Ashtottari Dasha System in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)

1. Significance of Ashtottari Dasha

Ashtottari Dasha is a Nakshatra-based planetary time-division system, similar to Vimshottari Dasha, but it follows a total cycle of 108 years instead of 120 years. This system is particularly applied under special conditions as outlined in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) and is known for its role in predicting significant life events with a unique set of rules.

The Ashtottari Dasha excludes the planet Mercury (Budha) from its planetary cycle and only considers eight planets—Rahu, Ketu, Sun, Moon, Mars, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn. This system is applied when Rahu is placed in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house) from the Lagna (Ascendant).

Planetary Periods (Mahadashas) and Their Duration:

• Sun (Surya) – 6 years
• Moon (Chandra) – 15 years
• Mars (Mangal) – 8 years
• Rahu – 17 years
• Jupiter (Guru) – 10 years
• Saturn (Shani) – 19 years
• Ketu – 7 years
• Venus (Shukra) – 21 years

The absence of Mercury in this system sets it apart from Vimshottari Dasha, making it suitable for special cases where Rahu’s influence is predominant.

2. Conditions for Ashtottari Dasha Calculation

Ashtottari Dasha follows the Nakshatra placement of the Moon at birth, just like Vimshottari Dasha. However, it applies only under the following conditions:

1. Rahu must be in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house) from the Lagna (Ascendant).
2. If Rahu is not in a Kendra, then Ashtottari Dasha is not applicable, and other Dasha systems (such as Vimshottari) should be used.

Steps for Ashtottari Dasha Calculation:

1. Identify the Nakshatra where the Moon is placed in the natal chart.
2. Determine the ruling planet of that Nakshatra as per the Ashtottari system.
3. Calculate the balance of the first Dasha based on the remaining degrees of the Moon in that Nakshatra.

Formula for Balance of First Dasha:

Balance of Dasha=(Remaining degrees in Nakshatra13°20′)×Total Dasha years of ruling planet\text{Balance of Dasha} = \left(\frac{\text{Remaining degrees in Nakshatra}}{13°20′} \right) \times \text{Total Dasha years of ruling planet}

3. Application of Ashtottari Dasha

Ashtottari Dasha is used for timing significant events in a native’s life, particularly when Rahu plays a dominant role in the chart. This system consists of multiple hierarchical levels:

A. Dasha Levels (Sub-divisions)

• Mahadasha (Main period) – The planetary period influencing life events for a significant duration.
• Antardasha (Sub-period or Bhukti) – The secondary ruling planet within a Mahadasha.
• Pratyantar Dasha – A further breakdown of Antardasha.
• Sookshma Dasha – A finer division within Pratyantar Dasha.
• Prana Dasha – The smallest unit for precise event timing.

B. Interpretation and Event Timing

1. Planetary Strength and Placement: The effects of a planet’s Dasha depend on its house placement, dignity (exaltation or debilitation), and aspects.
2. House Ownership: The houses ruled by the Dasha lord indicate the areas of life activated during that period.
3. Nakshatra Influence: The Nakshatra of the Dasha lord adds further details to the predictions.
4. Transit Correlation: Events should be confirmed by checking planetary transits.

C. Role of Ashtottari Dasha in Different Life Areas

• Career & Profession: The Dasha of the 10th house lord or planets placed in the 10th house can bring career advancements or changes.
• Marriage & Relationships: The Dashas of the 7th house lord, Venus (for men), and Jupiter (for women) indicate marriage timing.
• Wealth & Finances: The Dashas of the 2nd and 11th house lords show financial growth periods.
• Health & Longevity: Malefic Dashas of the 6th, 8th, and 12th house lords may bring health challenges.

4. Special Considerations in Ashtottari Dasha

A. Rahu’s Influence on Ashtottari Dasha

Since Ashtottari Dasha is applicable only when Rahu is in a Kendra, its influence is significant:

• If Rahu is well-placed, its Dasha may bring sudden gains, opportunities, and spiritual transformation.
• If Rahu is afflicted, its Dasha can indicate deception, illusions, or upheavals in life.

B. Role of Yogas

If a planet forming Raj Yoga, Dhana Yoga, or Vipreet Raj Yoga runs its Dasha, significant success can be experienced.

C. Benefic vs. Malefic Dasha Lords

• Natural Benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Moon) tend to bring positive results if well-placed.
• Natural Malefics (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu) may bring challenges, depending on their dignity and house placement.

D. Transition Between Mahadashas

The shift from one Mahadasha to another often brings noticeable changes in life. If the next planet is vastly different in nature from the previous one, the transition can be turbulent.

Conclusion

The Ashtottari Dasha system, as described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, is a specialized predictive tool applied only when Rahu is in a Kendra. Its unique planetary sequence and exclusion of Mercury differentiate it from Vimshottari Dasha. Mastery of this system requires a deep understanding of Rahu’s role and planetary interrelations. By analyzing planetary strengths, house ownerships, and transits, astrologers can effectively use Ashtottari Dasha for precise life predictions.

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in