Vedic Astrology · Glossary
Vimshottari Dasha
विंशोत्तरी दशा
The 120-year planetary period system used in Vedic astrology — the most widely used predictive tool, based on the Moon's Nakshatra at birth.
Vimshottari Dasha (Sanskrit: Viṃśottarī = 120) is the 120-year planetary period system that is the primary predictive tool of Vedic (Jyotish) astrology. The system assigns specific time periods (Mahadashas, or major periods) to each of the nine Vedic planets: Sun = 6 years, Moon = 10, Mars = 7, Rahu = 18, Jupiter = 16, Saturn = 19, Mercury = 17, Ketu = 7, Venus = 20. The total adds up to 120 years (a standard human lifespan in traditional reckoning). The starting point of the dasha sequence is determined by the Nakshatra (lunar mansion) that the Moon occupied at birth — each Nakshatra has a ruling planet, and that planet's Mahadasha begins at birth for the proportional balance remaining in the cycle. Each Mahadasha is subdivided into Antardashas (sub-periods) and Pratyantardashas (sub-sub-periods), allowing for increasingly granular timing predictions. The Vimshottari system is the most universally used dasha in India today.
Examples
- ◆A person born with Moon in Ashwini Nakshatra begins life in Ketu Mahadasha (Ketu rules Ashwini)
- ◆During Venus Mahadasha (20 years), themes of marriage, beauty, luxury, and relationship come to the foreground
- ◆The transition from Rahu to Jupiter Mahadasha is one of the most significant dasha changes — from worldly obsession toward wisdom
Related Terms
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vimshottari Dasha?
Vimshottari Dasha is a 120-year planetary period system used in Vedic astrology for timing predictions. Each of the nine planets rules a period of years (Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19, Mercury 17, Ketu 7, Venus 20). The sequence starts from the planet ruling the Nakshatra the Moon occupied at birth. It is the primary predictive tool in Jyotish astrology.
How do I calculate my Vimshottari Dasha?
Your current dasha is calculated from your birth Moon Nakshatra and birth time. Each Nakshatra has a ruling planet that begins the dasha sequence. The proportion of the starting dasha already elapsed at birth is calculated from the Moon's exact degree within the Nakshatra. A Vedic birth chart calculator (using exact birth time, date, and place) will show your current Mahadasha, Antardasha, and the dates of all future dasha periods.
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