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The various Dasha-systems are many unique workable set-ups – which are utilized as different methods of "time-directions" in Indian Astrology – for ascertaining the nature of-, and also the timing of-, events and happenings of persons’ lives. Some of these systems are for general application – that is, those can be used for any person’s horoscope – for ascertaining the nature of- and events of- all possible major or significant conditions or happenings in persons’ lives. However, some other Dasha-systems are ‘conditional’ – that is, one or more of those is/ are useful in some peoples’ horoscopes only – and that too when certain specific requisite combinations are found to be present in the persons’ horoscopes.

An interesting thing deserves to be noted in respect of some of the ‘conditional’ Dasha-systems; even if it is found that the requisite combination for the applicability of the Dasha-system is not found to be present in a person’s chart for judging all the events and happenings in general, yet some particular ‘conditional’ Dasha-systems can be very effectively and advantageously used for finding the precise nature of-, and also the accurate timing of-, some particular events and happenings corresponding to one particular house.

Take for instance, the case of “Shasti-Hayani” Dasha-system (60 years’ full-cycle); it is a Dasha-system of Planet-Star combination involving 8 Planets & 28 Stars (including Abhijit) – which is quite similar to the Ashtottari Dasha-systems (Aridradi method & Krittikadi method). Like Ashtottari Dasha-systems (as per Aridradi method & also as per Krittikadi method), most of the Astrology enthusiasts wrongly consider that Shashti-Hayani Dasha-system is also a system of 8 Dashas – which in fact it is certainly not. As like as the Ashtottari Dasha-system (as per Aridradi method and also as per Krittikadi method), the Shashti-Hayani Dasha-system is also a system of 28 Dashas of Planet-Star combinations. In the corresponding cycles of these Dasha-systems, every planet has rulership over 3 or 4 stars; so, every planet has rulership over 3 or 4 Dashas in succession – but in every case, the co-ruler “star” is different. As such, the results experienced – during the ‘apparently’ same Dasha, but ‘actually’ under the co-rulership of different star-lord – will obviously become different.

Shashti-Hayani Dasha-system has been categorized as a ‘conditional’ Dasha-system; as per the original recommendation, it is applicable only to those horoscopes where Sun is situated in the Ascendant. As such, it is applicable only 1 in 12 or 8.33% cases – for ascertaining all events and happenings. But in the rest of cases, it is found to be applicable only for ascertaining the results pertaining to the house wherein Sun is situated – although in such cases, in respect of other events and happenings, this Dasha-system is far less likely to offer reliable results.

In a particular male person’s horoscope, Sun is situated in the 10th house. So, this Dasha-system Should be applicable for ascertaining the results pertaining to the 10th house – although this particular Dasha-system will obviously not be applicable to the person’s horoscope for ascertaining other events and happenings in life. Profession comes under the 10th house; so, if a person is circumstantially looking for having a change of employment, then the timing when he will be able to find an opportunity could be ascertained from this Dasha-system. From Shashti-Hayani Dasha-system the timing for change of employment was obtained as to be around 29/ 03/ 2000* . … His terms and conditions of service with a prospective new employer were finalized on 23/ 03/ 2000 , he was asked to join on 02/ 04/ 2000*; he had actually joined on 15/ 04/ 2004 .

Most of the Indian Dasha-systems are either (a) *Planet-based or (b) **Sign-based. There are some basic differences between these two major classes. For Planet-based Dasha-systems, the “aspects” are Parashari, while for Sign-based Dasha-systems, the “aspects” are as per Jaimini; there are distinct differences between the two. For the purpose of maintaining the distinction, we prefer to use the newly coined term “J-aspect” for denoting aspects as per Jaimini. Although Jaimini system is said to be an offshoot – and yet a part and parcel – of the mainstream of Parashari Astrology, we have classified all the major Dasha-systems in these two categories – not only for the sake of convenience, but also for the purpose of avoiding possible confusion.

It is to be duly noted that the total duration (or full-cycle) of various Dasha-systems are “time-cycles” only . The full-cycle of any Dasha-system – or even the “Balance of full-cycle” (which is traditionally expressed by the misleading term “Paramayu”) as per Kala-Chakra Dasha – should not and must not be construed as a measure of a person’s actual “longevity” in any case.

