Session 12

Overview

This lecture focused on Dasha calculations in Vedic astrology, particularly the Vimshottari Dasha system. Guruji explained how to calculate the balance of Dasha at birth, which is crucial for determining the sequence and timing of planetary periods in a person’s life. The class covered the mathematical methods for Dasha calculations, the significance of planetary placements, and how to interpret the effects of different Dashas and Antar Dashas (sub-periods).

Key Concepts or Theories

• Vimshottari Dasha: A 120-year planetary period system used in Vedic astrology

• Dasha Balance at Birth: Calculation method to determine remaining time in the first Dasha at birth

• Planetary Rulership: Each planet rules specific Nakshatras and has fixed years in the Dasha system

• Hierarchical Time Periods: Mahadasha (major), Antar Dasha (sub), Pratyantar (sub-sub), Sukshma, and Prana

• Interpretation Framework: Move from general planetary nature → specific chart conditions

Important Questions Raised

• How do we calculate the Dasha balance accurately?

• How do we interpret contradictory indications during Dashas?

• Why do some Dasha combinations consistently produce similar results?

• How do we reconcile transits vs. Dasha periods?

• How should remedies be applied based on Dasha indications?

Key Takeaways

• Vimshottari Dasha = 120 years:

  • Sun: 6, Moon: 10, Mars: 7, Rahu: 18, Jupiter: 16, Saturn: 19, Mercury: 17, Ketu: 7, Venus: 20

• The first Dasha is determined by the Nakshatra of the Moon at birth

• Balance of Dasha = based on how far Moon has traveled in its Nakshatra

• Dashas are unique (don’t repeat in lifetime), while transits repeat

• Interpretation = combine planetary nature + placement + aspects + chart context

Topic 1: Dasha Balance Calculation

• Identify Moon’s Nakshatra at birth → sets the 1st Mahadasha

• Each Nakshatra spans 13°20′ = 800 arc minutes

• Distance Moon has traveled → proportion of Dasha already elapsed

• Remaining balance = Dasha years × (untraveled portion ÷ 800)

• Example: Moon at beginning → full Dasha; Moon halfway → only half remains

Relevant Q&A

• Question: Can this be correlated with Padas (quarters of Nakshatras)?

  • Answer: Yes, Padas tally with the fractions of the Dasha balance.

• Question: If someone had the full 7 years because of being in 1st Pada, does that mean 0°?

  • Answer: Yes, 1st Pada near 0° would give the full duration.

Topic 2: Interpreting Dasha & Antar Dasha

• General qualities of planets always work in background (e.g. Venus → pleasure, Saturn → discipline).

• Modified by placement, strength, aspects, conjunctions.

• BPHS Vol. 2 lists positive → negative effects in order, depending on conditions.

• Antar Dashas show more immediate daily effects, compared to the broader Mahadasha.

Relevant Q&A

• Question: If Venus is the Mahadasha, will it be happy?

  • Answer: Venus Dasha tends to bring prosperity, enjoyment, houses, vehicles, and good experiences.

• Question: If a planet appears in one house in Rashi and another in Bhava chart, does Dasha interpretation change?

  • Answer: No, in Nakshatra-based systems, the Dasha lord remains constant; Bhava does not shift it.

Topic 3: Hierarchical Structure of Dashas

• Mahadasha sets the life period tone (6–20 years).

• Antar Dasha subdivides proportionally (e.g., Venus in Jupiter Mahadasha ~32 months).

• Further divisions: Pratyantar (months), Sukshma (days), Prana (hours).

• Finer divisions require precise birth time → practical use mostly up to Antar Dasha.

Relevant Q&A

• Question: Pratyantar Dashas can run years (like Rahu). How to analyze?

  • Answer: They exist in texts, but focus should be on broader levels. Think of it like driving—you watch the road overall, not every small pebble.

• Question: Calculation for Venus in Jupiter Mahadasha gave 32 months. Was that correct?

  • Answer: Yes, simple formulas are enough for approximate values; exact fractions are not always necessary.

Actionable Next Steps

• Watch the video shared on Dasha balance calculation

• Use the Excel sheet (to be shared) for practice

• Homework: Identify Dashas in BPHS where opening paragraphs list negative effects

• Memorize planet–Nakshatra rulerships and corresponding Dasha years

• Practice grouping planetary periods into two columns of 60 years each for easier recall

Supplemental Resources

• BPHS Vol. 2 (Dasha chapters)

• YouTube video on calculating Dasha balance (shared in group)

• Excel sheet for practice calculations