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Shadbala in Vedic Astrology: Signification, Calculation, and Uses
Shadbala (षड्बल) is a comprehensive method in Vedic astrology to measure the strength of planets in a horoscope. The word “Shadbala” means “Six-fold Strength,” as it consists of six different types of strength to assess how powerful a planet is in a given chart. It is primarily mentioned in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) and other classical texts.
1. What is Shadbala?
Shadbala is a mathematical system used to determine the power and effectiveness of planets in a birth chart. It helps astrologers understand:
- Whether a planet is strong or weak.
- The ability of a planet to give favorable or unfavorable results.
- Which planet can influence a person’s life significantly.
- How a planet will perform in Dashas and Transits.
A strong planet in Shadbala will give good results, while a weak planet may struggle to deliver its full potential.
2. Six Types of Strength in Shadbala
The six strengths in Shadbala are:
| Shadbala Type | Meaning | Key Factors Considered |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sthana Bala | Positional Strength | Exaltation, House Placement, Odd/Even Signs |
| 2. Dig Bala | Directional Strength | Planet’s Directional Strength in a House |
| 3. Kala Bala | Temporal Strength | Day/Night, Tithi, Dasha, Year Strength |
| 4. Cheshta Bala | Motional Strength | Speed, Retrogression, Acceleration |
| 5. Naisargika Bala | Natural Strength | Planet’s Natural Strength (Sun is the strongest) |
| 6. Drik Bala | Aspect Strength | Benefic/Malefic Aspects Received |
Each of these strengths is calculated separately and contributes to the total planetary strength.
3. Detailed Breakdown of the Six Strengths
1. Sthana Bala (Positional Strength)
Sthana Bala measures the strength of a planet based on its position in the zodiac.
It includes five sub-types:
- Uchcha Bala (Exaltation Strength) → Planets in exaltation are stronger.
- Saptavargaja Bala (Strength from divisional charts) → Planets in good positions in divisional charts gain power.
- Ojayugma Bala (Odd/Even Sign Strength) → Some planets do better in odd signs (Sun, Mars, Jupiter) and some in even signs (Moon, Venus, Saturn).
- Kendradi Bala (Strength from House Placement) → Planets in Kendra (1, 4, 7, 10) are strongest, in Panaphara (2, 5, 8, 11) are medium, and in Apoklima (3, 6, 9, 12) are weakest.
- Drekkana Bala (Decanate Strength) → Planets gain strength in their own decan.
2. Dig Bala (Directional Strength)
Planets gain strength when placed in their favorable directions:
- East (1st House) → Sun & Mars gain full strength
- South (10th House) → Jupiter & Mercury gain full strength
- West (7th House) → Saturn gains full strength
- North (4th House) → Moon & Venus gain full strength
Planets placed in their weak directions lose strength.
3. Kala Bala (Temporal Strength)
This strength considers time-based factors that affect planets:
- Day & Night Strength → Sun, Jupiter, and Venus are stronger during the day; Moon, Mars, and Saturn are stronger at night.
- Paksha Bala → Moon is stronger in Shukla Paksha (Waxing Phase) and weaker in Krishna Paksha (Waning Phase).
- Dasha Bala → A planet gets additional strength if it is running its own Dasha.
4. Cheshta Bala (Motional Strength)
Cheshta Bala measures the planet’s speed and motion:
- Retrograde planets (Vakri) gain extra strength.
- Direct planets with faster speed also gain power.
- Slow-moving planets or planets in combustion (close to Sun) are weaker.
5. Naisargika Bala (Natural Strength)
This is the innate power of planets based on their luminosity and nature. Planets have the following natural strength:
- Sun (Strongest)
- Moon
- Venus
- Jupiter
- Mercury
- Mars
- Saturn (Weakest)
6. Drik Bala (Aspect Strength)
This strength is determined by the aspects a planet receives:
- Benefic aspects (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury) increase strength.
- Malefic aspects (Saturn, Mars, Rahu) decrease strength.
4. Calculation of Shadbala
Each of the six strengths is measured in Shashtiamsa (D-60 Units), where 1 Shashtiamsa = 1/60 of a degree.
- Each planet’s total Shadbala is the sum of all six strengths.
- A planet is considered strong if its total Shadbala is 480 or more.
- A planet is weak if its strength is below 350.
5. Uses of Shadbala in Astrology
1. Determining Planetary Strength in the Horoscope
- A planet with high Shadbala can give full and positive results.
- A low Shadbala planet may struggle to deliver its results.
2. Career and Finance Predictions
- A strong 10th lord (Career) in Shadbala → Successful profession.
- A weak 2nd or 11th lord → Financial struggles.
3. Strengthening Planets with Remedies
If a planet is weak in Shadbala, remedies like:
- Mantras
- Gemstones
- Yantras
- Charity and fasting can be used to strengthen it.
4. Dasha and Transit Analysis
- If a planet with high Shadbala runs its Dasha (Mahadasha/Antardasha), it will give strong results.
- If a planet is weak in Shadbala, its Dasha may bring challenges or delays.
5. Predicting Success in Yogas
- Raj Yogas, Dhana Yogas, and Vipareeta Raja Yogas work better if the planets involved have high Shadbala.
6. Conclusion
Shadbala is one of the most important techniques in Vedic astrology to analyze the actual strength of planets.
It provides a scientific and mathematical way to determine whether a planet will deliver good or bad results.
Using Shadbala properly helps in career guidance, financial forecasting, and remedies.
