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Dvadashottari Dasha System in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)
1. Significance of Dvadashottari Dasha
Dvadashottari Dasha is a Nakshatra-based planetary time-division system spanning 112 years. It is one of the special Dasha systems mentioned in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), applied under specific astrological conditions. This system is used in predictive astrology to determine significant life events based on planetary influences.
Applicability Conditions:
According to BPHS, Dvadashottari Dasha is applicable when the Lagna (Ascendant) is in a sign owned by Jupiter (Sagittarius or Pisces). If this condition is met, this Dasha system can be used instead of other Nakshatra-based Dashas.
2. Planetary Periods (Mahadashas) and Their Duration
The Dvadashottari Dasha system assigns different time spans to planetary periods as follows:
- Sun (Surya) – 7 years
- Moon (Chandra) – 11 years
- Mars (Mangal) – 7 years
- Mercury (Budha) – 9 years
- Jupiter (Guru) – 10 years
- Venus (Shukra) – 21 years
- Saturn (Shani) – 12 years
- Rahu – 18 years
- Ketu – 17 years
The total duration of the Dvadashottari Dasha cycle is 112 years, making it slightly shorter than Vimshottari Dasha (120 years) and Ashtottari Dasha (108 years), but longer than Shodashottari Dasha (116 years).
3. Conditions for Dvadashottari Dasha Calculation
Dvadashottari Dasha is calculated based on the Moon’s position in a Nakshatra at birth. The system follows these steps:
- Identify the Nakshatra where the Moon is placed in the birth chart.
- Determine the ruling planet of that Nakshatra according to the Dvadashottari sequence.
- 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}
4. Application of Dvadashottari Dasha
Dvadashottari Dasha is used for timing significant life events, especially when Sagittarius or Pisces is the Ascendant. The system follows a hierarchical breakdown similar to other Nakshatra-based Dashas:
A. Dasha Levels (Sub-divisions)
- Mahadasha (Main period) – The longest planetary period affecting life events.
- 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
- Planetary Strength and Placement: The effects of a planet’s Dasha depend on its house placement, dignity (exaltation or debilitation), and aspects.
- House Ownership: The houses ruled by the Dasha lord determine the areas of life activated during that period.
- Nakshatra Influence: The Nakshatra of the Dasha lord gives additional insights into the nature of results.
- Transit Correlation: Events predicted through Dvadashottari Dasha should be confirmed by planetary transits.
C. Role of Dvadashottari 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.
- Marriage & Relationships: The Dashas of the 7th house lord, Venus (for men), and Jupiter (for women) influence marriage timing.
- Wealth & Finances: The Dashas of the 2nd and 11th house lords indicate financial growth periods.
- Health & Longevity: Malefic Dashas of the 6th, 8th, and 12th house lords may bring health challenges.
5. Special Considerations in Dvadashottari Dasha
A. Role of Jupiter in Dvadashottari Dasha
Since this Dasha system applies when Sagittarius or Pisces is the Ascendant, Jupiter plays a crucial role in determining its effectiveness.
- If Jupiter is strong, well-placed, or forming Raj Yoga, the Dasha periods tend to be beneficial.
- If Jupiter is afflicted, weak, or in an inimical sign, difficulties may arise in its periods.
B. Role of Yogas
If a planet forming Raj Yoga, Dhana Yoga, or Vipreet Raj Yoga runs its Dasha, significant success and transformation can be seen.
C. Benefic vs. Malefic Dasha Lords
- Natural Benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Moon) generally bring positive results if well-placed.
- Natural Malefics (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu) may bring challenges, especially if afflicted or ill-placed.
D. Transition Between Mahadashas
The transition 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 shift can be turbulent.
Conclusion The Dvadashottari Dasha system, as described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, is a specialized Nakshatra-based predictive tool applicable when Sagittarius or Pisces is the Ascendant. Its unique planetary sequence and total duration of 112 years make it distinct from other Dasha systems. By analyzing planetary strengths, house ownerships, and transits, astrologers can effectively use Dvadashottari Dasha for precise life predictions.
