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Shodashottari Dasha System in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)
1. Significance of Shodashottari Dasha
Shodashottari Dasha is a Nakshatra-based planetary time-division system that spans 116 years. It is a special Dasha system mentioned in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) and is applicable under specific conditions. Unlike the more commonly used Vimshottari or Ashtottari Dashas, Shodashottari Dasha is used for precise life event predictions when certain planetary configurations are present in a birth chart.
Applicability Conditions:
According to BPHS, Shodashottari Dasha is applicable when the Moon is in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house) from the Ascendant (Lagna). If this condition is met, this Dasha can be used instead of Vimshottari.
2. Planetary Periods (Mahadashas) and Their Duration
The Shodashottari Dasha system divides life into the following planetary periods:
- Sun (Surya) – 11 years
- Moon (Chandra) – 9 years
- Mars (Mangal) – 8 years
- Mercury (Budha) – 9 years
- Jupiter (Guru) – 10 years
- Venus (Shukra) – 21 years
- Saturn (Shani) – 12 years
- Rahu – 18 years
- Ketu – 18 years
This system covers a total of 116 years, making it slightly shorter than Vimshottari Dasha (120 years) but longer than Ashtottari Dasha (108 years).
3. Conditions for Shodashottari Dasha Calculation
Shodashottari Dasha is calculated based on the position of the Moon in a particular 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 Shodashottari 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 Shodashottari Dasha
Shodashottari Dasha is primarily used in predictive astrology to time significant life events, particularly in charts where the Moon is placed in a Kendra. 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 Shodashottari Dasha should be confirmed by planetary transits.
C. Role of Shodashottari 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 Shodashottari Dasha
A. Role of the Moon in Shodashottari Dasha
Since the applicability of this Dasha depends on the Moon being in a Kendra, the Moon’s strength, dignity, and placement significantly influence its effectiveness.
- If the Moon is exalted, in its own sign, or in a friendly house, the Dasha system may yield favorable results.
- If the Moon is debilitated, afflicted by malefics, or weak, challenges may arise during its period.
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 Shodashottari Dasha system, as described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, is a specialized Nakshatra-based predictive tool applicable when the Moon is in a Kendra. Its unique planetary sequence and total duration of 116 years make it distinct from Vimshottari and Ashtottari Dashas. By analyzing planetary strengths, house ownerships, and transits, astrologers can effectively use Shodashottari Dasha for precise life predictions.
