Dasha (astrology)

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Dasha (Devanagari:
, Sanskrit,da, 'condition', 'state', 'circumstances', 'period of life',
'planetary period'.) The dasha pattern shows which planets according to Jyotish will be ruling at
particular times.[1]

Contents

1 Overview
2 Vimshottari Dasha
3 Significance of Moon
4 Implication
5 Considerations in judging planetary periods
6 The Mahadashas
7 Antra-dasha or Bhukti
8 References

Overview
The Sanskrit term "Dasha" in Hindu astrology is used to indicate planetary periods. The
planetary periods indicate when the good or bad effects are produced according to their
placement by sign (Rasi), house (Bhava), combinations (Yogas or Raja Yogas) or aspects
(Drishti). The Dasha Paddhati (system) of Directional Astrology is unique to the Hindus; it is
found nowhere else. There are many kinds of Dasha systems, Parashara mentions forty-two of
them, but of these only two are in vogue, namely, "Vimshottari" and
"Ashtottari".[2]Template:Rp4 Dashas provide a system to judge the effects of the planets
throughout a person's life, by indicating how the planets distribute their effects. Each dasha is
controlled by one of the nine planets, and the quality and relative benevolence of each period is
determined by the condition and position of that planet in the natal chart. There are nine planets
or grahas which severally rule the nine dashas: the seven classical planets, plus the north node,
Rahu, and south node, Ketu, of the Moon.
There are at least 43 different dasha systems. "Dasha" is the major period of a planet. It is called
the "Poorna Dasha" if the planet is the most powerful or is in its sign of exaltation, which dasha
gives health and wealth; the dasha of a powerless planet is called the "Rikta dasha", "Rikta"
means poor or devoid of any power. Varahamihira explains that the dasha of the planet
occupying unfriendly sign and navamsa will produce Aristaphala i.e. undesirable or miserable
results; the planet that has fallen from exaltation but is in friendly or exalted navamsa gives
ordinary results, and the planet that is ascending from debilitation but is in debilitated or
unfriendly navamsa, gives a worthless period.[3]

Vimshottari Dasha
Vimshottari Dasha assumes that the maximum duration of life of an individual human being is
120 years which is the aggregate duration of all nine planetary periods i.e. Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun
6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18,Jupiter 16, Saturn 19 and Mercury 17, in the order of their
operation. It is not known when this system was discovered and why the number of years allotted
to each varies.[4]:4 V.B.Rele concluded that in this system the trine is the base used in calculations
of planetary periods, that each trine begins with a Janma Nakshatra, and that a certain order was
once visible in the sky (which order was also visible in the year 649 A.D. when 0 Degree of
Aries sign very nearly coincided with Ashwini Nakshatra) the order in which the nine planetary
periods or dashas operate. Hindus calculate their year on the basis of a Savan day of 60 ghatikas
from sun-rise to next sun-rise, each ghatika is of 24 minutes duration, 30 Savan Days make one
month and 360 Savan Days make one year.[2]{{rp>26, 27}} The year of the Vimshottari dasha is
the Savan year of 360 Savan Days.

Significance of Moon
The divisional longitude of each of the 27 nakshatras beginning with Ashwini and ending with
Revati is 13 degrees and 20 minutes further divided into four quarters or padas. Each of the nine
planets presides over a set of three nakshatras situated on the zodiac at a trine from each other.
The commencing dasha or mahadasha at the time of birth will be that of the lord of the nakshatra
in which the Moon is placed, which particular nakshatra is known as the "Janma nakshatra". If
the Moon is in Taurus in Mrigsira the first dasha will be of Mars, the second will be that of Rahu
and so on. The distance already covered by the Moon in Mrigsira will be the portion of the dasha
of Mars that has elapsed; the distance yet to be covered will represent the portion of the dasha of
Mars that is yet to be experienced. The balance is calculated on the basis of the rule of three only
in the case of the first mahadasha; the subsequent mahadashas will have their full quota. The
balance mahadasha at birth on the basis of the exact longitude of the Moon can be ascertained by
using the ready reckoner provided in all Panchangas. The Antra-dashas or the sub-periods and
the Prayantra-dashas of each planet is calculated on pro-rata basis in proportion of the years
allotted to them in the 120 years cycle of Vimshottari dasha system.[4]:253 Saravali insists that the
sign occupied by the Moon and the influences exercised on it by other planets through aspects
etc.; at the time of the commencement of its mahadasa should be noted and examined, the same
principle should also be applied to other mahadasa lords. If at the time of the commencement of
the mahadasa its lord is in the lagna or in benefic or friendly vargas or in an upachyasthana from
the Birth ascendant or if the Moon occupies the friendly sign or exaltation sign of the lord of the
mahadasa or is in an upachyasthana from the mahadasa lord and the mahadasa lord is in a trine
from the Moon then the mahadasa will give exceptionally good results.[5] The order and times of
the dashas or mahadashas are shown in the following table:
Graha

