Word meanings
Sarasvati: derived from ‘Sarasah’ meaning (a) full of Rasa or nectar
(Sa+Rasa). There are seven Rasa’s which lead to the physical
creation of all beings. These seven Rasa are the Lords of the
saptämsa (one-seventh division) of a sign. Thus, Sarasvati is the
mother of all creation and is also referred to as BHU Devi or the
Earth Mother. (b) Commendable enlightening speech borne from perfect
knowledge and truthful countenance. Thus, Sarasvati is the giver of
such exemplary speech [arising from truthful countenance and
knowledge (of all arts, crafts and sciences)].
Pavaka: Pure, clear, bright and shining like Agni (fire);
illuminating; n. Pavakä illuminator.
The Best Udu Dasä
Paräsara teaches that Vimsottari is the foremost Udu Dasä because in
Kaliyuga[1] the maximum period of the Vimsottari dasä system (120
years) is equal to the Pürna Äyus (Full longevity: 120 years) of the
human being.
BPHS:
This complete longevity of 120 years is represented by 120 degrees
of the zodiac based on the Time-space equation from Manu [2] Smriti
[3] whereby one day of the Deva is equal to a year in the life of
human beings. By the term Deva (derived from Diva [4]) the Sun is
referred to and its average daily motion of one degree in the
zodiac. Thus 120 human /earth years would correspond to 120 degrees
in the zodiac. There are three Brahma Nabhi [5] in the zodiac at
zero degree Aries, Leo and Sagittarius. These navels are 120 degrees
apart. These navel represent the end or a new beginning and is
conceptualized as Gandänta. Their separation of 120 degree is the
longevity span of the human being. There are other dictums which
refer to other transits of the Sun as the 21/2 Degree transit.
However, these shall refer to beings other than human or for other
purposes.
Lesson #01: The first step in Vimsottari dasä is to determine
the Param Äyus (maximum longevity) of any body, both animate and
inanimate.
Nakshatra
The angular span of 120 degrees is divided into nine mansions of the
Moon called Nakshatra or simply constellation. Each Nakshatra has an
angular span of 13o20’ (or 800’) and is composed of four parts
called Pada. Each Pada, being one-fourth of a constellation is 3°20'
(or 200’). The first Nakshatra is Aswini which is reckoned from zero
degree Aries and spans the range 0°–13°20’ Aries. The second
Nakshatra starts from 13°20’ Aries and extends till 26°40’ Aries. In
this manner nine Nakshatra cover the span of 120° from 0° Aries to
30° Cancer. Similarly two other sets of nine-Nakshatra span the
space from 0° Leo to 30° Scorpio and 0° Sagittarius to 30° Pisces
respectively (Fig1-1). The Navagraha in the order of Ketu, Venus,
Sun, Moon, Mars, Rähu, Jupiter, Saturn & Mercury are the lords of
the nine constellation as reckoned from Aswini. This order of
planets also determines the lordship for the other two complimentary
sets of nine constellation (Table 1-1).
Dasä Period
Dasä periods have been spelt out by Paräsara[6] for the planets as
Sun – 6 years, Moon – 10 years, Mars – 7 years, Rähu – 18 years,
Jupiter – 16 years, Saturn – 19 years, Mercury – 17 years, Ketu – 7
years and Venus – 20 years. These have also been indicated in the
Table 1-1.
Order of Dasä
The dasä follows a definite sequence in the regular order of the
constellations. The Dasä are furnished by the planets owning the
constellations. For example, if the first dasä is reckoned from
Bharani (2), then the first dasä shall be initiated from Venus, the
lord of Bharani. The order of the constellations are
Bharani(2)-Krittika(3)-Rohini(4)-Mrigasira(5)-Ardra(6)-Punarvasu(7)-Pusya(8)-Aslesha(9)-Makha(10)
etc. Thus, the order of the Dasä shall be Venus (Bharani), Sun (Krittika),
Moon (Rohini), Mars (Mrigasira), Rähu (Ardra), Jupiter (Punarvasu),
Saturn (Pusya), Mercury (Aslesha) and Ketu (Makha).
