The sign rising in the east
Lagna, also called the Ascendant, is the sidereal zodiac sign rising on the eastern horizon at a specific moment and place. Because Earth rotates, the Lagna usually changes about every two hours, though the exact duration varies.
Why it matters
In a whole-sign chart, the Lagna sign becomes the first house and establishes every other house. Traditional interpretation uses it to organize how planetary placements relate to different areas of life.
Why exact time matters
Date and city alone cannot reliably determine Lagna. A time error near a sign boundary can change the Lagna and every house. If time is unknown, GrahaGati intentionally omits them.