In search of Maharishi Parashara’s 42 Dasa

systems
Varaha Mihira

Dasas are the cornerstone of Jyotisha Shastra commonly known as Vedic Astrology. It is a method
of progression of either grahas or Rāśis, to time manifestation of results of Grahas and Rāśis promised
in the natal chart. Among them Vimshottari occupies a very eminent place as most Jyotishis of current
time use this. However it is said that there are many more Dasa system, 42 of them which Maharishi
Parashara narrated in his immortal work Brhat Parashari Hora Shastra (BPHS). Here is an attempt to
bring all these Dasa systems in one place for the knowledge of avid learner of this discipline. Although
barring one or two dasa systems, not many are accepted in general usage now a days, it is important
to know that their utility in the current age have not diminished. They are as useful as before, but one
needs to understand their right usage.

Timing of events is one of the most complex area of Jyotish and one often falters here due to
lack of accessibility to the right methods and tools. It is always advisable to use at least 3
methods of timing of events to improve the predictive accuracy viz., Vimshottari Dasa,
Sudarshana Chakra Dasa and Gochara. Or, it could be a combination of Vimshottari Dasa,
Chara or Narayana Dasa and Gochara. In my humble opinion, it is best to combine a Graha
(or Nakshatra) based Dasa with a Rāśi based Dasa (Sudarshana Chakra or Narayana) and
Gochara to fine tune timing of events. While these timing methods viz., Nakshatra Dasa, Rāśi Dasa
and Gochara are used independently, they can indicate multiple time slots for occurrence of an event
in future, however, when they are brought together and superimposed, they can help in zooming down
to a precise time slot which agrees to all the three timing methods. Such examination is common in
other disciplines such as Medicine. To diagnose a disease one can undertake blood test, ECG and
Ultrasound. An ailment that is confirmed by all the three different kinds of tests can help in
determining the precise malady affecting the patient.

Sri. R. Santhanam states in his translation of Maharishi Parashara’s work that there are some 32 dasa
systems. To which when Sudarshana Chakra Dasa is added, makes it 34. However, we commonly
hear about 42 Dasa systems that are narrated by Maharishi Parashara. A search for other Dasas led
me to verify this in the Bengali version of BPHS, translated by Sri Harihara Majumdar. Sri Majumdar
in this work states that he consulted many other translations available to him at that point of time,
including Sri Santhanam’s edition. Hence, I am assuming that, Sri Majumdar’s version is more
complete in this respect.

My regular text of reference for BPHS is Sri. Santhanam’s work, but Sri. Majumdar’s work confirms
that Maharishi Parashara did narrate 42 Dasa systems and he has provided the computation of all
these Dasa systems in his translation. I am using both the translations for providing a brief narration
of these 42 kinds of Dasa systems.

Each of these Dasa systems are extensive timing system in their own right, hence, this writeup only
serves as the reference framework based on which I will build the foundation of Parashara’s Dasa
system. I will cover each of these Dasa in fair amount of details in forthcoming write-ups, which may
take many months. There are many dasas on which hardly anything is available, for instance Rashmi
Dasa, Chaturvidha Uttara, regarding which much research have to be done. Also, there are many
misconceptions about Dasas such as Pindayu (Moola), Nisargayu (Naisargika) etc. Dasa systems, for
which I have to devote ample time to clearly put my points forth and clarifying the misconceptions.
This series of articles is dedicated to the avid lovers of Jyotisha Shastra, who want to understand the
nuances of this beautiful system, and are not looking for easy short-cuts for quick predictions.

BPHS Santhanam 46.1. Maitreya said. O Venerable Maharishi Parashara! You are omniscient.
There is no subject, with which you are not conversant. Therefore now please favour me with
guidance about the different kinds of Dasas of the various Grahas.

BPHS Santhanam 46.2–5. Maharishi Parashara replied. O Brahmin! Dasas are of many kinds.
Amongst them Vimshottari is the most appropriate for the general populace. But the other Dasas,
followed in special cases, are Ashtottari, Shodshottari, Dvadashottari, Panchottari, Shatabdika,
Chaturashiti-sama, Dwisaptati-sama, Shastihayani, Shattrimshat-sama. Our ancients have described
these different kinds of Dasas, based on Nakshatras.