Mahadasha

Lord of Nakshatras

Ketu (south node) 7 Years

Ashwini

Magha

Mula

Venus

20 Years

Bharani

Purva Phalguni(pubba) Purva Ashadha

Sun

6 Years

Krittika

Uttara Phalguni(uttara) Uttara Ashadha

Moon

10 Years

Rohini

Hasta

Shravana

Mars

7 Years

Mrigashirsha Chitra

Dhanishtha

Rahu (north node) 18 Years

Ardra

Swati

Shatabhishak

Jupiter

16 Years

Punarvasu

Vishakha

Purva Bhadra

Saturn

19 Years

Pushya

Anuradha

Uttara Bhadra

Mercury

17 Years

Ashlesha

Jyestha

Revati

Implication
The sign, the navamsa and the nakshatra occupied by the Moon is of paramount importance; they
form the basis for predicting future events. All planets are rendered weak when the Moon is
devoid of strength. The results about all astrological problems are to be deduced from the
relevant bhava, its lord, its karaka, and their respective dispositors in the light of the intricacy
displayed by the various yoga-formations caused by concerned planets. The good or bad results
of all yoga-formations are felt during the course of the mahadasha or antra-dashas of planets
participating in those yoga-formations. All planets give results in accordance with their basic and
acquired qualities, as also in accordance with the quality and status of the nakshatra they rule and
occupy.
The nakshatra wise position of planets and the nakshatras ruled by them cannot be over-looked.
Therefore, Jataka Parijata draws attention to an ancient principle and states that counted from the
Janma nakshatra the dasas of the planets occupying the first nine nakshatras reflect the effects of
the past, from the tenth to the eighteenth nakshatra, the future, and the results of the dasa of
planets occupying the nineteenth to the twenty-seventh nakshatra bear no results. The nine
nakshatras beginning with the one occupied by the Moon at the time of birth are the "Janma
nakshatra", the "Sampata nakshatra", the "Vipat nakshatra", the "Kshema nakshatra", "Pratayari
nakshatra", the "Sadhaka nakshatra", "Vadha nakshatra", the "Mitra nakshatra" and the "Atimitra nakshatra". The dasas and the antra-dasas of planets occupying the Sampata (2nd), the
Sadhaka (6th), the Mitra (8th) and the Param-mitra (9th) confer wealth etc.; the 5th is called the
Uttpanna, the 8th the Adhana and the 4th the Maha nakshatra. Planets ruling favourable
nakshatras generally tend to give favourable results if they occupy a favourable nakshatra and the
nakshatras they rule are not afflicted by planets that rule unfavourable nakshatras.

Considerations in judging planetary periods

Vaidyanatha Dikshita in his Jataka Parijata states that a planet will give better or exceptional
results if it is situated in the centre of the bhava occupied by it, the results will minimise the more
it is removed from the centre or if it has gained more and more benefic bindus in the Sarva
Ashtakavarga or if it occupies the lagna, the 10th or the 11th house or it is exalted, in own or
friendly vargas or occupies favourable bhavas in yoga with benefic bhava-lords and karakas. The
mahadasa of the planet owning the sign occupied by either Mandi or Gulika or in conjunction
with Mandi or gaining very few benefic bindus or occupying its inimical or debilitation sign or

combust or afflicted by papa-grahas or in Rasi-sandhi or in Bhava-sandhi or in adverse

