Avastha Vichar of Planets in Vedic Astrology
Introduction to Avasthas (Planetary States)
In Vedic Astrology, the concept of Avastha (state or condition) of planets helps in understanding how a planet functions in a birth chart. A planet may be strong, weak, active, inactive, happy, distressed, or in various other states, depending on its position, dignity, and associations.
The classical texts Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), Uttara Kalamrita, and Phal Deepika provide detailed descriptions of different planetary avasthas and their effects on life events.
Types of Avasthas (Planetary States)
There are several categories of Avasthas, each giving insight into the planet’s condition:
- Baladi Avastha (Childhood, Youth, Old Age) – Strength based on planetary age.
- Jagradadi Avastha (Awake, Dreaming, Sleeping) – Consciousness and effectiveness.
- Lajjitadi Avastha (Shame, Pride, etc.) – Psychological and emotional states.
- Deeptadi Avastha (Dignity-based) – Power based on exaltation, debilitation, etc.
- Sayanadi Avastha (Sleeping, Eating, Fighting, etc.) – Condition based on degrees.
Each type of Avastha influences how a planet delivers results in a horoscope.
1. Baladi Avastha (Stages of Life)
This classification determines a planet’s strength based on its age in a sign.
| Avastha | Age Stage | Degrees in Sign | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bala (Child) | Infancy | 0° – 6° | Weak, immature, unstable results |
| Kumara (Teenager) | Youth | 6° – 12° | Growing, gaining strength |
| Yuva (Adult) | Prime Age | 12° – 18° | Maximum power, full potential |
| Vriddha (Old Age) | Aging | 18° – 24° | Declining strength, fading influence |
| Mrit (Dead) | End of Life | 24° – 30° | Weak, inactive, powerless |
BPHS & Phal Deepika Interpretation
- Planets in Bala or Mrit Avastha are weak and give delayed or reduced results.
- Yuva Avastha planets are most powerful and give full results.
- Vriddha planets behave like tired, old individuals, unable to exert much influence.
2. Jagradadi Avastha (Conscious States of Planets)
This classification describes whether a planet is active, semi-active, or inactive in a chart.
| Avastha | Planetary Condition | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Jagrut (Awake) | Planet in own sign, exalted, or Moolatrikona | Fully active and strong |
| Swapna (Dreaming) | Planet in a friendly sign | Moderately effective |
| Sushupti (Sleeping) | Planet in an enemy sign or debilitated | Weak, lazy, and ineffective |
BPHS & Uttara Kalamrita Interpretation
- Awake planets (Jagrut) manifest full results and function effectively.
- Dreaming planets (Swapna) give partial results, sometimes confused or unclear.
- Sleeping planets (Sushupti) are weak and ineffective, struggling to produce results.
3. Lajjitadi Avastha (Psychological & Emotional States)
This classification explains a planet’s mental and emotional state based on its placement and aspects.
| Avastha | Meaning | When Does It Occur? | Effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lajjita (Ashamed) | Embarrassed | Conjunct Sun/Saturn & in enemy sign | Weak, struggling, low self-esteem |
| Garvita (Proud) | Confident & strong | Exalted or in own sign | Powerful, ambitious, ego-driven |
| Kshudita (Hungry) | Desperate for results | Conjunct malefics, combust | Struggles, dissatisfaction, frustration |
| Trushita (Thirsty) | Seeking fulfillment | Weak, but not afflicted | Desires growth, makes effort |
| Mudita (Happy) | Joyful and satisfied | Conjunct benefics | Brings happiness, success, prosperity |
| Kshobita (Disturbed) | Distressed & anxious | Conjunct malefics, in bad dignity | Causes stress, restlessness, instability |
BPHS, Uttara Kalamrita & Phal Deepika Interpretation
- Lajjita (Ashamed) planets struggle with confidence and may face setbacks.
- Garvita (Proud) planets succeed and exert full influence.
- Mudita (Happy) planets bring happiness and ease in life.
- Kshobita (Disturbed) planets cause chaos, mental stress, and failures.
4. Deeptadi Avastha (Dignity-Based Strength)
This classification shows how dignity (exaltation, debilitation, etc.) affects planets.
| Avastha | Meaning | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Deepta (Exalted) | Extremely strong | Maximum power, great results |
| Swastha (Own Sign) | Stable & strong | Confident, balanced influence |
| Pramudita (Friendly Sign) | Joyful & cooperative | Beneficial, harmonious effects |
| Shanta (Neutral Sign) | Calm | Moderate influence, neutral results |
| Deena (Enemy Sign) | Weak & struggling | Challenges, struggles, obstacles |
| Dukhita (Debilitated) | Suffering | Very weak, may cause harm |
BPHS & Uttara Kalamrita Interpretation
- Deepta (Exalted) planets bring fame, success, and great karma.
- Dukhita (Debilitated) planets struggle to function well.
5. Sayanadi Avastha (Posture-Based Planetary State)
This system describes the physical condition of planets based on degrees in a sign.
| Avastha | Posture | Effect |
|---|---|---|
| Shayana (Lying Down) | Inactive, lazy | Weak, lacks motivation |
| Upavesana (Sitting Down) | Resting | Moderate strength |
| Netrapani (Alert, Watchful) | Ready for action | Good strength, focus |
| Prakasha (Shining, Bright) | Glowing | Very strong, full effect |
| Gamana (Moving Forward) | Active, restless | Good for travel, progress |
| Agama (Arriving) | Entering a new phase | Transitional state |
| Bhojana (Eating, Indulging) | Absorbing energy | Material satisfaction |
| Nrityalipsa (Dancing) | Joyful, playful | Brings success and happiness |
| Kautuka (Curious, Observing) | Learning, planning | Good for studies, research |
| Nidra (Sleeping) | Weak, lazy | Minimum impact |
BPHS & Phal Deepika Interpretation
- Prakasha (Bright) planets function at their highest potential.
- Shayana (Lying Down) planets are inactive and may bring delays.
- Avasthas reveal the strength, mood, and ability of a planet to deliver results.
- BPHS, Uttara Kalamrita, and Phal Deepika provide detailed guidelines for analyzing these conditions.
- A planet’s Avastha in a birth chart determines its true power, impact, and nature.