BPHS Santhanam 46.6–11. O Brahmin! Some Maharishis have made a mention of Kala and Chakra
Dasa, but they have recognised the Kalachakra Dasa, as supreme. The other kinds of Dasas,
propagated by the sages are, Chara, Sthira, Kendra, Karaka, Brahma Grahaashrita, Manduka, Shula,
Yogardha, Drg, Trikona, Rāśi, Panchasvara, Yogini, Pinda, Naisargika, Ashtakavarga, Sandhya,
Pachaka, Tara etc. But in our view all these Dasas are not appropriate.

BPHS Santhanam Ed. Sri R. Santhanam in his translation of BPHS, mentioned that Maharishi
Parashara spoke about 34 kinds of dasas viz., (1) Vimshottari, (2) Ashtottari, (3) Shodshottari, (4)
Dvadashottari, (6) Panchottari, (7) Shatabdika, (8) Chaturashiti-sama, (9) Dwisaptati-sama, (10)
Shastihayani, (11) Shattrimshat-sama, (12) Chara, (13) Sthira, (14) Lagna Kendra, (15) Karaka
Kendra (16) Karaka, (17) Brahma Graha-ashrita, (18) Manduka, (19) Shula, (20) Yogardha, (21) Drg,
(22) Trikona, (23) Rāśi, (24) Panchasvara, (25) Yogini, (26) Pinda, (27) Amsa, (28) Naisargika, (29)
Ashtakavarga, (30) Sandhya, (31) Pachaka, (32) Tara. BPHS 5.10–13. (33) Varnada Dasa. BPHS
ch74. (34) Sudarshana Chakra Dasa.

BPHS Harihara Ed. 35.1. (1) Vimshottari Dasa, (2) Shodashottari Dasa, (3) Dvadashottari, (5)
Ashtottari, (6) Panchottari, (7) Chaturashiti, (8) Dwisaptati, (9) Shastihayani, (10) Shattrimshat, (11)
Navamsa Navadasa, (12) Rashyansha Dasa, (13) Kala, (14) Chakra, (15) Kalachakra, (16) Sudarshana
Chakra, (17) Chara Paryaya, (18) Navamsa sthira, (19) Sthira, (20) Chaturvidha Uttara, (21) Brahma
Grahaashrita, (22) Kendra, (23) Karakendra, (24) Karaka Graha, (25) Manduka, (26) Shula, (27)
Nakshatra, (28) Yogardha, (29) Drg, (30) Trikona, (31) Nakshatraadrashi, (32) Tara, (33) Varnada,
(34) Panchasvara, (35) Yogini, (36) Pinda, (37) Amsa, (38) Rashmi, (39) Nisarga, (40) Ashtakavarga,
(41) Sandhya, (42) Pachaka.

1. Vimshottari: This is the most popular dasa among all and is also widely applicable. The Dasa
starts with the exact position of Chandra it its Nakshatra. The Nakshatras are mapped to 9
grahas which indicate the progression of the dasa. Each of the 9th planets are assigned various
span of longevity, which sum up to 120 years. Hence, the name of the dasa if Vimshottari.
Jataka Parijata suggested some variations of the Vimshottari Dasa i.e., starting from Lagna
and other Taras.