association with malefics will give poor results.[6]
The results of the planetary periods or dashas depend on the specific strength or weakness of the
concerned planet; for the planet to give its best results it should be strong in Shadabala and
auspiciously placed with reference to the lagna without being afflicted by inimical malefic
planets. Saturn situated in the 5th house from the lagna does not generally confer good results,
though it can confer a long span of life but usually makes one evil-minded and quarrelsome. In
the case of Gemini lagna, Saturn situated in the 5th will be in its sign of exaltation as a benefic
and as the lord of the 9th house; it will give rise to yoga and Dhana yoga. An exalted planet
occupying a trikonabhava makes one fortunate and famous; additionally if the lord of the
navamsa of occupation is also situated in a quadrant (kendra) or a trine (trikona) from the lagna
in own or exaltation sign then one undoubtedly becomes very fortunate and occupies an eminent
position in life.[7]:{{{1}}} All planets give their good or bad results during the course of their
mahadasas and antra-dasas; the results vary from person to person because of the varying
conditions and circumstances of their individual births and family back-ground, place and
country of birth etc., and because planets are never found identically conditioned in any two
individual horoscopes. A planet may give a weak constitution but at the same time it may also
produce financial and professional prosperity. The mental disposition is judged by reference to
the Moon, and the liability to diseases and accidents is judged from the planets associating with
the Moon, the Sun and the lagna.[8] Jataka Parijata (Ch. XVIII. Sl.58) states that in the beginning
the mahadasa lord gives results in accordance with the house it occupies, in the middle, as per
the sign it occupies, and at the close, as per the influence of the planetary aspects that improve or
afflict the mahadasa lord. And, Mantreswara in his Phaladeepika explains that the gain or loss of
things and the events signified by a particular bhava will be experienced when the lord of the
lagna transits a trine from the natal position of the bhava-lord or the bhava-lord transits a trine
from the natal point of the lagna, or when during the course of their transits they aspect each
other or combine in a sign, or when the bhava-karaka transits the natal position of the lord of the
lagna or the lord of the sign occupied by the Moon at the time of birth or when the lord of the
lagna transits that bhava.[9]

The Mahadashas
While all classic texts on Hindu astrology narrate in general the dasha-effects of planets on the
health, wealth, happiness, activity, age and the general well-being of human beings on the
premise that all events have the tendency to re-occur, the overall effects of the Vimshottari
mahadashas of nine planets are subject to the effects of their respective antra-dashas and
paryantra-dashas that depend largely on their location as counted from the mahadasa-lord and
their natural and temporal relationship with it. The author of Sarvartha Chintamani has remarked
that the ancient seers did not approve any other method for assessment of ones life span etc.;
other than through the aid of the yogas obtaining at the time of birth and the nature of the dashas
likely to operate. The twelve signs, their divisions and sub-divisions, the twenty-seven
nakshatras and their divisions, and the nine planets by their simple as well as complex
combinations, associations and permutations form thousands of yogas and ava-yogas.[7]
Template:Rp4 Planets in signs with the hind parts rising may show their full effect in the latter
part of the mahadasa; in the signs rising with the front part first, in the initial period, and in

Pisces, in the middle. Gopesh Kumar Ojha states that the art of interpretation varies from
circumstance to circumstance and with the subjective appreciation of the astrologer.[4] :4
General effects of mahadashas.[4] :4

Ketu 7 years.

If Ketu is favourably placed one devotes time and energy to the perusal of philosophy texts and
engages in worship, derives much income from practice of medicine, enjoys domestic comforts
and luxuries, good luck and freedom from disease. But if Ketu is ill-placed one may suffer
intense pain of body and anguish of mind, accidents, wounds and fever, have low company and
suffer bad consequences through them.

Venus 20 years.

If Venus is strong and favourably placed one may acquire things of art and pleasure, co-operates
with others reciprocally in an harmonious manner and gains, falls in love, gets married, love and
affection for spouse increases, begets daughters, rise due to the patronage or favour of some lady
and well-wishers. But if Venus is weak and afflicted one suffers from ill-health, contracts urinary
or venereal diseases, low sexual prowess, monetary loss, lack of favours and support,
disharmony at home and outside and earns a bad name.

Sun 6 years.

