List the seven classical planets: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn
Find the zodiacal degree of each planet in your birth chart
Compare only the degrees within the same zodiac sign if using Jaimini darakaraka method
Identify the planet with the lowest degree among the seven classical planets
That planet is your Darakaraka
Exclude Rahu and Ketu in the standard seven-planet Darakaraka calculation
If using an eight-planet system, include Rahu according to the specific tradition being followed
Use the exact degree, minutes, and seconds for accurate comparison
If two planets have the same degree, use the planet with the lower minutes and seconds
If still tied, follow the specific rule of the astrology system you are using