2. Ashtottari: According to Maharishi Parashara, this is recommended when Rahu does not
occupy the Lagna, but occupies a Kendra or Trikona to the Lord of the Lagna. However,
Mansagari states that Vimshottari is applicable for one born in Krsna Paksha while Ashtottari
is applicable for one born in Shukla Paksha (Mansagari 5.22). Particularly when Rahu
occupies Kendra from Lagnesha Ardradi Ashtottari Dasa is applicable. on the other hand
when Rahu occupies Kona from Lagnesha, Krttikadi Ashtottari Dasa is applicable (BPHS
Harihara 35.21–22.). The dasa duration in this dasa is Surya 6y, Chandra 15y, Mangal 8y,
Budha 17y, Shani 10y, Guru 19y, Rahu 12y, Shukra 21y. The Krttikadi version is widely used
in West Bengal and Bangladesh. (1) In the Krttikadi variant, the rulers of Nakshatras are 3/4/5
 Surya, 6/7/8/9 Chandra, 10/11/12 Mangal, 13/14/15/16 Budha, 17/18/19 Shani, 20/21/22
Guru, 23/24/25 Rahu, 26/27/1/2 Shukra. (2) In the Ardradi version the nakshatra rulership and
the dasa duration are 6/7/8/9 Surya 6y, 10/11/12 Chandra 15, 13/14/15/16 Mangal 8y,
17/18/19 Budha 17y, 20/21/22 Shani 10y (20–2y6m, 21–3y9m, 22–3y9m), 23/24/25 Guru
19y, 26/27/1/2 Rahu 12y, 3/4/5 Shukra 21y. Here, the year duration of a is divided into 3 or 4
nakshatras that are mapped to a Graha. For instance, in Krttikadi variant, Surya’s 6 years is
divided into 2y year for 3/4/5 viz., Krttika, Rohini, Mrgashira. The difference of this system
with Vimshottari is that, in Vimshottari the Dasa of only 9 Nakshatras can be experienced in
a normal lifetime. However, in Ashtottari, the Dasa of all the Nakshatras are experienced.
3. Shodashottari: This is recommended when (1) birth occurs during the day time in Krsna
Paksha, or at night time in Shukla Paksha, or (2) when Lagna rises in Chandra’s Hora in Krsna
Paksha, or, Sūrya’s Hora in Shukla Paksha. Computation: Count the number of Nakshatras
from Pushya to the Janma Nakshatra. Divide this number by 8. The remainder will indicate
the Dashas of 1-Sūrya, 2-Mangal, 3-Guru, 4-Śani, 5-Ketu, 6-Candra, 7-Budha and 8-Śukra.
The Dasas of the above Grahas are of duration 11y, 12y, 13y, 14y, 157, 16y, 17y and 18y.
4. Dvadashottari: This is recommended when Lagna occupies a Navāńśa of Śukra.
Computation: Count from Janma Nakshatra to Revati. Divide this number by 8. The remainder
indicates the Dasha of the Graha concerned. The Dasha order is 1-Sūrya, 2-Guru, 3-Ketu, 4-
Budha, 5-Rahu, 6-Mangal, 7-Śani, 8-Candra. The Dasas of the above Grahas are of duration
7y, 9y, 11y, 13y, 15y, 17y, 19y and 21y.
5. Panchottari: This is recommended when Lagna rises in Karka Rāśi and also Karka
Dvadashāńśa. Computation: Count from Anuradha up to the Janma Nakshatra and divide the
number by 7. The remainder indicates the Dasha. The order of the Dasha Lords is 1-Sūrya, 2-
Budha, 3-Śani, 4-Mangal, 5-Śukra, 6-Chandra and 7-Guru. The Dasas of the above Grahas
are of duration 12y, 13y, 14y, 15y, 16y, 17y and 18y.
6. Shatabdika: This is recommended when Lagna is Vargottama. Computation: Count from
Revati to the Janma Nakshatra and divide this number by 7. The remainder indicates the
Dasas. The order of the Dasha Lords is 1-Sūrya, 2-Chandra, 3-Śukra, 4-Budha, 5-Guru, 6-
Mangal and 7-Śani. The Dasas of the above Grahas are of duration 5y, 5y, 10y, 10y, 20y, 20y
and 30y years.
7. Chaturashiti Sama: This is recommended when Karmesha occupies the Karma Bhava.
Computation: Count from Svati to the Janma Nakshatra and divide this number by 7. The
remainder indicates the Dasas. The order of the Dasha Lords is 1-Sūrya, 2-Candr, 3-Mangal,
4-Budha, 5-Guru, 6-Śukra and Śani. In this scheme, the Dasha duration of each Graha is 12
years.
8. Dvisaptati Sama: This is recommended when Lagnesha occupies either the Lagna or the
Saptama Bhava. Computation: Count from Mula to the Janma Nakshatra and divide the
number by 8. The remainder indicates the Dasas. The order of the Dasha Lords is 1-Sūrya, 2-
Chandra, 3-Mangal, 4-Budha, 5-Guru, 6-Śukra, 7-Śani and 8-Rahu. In this scheme, the Dasha
duration of each Graha is 9 years.
