Ashtakavarga in Vedic Astrology – Origin, Calculation, Significance, and Uses

1. Introduction to Ashtakavarga

Ashtakavarga (अष्टकवर्ग) is a unique and advanced method in Vedic astrology used to analyze the strength of planets and houses. It is a numerical system that divides planetary influence into eight groups (Ashta) and assigns points (Bindus) to planets and houses based on their benefic and malefic influences.

Unlike Shadbala, which measures planetary strength based on six factors, Ashtakavarga focuses on the overall cumulative strength of planets and houses. It helps in determining auspicious and inauspicious periods, transit effects, and planetary beneficence.

2. Origin of Ashtakavarga

The concept of Ashtakavarga is found in classical Vedic astrology texts like:

• Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)
• Saravali
• Phaladeepika
• Jataka Parijata

Ancient Rishis developed this system to simplify timing of events, planetary strengths, and transit predictions. The idea is based on the interaction of planets and their impact on individual charts through their relative positions and contribution of benefic or malefic influence.

3. Calculation of Ashtakavarga

A) Components of Ashtakavarga

Ashtakavarga is divided into two major sections:

1. Bhinnashtakavarga (Individual Planetary Strength)
2. Samudaya Ashtakavarga (Cumulative Strength of Houses)

Each system calculates planetary beneficence using Bindus (Points) and Rekhas (Lines):

• Bindu (० or 1) → Indicates negative or neutral effect
• Rekha (१ or 1) → Indicates positive or benefic effect

B) Bhinnashtakavarga (Individual Planetary Strength)

Bhinnashtakavarga is the planetary system where each of the seven planets (except Rahu and Ketu) assigns points to houses based on its benefic or malefic influence.

Each of these seven planets has its own individual table (Bhinnashtakavarga), where they contribute Bindus to houses where they exert a benefic influence. The final sum of Bindus for each house gives an idea of whether it is strong or weak.

C) Samudaya Ashtakavarga (Cumulative Strength of Houses)

This is the combined strength of all planetary Bindus for each house. It is obtained by summing up all the planetary Bhinnashtakavarga scores for each house.

A house with higher Bindus is naturally stronger, meaning that the significations of that house will flourish.

4. Significance of Ashtakavarga

A) Determining Strength of Planets

• If a planet has more Bindus in its Bhinnashtakavarga, it will be strong and give good results.
• If it has fewer Bindus, it will be weak and struggle to produce results.

B) House Strength and Life Events

• Houses with high Bindus (40+) will be more beneficial and give positive results.
• Houses with low Bindus (less than 30) will be challenged and struggle to manifest results.

C) Transit Predictions (Gochar Phala)

• Planets transiting through houses with higher Bindus will give better results.
• Planets transiting through low Bindus houses may bring difficulties and challenges.

D) Evaluating Dasha Results

• If a Dasha Lord has high Bindus in its Bhinnashtakavarga, the Dasha will be positive.
• If the Dasha Lord has low Bindus, its period may be difficult or less fruitful.

5. Uses of Ashtakavarga in Vedic Astrology

(A) Identifying Strong and Weak Planets

• Planets with more Bindus in their Bhinnashtakavarga table → Perform well and deliver positive results.
• Planets with fewer Bindus → May not give full results or may cause challenges.

(B) Evaluating House Strength

• Houses with high Bindus (40+) → Indicate prosperity, strength, and positive events.
• Houses with low Bindus (below 30) → Show difficulties in the areas governed by the house.

(C) Predicting Favorable Transits (Gochar Phala)

• Planets transiting through houses with more than 35 Bindus → Give favorable results.
• Planets transiting through houses with fewer than 30 Bindus → May cause obstacles.

Example (Saturn’s Transit and Ashtakavarga)

• If Saturn transits a house with high Bindus (40+), its effects will be less severe.
• If Saturn transits a house with low Bindus (below 30), its results will be more challenging (like in Sade Sati).

(D) Choosing Auspicious Time for Activities

• For marriage, career changes, or investments, periods when benefic planets transit houses with high Bindus are preferred.

(E) Dasha Analysis

• A Dasha period of a planet with higher Ashtakavarga points will be more successful.
• A Dasha of a planet with low Ashtakavarga points may require remedies to strengthen it.

6. Special Considerations in Ashtakavarga

1. Rahu and Ketu Are Not Included
   • Ashtakavarga does not consider Rahu and Ketu because they are shadow planets and do not have physical bodies.
2. Jupiter and Venus Usually Have High Bindus
   • Jupiter (Guru) and Venus (Shukra) generally contribute more Bindus, making their effects more powerful in a chart.
3. Saturn’s Transit Becomes Milder if House Has High Bindus
   • Saturn’s negative effects reduce if it transits a house with high Bindus in Samudaya Ashtakavarga.

7. Conclusion

Ashtakavarga is a powerful tool for evaluating planetary strengths, house potential, and transit effects in a birth chart. It helps in:

• Understanding which houses are strong or weak.
• Assessing planetary strength and Dasha effectiveness.
• Predicting transit effects and timing of events.

By using Ashtakavarga, an astrologer can make precise and accurate predictions about a person’s life, career, marriage, and finances.

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in