Vimsottari dasaIntroduction
Vimsottari dasa is the most popular dasa system among Vedic astrologers of today. Sage Parasara mentions in “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” that this dasa system is the most suitable dasa system in Kali yuga.
Vimsottari means 120. Vimsottari dasa is a dasa system where the total duration of the dasa cycle is 120 years. Dasas of different planets are for different number of years, but the sum of all dasas is 120 years.
In Kali yuga, paramaayush (maximum longevity) of human beings is supposed to be 120 years. Consequently, Vimsottari dasa is the most suitable dasa in Kali yuga.
Dasas are reckoned here based on the constellation occupied by Moon. There are other variations that are more applicable in some cases. Many contemporary Vedic astrologers ignore these variations and always reckon dasas from the lord of the constellation occupied by Moon. However, this may not result in the best predictions always. In this book, we will look at some of the variations.
Vimsottari Dasa Variations
Computation of Variations
We always compute the fraction left at birth in the first dasa based on the fraction of the constellation occupied by Moon, that is yet to be traversed by Moon. However, we need not always take the lord of Moon’s constellation as the planet ruling the first dasa. We can take the lord of the 4th, 5th or 8th constellation from Moon’s constellation to start the first dasa. These 3 stars are called kshema, utpanna and adhana stars.
Example 6: Let us consider the data of Error! Reference source not found. and calculate Vimsottari dasa from 4th, 5th and 8th stars.
The 4th star from Moon’s star is Uttarabhadrapada owned by Saturn. Using the 4th star to start Vimsottari dasa, we get the dasa sequence as — Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus etc. Dasa lengths are the same as before, but the part of Saturn dasa left at birth is 19 x 0.32125 = 6.10375 years. Then Mercury dasa is for 17 years, Ketu dasa is for 7 years and so on.
In the same example, the 5th star from Moon’s star is Revathi owned by Mercury. Using the 5th star to start Vimsottari dasa, we get the dasa sequence as — Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun etc. Mercury dasa left at birth is 17 x 0.32125 = 5.46125 years. Then Ketu dasa is for 7 years, Venus dasa is for 20 years and so on.
In the same example, the 8th star from Moon’s star is Krittika owned by Sun. Using the 8th star to start Vimsottari dasa, we get the dasa sequence as — Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu etc. Sun dasa left at birth is 6 x 0.32125 = 1.9275 years. Then Moon dasa is for 10 years, Mars dasa is for 7 years and so on.
Dasa from Lagna
Some authorities have also recommended Vimsottari dasa from the longitude of lagna instead of Moon. In practice, this will give better results only when lagna is considerably more powerful than Moon.
Using Dasa Variations
If the sign containing the 5th star from Moon is stronger than the sign containing Moon, Vimsottari dasa started from utpanna star may be preferred for general results. If the 5th star spans across 2 signs, take the sign containing the same quarter as occupied by Moon in birthstar. If Moon is in Makha 3rd pada (quarter), for example, 5th star is Chitra and it starts in Virgo and ends in Libra. So we should take the 3rd quarter of Chitra and we then get Libra. So Leo’s strength should be compared to Libra’s.
How do we know which sign is stronger? There are no clear guidelines in the literature to compare the strengths. A sign aspected by Jupiter and occupied by more planets may be taken to be stronger. We can also use known events to see which dasa is working better.
Vimsottari dasa started from the 4th and 8th stars is used mainly for the purposes of longevity determination. Look at the signs containing Moon and these 2 stars and find the strongest sign. Here a sign aspected by marakas and malefics becomes stronger. Start Vimsottari dasa from the star in the strongest of these 3 signs and use it in longevity analysis. If Moon is in Makha 3rd pada in Leo, 4th and 8th stars are Hasta (Virgo) and Anuradha (Scorpio). We should compare the strengths of Leo, Virgo and Scorpio.
