Pt.

Sanjay Rath - Vimshottari Dasha #1

A study of the finest udu dasa system taught by Parasara and other authors of classical jyotish
literature. Let us pray to Sarasvati with the following Sarasvati Gäyatri Mantra from the Rig
Veda (Mandala-1.Hymn-3.Mantra-10) before starting the lesson.

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

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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

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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.

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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"

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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

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1 Janma

Sun

1-10-11

1936

11

12

1937

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24

2 Sampat

Moon

10

1937

24

1947

24

3 Vipat

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Mars

1947

24

1954

24

4 Kshema

Rähu

18

1954

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24

1972

24

5 Pratya

Jup

16

1972

24

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1988

24

6 Sadha

Sat

19

1988

24

2007

24

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7 Vadha

Merc

17

2007

24

2024

24

8 Mitra

Ketu

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2024

24

2031

24

9 Ati-mitra

Ven

20

2031

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24

2054

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

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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

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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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