Ashtakavarga System in Vedic Astrology

 

Ashtakavarga System in Vedic Astrology

Ashtakavarga is a unique and powerful system in Vedic astrology used to assess the strength and influence of planets and houses in a birth chart. The term "Ashtakavarga" literally means "eightfold division" (Ashta = eight, Varga = division), referring to the eight reference points used in its calculation: the seven classical planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) and the Lagna (Ascendant). Rahu and Ketu are not included in this system.

Ashtakavarga provides a quantitative and numerical approach to understanding how much support each planet receives in various zodiac signs and houses, and how fruitful a particular period or transit may be for an individual. It adds a layer of precision to traditional chart reading.

1. How Ashtakavarga is Calculated

The calculation of Ashtakavarga is a meticulous process:

1. Individual Ashtakavarga Charts (Bhinnashtakavarga):

   • For each of the eight reference points (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, and Lagna), a separate chart is created.

   • In each of these eight charts, points (called Bindus or benefic points) are assigned to each of the 12 zodiac signs. A planet contributes a Bindu to a sign if it is considered auspicious when placed in that sign from the perspective of the reference point.

   • Each planet has specific rules for contributing Bindus. For example:

     • Sun gives Bindus in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th houses from its own position, from Mars, and from Saturn.

     • Moon gives Bindus in the 1st, 3rd, 6th, 7th, 10th, and 11th houses from its own position.

     • These rules are applied for all seven planets and the Lagna, considering their positions in the natal chart.

   • The total number of Bindus a sign receives from a particular planet (e.g., how many Bindus Aries receives from the Sun's Ashtakavarga) is recorded. Each sign can receive a maximum of 8 Bindus from each planet's Ashtakavarga.

2. Sarvashtakavarga Chart:

   • After calculating the Bhinnashtakavarga for all eight reference points, these individual scores are summed up for each house.

   • The Sarvashtakavarga (Sarva = all, comprehensive) chart is a master table that shows the total number of Bindus each of the 12 houses receives from all eight reference points combined.

   • The total sum of Bindus in the Sarvashtakavarga across all 12 houses is always 337.

   • The average number of Bindus per house is $337/12\approx 28$.

3. Significance and Interpretation

Ashtakavarga provides valuable insights into the strength and potential of houses and planets:

3.1. Bhinnashtakavarga Interpretation:

• Planetary Strength: The number of Bindus a planet has contributed to a specific sign in its own Bhinnashtakavarga indicates its strength and ability to give positive results when it transits through that sign.

  • $5-8$ Bindus: Considered auspicious and indicates strong positive results.

  • Bindus: Considered neutral or average.

  • $0-3$ Bindus: Considered inauspicious and indicates weakness or struggles.

• Specific Effects: Each Bindu count (from 0 to 8) has specific interpretations regarding the planet's ability to fulfill its significations (Karaka). For example, 8 Bindus for a planet might indicate "gains of kingdom," while 1 Bindu might indicate "bodily emaciation."

3.2. Sarvashtakavarga Interpretation:

• House Strength: The total number of Bindus in each house in the Sarvashtakavarga indicates the overall strength and favorability of that house and the life areas it represents.

  • Above 28 Bindus: Generally considered favorable. Houses with scores of 30 or more are considered very strong and promise good results in the associated life areas.

  • 25-27 Bindus: Considered neutral.

  • Below 25 Bindus: Considered weak or challenging. Houses with fewer than 25 Bindus may indicate struggles, delays, or difficulties in those life areas.

• Wealth and Prosperity:

  • If the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 9th, 10th, and 11th houses collectively have more than 164 Bindus, it indicates wealth.

  • If the 6th, 8th, and 12th houses (Dusthanas) have fewer than 76 Bindus, it indicates that income will be more than expenditure.

  • If the 11th house has more Bindus than the 10th house, it indicates gains with less struggle. If the 10th house has more Bindus than the 11th, it indicates more struggle for gains.

• Timing of Events (Transits):

  • Ashtakavarga is exceptionally useful for predicting the effects of planetary transits. When a planet transits a sign that has a high number of Bindus (especially above 4 in its own Bhinnashtakavarga or above 28 in Sarvashtakavarga), it tends to give favorable results related to that planet and house.

  • Even a malefic planet like Saturn can give good results when transiting a house with a high Ashtakavarga score. This makes Ashtakavarga more precise than simply looking at transits from the Moon (Gochara).

  • Important events like marriage, career changes, or travel are often timed when benefic planets transit houses with high Bindus, or when the Dasha lord transits a strong house in Ashtakavarga.

• Customized Dasha Interpretation: Ashtakavarga helps refine the interpretation of Dasha periods (e.g., Vimshottari Dasha). Even during a challenging Mahadasha, if the Dasha lord or the houses it signifies have high Ashtakavarga points, the difficulties might be mitigated, or opportunities might still arise in specific areas.

4. Important Considerations

• Not a Standalone System: While powerful, Ashtakavarga should not be used in isolation. It complements other Vedic astrological techniques (like planetary strength, house lordships, aspects, yogas, and Dasha systems) to provide a holistic and accurate prediction.

• Rectification: Accurate birth time is crucial for precise Ashtakavarga calculations, as even minor changes in Lagna can significantly alter the Bindu counts.

• Remedies: Ashtakavarga can help identify weak areas in the chart, guiding the astrologer in recommending appropriate remedies (e.g., strengthening a house with low Bindus through specific Pujas or charities).

In summary, Ashtakavarga provides a unique quantitative dimension to Vedic astrology, enabling astrologers to assess planetary and house strengths with greater precision and to time events more accurately. It is a valuable tool for understanding the inherent potential and challenges in an individual's life.