Rath’s “Tripod of Life” Principle
Sun, Moon and lagna form the “tripod of life”. Parasara clearly said that we should analyze all charts with respect to the positions of Sun, Moon and lagna. He advised drawing Sudarsana chakra with the innermost chakra representing the houses with respect to lagna (body), next chakra representing the houses with respect to Moon (mind) and the outermost chakra representing the houses with respect to Sun (soul).
The results experienced due to soul (Sun) last long and change slowly. The results experienced due to mind (Moon) last shorter and change fast. The results experienced due to body (lagna) change even faster.
Sun is an important reference point in rasi and divisional charts when judging the results of a mahadasa. Moon is an important reference point when judging the results of an antardasa. Lagna is an important reference point when judging the results of a pratyantardasa.
If a planet takes part in a Ravi yoga (solar combination), it gives the results of the yoga in its mahadasa. If a planet takes part in a Chandra Yoga (lunar combination), it gives the results of the yoga in its antardasas. If a planet takes part in other yogas (e.g. a Raja Yoga), it gives the results of the yoga primarily in its pratyantardasas.
In addition, dasa lord can be taken as a reference point when interpreting antardasas.
Ashtottari dasa
Ashtottari dasa is perhaps the most popular dasa system in India after Vimsottari dasa. Sage Parasara listed it as a conditional dasa applicable only in some charts. The conditions for its applicability are highly controversial.
In this system, the sum of all dasas is 108 years. Ashtottari means “ashtottara sata”, i.e. one hundred and eight. Because poornaayush (full life) of a man is 108 years, some scholars have suggested that ashtottari dasa is best used as an ayur dasa, i.e. a dasa that shows longevity.
There are three different views on the applicability of Ashtottari dasa:
(1) Ashtottari dasa is applicable in all charts.(1) Ashtottari dasa is applicable if Rahu, who is not in lagna, is in a quadrant or a trine from lagna lord.(1) Ashtottari dasa is applicable for daytime births in Krishna paksha (darker fortnight) and night time births in Sukla paksha (brighter fortnight).
Some people use Ashtottari dasa as an ayur dasa and see longevity in it. Some other people use Ashtottari dasa as a phalita dasa. Because only chara karakas, i.e. Rahu and the seven planets, have dasas under the Ashtottari dasa scheme, it may also be suggested that it shows events related to sustenance, achievements, raja yogas and moksha (just like chara karakas do). Some people, however, prefer to see all matters in Ashtottari dasa.
Interpretation
Basics
Dasa of a rasi gives the natural results of the rasi. For example, dasa of Pisces may give saattwik religious activities. Dasa of Aries may give enterprise or quarrels or wounds.
More importantly, dasa of a rasi gives the results of the house and planets in that rasi. If Aries has the 5th house in D-7, its dasa may give children. If Pisces has the 8th house in D-6, its dasa may give diseases. If Gemini has lagna in D-24, its dasa may give all-round progress in the accumulation of knowledge. If Sc has AL in D-10 and its lord Mars occupies it, its dasa may bring good developments related to career and status. Dasa of a rasi containing the 8th from AL in D-10 may give a fall in status at workplace. Dasa of a rasi may also give the results of its lord. If Mars is in the 5th house in D-7, Aries dasa may give children.
Samudaaya Ashtakavarga (SAV) plays an important role in deciding the results in a dasa. If a rasi has too many or too few rekhas in SAV of a particular divisional chart, then its dasa may bring favorable or unfavorable results, respectively, relating to the significations of that house in that divisional chart. Usually dasas of rasis with 30 or more rekhas in D-10 SAV bring the best phases in one’s career and dasas of rasis with 30 or more rekhas in in D-24 SAV bring the best periods for learning. One should keep SAV of various divisional charts with one when interpreting Kalachakra dasa.
Deha and Jeeva Rasis
In Error! Reference source not found.-Error! Reference source not found., we listed the deha and jeeva rasis of different nakshatra padas. However, these hold for one born at the beginning of the nakshatra pada. One can have different deha and jeeva rasis based on the elapsed portion in the nakshatra pada.