9. Shastihayani Dasa: This is recommended when Sūrya occupies the Lagna. Computation:
The order of Dasha Lords in this system is, as follows: Guru, Sūrya, Mangal, Chandra, Budha,
Śukra, Śani and Rahu. The following shows the Nakshatras, falling under the various Dasha
Lords. The Dasas of Guru, Sūrya and Mangal are of 10 years. The remaining Grahas have
Dashas of 6 years each. The mapping of Graha and Nakshatra are (1) Guru: Ashvini, Bharani,
Kritika, Punarvasu, (2) Sūrya: Rohini, Mrigashira, Ardra, U.Ashadha, (3) Mangal: Pushya,
Aslesha, Magha, Revati, (4) Chandra: P.Phalguni, U.Phalguni, Hast, (5) Budha: Swati,
Vishakah, Anuradha, (6) Śukra: Jyeshtha, Mula, P.Ashadha, (7) Śani: Abhijit, Shravan,
Dhanishtha, and (8) Rahu: Shatabhisha, P.Bhadra, U.Bhadra.
10. Shattrimshat Sama: This is recommended when birth occurs during day time and Lagna
rises in Surya’s Hora, or birth occurs during night time and Lagna rises in Chandra’s Hora.
Computation: Count from Shravana to the Janma Nakshatra and divide the number by 8. The
 remainder indicates the Dasas. The order of the Dasha Lords is 1-Chandra, 2-Sūrya, 3-Guru,
4-Mangal, 5-Budh, 6-Śani, 7-Śukr and 8-Rahu. The Dasas of the above Grahas are of duration
1y, 2y, 3y, 4y, 5y, 6y, 7y and 8y.
11. Kaala Dasa: This is general purpose phalita dasa and applicable to all cases. The computation
is extensive and hence not covered here.
12. Chakra Dasa: This is general purpose phalita dasa and applicable to all cases.
Commencement: For night birth, the Dasa commences from Lagna Rāśi. For night birth the
Dasa commences from the Lagnesha’s Rāśi. If the birth is during Sandhya, the Dasa
commences from the Rāśi falling in the 2nd house. Dasa span: The Dasa of each Rāśi is 10
years. Nomenclature: As it is the Dasa system of the 12 Rāśis in the Zodiac, it has been
named, as Chakra Dasa.
13. Kaalachakra Dasa: This is Rāśi and Nakshatra based dasa and applicable to all horoscopes.
This is known to be a superb dasa for timing some special events. This is an extensive dasa
system based on the precise location of the Chandra in a Nakshatra Pada. In this method, the
nakshatras are classified into Savya (zodiacal) and Apasavya (reverse) and two specific Rāśis
are identified namely Deha and Jeeva. This Dasa is extremely accurate for timing misfortunes,
serious health hazards and death. The computation is extensive and hence not covered here.
14. Chara Dasa: This is general purpose phalita Rāśi dasa and applicable to all cases. The
progression is based the Rāśi in the Dharma Bhava being Vimsapada or Samapada. Dasa
span: The duration of each Rāśi is arrived at by counting from the Rāśi to its lord. On top of
that if the lord occupies its Uccha Rāśi, then 1 is added, and if it occupies its neecha Rāśi, 1
is subtracted. The computation is extensive and hence not covered here.
15. Sthira Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Ayur Dasa and is particularly useful in timing ill health,
dangers to life and death. Dasa span: In this dasa 7, 8 or 9 years are assigned to Chara, Sthira
and Dvisvabhava Rāśis. Commencement: The dasa commences from the Rāśi occupied by
the Brahma Graha. Dasa Progression: It moves in zodiacal direction if the commencing Rāśi
is Odd and in reverse direction if it is Even.
16. Yogardha Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Dasa and the span of a Dasa is the average of Chara
and Sthira Dasas. Commencement: The Dasa commences from the stronger of the Lagna or
the Saptama Bhava. Dasa Progression: Like Sthira Dasa, it moves in zodiacal direction if the
commencing Rāśi is Odd and in reverse direction if it is Even.
17. Lagna Kendradi Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Dasa system. Commencement: The Dasa
commences from the stronger of the Lagna or the Saptama Rāśi. Dasa Progression: Like
Sthira Dasa, it moves in zodiacal direction if the commencing Rāśi is Odd and in reverse
direction if it is Even. There are two variants of this Dasa.
