Nakshatra-Based Dasha Systems — BPHS Reference Table

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DASHA NAME (Sanskrit)

TOTAL CYCLE

PLANETS / LORDS

BPHS CONDITION FOR USE

BEST FOR

1

Vimshottari

विंशोत्तरी

120 years

All 9 grahas: Ketu 7y · Ve 20y · Su 6y · Mo 10y · Ma 7y · Ra 18y · Ju 16y · Sa 19y · Me 17y

Universal — no special condition required. Parāśara declares it the primary dasha for Kali Yuga and the general population.

All life domains: career, marriage, health, wealth, spirituality. The default first analysis.

2

Ashtottari

अष्टोत्तरी

108 years

8 planets (Rahu included, Ketu excluded): Su 6y · Mo 15y · Ma 8y · Me 17y · Sa 10y · Ju 19y · Ve 21y · Ra 12y

Rahu occupies a Kendra or Trikona from the Lagna lord (not from the Lagna itself), and Rahu does not occupy the Lagna. Note: some secondary texts (Mansagari) link this to Paksha of birth, but Parāśara’s own condition is the Rahu–Lagnesha relationship.

Rahu-prominent charts; worldly ambition; politics; karmic themes around desire and illusion.

3

Shodashottari

षोडशोत्तरी

116 years

8 planets: Su 11y · Mo 12y · Ma 7y · Me 13y · Sa 10y · Ju 9y · Ve 16y · Ra 38y (Rahu has the largest period)

Birth during daytime in Krishna Paksha, or nighttime in Shukla Paksha; OR when the Lagna rises in Chandra’s Hora in Krishna Paksha, or Sūrya’s Hora in Shukla Paksha. Count from Pushya to Janma Nakshatra, divide by 8.

Leadership, authority, government service, solar-dominated charts; when Vimshottari gives unclear results for day-born natives.

4

Dvadashottari

द्वादशोत्तरी

112 years

8 planets (Venus excluded): Su 7y · Ju 9y · Ke 11y · Me 13y · Ra 15y · Ma 17y · Sa 19y · Mo 21y. Count from Janma Nakshatra to Revati, divide by 8.

Lagna falls in a Navāmsha ruled by Shukra (Venus) — i.e., the rising degree occupies a Venus-owned Navāmsha (Taurus or Libra Navāmsha). This is a precise degree-based condition applicable to any Ascendant sign, not limited to Taurus or Libra Lagnas.

Charts where the Lagna degree falls in a Venus Navāmsha. Venus is notably excluded from the planet list — Ketu and Rahu both participate. Useful when Vimshottari gives unclear results for natives with strong Navāmsha-Venus influence.

5

Panchottari

पञ्चोत्तरी

105 years

7 planets (Rahu & Ketu both excluded): Su 12y · Me 13y · Sa 14y · Ma 15y · Ve 16y · Mo 17y · Ju 18y

Lagna in Cancer sign AND in Cancer Dvadashāmsha (Lagna between 0°–2°30′ of Cancer). A very rare double-Cancer condition.

Emotional sensitivity, nurturing, healing, home and mother themes. Charts free from Rahu–Ketu karmic extremes.

6

Shatabdika

शताब्दिका

100 years

7 planets: Su 5y · Mo 5y · Ve 10y · Me 10y · Ju 20y · Ma 20y · Sa 30y

Lagna is Vargottama — i.e., the rising sign in the Rāshi chart and the Navāmsha chart are the same. Rare and powerful yogic indicator.

Spiritually advanced souls; Vargottama Lagna charts; Jupiter’s long 20-year period is highly significant here.

7

Chaturashiti Sama

चतुरशीति समा

84 years

7 planets (no Rahu/Ketu): Su · Mo · Ma · Me · Ju · Ve · Sa — equal 12 years each

Karmesh (lord of 10th house) occupies the Karma Bhava (10th house). Rare condition indicating strong destiny of professional excellence.

Career, profession, fame; charts where work is the primary life purpose. The 84-year equal-period cycle emphasises karma without shadow-planet distortion.

8

Dwisaptati Sama

द्विसप्तति समा

72 years

8 planets (Ketu excluded, Rahu included) — equal 9 years each in weekday order: Su · Mo · Ma · Me · Ju · Ve · Sa · Ra. Ketu is excluded because the 7th house (the dasha’s activating axis) is Ketu’s domain as Hara/Rudra.