Deha and jeeva rasis are simply the rasis of the first and the ninth dasas in the case of one born in a savya nakshatra. In the case of one born in an apasavya nakshatra, deha and jeeva rasis are the rasis of the ninth and the first dasas.
In Error! Reference source not found., the first dasa is Sc and the ninth dasa is Sg. Since Rohini is an apasavya nakshatra, Sc becomes jeeva rasi and Sg becomes deha rasi. In Error! Reference source not found., the first dasa is Pi and the ninth dasa is Ar. Since Punarvasu is a savya nakshatra, Pi becomes deha rasi and Ar becomes jeeva rasi.
Deha rasi shows body and jeeva rasi shows the spirit. Benefics and malefics transiting in them affect them positively and negatively (respectively). If Jupiter, Mercury and Venus are transiting in one’s jeeva rasi, one may exhibit a positive spirit and be cheerful. If Mars, Sun, Saturn and Rahu are transiting in one’s jeeva rasi, one may be without any enthusiasm. If Mars, Sun, Saturn and Rahu are transiting in one’s deha rasi, one may face accidents or death.
Gatis (special movements)
We see that dasas progress in a regular fashion in Kalachakra dasa. We either go as Ar, Ta, Ge etc or as Pi, Aq, Cp etc. However, some irregularities can be found. The rasis whose dasas come after an irregular leap go by special names and special results are attributed to those dasas in classics.
(1) A trinal leap (from Sg to Ar or vice versa; from Pi to Sc or vice versa) is called “Simhaavalokana gati” (lion’s leap).(1) Temporary reversal of the direction is called “Markati gati” (monkey’s leap). When we go as Sc, Li, Vi, Cn, Le, Ge, Ta, Ar etc in savya nakshatras, we temporarily reverse the direction when we go from Cn to Le. So Le is a markati gati rasi. Similarly, when we go as Ar, Ta, Ge, Le, Cn, Vi, Li, Sc etc in apasavya nakshatras, we temporarily reverse the direction when we go from Le to Cn. So Cn is a markati gati rasi.
(1) Leaving one rasi and jumping over it is called “Mandooki gati” (frog’s leap). When we go as Sc, Li, Vi, Cn, Le, Ge, Ta, Ar etc in savya nakshatras, we have 2 jumps – (i) from Vi to Cn and (ii) Le to Ge. So Cn and Ge are mandooki gati rasis. Similarly, when we go as Ar, Ta, Ge, Le, Cn, Vi, Li, Sc etc in apasavya nakshatras, we have 2 jumps – (i) from Ge to Le and (ii) Cn to Vi. So Le and Vi are mandooki gati rasis.
The results attributed to various leaps are given in Table 12.
Table 12: Results of gatis (leaps)
Leap Savya nakshatras Apasavya nakshatrasLion Fear of animals, loss of friends, distress to near relations, fall in dungeons, danger from poison and weapons, fall from a vehicle, fever, destruction of house Death of father or elders, loss of positionMonkey Loss of wealth, agriculture and animals, death of father or elders Danger from water, distress to father, loss of position, anger of rulers, wandering in the forestsFrog Distress to relatives, elders and father, trouble from poison, weapons, enemies, thieves. In Le-to-Ge leap, death of mother or, death of native, trouble from rulers and diseases are possible. Distress to wife, loss of children, fever, sickness and loss of positionIn addition, Parasara listed the directions to prefer and the directions avoid, while travelling and relocating, during different leaps.
(1) In the leap from Vi to Cn, east will give great results. One can take up an auspicious journey in the northern direction.(1) In the leap from Le to Ge, east should be avoided. A journey to the southwest will be fruitful.(1) In the leap from Cn to Le, a move in the southern direction results in losses. West is favorable.(1) In the leap from Pi to Sc and in the normal movement from Sg to Cp, there will be troubles in the northern direction.(1) In the leap from Sg to Ar, journeys should be avoided, as they may result in sickness, imprisonment or death.