Incidentally, it should be noted that the process of accurately ascertaining a person’s longevity is essentially very complex, and the various ‘mathematical’ models are no royal roads. In Indian Astrology, there are at least 32 different methods for calculating longevity – while it has been observed that some of those methods apparently do not produce satisfactory results in practice. However, ascertaining longevity by utilizing the predictive techniques offer fairly dependable results, and arriving at very close-range ‘timings’ are also entirely possible. But this requires considerable expertise gained through experience; it is not a job for amateurs.

However, there are two Parashari Dasha-systems – which are based on *Planet-Star combinations. These are: (1) Ashtottari Dasha (108 years’ cycle) and (2) Sashti-Hayani Dasha (60 years’ cycle). Ashtottari Dasha-system actually comprises of two different methods – (a) Aridradi and (b) Krittikadi. There are certain distinct differences in the two different set-ups of Ashtottari Dasha – although the method of judgment essentially remains just the very same – in the two different methods. But for Sashti-Hayani Dasha, there is a single method only.

In Ashtottari Dasha-system (as per Aridradi method), Sun has rulership over 4 stars (Aridra, Punarvasu, Pushya, and Ashlesha); Sun Dasha lasts for 6 years. But in fact, in this case, Sun Dasha is not a single Dasha (which runs for 6 years); rather, in Aridradi method, Sun Dasha is a group of 4 successive Dashas – running for a period of 1 year 6 months each. In the same Ashtottari Dasha-system (as per Krittikadi method), Sun has rulership over 3 stars (Krittika, Rohini, and Mrigashira); Sun Dasha lasts for 6 years. But in fact, in this case also, Sun Dasha is not a single Dasha (which runs for 6 years); rather, Sun Dasha is a group of 3 successive Dashas – running for a period of 2 years each.

Similarly, there are at least seven Jaimini Dasha-systems – which are based on **Sign (Planet) combinations. These are: (1) Atma-Karaka Dasha, (2) Upa-Karaka Graha Dasha, (3) Kendradi Dasha, (4) Chara Paryaya Dasha, (5) Sthira Paryaya Dasha, (6) Trikona Dasha, and (7) Drekkana Dasha. In all these Dasha-systems, there are only 9 Dashas (as only 9 planets – from Sun to Ketu – will become the ‘co-rulers’). … In case of the former two Dasha-systems – which belong to the class of ‘Karaka Dasha’ , only those sign in which one or more planet(s) is/ are placed appear in the Dasha-cycle; and if two or more planets are situated in a sign, then the Dasha of the same sign will appear as many times as many planets are situated there in the sign – but in such cases, the ‘co-ruler’ planet will be different every time, and consequently the results experienced will vary – during the periods of the ‘apparently’ same sign, but ‘actually’ under the co-rulership of different planets. … In case of the latter five Dasha-systems – which belong to the class of ‘Gochara Dasha’ , 9 signs will appear in the Dasha-cycle – but the ‘co-rulers’ in order will act as the lords of the Dasha-signs. In all these cases, the individual Dasha-durations, and consequently the “full-cycle” periods will vary from horoscope to horoscope.

It is reiterated that Jaimini system is considered an offshoot of-, and yet a part and parcel of-, the mainstream of (Parashari) Astrology. Still owing to the some very distinct difference of the methodologies employed for the purpose of delineation of results, these two main classes of Dasha-systems (each containing about 24 major and useful methods) deserve to be categorized separately. For gaining a better understanding and clearer comprehension of the unique imports, we have to depend on the commentaries. For Jaimini principles, the commentary written by Neelkanta is undoubtedly the most popular; most of the treatises available on the subject are based on Neelkanta’s exposition. But everybody will agree to the well-known fact that the most popular method is not necessarily the very best – although it might be the simplest to learn, easiest to remember, and quickest to follow. So, we need to intensively peruse the various other priceless commentaries written by some other erudite scholars as well – like “Phalaratnamala” of Krishna-Mishra, “Kalpalata” of Somanatha, “Jataka Sara Sangraha” of Raghava-Bhatta, “Sutradhara Prakashika” of Nrisimha-Suri, etc.