18. Karaka Kendradi Dasa: When the Kendradi Dasa is reckoned from the Atmakaraka, it is
called Karaka Kendradi Rāśi dasa. Commencement: The Dasa commences from the stronger
of the Lagna or the Saptama Rāśi from the Atmakaraka. Dasa span: Like Chara Dasa, the
duration of each Rāśi is arrived at by counting from the Rāśi to its lord. On top of that if the
lord occupies its Uccha Rāśi, then 1 is added, and if it occupies its neecha Rāśi, 1 is subtracted.
19. Karaka Dasa: This is a Karaka Graha based dasa system. Commencement: The Dasa
commences from the Atmakaraka and the subsequent Dasas are of the remaining 7 Karakas
in their order. Dasa span: Here is span is computed by counting from Lagna to the Karaka
who dasa is operational.
20. Manduka Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Dasa system. This is particularly useful for timing strife,
conflicts, dangers to life and death. Commencement: The Dasa commences from the Rāśi
falling in the stronger of Lagna or Saptama Bhava. Dasa Progression: It moves in zodiacal
direction if the commencing Rāśi is Odd and in reverse direction if it is Even. In this scheme,
the dasa progresses to the 3rd Rāśi counted from the previous one. Dasa span: Like Sthira
Dasa, 7, 8 or 9 years are assigned to Chara, Sthira and Dvisvabhava Rāśis.
21. Shula Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Ayur Dasa system. This is particularly useful for timing ill-
health, dangers to life and death. Commencement: The Dasa commences from the Rāśi
 falling in the stronger of the Dhana (2nd) or Randhra Bhava (8th). Dasa Progression: It
moves in zodiacal direction if the commencing Rāśi is Odd and in reverse direction if it is
Even. Dasa span: Like Sthira Dasa, 7, 8 or 9 years are assigned to Chara, Sthira and
Dvisvabhava Rāśis. Timing death: In this Dasa, death is likely to occur in the Dasa of the
strongest Maraka Rāśi.
22. Trikona Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Dasa system. This system is similar to the Chara Dasa.
Commencement: The Dasa commences from the strongest amongst the Rāśis in Trikona to
Lagna. Dasa Progression: It moves in zodiacal direction if the commencing Rāśi is Odd and
in reverse direction if it is Even. Dasa span: Like Chara Dasa, the duration of each Rāśi is
arrived at by counting from the Rāśi to its lord. On top of that if the lord occupies its Uccha
Rāśi, then 1 is added, and if it occupies its neecha Rāśi, 1 is subtracted. Nomenclature: It has
been named as Trikona Dasa because of the commencement of the Dasa from the Rāśis in
Trikona.
23. Drgdasa: This is a Rāśi based Phalita Dasa system. This is particularly useful for timing
spiritual attainments. Commencement: Rāśi falling in the Dharma Bhava. Dasa
Progression: Rāśis aspecting the Dharma Bhava. This is followed by the Rāśi occupying the
Karma Bhava and then the Rāśis aspecting it. Finally, the Rāśi occupying the Labha Bhava
and then those aspecting it. Dasa Progression 2 According to Harihara’s interpretation,
among the 3 Rāśis aspecting the 9th, the 1st Dasa will be that of the Sanmukha Rāśi followed
by the Dasa of the Parsva-Rāśis. Now, which among the two Parsva-Rāśi’s Dasa will come
first? If the Rāśi falling in the 9th is a Vimsapada Rāśi, the counting is Zodiacal and if it is
Samapada Rāśi, the counting is reverse. Dasa span: Like Chara Dasa, the duration of each
Rāśi is arrived at by counting from the Rāśi to its lord. Nomenclature: As this system is
mostly based on Drstis, it has been named, as Drgdasa. Note: Santhanam’s edition mentions
that the Rāśi, which receives a Drsti from the Chara Rāśi, is counted backwards and the Rāśi,
receiving a Drsti from the Sthira Rāśi, is counted zodiacal. In the case of the Dvisvabhava
Rāśi, if it is odd, the counting is zodiacal and the order is backwards in case of an even Rāśi
for the Rāśis, receiving a Drsti. My recommendation is to follow Harihara’s version.