(1) In the normal movement from Sg to Sc, journeys will bring comforts, wealth and sexual pleasures.
In the leap from Le to Cn, western direction should be avoided.
Conclusion
Kalachakra dasa was called “the most respectable dasa of all dasas” by Parasara. There are many controversies regarding its computation. This book follows the approach that this author found the most acceptable based on his study of “Brihat Parasara Hora Sastram” and his practical researches. A significant percentage of this author’s successful long-range life-phase predictions were made using Kalachakra dasaand that is his favorite dasa.
When we learn a new dasa, the first question we should ask is “when should it be applied and what results should be seen in it”. It is illogical to use 10 different dasas interchangably. Mixing up various dasas without knowing the subtle differences between them results in vague explanations. An intelligent astrologer will realize that different dasas are good at showing different kinds of events. Even when different dasas show the same event, they show it from different angles and focus on different aspects of the same event. Without appreciating this, one cannot understand why maharshis described tens, if not hundreds, of dasa systems.
Hence it is important to learn when a dasa can be applied and what kind of results it shows. Some authors suggested that Kalachakra dasa applies only when Moon is stronger in navamsa chart than in rasi chart. However, this author opines that Kalachakra dasa is applicable to all people, as Parasara did not impose any conditions on its applicability and went to the extent of calling it “the most respectable dasa”.
Vimsottari dasa is based on the nakshatra of Moon. Rasi division of the zodiac is ruled by Sun and it shows the physical level. Nakshatra division of the zodiac is ruled by Moon and it shows the mental level. Thus Vimsottari dasa throws light on the state of the native’s mind as time progresses. It focusses on mind.
Narayana dasa shows the progress of lagna in one’s life and it shows the direction taken by one’s life. The focus is no longer on mind, but it is on the real happenings. Of course, one’s mental state directly depends on the direction taken by one’s life and the real happenings in one’s life. In that sense, Vimsottari dasa and Narayana dasa show the same events. But the focus is different.
Kalachakra dasa depends on Moon’s navamsa. Navamsa shows one’s adherence of dharma or duty and throws light on the inner self. So the focus in Kalachakra dasa is state of the inner self and the sense of connectedness in one’s mind. It shows how connected one is with respect to the events in one’s life. For example, a political leader may be running D-10 Narayana dasa of a yogakaraka rasi and he may land political power. He may be running the Vimsottari dasa of Sun who may be exalted in D-10 and so he may be feeling powerful. However, if Kalachakra dasa of a weak and afflicted house in D-10 runs at the same time, his inner self may not feel connected with the events in his career and he may feel a void. On the other hand, if Kalachakra dasa rasi is strong and occupied by benefics in D-10, then one may be successfully involved in activities that keep his inner self engaged.
Narayana dasa specializes in showing what happens in one’s life; Vimsottari dasa specializes in showing how one’s mind views what happens in one’s life; and, Kalachakra dasa specializes in showing how one relates to what happens in one’s life and how connected one feels. It shows the inner motivation behind what happens. These three are the most important of all general purpose phalita dasas.
Different dasas do not provide different alternatives that can be used interchangeably to understand what happens in one’s life, but they provide different angles – or vantage points – to view the same kaleidoscope that life is.
udgment of charts
Strength of the lord of the relevant houses and sahamas and Tajaka yogas involving them should be seen. Placement of planets eith respect to muntha is also important. Muntha is the dasa/antardasa/pratyantardasa/whatever sign with respect to Sudarsana Chakra dasa. Suppose someone has Virgo lagna. In his 26th year, Libra dasa will be running and so muntha is Libra. If his natal chart has Venus (lord of Libra) in Taurus, then antardasas in Libra dasa go as Taurus, Gemini, Cancer and so on. If we are looking at the 4th month in the 26th year, Leo is the antaradasa sign and becomes muntha in the monthly chart. And so on.
Pancha vargeeya bala, Dwadasa vargeeya bala and Harsha bala of planets should be seen and lord of the year and lord of the month also matter.
