Varnada Dasha as per Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)

Varnada Dasha is a unique conditional dasha system described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS). Unlike planetary dashas such as Vimshottari, it is primarily sign-based (Rashi-based) and is used for assessing longevity, status, and major life events.

1. Significance of Varnada Dasha

The word Varnada means “bestower of status and longevity”, indicating that this dasha system is useful in determining:

1. Longevity – The first application of this dasha is in assessing lifespan and longevity.
2. Rise in Status – It helps in predicting when an individual may experience an increase in power, prestige, and recognition.
3. Major Life Events – Marriage, career milestones, and turning points in life can be analyzed.
4. House-based Influence – Since it is sign (Rashi)-based, it emphasizes the house placement of signs rather than planetary influences.

This system operates differently from planetary dashas as it progresses through signs (Rashis) rather than planetary periods.

2. Conditions for Application

BPHS specifies that Varnada Dasha applies universally but is particularly useful in:

• Longevity Determination → The first and eighth houses are critical.
• Career & Status Predictions → The impact of the 10th and 11th houses is analyzed.
• Marriage Timing → The 7th house involvement is observed.

However, the calculation depends on whether the ascendant is an odd or even sign, making it conditional in nature.

3. Calculation of Varnada Dasha

The Varnada Dasha period is calculated based on the distance between Lagna and the 8th house, with a different method for odd and even signs.

Step 1: Check If Lagna is Odd or Even

• Odd Signs (1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11) → Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius
• Even Signs (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12) → Taurus, Cancer, Virgo, Scorpio, Capricorn, Pisces

Step 2: Calculate the Varnada Lagna (VL)

• If Lagna is Odd, count forward from Lagna to the 8th house and subtract 1.
• If Lagna is Even, count backward from Lagna to the 8th house and subtract 1.

This gives the Varnada Lagna (VL), which is the starting point of the dasha cycle.

Step 3: Assign Dasha Periods

• The dasha moves sign-by-sign in a forward sequence from VL.
• Each Rashi (Sign) gets as many years as its number from Aries.

Example:

• Aries (Mesha) → 1 year
• Taurus (Vrishabha) → 2 years
• Gemini (Mithuna) → 3 years
• … and so on, up to Pisces (Meena) → 12 years.

Once Pisces is reached, the cycle restarts from Aries.

4. Application of Varnada Dasha

A. Determining Longevity

• The first cycle (starting from VL) gives a broad idea of life patterns.
• If the 8th house sign receives dasha early in life, it may indicate shorter longevity.
• The influence of malefic planets in 8th house signs can indicate challenges to longevity.

B. Status and Career Growth

• The 10th house Rashi dasha brings career advancements, promotions, and recognition.
• If a strong Jupiter or Sun is in the dasha sign, it enhances status.
• If a malefic planet like Saturn or Rahu is placed, obstacles may arise.

C. Marriage and Relationships

• The 7th house sign dasha is important for marriage timing.
• If Venus or Jupiter influences this sign, it brings positive results.
• If Saturn or Ketu is present, delays or separations may occur.

D. Financial Gains and Wealth

• The 2nd and 11th house signs in Varnada Dasha indicate wealth accumulation.
• If benefic planets are present, financial prosperity is seen.
• If malefics occupy these signs, financial fluctuations may occur.

5. Example of Varnada Dasha Calculation & Application

Example Horoscope

• Lagna (Ascendant): Leo (Simha)
• 8th House: Pisces (Meena)
• Odd Lagna Rule Applies

Step 1: Count from Leo to Pisces (Forward Count)

• Leo → 1
• Virgo → 2
• Libra → 3
• Scorpio → 4
• Sagittarius → 5
• Capricorn → 6
• Aquarius → 7
• Pisces → 8

Since Lagna is odd, subtract 1 → Varnada Lagna = 7 (Aquarius)

Step 2: Assign Dasha Periods from Aquarius

• Aquarius → 11 Years
• Pisces → 12 Years
• Aries → 1 Year
• Taurus → 2 Years
• … and so on.

Interpreting the Dasha

• If Aquarius is the starting point, then the native’s early life is influenced by Saturn and Rahu (Aquarius rulers).
• If the 10th house (Taurus) dasha comes in mid-life, career rise is expected.
• If the 8th house (Pisces) dasha falls in old age, it could indicate health issues in later years.

6. Comparison with Other Dasha Systems

7. Conclusion

Key Takeaways from Varnada Dasha

Best for longevity analysis – Helps assess lifespan based on 1st and 8th houses.
Useful for career growth – 10th house dasha period is significant for status rise.
Marriage and finances – The 7th and 2nd house periods indicate relationships and wealth.
Easy to calculate – Follows a simple 12-sign rotational cycle.

Varnada Dasha is a powerful alternative dasha system that provides a house-based perspective on life events. It works best when used alongside other dasha systems such as Vimshottari and Chara Dasha for deeper analysis.

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in