24. Lagnādi Rāśi Dasa (Harihara: Nakshatrādrāśi Dasa): This is a Rāśi based Phalita Dasa
system. Here the span of Janma nakshatra (200’) is mapped to 12 Rāśis (21600).
Computation: The expired portion of Chandra in degrees can be divided by 200 and
multiplied by 21600 to arrive at a longitude (in degrees) which when added to the Lagna’s
degree can determine the commencing Rāśi. Dasa progression: It moves in zodiacal direction
if the commencing Rāśi is Odd and in reverse direction if it is Even. Dasa Span: Same as
Chara Dasa. Balance of Dasa at birth: The expired portion of the commencing point (in
degrees) in the commencing Rāśi when multiplied by the Dasa span and divided by 30
degrees, gives the expired dasa portion. The remaining dasa can be worked out by subtracting
the expired portion from the full dasa span of that Rāśi.
25. Panchasvara Dasa: Beginning from Akaradhi (अकारा द) 5 Svaras ( वर) (अ, इ, उ, ए, ओ, a,
i, u, e, o), write underneath them the Varnas (वण) in 6 lines. Leave out the letters ‘ňa (ङ)’,
‘ña (ञ)’ and ‘ņa (ण)’, because they are not used in names. If they are found in any name, ‘ga
(ग)’ may be substituted for ‘ňa (ङ)’, ‘ja (ज)’ for ‘ña (ञ)’ and ‘ḍa (ड)’ for ‘ņa (ण)’ for
working out the Dasas. Commencement: The svara mapped to the 1st varna of the name
determines the commencing dasa. Dasa progression: The order of the Dasas is अ, इ, उ, ए,
ओ. Dasa span: The span on each dasa is of 12 years. Antaradasa: In the Dasa of every Svara
there are Antardasas of all the five Svara in the same order, starting from the Dasa’s Svara.
26. Yogini Dasa: This is a Nakshatra dasa and is of very high eminence as this is narrated by
Lord Mahadeva. Concept: There are 8 Yoginis, namely Mangala, Pingala, Dhanya, Bhramari,
Bhadrika, Ulka, Siddha and Sankata. Chandra, Sūrya, Guru, Mangal, Budha, Śani, Śukra and
Rahu are born from them. Computation: Add 3 to the Janma Nakshatra and divide it by 8.
 The remainder will indicate the Yogini Dasa of Mangala, etc. Dasa span: The Dasas are of
1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 years. Balance of dasa at birth: Same as Vimshottari i.e., from expired
portion of Chandra in the Janma Nakshatra.
27. Pinda/ Pindayu Dasa: The Pinda Dasa is connected with the Pindayu computation. While in
the Pindayu computation, the span of longevity granted by each graha is determined, the Dasa
progression in which the grahas manifest their results are defined in the Pindayu Dasa.
Maharishi Parashara makes it clear by stating that Pinda, Ańś and Nisarga Dasa are same as
the Pindayu, Ańśayu and Nisargayu, the method of determination of which has already been
explained previously (BPHS Santhanam). Dasa commencement: The stronger among Lagna,
Sūrya, or Chandra. Dasa order: Grahas in the Kendras to the commencing Graha, followed
by Grahas in Panapharas and lastly those occupying the Apoklimas. Antardasa: The Dasas
and Antar Dasas of Lagna and the seven Grahas follow the same order (as Mahadasa).
Important note on Dasa commencement: Pindayu works when Surya is strong; Nisargayu
works when Chandra is strong, and Amsayu works when Lagna is strong (BPHS Santhanam
43.30–31). Hence the choice of commencement depends on the choice of dasa. Thus, Pindayu
Dasa should “ALWAYS” commence from Surya. The Pindayu Dasa is called Moola Dasa
by Kalyanavarma.
28. Amsa/ Amsayu Dasa: The Amsa Dasa is connected with the Amsayu calculation. While the
Amsayu computation provides the span associated with each graha, the dasa order is
determined by the Amsa Dasa. Dasa commencement: Lagna (Ref: BPHS Santhanam 43.30–
31). Dasa order: Grahas in the Kendras to the commencing Graha, followed by Grahas in
Panapharas and lastly those occupying the Apoklimas. Antardasa: The Dasas and Antar
Dasas of Lagna and the seven Grahas follow the same order (as Mahadasa).