Applicability
Paräsara has advised the use of this Vimsottari dasä for all
purposes as it is the best Udu dasä. Whereas he has given a very
specific rule (Criteria-1) for the use of Ashtottari Dasä (108
years) by stating[7]4 that Rähu in a quadrant or trine from the Lord
of Lagna determines the applicability of Ashtottari dasä,
subsequently he gives the following advise (Criteria-2):
“If birth is at day in Krishna Paksha[8] or at night in Sukla
Paksha[9], the use of Ashtottari dasä is advised.” If this advise is
to be taken at face value, then by implication the Vimsottari dasä
would apply only if birth is at night in Krishna Paksha or at day in
Sukla Paksha. Considering Criteria-1 & 2 together, Ashtottari dasä
will be applicable in about 25% charts. Thus, Vimsottari dasä is
applicable in about 75% birth charts[10]. Summing up, check the
following:-
1) Whether Rähu is placed in a Kendra or Trikona from Paka Lagna
(i.e. the sign occupied by the Lord of Lagna).
2) Whether birth at day time is in Krishna Paksha, OR Whether birth
at night time is in Sukla Paksha.
3) If both of (1) or (2) above is applicable, then use Ashtottari
dasä, else apply Vimsottari dasä.
Determination of Starting Dasä
It has become a common practice to initiate the Vimsottari dasä from
the constellation occupied by the Moon. However specific rules exist
for determining the starting constellation. Determine the following
five constellations: -
(i) Lagna Nakshatra: the constellation, which houses the rising
degree of the ascendant.
(ii) Janma Nakshatra: the constellation, which is occupied by the
Moon in the horoscope (Birth chart).
(iii) Name Nakshatra: the constellation/Pada indicated by the first
letter in the name of the person (refer Table – at Appendix I).
(iv) Prasna Nakshatra: the constellation occupied by the Moon at the
time of query or examination of a chart, and,
(v) Utpanna[11] Nakshatra[12]: the fifth constellation counted from
the constellation occupied by the Moon in the birth chart.
Lesson # 2:
1. stronger amongst Name Nakshatra and Prasna Nakshatra is used to
determine the dasä related to a horary (Prasna) chart, and
2. the stronger amongst Lagna Nakshatra, Janma Nakshatra and the
Utpanna Nakshatra is used to determine the dasä’ s for natal chart
(horoscope).
Although there maybe many methods to determine the relative strength
of constellation, a few rules are given here.
(i) Determine the number of planets in Kendra (quadrants) to the
signs occupied by the constellation[13]7. Larger number of planets
in quadrant shall determine the stronger.
(ii) If they are equal or if the constellations are in mutual
quadrant, then the association or aspect of Jupiter, Mercury or Lord
of the constellation is a source of strength[14].
Lesson # 3: Whenever in doubt prefer the Moon constellation
in Manushya Jataka(horoscope/charts relating to human beings) as the
Mana (Mind) signified by the Moon shall determine the fortune.
Lesson # 4: In case there are four or more planets in
quadrant to Lagna, then Tara dasä (a modification of Vimsottari dasä)
shall apply.
In the case of Tara[15] dasä, the strongest planet in Kendra
initiates the dasä, which is followed by other planets in the
Kendra[16]. Thereafter planets in Panapara[17] and Apoklimas[18]
furnish the dasä. The dasä periods are the same as for Vimsottari
dasä.
Calculation of Dasä Balance
After having determined the strongest constellation that will
initiate the Vimsottari dasä, the next logical step is to determine
the balance of dasä.
Step 1: Determine the exact longitude of the Lagna/Moon as the case
maybe. (Say M)
Step 2: Expunge the longitude of the starting point of the
constellation (Say N) from it. Thus we have (M-N) the progress in
the constellation.
Step 3: Since the span of the constellation is 13°20' or 800',
expunge the progress in the constellation determined from previous
step from the span to determined balance of constellation to be
covered i.e. 13o20' - (M-N).
