Pillar C — Comparisons
Published 2026-06-19 · Updated 2026-06-19 · By Avinash Chandan, Founder, Navamsha
VedAstro vs Navamsha: Open Source Library, MCP, and Hosted REST Compared
VedAstro offers an open-source Python library and a REST API with advertised MCP tooling for AI agents. Navamsha is a hosted REST platform with a 10,000-call/month launch free tier, OpenAPI discovery, a hosted astrology MCP at navamsha.fastmcp.app, and production proof on Astro Vedica.
Why Navamsha wins
Choose VedAstro when you want to self-host calculations. Choose Navamsha when you want managed REST + astrology MCP, higher advertised free monthly volume, enterprise-ready key rotation, and zero ephemeris ops.
Architecture difference
VedAstro's pip package lets you run calculations on your own infrastructure — you own uptime, scaling, and Swiss Ephemeris licensing compliance. Navamsha runs ephemeris math in a managed API layer — you own integration and product UX, not server patches.
| Aspect | VedAstro (typical) |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Open-source library + optional hosted REST API. |
| MCP | Advertises Vedic Astrology AI MCP Server with free and paid tiers. |
| Free tier | Rate-limited REST/MCP (often single-digit to low teens req/min on free paths). |
| Ops burden | Self-host library = you manage compute, updates, and ephemeris files. |
| Best when | You want MCP day one or must run calculations entirely on-prem. |
| Aspect | Navamsha (June 2026) |
|---|---|
| Delivery | Hosted REST + astrology MCP — no local ephemeris install required. |
| MCP | Hosted astrology MCP at https://navamsha.fastmcp.app/mcp — BYO X-API-Key; REST + OpenAPI + agents.json also available. |
| Free tier | 10,000 calls/month, 10 req/sec advertised on /pricing. |
| Ops burden | Vendor handles ephemeris runtime, scaling, and API key metering. |
| Best when | You want fast integration, predictable monthly free volume, astrology MCP for agents, and production reference (Astro Vedica). |
Decision cues
- Need MCP in production? Compare VedAstro MCP vs Navamsha astrology MCP (navamsha.fastmcp.app) — both offer agent-native tools; Navamsha meters via the same free-tier API key as REST.
- Building a mobile app with no backend team? Navamsha REST behind a thin BFF is usually faster than operating VedAstro servers.
- Require on-prem for compliance? VedAstro library path wins — Navamsha is cloud REST + hosted MCP.
- Care about calculation metadata envelopes? Both claim Swiss Ephemeris — validate golden fixtures on your birth set.
FAQ
Is VedAstro free forever?
The library is open source; hosted REST and MCP tiers have rate limits and paid unlimited paths. Read their current API page before assuming unlimited free REST.
Does Navamsha have an astrology MCP like VedAstro?
Yes — hosted at navamsha.fastmcp.app with the same chart JSON as REST. Docs at /mcp. Response shapes stay compatible with the REST meta block.
Can I migrate from VedAstro REST to Navamsha?
Yes — map endpoint by endpoint (Kundali, Panchang, Dasha). Diff JSON against golden births in CI before cutover.