What is a Badhak planet, and how is it determined?

A Badhak planet is an "obstructing" planet whose energy creates hurdles or delays in specific life areas. Its identity depends on the Ascendant's classification: for movable signs (Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn) the 11th lord is Badhak; for fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius) the 9th lord is Badhak; and for dual/mutable signs (Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces) the 7th lord is Badhak. A strong, well-placed Badhak can actually help a person push through obstacles, while a weak or afflicted one tends to bring more persistent difficulty.