Sthana Bala (Positional Strength) – Detailed Explanation

1. Introduction to Sthana Bala

Sthana Bala is one of the six components of Shadbal (Sixfold Strength) and represents the positional strength of a planet in a horoscope. It measures how well-positioned a planet is within the zodiac, considering its sign placement, divisional chart positions, and specific factors like exaltation or debilitation.

A planet with high Sthana Bala will be able to deliver its full potential results, while a planet with low Sthana Bala will struggle to produce its effects.

2. Components of Sthana Bala (Positional Strength Calculation)

Sthana Bala consists of five sub-strengths, each contributing to a planet’s total positional strength:

(A) Uchcha Bala (Exaltation Strength)

• A planet gains strength if it is exalted and loses strength if it is debilitated.
• Formula:∣Planet′sLongitude−ExaltationDegree∣(ExaltationDegree−DebilitationDegree)×60\frac{|Planet’s Longitude – Exaltation Degree|}{(Exaltation Degree – Debilitation Degree)} \times 60(ExaltationDegree−DebilitationDegree)∣Planet′sLongitude−ExaltationDegree∣​×60where 60 is the maximum strength a planet can achieve in exaltation.
• Example:
  • Sun’s exaltation degree = 10° Aries
  • Sun’s debilitation degree = 10° Libra
  • If Sun is at 15° Aries, then ∣15−10∣(10−(−10))×60=520×60=15\frac{|15 – 10|}{(10 – (-10))} \times 60 = \frac{5}{20} \times 60 = 15(10−(−10))∣15−10∣​×60=205​×60=15
  • So, the Sun gets 45 Shashtiamsa (60 – 15) of Uchcha Bala.

(B) Saptavargaja Bala (Divisional Strength)

• A planet’s strength is analyzed in seven divisional charts:
  • Rashi (D-1)
  • Hora (D-2)
  • Drekkana (D-3)
  • Saptamsa (D-7)
  • Navamsa (D-9)
  • Dwadashamsa (D-12)
  • Trimsamsa (D-30)
• Each chart assigns different points based on whether the planet is in its own sign, exaltation sign, or enemy sign. The total points determine the planet’s Saptavargaja Bala.
• Point Distribution:
  • Own sign or exalted → 5
  • Moolatrikona → 4
  • Friend’s sign → 3
  • Neutral sign → 2
  • Enemy sign → 1
  • Debilitated → 0
• Example: If Mercury is in its own sign in D-1, friend’s sign in D-9, exalted in D-3, and neutral in others, the strength would be calculated as:(5+3+5+2+2+2+2)=21(5 + 3 + 5 + 2 + 2 + 2 + 2) = 21 (5+3+5+2+2+2+2)=21A higher score means a stronger planet.

(C) Ojayugma Bala (Odd-Even Sign Strength)

• Benefic planets (Moon, Jupiter, Venus, Mercury) are stronger in even signs (Taurus, Cancer, etc.).
• Malefic planets (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu) are stronger in odd signs (Aries, Leo, etc.).
• If a planet is in its preferred sign type, it gains 15 Shashtiamsa.
• Example: Venus in Taurus (even sign) gains Ojayugma Bala, while Mars in Aries (odd sign) gains Ojayugma Bala.

(D) Kendra Bala (Angular Strength)

• Planets in Kendra houses (1st, 4th, 7th, 10th) gain additional strength.
• Formula:
  • If a planet is in a Kendra (1, 4, 7, 10) → 60 Shashtiamsa
  • If a planet is in a Panaphara (2, 5, 8, 11) → 30 Shashtiamsa
  • If a planet is in an Apoklima (3, 6, 9, 12) → 15 Shashtiamsa
• Example: Sun in the 10th house gets 60 points, while Moon in the 6th house gets 15 points.

(E) Drekkana Bala (Decanate Strength)

• Strength is derived from the Drekkana (D-3) chart.
• The first, second, and third Drekkana of a sign are ruled by different planets, and their natural strength is assigned accordingly.
• Formula:
  • If a planet is in the 1st Drekkana of an odd sign → 15 Shashtiamsa
  • If a planet is in the 2nd Drekkana of an even sign → 10 Shashtiamsa
  • If a planet is in the 3rd Drekkana of an odd sign → 5 Shashtiamsa
• Example: Saturn in the 1st Drekkana of Aries gets 15 points.

3. Uses of Sthana Bala in Astrology

(A) Strength of a Planet’s Effects

• A planet with high Sthana Bala can fully deliver its results.
• A planet with low Sthana Bala may struggle, even if it is a benefic.

(B) Predicting Dasha & Antardasha Results

• If a planet is strong in Sthana Bala, its Mahadasha will bring significant success.
• If weak, its period may bring struggles or failures.

(C) Career & Profession Analysis

• A strong 10th lord (Karma) in Sthana Bala → Stable career & authority.
• A weak 10th lord → Job instability & obstacles.

(D) Financial Stability

• 2nd and 11th lord strength in Sthana Bala determines financial prosperity.

(E) Health & Longevity

• A strong Lagna lord in Sthana Bala gives good health.
• A weak Lagna lord reduces immunity & vitality.

(F) Strength of Yogas

• Raja Yoga planets must have high Sthana Bala to give real success.
• Dhana Yoga planets with low Sthana Bala may indicate financial ups and downs.

(G) Upayas (Remedies) for Weak Planets

• If a planet has low Sthana Bala, remedies such as:
  • Wearing its gemstone
  • Chanting its Beej mantra
  • Strengthening through Yantras and Pujas

4. Example Calculation of Sthana Bala

Suppose Jupiter is at 15° Cancer (exalted) in the 10th house (Kendra).

Jupiter is very strong and will give excellent results in career and wealth.

Sthana Bala is one of the most crucial strengths in Shadbal calculations. It determines how effectively a planet can deliver results based on position, dignity, divisional placements, and directional influences.

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in