Either: (a) Lagnesha (Lagna lord) is placed in the 7th house; or (b) the 7th lord is placed in the Lagna. Both conditions qualify; both can be simultaneously true. Count from Mūla Nakshatra to Janma Nakshatra, divide by 8.

Charts where the self-axis (Lagna) and the other-axis (7th) are karmically intertwined; relationship-centred lives; strong karmic lessons through marriage, partnership, and public interaction.

9

Shastihayani

षष्टिहायनी

60 years

8 planets in order: Ju · Su · Ma · Mo · Me · Ve · Sa · Ra — Ju, Su, Ma each get 10y; Mo, Me, Ve, Sa, Ra each get 6y. Total = 60y. Abhijit Nakshatra is included in this system’s Nakshatra mapping.

Sun occupies the Lagna (Ascendant). A solar-power condition indicating a soul of strong solar identity and authority.

Sun-in-Lagna charts; royalty; leaders; government officials; charts where the Sun is the defining force.

10

Shattrimshat Sama

षट्त्रिंशत् समा

36 years

8 planets: Mo 1y · Su 2y · Ju 3y · Ma 4y · Me 5y · Sa 6y · Ve 7y · Ra 8y

Day birth + Lagna in Sun’s Hora; OR night birth + Lagna in Moon’s Hora. Hora is determined by the rising half-sign at birth.

Short lifespan analysis; early-life karmas; charts where the Hora condition is met; supplementary to Vimshottari.

11

Yogini

योगिनी

36 years

8 Yoginis (divine feminine forces): Mangalā(Mo)1y · Pingalā(Su)2y · Dhanyā(Ju)3y · Bhramari(Ma)4y · Bhadrikā(Me)5y · Ulkā(Sa)6y · Siddhā(Ve)7y · Sankatā(Ra)8y

Universal — described by Lord Mahādeva (Shiva) himself in BPHS. No restrictive birth condition. Can be used alongside Vimshottari for any chart.

Short-term event prediction within 1–2 years; tantric and Shakti-oriented charts; cross-referencing with Vimshottari Antardasha for precise timing.

12

Kalachakra

कालचक्र

Variable (100–360 yr cycles)

Based on zodiac signs traversed by the Nakshatra pāda (quarter) in a serpentine “Savya/Apasavya” pattern — concept of Deha (body sign) and Jeeva (soul sign) is central.

Parāśara calls Kalachakra supreme among Kala/Chakra Dasha systems. Universal but complex — requires identification of Savya vs. Apasavya Nakshatra groups.

Spiritual evolution, moksha timing, health of body and soul (Deha-Jeeva analysis); the “wheel of time” — cosmic life arc of the soul.

Rāshi (Sign-Based) Dasha Systems — BPHS Reference Table

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DASHA NAME

MECHANISM / HOW PERIODS ARE SET

WHEN TO USE

SPECIALTY DOMAIN

13

Chara Dasha (चर)

Starts from Lagna sign. Movable signs move forward, Fixed signs move backward, Dual signs alternate. Duration = number of signs counted from sign to its lord. Uses Chara Kārakas (Jaimini’s 8 atmakaraka system).

Universal within Jaimini system. Applicable to all charts, especially when Nakshatra dashas give unclear career/relationship results.

Career, dharma, relationships, political destiny. The Jaimini workhorse.

14

Sthira Dasha (स्थिर)

Fixed sign–centric. Dasha starts from the sign opposite the Lagna. Fixed signs take priority in the sequence, followed by movable then dual. Duration governed by lord’s placement strength.

When Fixed signs are dominant in the chart; when Vimshottari doesn’t explain financial or longevity patterns well.

Stability, wealth, inheritance, longevity, long-term financial analysis.

15

Lagna Kendra Dasha (केन्द्र)

Begins from Lagna sign. Proceeds through Kendra signs (1, 4, 7, 10) first, then Panaphara (2, 5, 8, 11), then Apoklima (3, 6, 9, 12).

When Kendra houses are heavily occupied or very significant in the chart. Useful for analysing structure and foundational life events.

Structural life events (self, home, relationships, career) in Kendra sequence.

16

Karaka Kendra Dasha (कारक केन्द्र)

Starts from the sign of the Atmakaraka (the planet with the highest longitude in the chart). Then proceeds via Kendra → Panaphara → Apoklima from that sign.