We have tried our level best to discuss the details about all these Dasha-systems lucidly in a systematic manner. If the Dasha-system is ‘conditional’, then we have mentioned the requisite condition(s). If a Dasha-system has some specific usefulness, then also we have duly mentioned that. We have mentioned about the corresponding natural set-ups of various Dashas, and the individual durations of the Dashas in the natural cycle; and, in case of Parashari Dashas, we have discussed how to find the ‘Balance of Dasha at Birth’, and then how to arrive at the set-up of Dashas as applicable to the individual horoscope. We have also discussed the methods of divisions (Bhuktis) and Sub-divisions (Antaras); and where there are two methods, we have discussed both. Besides, we have also discussed the methods employed for arriving at the “timing of events”. In some cases, we have added suitable examples for illustrating how the timing of event is calculated in a step-by-step manner.

We would consider our endeavors fruitful and feel ourselves duly rewarded – if this work is found to be useful to serve the purpose it is intended – should it prove to be helpful for the students and learners of Astrology for whom it is meant. We crave the indulgence of the interested readers, and earnestly look forward to receiving constructive criticisms – together with suggestions for incorporation of additional features in our future versions – from many of them. Each and every communication we receive in this connection will receive due attention, and suitable replies will also be sent per return at the earliest.

A. LIST OF MAJOR PARASHARI DASHAS:

Sl. Name of the Dasha No. of Dashas in the full cycle Type of Dasha Total Duration (in years) of the full cycle

1 Vimshottari Dasha 9 Dashas Planet 120 years

2 Ashtottari Dasha 8 Dashas Planet-Star 108 years

(a) Aridradi method.

(b) Krittikadi method.

3 Shodashottari Dasha 8 Dashas Planet 116 years

4 Dwadashottari Dasha 8 Dashas Planet 112 years

5 Panchottari Dasha 7 Dashas Planet 105 years

6 Shatabdika Dasha 7 Dashas Planet 100 years

7 Chatur-Ashiti Dasha 7 Dashas Planet 84 years

8 Dwi-Saptati Sama 8 Dashas Planet 72 years

9 Shasti-Hayani 8 Dashas Planet 60 years

10 Kala Dasha 9 Dashas Planet ... ... (variable)

11 Chakra Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 120 years

12 Kala-Chakra Dasha 9 Dashas Sign (Planet) 83 or 85 or 86 or 100

13 Lagnadi Rashi Dasha 12 Dashas sign ... ... (variable)

14 Yogini Dasha 8 Dashas Planet-Star 36 years

15 Shat-Trimsha Dasha 8 Dashas Planet-Star 36 years

16 Pindayu Dashs

17 Amshayu Dashs

18 Naisargikayu Dashs

19 Ashtaka-Vargayu Dashs

20 Moola Dashs

21 Sandhya Dashs

22 Pachaka Dashs

23 Tara Dasha 9 Dashas Planet 120 years

LIST OF MAJOR JAIMINI DASHAS:

Sl. Name of the Dasha No. of Dashas in the full cycle Type of Dasha Total Duration (in years) of the full cycle

1 Jaimini Chara Dasha 12 Dashas Sign variable

(a) Neelkanta’s method.

(b) Method of Raghava Bhatta & Nrisimha Suri.*

2 Jaimini Trikona Dasha 12 Dashas Sign variable

(a) Neelkanta’s method.

(b) Method of Raghava Bhatta & Nrisimha Suri.*

3 Sthira Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 96 years

4 Brahma-Graha Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 96 years

5 Brahma Dasha 12 Dashas Sign (variable)

6 Mandooka Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 96 years

7 Trikuta Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 96 years

8 Rudra-Mandooka Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 96 years

9 Pada-Nath Amsha Dasha 12 Dashas Sign (variable)

10 Atma-Karaka Dasha 9 Dashas Sign & Planet (variable)

11 Upa-Karaka Graha Dasha 9 Dashas Sign 7 Planet (variable)

12 Varnada Dasha 12 Dashas Sign (variable)

13 Nirayana Shula Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 108 years

14 Nirayana Shula Phala Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 108 years

15 Yogardha Dasha 12 Dashas Sign (variable)

16 Kendradi Dasha 9 Dashas Sign & Planet (variable)

17 Driga Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 96 years

18 Atmanadi (or Hora) Dasha 12 Dashas Sign years

19 Darpana Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 108 years

20 Chara Paryaya Dasha 9 Dashas Sign & Planet (variable)

21 Sthira Paryaya Dasha 9 Dashas Sign & Planet (variable)

22 Drekkana Dasha 9 Dashas Sign & Planet (variable)

23 Nakshatra Dasha 12 Dashas Sign 108 years