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Shastihayani Dasha System in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)
1. Significance of Shastihayani Dasha
Shastihayani Dasha is a conditional Nakshatra-based planetary time-division system spanning 60 years. It is one of the special Dashas mentioned in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) and is applicable under specific astrological conditions. This system is particularly useful when other Dashas may not be effective in predicting life events.
Applicability Conditions:
As per BPHS, Shastihayani Dasha is applicable when the Lagna (Ascendant) is in a sign owned by Mercury (Gemini or Virgo). If this condition is met, Shastihayani Dasha can be used for timing events.
2. Planetary Periods (Mahadashas) and Their Duration
The Shastihayani Dasha system assigns different time spans to planetary periods as follows:
- Sun (Surya) – 8 years
- Moon (Chandra) – 8 years
- Mars (Mangal) – 8 years
- Mercury (Budha) – 8 years
- Jupiter (Guru) – 8 years
- Venus (Shukra) – 8 years
- Saturn (Shani) – 8 years
- Rahu – 6 years
- Ketu – 6 years
The total duration of the Shastihayani Dasha cycle is 60 years, making it shorter than most other Nakshatra-based Dashas such as Vimshottari (120 years), Ashtottari (108 years), and Shatabdika (100 years), but slightly longer than Chaturashiti Sama (84 years) and Dvisaptati Sama (72 years).
3. Conditions for Shastihayani Dasha Calculation
Shastihayani 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 Shastihayani Dasha 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 Shastihayani Dasha
Shastihayani Dasha is used for predicting significant life events, especially in charts where Gemini or Virgo is the Ascendant. Like other Nakshatra-based Dashas, this system is divided into multiple levels:
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 Shastihayani Dasha should be confirmed by planetary transits.
C. Role of Shastihayani 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 Shastihayani Dasha
A. Role of Mercury in Shastihayani Dasha
Since this Dasha system applies when Gemini or Virgo is the Ascendant, Mercury plays a crucial role in determining its effectiveness.
- If Mercury is strong, well-placed, or forming Raj Yoga, the Dasha periods tend to be beneficial.
- If Mercury 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 Shastihayani Dasha system, as described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, is a specialized Nakshatra-based predictive tool applicable when Gemini or Virgo is the Ascendant. Its unique planetary sequence and total duration of 60 years make it distinct from other Dasha systems. By analyzing planetary strengths, house ownerships, and transits, astrologers can effectively use Shastihayani Dasha for precise life predictions.