29. Nisarga/ Nisargayu Dasa: The Nisarga Dasa is connected with the Nisargayu calculation.
While the Nisargayu computation provides the span associated with each graha, the dasa order
is determined by the Nisarga Dasa. Dasa commencement: Chandra (Ref: BPHS Santhanam
43.30–31). Dasa order: There is differences of opinion among the Savants. Maharishi
Parashara suggests following the Pindayu method (Kendra, Panaphara, Apoklima principle)
of determining the order (BPHS Santhanam 46.201–202). Kalyanavarma and Varahamihira
suggests using the natural order of grahas i.e., Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Shukra, Guru, Surya,
Shani and the Lagna (Saravali 41.21., Brhat Jataka 8.9.). Varahamihira does not recommend
using Lagna’s Aayu in Naisargika Dasa, as in the Nisargayu, the sum of the Aayu of all grahas
is already 120 years, hence, it can’t be extended beyond that. In addition, the Lagnayu
computation is mentioned in only Pindayu computation.
30. Ashtakavarga Dasa: Like the Pinda, Amsa and Nisagayu Dasa, the Ashtakavarga is also an
Ayur dasa and is extensively death with in classics such as Horasara. The computation is
extensive, hence not covered here.
31. Sandhya Dasa: Sandhya is another Ayurdasa system. Concept: Sandhya is the Dvadashāńśa
Ayurdaya of the Param Ayurdaya. In this dasa system, the parama-ayush is spread among the
12 Rāśis, making the dasa span of each Rāśi as 1/12th of the Paramaayush. For humans the
Paramayush have been agreed by savants as 120 years. Hence the span of each Sandhya Dasa
is 10 years. Commencement: The Dasa commences with the Lagna’s Rāśi. Dasa
progression: The Dasa progresses in a regular order from Lagna’s next Rāśi onwards
32. Pachaka Dasa in Sandhya Dasa The Pachaka Dasa is a component of Sandhya Dasa, in
which the Dasa duration of each Rāśi is further subdivided: Computation: By multiplying
the Dasa years of Sandhya Dasa by 6 and dividing the product by 31, the years, months etc.
so arrived at may be put in one compartment of a table. Thereafter half of these years, months
etc. may be written in the next three compartments. The remaining 8 compartments may be
filled in by one third of the aforesaid years, months etc. In this manner Pachaka Dasa in
Sandhya Dasa of every Bhava can be worked out and predictions may be made from it.
Illustration: For human life, if we take each year to be of 10 years. Then compartment 1 =
1.935, Compartment 2 to 4 = 0.968, and Compartment 5 to 12 = 0.645. When all the 8 parts
 are added, we arrive at 10 years. Why 8 parts of each Rāśi? This is not mentioned, but this
could be mapped to 8 planets Surya to Rahu.
33. Tara Dasa: This is a nakshatra based Phalita Dasa system and is similar to Vimshottari Dasa.
This is a conditional dasa and is recommended only when there are Grahas in the Kendras.
Commencement: The strongest graha in the Kendra commences it. Dasa Progression: The
graha in the Kendras next in strength comes next, following by those in Panaphara and then
those in Apoklima. Thus the progression is similar to Pindayu, Amsayu Dasa etc. Dasa span:
The Dasa span is same as that used in Vimshottari Dasa.
34. BPHS Santhanam Edition Ch 74: Sudarshana Chakra Dasa: This is a Rāśi based Phalita
Dasa system. This dasa is narrated by lord Brahma for the benefit of the world.
Commencement: The Dasa commences from Surya, Chandra and Lagna. Dasa progression:
The Dasa progresses in a zodiacal direction in regular order. Dasa span: Each Rāśi is given
1 year each. Meaning that the dasa repeats every 12 years. This is mentioned in
35. BPHS Santhanam Edition Ch 5: Varnada Dasha. This is an Ayur Dasa system mentioned
in the chapter of Special Lagnas in Santhanam’s edition. Maharishi Parashara says that just
by knowing this Dasa one can accurate deal with the longevity of a native. Computation of
Varnada: If the natal Lagna is an odd Rāśi, count in zodiacal direction from Mesha to natal
Lagna. If the natal Lagna is an even Rāśi, count from Meena to the natal Lagna in the reverse
direction. Similarly, if the Hora Lagna is an odd Rāśi, count from Mesha to Hora Lagna in
zodiacal direction. If the Hora Lagna is an even Rāśi, count from Meena to Hora Lagna in the
reverse direction. If both the products are odd Rāśis, or even Rāśis, then add both the figures.