If the Sun is strong and favourably placed the soul will feel strong, one may make efforts for
self-realisation, live splendidly, travel far and wide, engage in strife or hostility that yields good
dividend, rise in position and status, gains through trading, and benefits from father or father will
benefit. If the Sun is weak and afflicted one may feel inner weakness, suffer decline in physical
and mental prowess, health troubles, demotion in rank and status, displeasure of the government,
trading losses and suffer at the hands of father or his father may suffer ill-health or die.

Moon 10 years.

If the Moon is strong and favourably placed one may have a cheerful heart, a happy and a
vigorous mind, facial lustre increases, enjoys subtle pleasures and comforts, obtains a good job
or rise in status, gains money and favours and pays homage to gods. If the Moon is weak and
afflicted one suffers from ill-health, lethargy and indolence, loss of job or demotion, loss from or
quarrel with women and mother may fall ill or die.

Mars 7 years.

If Mars is strong and favourably placed one may gain from or through brothers, earn favour from
persons wielding authority, enter into or promotion in military, para-military or police service,
acquires landed property and other valuables, enjoys good health, exhibits optimism, daring and
persistence. If Mars is weak and afflicted one may suffer from fall, wounds, deterioration of

blood, at the hands of a magistrate, become quarrelsome, exchanges hot words, earns enmities,
hates and litigates.

Rahu 18 years.

If Rahu is favourable one may gain ruling powers or rise in governmental favours by resorting to
falsehoods, tricks and cunning, earn and gain wealth through unscrupulous means, changes place
of residence. But if Rahu is unfavourable one suffers very many losses, suffers from snake-bite,
aberration of the mind, hallucinations and illusions, asthama, eczema etc. It is the worst
mahadasha for education or career which may be broken or disrupted.

Jupiter 16 years.

If Jupiter is strong, well-placed and forms good yogas one is inclined to learning and increase of
knowledge; if it comes in middle age it confers wealth and bestows sons, one leads a comfortable
life, one goes on pilgrimage and has auspicious celebrations, and in old age bestows grandsons,
better income and finances. If Jupiter is weak and afflicted one gives up education, suffers from
failures, poverty and many miseries including fall from position and ill-health, commits evil
deeds, becomes frustrated, sons or grandsons may also suffer.

Saturn 19 years.

If Saturn is favourable one rises in service by own strenuous efforts and hard work, derives
benefits from things signified by Saturn and gains a legacy. But if Saturn is unfavourable one
may suffer from diseases due to malnutrition, poverty, litigation etc.; quarrels and disputes with
elders, deaths in the family or of near ones, impediments and obstacles in path of progress and
miserable life due to distress all around.

Mercury 17 years.

If Mercury is strong and favourable one devotes time and energy to studies, writing etc.; remains
active, engages in commerce or politics or diplomacy, gains through dealings with others and
trade, enjoys company of friends, peace and tranquillity and lives in comfortable surroundings.
But if Mercury is weak and afflicted one may suffer from nervous disease, a bad liver, loss due
to bad friends and relations, due to own dishonesty and of others, defamation and the like.

Antra-dasha or Bhukti
Each mahadasha is also subdivided into planetary periods called Antra-dasha or Bhukti, and each
antra-dasha is further divided into Pratyantar-dashas which run their course in the same order as
the mahadashas, and with the same proportional length. For example, the first bhukti of Ketu is
Ketu/Ketu, the second is Ketu/Venus, the third Ketu/Sun and so on. These subdivisions allow a
much more detailed examination of the influence of each mahadasha, and a much clearer
indication of what events are expected to occur and when.

The last bhukti of each mahadasha is considered to be a preparatory time for the major shift
which the next mahadasha will bring. Thus, the last bhukti of the Sun mahadasha is Sun/Venus,
which prepares for the coming Moon mahadasha by emphasizing relationships and family
matters. Similarly, the last bhukti of Jupiter is Jupiter/Rahu which prepares the mind for the
practical and realistic Saturn mahadasha by reattaching it to stress and worldly concerns. The
effects of Antra-dasha will vary for each mahadasha based on the strength of dasha lord. The
reason is mahadasa is considered as car and Antra-dasha is considered as driver. If the driver
(Bhukti lord) is too smart, he can drive very well even though car (Dasha lord) is not very
powerful but the car will have some limitation. [10]