Jaimini analysis; when the soul’s purpose (Atmakaraka) is the central inquiry. Used alongside Chara Dasha for refined Jaimini readings.

Soul purpose, dharma, spiritual mission, Jaimini-based life event analysis.

17

Karaka Dasha (कारक)

The 8 Jaimini Kārakas (Atma, Amatya, Bhratri, Matri, Putra, Gnati, Dara, and the 8th) take turn as Dasha lords — but activated through their sign positions.

When life events are clearly tied to Kāraka themes (soul, career minister, siblings, mother, children, enemies, spouse).

Relationship analysis via Kāraka activation; specific family and social karma.

18

Brahma Graha Āshrita (ब्रह्म)

Identifies the Brahma Graha (a planet derived from the Lagna lord and 8th lord using specific strength rules) and starts the Dasha from its sign.

Advanced Jaimini practice; primarily for longevity and lifespan (Āyur) calculations and moksha timing.

Longevity, death timing, liberation (moksha).

19

Mandūka Dasha (मण्डूक)

Named after the frog’s leaping motion. Proceeds by skipping every alternate sign (2 signs at a time) in a jumping pattern. Duration = 7 years for each sign.

Used when the chart shows alternating high and low periods; for irregular life patterns; useful in analysing spiritual advancement through discontinuous “leaps.”

Spiritual progress in leaps and bounds; discontinuous life patterns.

20

Shūla Dasha (शूल)

Trident-shaped progression. Begins from the sign of the strongest Argalā (intervention) planet. Period duration is 7 years for each sign.

Marakas (death inflicters), longevity challenges, timing of critical illness, surgery, and accidents. Named for Shiva’s trident as a destroyer of obstacles.

Death, danger, illness, surgery timing; Maraka planet analysis.

21

Yogardha Dasha (योगार्ध)

An averaging (ardha = half) system that combines elements of Chara and Sthira Dasha — using the midpoint of their respective period durations for more balanced timing.

When Chara and Sthira Dasha give contradictory results. Used to reconcile mixed-sign charts.

Balanced life-event timing; reconciling conflicting Rāshi Dasha results.

22

Drig Dasha (दृग्)

Based on the Drishti (aspects) — particularly the mutual and single aspects between signs. Dasha sequence is determined by aspectual strength. Starts from the sign with the most aspect connections.

When chart results are primarily delivered through aspects rather than conjunctions; aspect-heavy charts.

Influence, visibility, social recognition, the impact of mutual aspirations between planetary areas.

23

Trikona Dasha (त्रिकोण)

Proceeds through the three Trikona (trine) signs of each element group (Fire: Ar–Le–Sg; Earth: Ta–Vi–Cp; Air: Ge–Li–Aq; Water: Ca–Sc–Pi). Duration based on the strength of the Trikona sign lords.

When the chart is dominated by Trikona (5th, 9th) energies; for spiritual, dharmic, or highly fortunate charts.

Dharma, luck, fortune, spirituality, elemental life patterns.

24

Rāshi Dasha (राशि)

Simple sequential sign-based dasha beginning from Aries for daytime births or from the Moon sign for nighttime births. Each sign gets a period based on house counting from its lord.

General Rāshi-based analysis; for identifying which houses (areas of life) are activated in sequence. A simpler alternative to Chara Dasha.

House-based life event timing; broad thematic periods by zodiac sign.

25

Panchasvara Dasha (पञ्चस्वर)

Based on the five Svaras (musical tones / breath tones in Svara Yoga). Signs are linked to Svara qualities: Udāna, Prāna, Apāna, Samāna, Vyāna — an esoteric system.

Esoteric and Svara Yoga practitioners; determining auspicious Muhurta timing through prānic resonance of the native’s breath cycle.

Esoteric life timing; Prāna/breath-based karmic analysis; Svara Yoga.

26

Varnada Dasha (वर्णद)

Uses the Varnada Lagna (a special ascendant derived from Hora Lagna and Ghati Lagna). The first Dasha = the number of Rāshis between Lagna and Varnada Lagna.

When timing relates to varnas (social destiny), intelligence, and special Lagna-based analysis. Discussed in BPHS Ch. 74 under the Varnada system.

Intelligence, education, speech, writing, social destiny through Varna.

