Dasha Systems and Bhukti Analysis
Dasha systems tests Vimshottari sequence, balance calculation, bhukti and pratyantardasha subdivision, and the limits of period interpretation. The exam expects arithmetic, not vague statements that a period is good or bad.
Vimshottari structure
The 120-year cycle runs Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19 and Mercury 17 years. The starting dasha and its balance come from the Moon’s nakshatra position. Bhukti length equals dasha years multiplied by bhukti years and divided by 120. The bhukti sequence begins with the dasha lord and then follows the Vimshottari order. Other systems include Ashtottari, Yogini, Kalachakra and Jaimini chara dasha; do not apply Vimshottari rules to them.
Worked example
The Moon is in Rohini, ruled by the Moon, and 25 percent of the nakshatra has elapsed. The Moon dasha is 10 years, so 2.5 years have elapsed and 7.5 years remain. The first bhukti is Moon–Moon: 10 × 10 ÷ 120 = 0.833 year, about 10 months. The next is Moon–Mars: 10 × 7 ÷ 120 = 0.583 year, about 7 months. The order then continues with Moon–Rahu and so on. The answer must show the balance and the proportional formula.
Traps
- Starting the dasha from the lagna instead of the Moon’s nakshatra.
- Using a 360-day year without stating the convention.
- Reversing the bhukti order.
- Ignoring dasha sandhi, the junction between periods.
- Judging a period only by the dasha lord’s natural benefic or malefic status.