Nakshatra-Based Dasha Systems in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra

Introduction to Nakshatra-Based Dasha Systems

Nakshatra-based Dasha systems, also known as Udu Dashas, are one of the most crucial timekeeping methods in Vedic astrology, primarily discussed in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS). These Dashas rely on the position of the Moon in a particular Nakshatra (lunar mansion) at the time of birth. The planetary periods are assigned based on the Nakshatra lordships, providing a highly accurate way of predicting events in an individual’s life.

BPHS outlines various Nakshatra-based Dashas, each suitable for different horoscopic conditions. These Dashas help in timing significant life events, including health, career, relationships, and spiritual progress.

1. Vimshottari Dasha (120-Year Cycle)

Overview:

• Vimshottari Dasha is the most commonly used Nakshatra-based Dasha system.
• It follows a 120-year cycle, which is divided among the nine planets (Navagrahas).
• The starting Dasha is determined by the Nakshatra occupied by the Moon at birth.

Planetary Distribution in Vimshottari Dasha:

Each planet rules a specific number of years in the 120-year cycle:

Calculation of Vimshottari Dasha at Birth:

1. Find the Janma Nakshatra (Moon’s Nakshatra at birth).
2. Each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet (Dasha lord).
3. The balance of the first Dasha is calculated based on how much of the Nakshatra the Moon has traversed at birth.
4. The remaining proportion of the Nakshatra determines the remaining years of the first Dasha.

Formula:
Remaining Dasha=(Remaining degrees of Moon in Nakshatra13°20′)×Total years of that planet’s Dasha\text{Remaining Dasha} = \left( \frac{\text{Remaining degrees of Moon in Nakshatra}}{13°20′} \right) \times \text{Total years of that planet’s Dasha}Remaining Dasha=(13°20′Remaining degrees of Moon in Nakshatra​)×Total years of that planet’s Dasha

When to Use Vimshottari Dasha:

• Default Dasha system, applicable for all individuals.
• Used for predicting major life events, including career, marriage, health, and spiritual growth.
• Works best when Moon is in any Nakshatra at birth.

2. Ashtottari Dasha (108-Year Cycle)

Overview:

• Similar to Vimshottari Dasha but follows a 108-year cycle.
• Includes only eight planets (excludes Mercury).
• Applicable when Rahu is in Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th house) or Trikona (5th, 9th house) at birth.

Planetary Distribution in Ashtottari Dasha:

When to Use Ashtottari Dasha:

• When Rahu is strongly placed in Kendra or Trikona.
• More suited for spiritual, occult, and transformative predictions.
• Useful when Vimshottari Dasha fails to provide clear results.

3. Shodashottari Dasha (116-Year Cycle)

Overview:

• 16-year planetary periods and a total cycle of 116 years.
• Considered effective for day births where the Ascendant lord is strong.
• More Sun-oriented, making it relevant for leaders and authority figures.

Planetary Distribution in Shodashottari Dasha:

When to Use Shodashottari Dasha:

• When the native is born during the day.
• When the Lagna (Ascendant) lord is powerful.
• Effective for career, leadership, and government-related matters.

4. Dwadashottari Dasha (112-Year Cycle)

Overview:

• 12-year planetary periods, totaling 112 years.
• More Venus-oriented, making it effective for arts, beauty, relationships, and luxury.
• Applicable when Venus is the Lagna lord (Taurus or Libra Ascendant).

Planetary Distribution in Dwadashottari Dasha:

When to Use Dwadashottari Dasha:

• When Venus is strong in the chart.
• When analyzing romantic relationships, artistic pursuits, and wealth.
• When Vimshottari Dasha does not give satisfactory results.

5. Panchottari Dasha (105-Year Cycle)

Overview:

• 105-year total cycle.
• More Jupiter-oriented, making it spiritual and knowledge-centric.
• Used when Jupiter is in a Kendra or Trikona and the birth occurs in Guru Hora (Jupiter’s hour).

Planetary Distribution in Panchottari Dasha:

When to Use Panchottari Dasha:

• When Jupiter is strong and well-placed.
• When analyzing spiritual progress, higher education, and religious experiences.

6. Shatabdika Dasha (100-Year Cycle)

Overview:

• 100-year total cycle.
• Applicable when the Moon is in Cancer or Leo at birth.
• Used for material prosperity and social influence.

When to Use Shatabdika Dasha:

• When analyzing long-term material success.
• When the native’s life is deeply influenced by Moon or Sun.

Conclusion: How to Select the Right Nakshatra-Based Dasha?

1. Vimshottari Dasha → Universal application (default system).
2. Ashtottari Dasha → When Rahu is in Kendra/Trikona.
3. Shodashottari Dasha → When Lagna lord is strong, birth during the day.
4. Dwadashottari Dasha → When Venus is Lagna lord.
5. Panchottari Dasha → When Jupiter is strong in Kendra/Trikona.
6. Shatabdika Dasha → When Moon is in Cancer or Leo.

Each system offers unique insights, and selecting the right one depends on the birth conditions, planetary strengths, and specific life queries. Would you like further clarification on a particular Dasha system?

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Anupam Shukla

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https://astrosutras.in