27–36

Further Rāshi Dashas

Chara Paryāya · Navāmsha Navadasha · Rashyāmsha · Moola · Narayana · Sudasha · Lagnāmsha · Pādhanādhamsha · Navāmsha Sthira · Nisarga

Variants on sign-based counting from different divisional chart Lagnas (D-9, D-12, etc.) or modified Chara/Sthira mechanics with different starting points.

Advanced Jaimini research; divisional chart (Varga) timing; used by specialised schools within the Jaimini tradition.

Highly specialised — divisional chart event timing; Navamsha destiny; ancestral karma.

Special, Conditional & Unique Dasha Systems

DASHA NAME

CALCULATION BASIS

CONDITION / WHEN APPLICABLE

PRIMARY USE

Naisargika Dasha (नैसर्गिक)

Natural/intrinsic order of planets corresponding to the seven natural life stages: Mo 1y · Ma 2y · Me 9y · Ve 20y · Ju 18y · Su 20y · Sa 50y. Total = 120 years of natural growth.

Universal — applicable to all charts. Aligned with the natural Kālanemi (cosmic life wheel). No birth condition required.

Natural maturation and stages of life from infancy through old age; cross-referencing with Vimshottari for confirmation of planetary strength.

Pinda Dasha (पिण्ड)

Based on the Pinda (numeric aggregate) of Shadbala strength scores of all planets. The strongest planet by Pinda starts the Dasha. A numerical/mathematical system.

When precise Shadbala calculations are available. Used in conjunction with Amsha Dasha for refined strength-based timing.

Strength-based life timing; identifying which planet has the most power to deliver results at any given time.

Amsha Dasha (अंश)

Based on the Amsha (divisional chart) strength of planets — particularly their Vimshopaka Bala (a composite strength across 16 divisional charts).

Used alongside Pinda Dasha when divisional chart analysis is a priority. Very important in Parāśara’s Varga (divisional chart) methodology.

Divisional chart event timing; Vimshopaka-based strength prediction across all 16 Vargas.

Ashtakavarga Dasha (अष्टकवर्ग)

Periods are determined by the Ashtakavarga bindu (point) scores of signs in the Sarvashtakavarga table. Signs with more bindus receive longer Dasha periods.

When Ashtakavarga analysis is central to the reading — particularly for transit (Gochara) strength and for identifying strong vs. weak life periods.

Transit-based period analysis; identifying collectively strong or weak houses through the bindu scoring system.

Sandhya Dasha (संध्या)

A transitional (Sandhya = twilight junction) system that identifies junctions between Dasha periods (Dasha–Antardasha transitions) as especially sensitive timing windows.

Used in conjunction with primary Dashas to identify critical juncture periods. Particularly relevant for crisis, transformation, and sudden change prediction.

Critical turning points; major life transitions at Dasha junctions; crisis identification.

Pachaka Dasha (पाचक)

A “cooking / ripening” system where the Dasha lord’s influence is measured through Pachaka (digestive) relationship — planets in the 9th from the Dasha lord “ripen” its results.

Supplementary system; particularly useful in identifying which planets will “deliver” (ripe results) for the native during any given Dasha period.

Timing of fruit (phala) delivery; karmic ripening; supplementary to Vimshottari antardasha analysis.

Tara Dasha (तार)

Conditional Nakshatra-Phalita (result-giving) Dasha. Starts from the strongest planet in the Kendra (quadrant). Proceeds: Kendra planets → Panaphara → Apoklima planets in order of strength.

Only applicable when planets occupy the Kendra houses. Activated condition: at least one strong planet in 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house.

Result-giving based on Kendra planetary strength; a powerful alternative when Vimshottari gives ambiguous results and Kendras are strong.

Sudarshana Chakra Dasha (सुदर्शन)

Three simultaneous Dasha wheels running in parallel from (a) the Lagna, (b) the Moon, and (c) the Sun — each completing a 12-sign, 12-year cycle. All three are evaluated together (the “wheel” = chakra view).

Universal — no special condition. A confirmatory system used alongside the primary Dasha to see what the Lagna, Moon, and Sun simultaneously indicate.

Holistic confirmation; identifying the single year when all three wheels align. Triple-confirmation of major life events.

Master Decision Guide — Selecting the Right Dasha System

SITUATION / QUERY

PRIMARY DASHA

SUPPORTING DASHA

NOTES

General life reading — any chart

Vimshottari

Yogini, Naisargika

Parāśara’s explicit default for Kali Yuga. No conditions required. Always the starting point.

