Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Ashtakavarga
अष्टकवर्ग
A system of numerical scoring (0–8 bindus per house) that quantifies a planet's or house's overall strength based on contributions from all planets and the Lagna.
Ashtakavarga is a unique Vedic astrological system for numerically measuring planetary and house strength. Each of the 8 classical planets (Sun through Saturn + Lagna) contributes bindus (points, 0 or 1) to each of the 12 houses, producing a Sarvashtakavarga (SAV) score of 0–56 for each house. The higher the score, the stronger that house's potential. Individual planet Ashtakavarga scores (called Bhinna Ashtakavarga or BAV) show where each planet performs best in transit — a planet transiting a house with 5+ bindus in its BAV tends to give positive results; a house with ≤2 bindus tends to be difficult. Ashtakavarga is particularly important for predicting transit outcomes.
Examples
- ◆A house with SAV score of 30+ is considered strong; 25 is average; under 20 is weak
- ◆Jupiter transiting a sign where it has 6–8 bindus in its BAV is highly auspicious — even normally difficult transit houses may give better results
- ◆Used to time when Saturn's Sade Sati is most intense: low SAV score during Saturn's transit = harder periods
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ashtakavarga in astrology?
Ashtakavarga is a Vedic astrology system that assigns numerical scores (called bindus) to each house and planet in the birth chart. Each house receives a score from 0 to 56 (Sarvashtakavarga). Higher scores indicate stronger houses. For each planet, a Bhinna Ashtakavarga (BAV) score of 0–8 per house shows where that planet gives its best results during transit.
How is Ashtakavarga used in transit prediction?
When predicting transit results, check the transiting planet's BAV score for the house it is entering. If Jupiter is transiting Aries and Jupiter's BAV score for Aries in your chart is 6 or 7, Jupiter's transit will likely give excellent results — even if Aries is the 8th house from your Moon sign. Low BAV scores (2 or below) indicate that even a normally good transit may be muted or difficult.
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