Step 4: the balance of dasä is obtained by multiplying the dasä
period of the lord of the constellation with the ratio of balance of
constellation to be covered (Step 3) and complete span
i.e. Dasä Balance = Dasä period X {13°20' - (M-N)} / 13°20'
or, Dasä Balance = Dasä period X {1- [(M-N)/13°20']}
Illustrations
Example 1 Let us determine the starting dasä, dasä balance and
Vimsottari Dasä of Male born on 12 November 1934 at 6:20' PM IST at
Lat: 20N30', Long:85E50', India. The birth chart as follows:-
Determination of Starting Dasä
(i) Lagna Nakshatra: Rohini (4) in Taurus.
(ii) Janma Nakshatra: Uttar Sadha (21) in Capricorn
(iii) Utpanna Nakshatra: 5th from Janma Nakshatra: Poorvabhadra (25)
in Aquarius.
Seven planets are placed in quadrant to the Moon sign and this is
the strongest. Thus the Moon shall determine the starting
constellation as Uttar Sadha (21). The lord of this constellation is
the Sun, which shall furnish the first dasä at birth.
Calculation Dasä Balance.
Dasä Period of Sun = 6 Years
Longitude of Moon = 10s 5° 51' 13.00"= 305° 51'13"(M)
Longitude of starting point of Uttar Sadha = 9s 26° 40'=296° 40' (N)
Thus, balance of dasä = Dasä period ´ { 1- [(M-N)/ 13°20'] }
= 6 X {1- [(305° 51'13" – 296°40')/13°20']}
= 6 X {1- [9011'13"/13°20']}
= 6 X {1- [33073”/48000”]}
= 6 X 0.31098[19]
= 1.865875
= 1 Year 10 Months 11 Days 17hr-9min-36sec.
Thus the Vimsottari dasä ending date of the Chart 1 is as follows:
The starting date of the Moon Dasä is 24 September 1937 and starting
time of 11-29'-36" AM should be noted separately for drawing the
Dasä Pravesh Chakra (Dasä Initiation Chart).
Vimsottari Dasä table of Chart1
|
|
|
|
Starting Date |
Ending Date |
|
Dasa |
Planet |
Period |
Y |
M |
D |
Y |
M |
D |
|
1 Janma |
Sun |
1-10-11 |
1936 |
11 |
12 |
1937 |
9 |
24 |
|
2 Sampat |
Moon |
10 |
1937 |
9 |
24 |
1947 |
9 |
24 |
|
3 Vipat |
Mars |
7 |
1947 |
9 |
24 |
1954 |
9 |
24 |
|
4 Kshema |
Rähu |
18 |
1954 |
9 |
24 |
1972 |
9 |
24 |
|
5 Pratya |
Jup |
16 |
1972 |
9 |
24 |
1988 |
9 |
24 |
|
6 Sadha |
Sat |
19 |
1988 |
9 |
24 |
2007 |
9 |
24 |
|
7 Vadha |
Merc |
17 |
2007 |
9 |
24 |
2024 |
9 |
24 |
|
8 Mitra |
Ketu |
7 |
2024 |
9 |
24 |
2031 |
9 |
24 |
|
9 Ati-mitra |
Ven |
20 |
2031 |
9 |
24 |
2054 |
9 |
24 |
Example 2 Determine the dasä for Male born on 7 August 1963 at 9:15’
AM IST at Lat:21N28’ Long:84E01’, India.
The Rasi Chart is as follows:
Date of Birth: August 7, 1963; Time of Birth: 9:15:00 pm (21N28
84E01')
In Chart 2, all four quadrants are occupied by four planets.
Normally the conjunction of four or more planets in a Kendra gives
Pravrajya (renunciation) Yoga and in this case, they are in separate
signs and as per Lesson#4, Tara Dasä is applicable in the chart.
Step 1: Determination of the strongest planet
The four planets in quadrants are Jupiter, Rähu, Ketu and Mars. The
nodes Rähu & Ketu are exalted in Gemini & Sagittarius respectively
and are stronger than Jupiter in own sign (Pisces) or Mars in an
inimical sign. Both nodes are equally aspected as per Rasi Drishti
by Jupiter and are not conjoined any planets. In such a scenario we
can use Bhava Bala[20] wherein the tenth house has a total strength
of 10.53 Rupa and the fourth house has 9.37 Rupa. Thus Ketu is the
strongest planet.
