Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Shadbala
षड्बल
The six-fold strength system that quantifies a planet's total power in the birth chart, used to assess which planets are strong enough to give their promised results.
Shadbala (shad = six, bala = strength) is the comprehensive six-component planetary strength system described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) by Sage Parashara. The six components are: (1) Sthana Bala — positional strength based on the planet's dignity (exaltation, own sign, friendly, neutral, enemy, debilitation sign); (2) Dig Bala — directional strength (each planet is strongest in one direction: Jupiter and Mercury in East/Lagna, Sun and Mars in South/10th, Saturn in West/7th, Moon and Venus in North/4th); (3) Kala Bala — temporal strength based on time of birth (day/night, planetary hour, fortnight, season, year); (4) Cheshta Bala — motional strength (retrograde planets gain extra strength; stationary planets gain maximum Cheshta Bala); (5) Naisargika Bala — natural strength (a fixed hierarchy: Sun > Moon > Venus > Jupiter > Mercury > Mars > Saturn); (6) Drik Bala — aspectual strength (gained from benefic aspects, reduced by malefic aspects). The total Shadbala score (in Rupas and Shashtiamsas) shows whether a planet can fulfil its promised results. A planet with insufficient Shadbala — even if well-placed in the chart — may fail to deliver its indications.
Examples
- ◆Sun in Aries (exaltation) + at birth during day + no malefic aspects = high Shadbala — strong to give career and health results
- ◆Saturn in the 7th house (Dig Bala — directional strength) amplifies Saturn's ability to deliver 7th house results
- ◆Retrograde Jupiter at station gains maximum Cheshta Bala despite being in an enemy sign
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shadbala in Vedic astrology?
Shadbala is the six-fold strength calculation for each planet in Vedic astrology. The six components are Sthana Bala (positional), Dig Bala (directional), Kala Bala (temporal), Cheshta Bala (motional), Naisargika Bala (natural), and Drik Bala (aspectual). The combined score determines how effectively a planet can deliver its promised results in the birth chart.
Is a high Shadbala planet always good?
A high Shadbala means the planet is POWERFUL, not that it is beneficial. A strong malefic (Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu in difficult positions) causes more pronounced difficult results because of its strength. Shadbala measures potency, not beneficence. A strong planet delivers its results forcefully — whether those results are positive or challenging depends on its house rulership, dignity, and relationships.
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