Sign-Based Dasha Systems in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)

Introduction to Sign-Based Dasha Systems

Sign-based Dashas, also called Rashi Dashas, are different from Nakshatra-based Dashas (Udu Dashas). Instead of using the Moon’s Nakshatra, these Dashas are based on the positions and strengths of the zodiac signs (Rashis) in the birth chart. BPHS mentions multiple Rashi-based Dashas, each suitable for different horoscopic conditions.

Why Use Sign-Based Dashas?

1. When Nakshatra Dashas (e.g., Vimshottari) do not give accurate results.
2. For rectifying birth time, as these Dashas depend on Ascendant (Lagna) and planetary strengths.
3. For timing events related to houses (Bhavas) rather than planets directly.
4. For specific types of analysis, such as career, spiritual growth, or political success.

1. Chara Dasha (Jaimini System)

Overview:

• Chara Dasha is a unique system from the Jaimini tradition, based on movable (Chara) Rashis.
• It does not use planets directly but instead considers signs (Rashis) as Dasha Lords.
• The cycle progresses according to the nature of the sign in the Ascendant (Lagna).

Calculation of Chara Dasha:

1. Find the Lagna (Ascendant) sign.
2. Find the nature of the sign:
   • Movable (Chara) signs: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn
   • Fixed (Sthira) signs: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius
   • Dual (Dwisvabhava) signs: Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces
3. The first Dasha period starts with the Ascendant sign.
4. The sequence of Dashas is determined based on the nature of the sign:
   • If the Ascendant is in a Movable sign → Move forward in the zodiac.
   • If the Ascendant is in a Fixed sign → Move backward in the zodiac.
   • If the Ascendant is in a Dual sign → Move forward, skipping one sign.
5. Duration of each Dasha is calculated based on the number of signs counted from the sign’s lord (Chara Karaka system).

When to Use Chara Dasha:

• For career and destiny analysis (especially political or leadership roles).
• For spiritual and dharma-related predictions.
• When planetary influences seem unclear in Nakshatra-based Dashas.

2. Sthira Dasha (Fixed Sign Dasha)

Overview:

• Sthira Dasha is used for people born in Fixed signs (Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius).
• It helps in analyzing stability, wealth, inheritance, and long-term gains.

Calculation of Sthira Dasha:

1. The first Dasha starts from the sign opposite to the Lagna.
2. The sequence follows a fixed pattern, moving backward in the zodiac.
3. The duration of each Dasha is determined by the strength of the sign’s lord.

When to Use Sthira Dasha:

• When Fixed signs dominate the chart.
• For material stability, business success, and financial analysis.
• When Vimshottari Dasha does not explain financial patterns well.

3. Yogini Dasha (Mystical Rashi Dasha)

Overview:

• A mystical Dasha system, focusing on occult, tantra, and sudden life changes.
• Follows an 8-cycle system, like the Nakshatra-based Yogini Dasha but applies it to Rashis instead of Nakshatras.

Calculation of Yogini Dasha:

1. The starting sign is determined by Lagna or Moon sign.
2. The Dasha follows the sequence of the 8 Yoginis:
   • Mangala (Mars)
   • Pingala (Sun)
   • Dhanya (Jupiter)
   • Bhramari (Venus)
   • Bhadrika (Mercury)
   • Ulka (Saturn)
   • Siddha (Rahu)
   • Kaala (Ketu)
3. Each Rashi is assigned a ruling Yogini and influences mystical life events.

When to Use Yogini Dasha:

• For occult knowledge, spiritual growth, and hidden karma.
• For understanding unexpected transformations.
• For deep esoteric studies and tantric astrology.

4. Narayana Dasha (Conditional Rashi Dasha)

Overview:

• A sign-based Dasha system focused on house-based results.
• Used for identifying wealth, health, and career timing.

Calculation of Narayana Dasha:

1. The starting sign is based on strong house factors (1st, 10th, or 7th house).
2. The sequence follows either direct or reverse order, based on planetary positions.
3. The duration is based on planetary strengths and aspects.

When to Use Narayana Dasha:

• For identifying significant house-related events.
• For political, business, or long-term career planning.
• When Nakshatra Dashas fail to explain house-based events.

5. Drig Dasha (Aspect-Based Dasha)

Overview:

• Uses planetary aspects (Drishti) to determine Dashas.
• More effective when aspects (not sign placements) dominate the chart.

Calculation of Drig Dasha:

1. Identify the strongest aspecting planet in the chart.
2. The first Dasha starts from the Rashi influenced by the strongest aspect.
3. The sequence follows the aspectual strengths of planets.

When to Use Drig Dasha:

• When aspects are stronger than planetary placements.
• For marriage, partnerships, and diplomacy.
• For relationship and psychological analysis.

Comparison of Rashi-Based Dashas

When to Use Rashi-Based Dashas?

1. Use Chara Dasha when career or leadership potential needs analysis.
2. Use Sthira Dasha when wealth, stability, or property inheritance is a concern.
3. Use Yogini Dasha for deep occult studies or spiritual evolution.
4. Use Narayana Dasha for practical house-based event analysis.
5. Use Drig Dasha when planetary aspects dominate the horoscope.

Sign-based Dashas complement Nakshatra-based Dashas by providing a broader perspective on life events. Selecting the right Dasha system depends on the chart’s dominant factors—whether planets, signs, or aspects play a more significant role.

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Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in