If one is odd and the other is even, then know the difference between the two products. If the
final result is an odd Rāśi, count so many Rāśis from Mesha in a zodiacal direction; if an even
Rāśi, count so many Rāśis from Meena in reverse direction. The Rāśi so obtained is the
Varnada for Lagna. Varnada of the other Bhavas: Dr BV Raman in Studies in Jaimini
Astrology (page 131) notes that the Varnada of 2nd house can be computed by noting the 2nd
house from Lagna, and 2nd house from Hora Lagna, and then determining the Varnada in
similar manner as Varnada of Lagna. Dasa commencement: The stronger of the Lagna and
Hora Lagna commences the Dasa. Dasa progression: If the natal Lagna is an odd Rāśi, the
progression of Dasas is zodiacal, otherwise reverse. Dasa span: For Lagna, count from Lagna
to the Varnada Lagna. Similarly for 2nd house count from 2nd house to the Varnada of 2nd
house. Similarly, for all the other Bhavas the dasa span can be determined. Question: For the
counting of dasa span, should it be done in both direction depending on Odd or Even Rāśi?
Its not clear, but I think its should always be zodiacal.
36. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Navamsa Navadasa. There are 9 variants of this Dasa. The
variants are: (1) The dasa progresses from lowest degrees to highest, (2) The dasa progresses
from highest to lowest. (3) When the degrees are same in the 1st 2 cases, then the naisargika
balas of the grahas should be used to determine the next dasa. (4) The dasa commences from
Chandra’s dispositor and then followed by the lord of next Rāśis in zodiacal order. (5) The
dasa commences from the 7th lord’s dispositor, followed by the lords of following Rāśis in
zodiacal order. (6) The dasa commences from Lagnesha followed by Dhanesha and so on.
Each graha is of 12 years, totalling 108 years of total dasa span. (7) The dasa commences from
the Navamsa lagna lord, followed by the following Navamsas in zodiacal order. Each graha
is of 12 years, totalling 108 years of total dasa span.(8) The dasa commences from the 9th
Navamsa lord counted from the Janma Navamsa lord, followed by following Navamsas. Each
graha is of 12 years, totalling 108 years of total dasa span. (9) The dasa commences from
Chandra and follows the weekday graha order i.e., Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra,
Shani, Rahu, Ketu and Surya. Each graha is of 12 years totalling 108 years.
37. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Rasyamsaka Dasa. The Dasa is initiated from the Navamsa
dispositor of the Lagnesha, followed by Dhanesha, in that order. Dasa span: The Bhava
sphuta when converted to minutes and divided by 200’ gives the span in years (the decimals
 can be converted to month and days). Each Bhava can have maximum of 9 years because of
9 Navamsas.
38. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Chara Paryaya Dasa. This is a Rāśi based Ayur Dasa. This is
an extensive Dasa system, hence not covered here.
39. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Navamsa Sthira Dasa. To be covered in a separate article.
40. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Chaturvidha Uttara Dasa. To be covered in a separate article.
41. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Brahma Grahashrita Dasa: This is also called Brahma Dasa.
his is an extensive Dasa system, hence not covered here. In Santhanam’s edition Verse
46.168–169., this dasa is mentioned under the Sthira Dasa. Maharishi Parashara said, “Now I
am going to describe the Sthira Dasha. In this Dasha system 7, 8 and 9 years are the Dasha
spans of the Movable (Chara), Fixed (Sthira) and Dual (Dvisvabhava) Rāśis. In this system
the Dasha of the 12 Rāśis begins from the Brahma Graha-ashrita Rāśi. The Dasas are counted
onwards from the odd Rāśis and in the reverse order from the even Rāśis”.
42. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Nakshatra Dasa: This only refers to Vimshottari, Ashtottari and
other Nakshatra Dasa. It appears that some verses on this Dasa is lost, hence nothing specific
regarding this dasa is given in the translation.
43. BPHS Harihara Ed Ch 35: Rashmi Dasa. To be covered in a separate article.