Reproduced from Modern Astrology, October 2015
The
Sanskrit/Hindi term ‘Upa’ is comparable to the English prefix ‘vice’. Thus, the
terms ‘Pada’ and ‘Upapada’ can be understood similarly to ‘president’ and ‘vice
president’; we might even say ‘Pada’ and ‘vice Pada’ in English. Suppose the
ascendant is considered the 'president,' with its Pada being the main Pada. In
that case, we must identify which house, next to the ascendant, can govern the
horoscope if the ascendant is weak or compromised. ‘Anuchar’ means a follower,
the one who is next and can assume power in the absence of the principal.
Upapada is also known as ‘Gouna Pada’; ‘Gouna’ is a Sanskrit/Hindi word
signifying secondary status.