Step 2: Order of Dasä
The order of the dasä is based on Kendradi dasä. The planets in
Kendra furnish the initial dasä’s on the basis of their strengths.
This is followed by the dasä’s of planets in Panapara & then
Apoklimas. Thus the order of Dasä for Chart 2 is as follows:-
Ketu, Rähu, Jupiter, Mars, (Kendra)
Sun, Venus, Saturn (Panapara),
Mercury, Moon (Apoklimas).
NOTE: This is the beginning of undoing the fixed concepts that many
of you may have developed and in trying to make the mind more
flexible to think. However, I will end this PART LESSON on
Vimsottari Dasä with the words that all the DASÄ function
simultaneously (which includes the various types of Vimsottari). It
is only a question of dominance of one over the other.
[1] Kaliyuga refers to one of the four eon’s which is the present
Age of Iron. It started with the disappearance of Bhagavan Sri
Krishna in 3102 B.C.
[2] One of the fourteen sons of Brahma in one life of Brahma and the
progenitor(s) of the Human race.
[3] Vedic Literature can be broadly classified as the Smriti and
Sruti. Sruti means that which was heard (by the Maharishi’s) and is
the voice of God. These include the Veda etc. Smriti means that
which is remembered and can be commented or generally adapted.
[4] Diva means light and hence Deva is a giver of light of knowledge
or enlightenment or a giver of energy. The Sun is the source of all
energy in the solar system. Thus, it is not only the Deva, but also
the Atmakaraka or soul personified.
[5] navel of Brahma signifying a new beginning
[6]
[7]
[8] Krishna means dark; Paksha means fortnight. Thus Krishna Paksha
means Dark fortnight or waning phase of Moon.
[9] Sukla means bright; Paksha means fortnight. Thus Sukla Paksha
means Bright fortnight/waxing phase.
[10] Let us see the Mathematics. If we use the Paksha Criteria, then
50% are for Vimsottari and the other for 50% Ashtottari. Now, for
Ashtottari the second criteria is not in EXCLUSION, but in
INCLUSION. Thus, out of the 50%, another half (Kendra + Kona=6 signs
out of 12) shall be excluded as Rähu will not be in Kendra/Kona to
Päka Lagna. Now 50% of 50% is 25% applicable for Vimsottari Däsa.
[11] Kshema is the 4th Star, Ädhana is the 8th Star and Utpanna is
the 5th Star/ Nakshatra as reckoned from the Nakshatra occupied by
the Moon.
[12] The Moon’s longitude is used for calculating the Däsa balance
as these are only relative positions of the Nakshatra from their
overlord - the Moon.
[13] Constellations could span over two signs and the position of
the Lagna or Moon should be the deciding factor about the sign being
referred to. For example if the Constellation is Punarvasu (Gemini
20o to Cancer 3020’), and if the Moon is in Cancer 20, then the sign
for checking planets in quadrants is Cancer.
[14] Similar to the second source of strength given by Jaimini and
later explained by Varähamihira (Båhat Jätaka).
[15] Tara is the spouse of Jupiter (Båhaspati) who is the Guru of
Vimsottari dasä. That is why the periods of the Sun & Moon are equal
to the period of Jupiter {i.e. Sun (6) +Moon (10) = Jupiter (16)}.
On the other hand Venus (Sukräcärya) is the Guru of Ashöottari dasä
as the periods of the Sun (6) and Moon (15) equal the period of
Venus (21) in Ashöottari dasä.
[16] Kendra are the Cadent houses i.e. the 1st, 4th, 7th & 10th
house.
[17] Panapara are the Succeedent houses i.e. the 2nd, 5th, 8th &
11th houses.
[18] Apoklimas are the precedent houses i.e. the 12th, 3rd, 6th &
9th houses.
[19] This ratio is called Nakshatra Balance
[20] Refer to Graha & Bhäva Bala by Dr B V Raman. Although some
would suggest Graha Bala instead of Bhäva Bala, this cannot be
computed for the nodes
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