describe the same Nabhasa yoga.
Is a benefic aspecting a kendra lord Padma yoga?
No. That is a common error; Padma needs all planets in the kendras.
Do Rahu and Ketu count?
No. Nabhasa yogas use only the seven visible planets.
What is Vapi yoga?
All planets in the houses next to the kendras — the 2nd, 5th, 8th and 11th, or the 3rd, 6th, 9th and 12th.
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Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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Classical yogas in the kundli: more in this series
Panch Mahapurusha Yoga: The Five Great-Person Combinations · Panchkoti Yoga and Panchkoti Dhan Yoga · Parashari Raj Yoga: The Path to Power · Parijata Yoga in Vedic Astrology · Parvata Yoga: Auspicious Planetary Configuration · Pishach Yoga in Vedic Astrology · Planets and Yogas Responsible for Extramarital Affairs · Pushkala Yoga: A Blessing in Vedic Astrology · Check which yogas your chart holds