Vimshottari Dasha System in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS)

1. Signification of Vimshottari Dasha

Vimshottari Dasha is one of the most widely used planetary time-division systems in Vedic astrology. It is a Nakshatra-based system that divides human life into planetary periods, allowing astrologers to predict significant events. As per Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS), Vimshottari Dasha is particularly suitable for the general population and is considered the most effective among all conditional dasha systems.

The Vimshottari Dasha system assigns a fixed total lifespan of 120 years, which is divided among the nine planetary periods (Dashas). Each planet governs a specific number of years and influences the native based on its placement, strength, and association with other factors in the birth chart.

Planetary Periods (Mahadashas) and Their Duration:

• Ketu – 7 years
• Venus (Shukra) – 20 years
• Sun (Surya) – 6 years
• Moon (Chandra) – 10 years
• Mars (Mangal) – 7 years
• Rahu – 18 years
• Jupiter (Guru) – 16 years
• Saturn (Shani) – 19 years
• Mercury (Budha) – 17 years

2. Conditions for Vimshottari Dasha Calculation

Vimshottari Dasha is calculated based on the position of the Moon in a particular Nakshatra (constellation) at the time of birth. Each Nakshatra is ruled by one of the nine planets, and the planet ruling the Nakshatra where the Moon is placed at birth will be the first Dasha experienced by the native.

Steps for Vimshottari Dasha Calculation:

1. Identify the Nakshatra where the Moon is placed in the natal chart.
2. Determine the ruling planet of that Nakshatra.
3. Calculate the balance of the first Dasha based on the remaining degrees traversed by 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}

Each Nakshatra spans 13°20′ in the zodiac and is further divided into four Padas (quarters), each of 3°20′. The time left in the first Mahadasha is proportional to the distance yet to be traveled by the Moon in that Nakshatra.

3. Application of Vimshottari Dasha

The Vimshottari Dasha system is applied in predictive astrology to time significant life events. The system consists of multiple hierarchical levels:

A. Dasha Levels (Sub-divisions)

• Mahadasha (Main period) – The primary ruling planet during a long span.
• 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

1. Planetary Strength and Placement: The effects of a planet’s Dasha depend on its position in the natal chart, its dignity (exaltation or debilitation), and associations (aspects and conjunctions).
2. House Ownership: The houses ruled by the Dasha lord indicate areas of life activated during that period.
3. Nakshatra Influence: The Nakshatra of the Dasha lord gives additional insights.
4. Transit Correlation: Events predicted through Vimshottari Dasha should be confirmed by planetary transits.

C. Role of Vimshottari Dasha in Different Life Areas

• Career & Profession: The Dasha of the 10th house lord or planets placed in the 10th house can trigger major career shifts.
• 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, along with benefic planets, indicate financial growth.
• Health & Longevity: Malefic Dashas or periods of the 6th, 8th, and 12th house lords can bring health challenges.

4. Special Considerations in Vimshottari Dasha

A. 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.

B. Benefic vs. Malefic Dasha Lords

• Natural Benefics (Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Moon) tend to bring positive results if well-placed.
• Natural Malefics (Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu, Ketu) can bring challenges, especially if afflicted.

C. Interplay Between Mahadasha and Antardasha Lords

The results of a Mahadasha are significantly modified by the Antardasha lord’s placement and nature.

D. End-of-Dasha Effects

The transition from one Mahadasha to another often brings significant shifts, sometimes causing turbulence if the next planet is vastly different in nature from the preceding one.

Conclusion The Vimshottari Dasha system, as per Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, provides a logical and structured approach to timing life events. By understanding planetary influences, house ownerships, and transit correlations, astrologers can make precise predictions about various aspects of a native’s life. Mastery of this system requires a deep understanding of planetary relationships and their influence in different chart configurations

About Post Author

Anupam Shukla

anupam@astrosutras.in

https://astrosutras.in