Rahu in Kendra or Trikona from the Lagna lord, and Rahu not in Lagna

Ashtottari

Vimshottari alongside

108-year cycle. Rahu’s 12-year period is powerfully active. Ketu is excluded — the native’s karmic journey is Rahu-driven. Applicable to any Ascendant.

Career, fame, political destiny, Atmakaraka query

Chara Dasha (Jaimini)

Karaka Kendra, Chaturashiti Sama (if Karmesh in 10th)

Best Rāshi Dasha for career. The Atmakaraka and Amatyakaraka signs reveal the soul’s professional path.

Short-term timing (next 1–3 years), precise event windows

Yogini Dasha

Vimshottari Antardasha

36-year cycle with 1–8 year periods. The Yogini periods (especially Sankata at 8y, Siddha at 7y) cross-check Vimshottari sub-periods excellently for pinpoint timing.

Spiritual evolution, Moksha, soul’s cosmic journey

Kalachakra Dasha

Brahma Graha Āshrita

Parāśara says Kalachakra is supreme among Kala/Chakra systems. Deha (body) and Jeeva (soul) signs reveal health of body and spiritual status simultaneously.

Death timing, Maraka analysis, longevity (Āyur)

Shūla Dasha

Brahma Graha, Vimshottari Maraka analysis

Shūla = Shiva’s trident. Its 7-year sign periods identify dangerous transit through Maraka signs. Must be cross-confirmed — never used alone for death prediction.

Vargottama Lagna birth

Shatabdika

Vimshottari, Kalachakra

Jupiter’s 20-year period in this system is particularly powerful. These are often spiritually gifted or dharmic individuals.

Karmesh occupies 10th house (Karma in Karma)

Chaturashiti Sama

Chara Dasha, Vimshottari

84-year cycle, equal 12-year periods for 7 planets. This is a rare and powerful yoga indicating a life devoted to career/dharma.

Lagnesha in 7th house, OR 7th lord in Lagna

Dwisaptati Sama

Vimshottari, Chara Dasha

72-year cycle, equal 9-year periods. Ketu excluded. Applies to any Ascendant. Both conditions can be simultaneously true (parivartana yoga between Lagna and 7th lords). Strong for relationship, partnership, and karmic balance themes.

Sun in Lagna

Shastihayani

Shodashottari, Vimshottari

60-year cycle counting Abhijit Nakshatra. Jupiter/Sun/Mars get 10 years each. Leadership and authority themes dominate.

Major life event confirmation — cross-reference

Sudarshana Chakra

All three wheels (Lagna, Moon, Sun) aligned

When all three Sudarshana wheels agree on a year, the predicted event is near-certain. Powerful confirmatory tool.

Wealth, inheritance, financial analysis

Sthira Dasha

Ashtakavarga Dasha, Vimshottari

Fixed sign analysis reveals long-term financial stability and fixed assets. The 2nd and 11th house sign periods are most significant.

Occult, tantra, hidden karma, sudden transformations

Yogini Dasha

Sandhya Dasha, Kalachakra

The 8 Yoginis are Shakti-feminine forces. Sankatā (8 years, ruled by Rahu) is the most powerful and turbulent period in this system.

Transit impact strength assessment

Ashtakavarga Dasha

Gochara (transit) analysis

Signs with highest bindu score have longest and most powerful Dasha periods. Directly links transit strength to Dasha power.

LAYER

SANSKRIT NAME

APPROXIMATE DURATION / NOTES

1st — Mahādasha

Mahādashā (महादशा)

The main planetary period — 6 to 20 years in Vimshottari. Sets the dominant planetary theme of the life phase.

2nd — Antardasha

Antardashā / Bhukti (अन्तर्दशा)

Sub-period within the Mahadasha — months to 3 years. Chapters 52–60 of BPHS detail each planet’s Antardasha effects exhaustively.

3rd — Pratyantardasha

Pratyantardashā (प्रत्यन्तर्दशा)

Sub-sub period — typically weeks to a few months. Used for narrowing event timing to a specific season.

4th — Sookshma

Sookshma Dasha (सूक्ष्म)

Days to weeks. Used in very precise Muhurta (electional astrology) and event prediction within a month.

5th — Prāna

Prāna Dasha (प्राण)

Hours to days — the finest level of timing. Extremely advanced; used by expert Jyotishis for pinpointing exact events to within hours.