BENGALURU, INDIA — OCTOBER 2026
Retrograde, an AI-driven Vedic astrology platform built on the astrology engine behind Jothishi.com, has launched on the web, iPhone and Android. The platform allows users to enter their birth details once and ask questions in everyday language, receiving personalised responses based on their individual birth charts rather than generic sun-sign horoscopes.
A Collaboration Across Generations
Retrograde was co-built by Pranav Anand, a 16-year-old Class 12 student at National Public School in Bangalore, and Anand Vadakepat, founder of Jothishi and an astrologer with more than 20 years of study and practice. The collaboration brings together a young developer’s use of artificial intelligence and a classical astrology engine developed over years of work.
Personalised Answers Based on Birth Charts
The platform is designed for people seeking a structured astrological perspective on questions involving career, relationships, marriage, health, wealth, business and relocation. Users provide their date, time and place of birth, then ask a question in their own words. Retrograde’s system applies chart-based methods and returns an explanation, timing considerations and caveats in plain language.
Classical Vedic Methods Meet AI
According to the launch information, Retrograde draws on principles from the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and Jaimini’s sutras. Its process considers divisional charts from D1 to D60, Nakshatra placements, dasha periods, Ashtakvarga strength scoring and Panchanga. A system of specialised AI agents is designed to focus on different categories of life questions. The company says its question taxonomy maps approximately 14,000 real-life questions and that the platform uses 1,000 specialised AI agents.
An Alternative to Generic Horoscope Apps
Many horoscope services organise content around one of 12 sun signs, offering similar material to large audiences. Retrograde instead begins with an individual’s birth date, time and place and considers the person’s chart and specific question. Its stated aim is to make chart-based astrological guidance easier to access, without requiring users to wait for an appointment with an astrologer. The approach also reflects growing interest in tools that make specialised knowledge more accessible through conversational interfaces.
Why the Name Retrograde?
The name refers to vakri gati, the apparent backward motion of a planet as viewed from Earth, caused by the relative orbital speeds of planets. In Vedic astrology, retrograde motion carries a distinct meaning. The founders say the idea also reflects the pause before a major decision: a moment to reconsider, reflect and decide how to move forward. The platform is intended to offer perspective rather than make decisions on a user’s behalf.
Built with Research and a Long-Term Engine
Pranav Anand is also the author of a research paper describing the platform’s multi-agent architecture, titled “A Knowledge-Grounded Multi-Agent Architecture for Vedic Astrological Question Answering,” published in IJFMR, Volume 8, Issue 4, 2026, according to the supplied launch release. Retrograde runs on the classical engine behind Jothishi.com, drawing on more than 20 years of astrological study and practice associated with its founder.
Availability and Responsible Use
Retrograde is available now through its website and mobile platforms. The founders say they plan to deepen astrological coverage and continue developing the web and mobile experience. The platform is positioned as a tool for reflection and a second perspective, not as a substitute for professional advice. Its launch information specifically notes that guidance relating to health, legal or financial matters complements qualified professionals and does not replace them.
About Retrograde
Retrograde is an AI-driven Vedic astrology platform from Jothishi Online and Advertising Services Private Limited, based in Bengaluru. It combines the classical engine behind Jothishi.com with AI-based question answering to provide personalised readings across several areas of life. The platform was co-founded by Pranav Anand and Anand Vadakepat and is available on web, iPhone and Android.
Official Links and Media Contact
Retrograde Website: https://www.retrograde.co.in
Jothishi Website: https://www.jothishi.com
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jothishi
