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Mahadashas of Navagraha

Mahadasha (Planetary period) is also called Vimshottari Dasha or Vimshottari Mahadasha in Vedic Astrology. Mahadasha is decided on the basis of birth nakshatra which is the nakshatra of placement of Moon in the birth chart of a native. If a native is born with Moon in Ashwini nakshatra, planetary period of Ketu is in effect at the time of his birth, since Ketu rules Ashwini. Likewise, if a native is born with Moon in Bharani, he’s born under Venus Mahadasha since Bharani is ruled by Venus.

Planetary periods repeat in fixed cyclic pattern and one cycle takes 120 years to complete. Here are the years covered by each Mahadasha in the order of its appearance.

Ketu Mahadasha runs for 7 years and it is followed by that of Venus.

Venus Mahadasha runs for 20 years and it is followed by that of Sun.

Sun Mahadasha runs for 6 years and it is followed by that of Moon.

Moon Mahadasha runs for 10 years and it is followed by that of Mars.

Mars Mahadasha runs for 7 years and it is followed by that of Rahu.

Rahu Mahadasha runs for 18 years and it is followed by that of Jupiter.

Jupiter Mahadasha runs for 16 years and it is followed by that of Saturn.

Saturn Mahadasha runs for 19 years and it is followed by that of Mercury.

Mercury Mahadasha runs for 17 years and it is followed by that of Ketu.

When Mahadasha of a planet is in effect, it gains extra strength. Hence the benefic or malefic results indicated by that planet in a horoscope may increase a lot. It should be noted that Mahadasha of a planet can’t change its functional nature in a horoscope and it gives results according to its functional nature in most cases.

It means if Mars forms Manglik Dosh in a horoscope, the worst results indicated by such Manglik Dosh may appear during Mars Mahadasha. Likewise, if Jupiter forms Hamsa Yoga in a horoscope, the best results indicated by such Hamsa Yoga may appear during Jupiter Mahadasha. In case a benefic or malefic yoga is formed by two benefic or malefic planets; strongest benefic or malefic results may appear during planetary periods of all such planets.

Among them, Mahadasha of the strongest planet may render the strongest benefic or malefic results. Taking an example, suppose Moon and Mars form Chandra Mangal Yoga in a horoscope. In this case, the native may witness strong benefic results during Mahadashas of Moon and Mars. If this yoga is formed in Capricorn, the strongest results may be observed during Mars Mahadasha, since Mars is stronger than Moon in Capricorn. On the other hand, if this yoga is formed in Taurus, the strongest results may be observed during Moon Mahadasha, since Moon is stronger than Mars in Taurus.

Likewise, if Rahu and Ketu form Kaal Sarp Yog in a horoscope, the native may suffer the most during Rahu Mahadasha and Ketu Mahadasha.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Shankh Yog, Shankha Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Shankh Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, the lords of 5^th and 6^th house are placed in Kendra houses with respect to each other and the lord of ascendant is strong, Shankha Yoga is formed in such horoscope. Shankha Yoga can bless the native with good results related to health, knowledge, spiritual growth, children, love life, profession, and many other things.

In real practice, Shankh Yog is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned conditions are met. Hence more conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at the first condition; the lord of fifth house should be duly benefic in one such horoscope. Looking at the second condition; the lord of sixth house should not be highly malefic in the horoscope; and it should be partly malefic. Looking at an exception; Shankha Yoga may not be formed in horoscopes with Virgo ascendant; since Saturn rules the fifth and sixth house.

Taking an example, suppose exalted Saturn is placed in the ninth house of a horoscope in Libra. Mercury is placed in the seventh house in Leo and Moon is placed in the first house in Aquarius. Mercury rules the fifth house and Moon rules the sixth house. Moon is malefic in the horoscope and it afflicts the first house. Mercury is partly benefic and partly malefic for horoscopes with Aquarius ascendant. Hence Shankh Yog may not be formed in this case. The concept of a planet being partly benefic and partly malefic has been explained in the book ‘Pitra Dosh – Ancestors are Calling (Revised Edition)’.

Taking another example, suppose exalted Moon is placed in the eleventh house of a horoscope in Taurus. Exalted Mars is placed in the seventh house in Capricorn and Jupiter is placed in the tenth house in Aries. Cancer rises in the ascendant and its lord is exalted. Mars rules the fifth house, it is benefic and it forms Ruchaka Yoga in the seventh house. Jupiter rules the sixth house and it is partly benefic and partly malefic. Hence Shankh Yog may be formed in this case. Such Shankha Yoga may bless the native with good results related to profession, wealth, authority, status and fame among other things.

Once the formation of Shankh Yog is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of Shankha Yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of Shankha Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose exalted Saturn is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Libra and a combination of Venus and Mercury is placed in the first house in Capricorn. Saturn and Venus are benefic whereas Mercury is partly benefic and partly malefic. Hence Shankha Yoga may be formed in this case.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Shankh Yog may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Shankh Yog except that of the lord of sixth house are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga.

During the planetary period of the lord of sixth house; the native may witness mixed results or benefic results; depending on the functional nature of such lord in the horoscope. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Venus Mahadasha and Saturn Mahadasha. He may witness mixed results during Mercury Mahadasha, though he may witness more good results than bad ones.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Pushkal Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Pushkal Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, Moon is placed in conjunction with the lord of ascendant, the lord of their house of placement is either placed in a Kendra house (1^st, 4^th, 7^th and 10^th) or it is strong, it casts aspect on the first house and the first house is occupied by one or more than one benefic planet; Pushkal Yoga is formed in the horoscope. Pushkal Yoga can bless the native with good results related to profession, high authority, wealth, prosperity, reputation, fame and many other things.

In real practice, Pushkal Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned conditions are met. Hence more conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at the first condition, Moon and lord of first house should be duly benefic in one such horoscope. Apart from that; the lord of their house of placement should also be significantly or duly benefic. Looking at an exception; this Yoga can’t be formed in horoscopes with Cancer ascendant. This is because Moon is the lord of ascendant in such cases.

Taking an example, suppose a combination of Moon and Saturn is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Scorpio, Sun is placed in the first house in Aquarius and Mars is placed in the seventh house in Leo. Moon is malefic in the horoscope. Saturn is partly benefic and partly malefic in horoscopes with Aquarius ascendant. Mars rules Scorpio and it is placed in a Kendra House. Sun is benefic and it is placed in the first house. In this case, Pushkal Yoga may not be formed in the horoscope though the primary conditions are met. The concept of a planet being partly benefic and partly malefic has been explained in the book ‘Pitra Dosh – Ancestors are Calling (Revised Edition)’.

Taking another example, suppose a benefic combination of Jupiter and Moon is placed in the fourth house of a horoscope in Gemini, exalted Mercury is placed in the seventh house in Virgo and Mars is placed in the first house in Pisces. All these planets are benefic; Mercury is placed in Kendra and Mars is placed in the first house. Hence Pushkal Yoga is formed in the horoscope.

Once the formation of Pushkal Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose a benefic combination of Jupiter and Moon is placed in the fourth house of a horoscope in Gemini. Jupiter is placed in Pisces navamsha of Ardra nakshatra and Moon is placed in Taurus navamsha of Punarvasu nakshatra; within Gemini. Suppose exalted Mercury is placed in the seventh house in Virgo, in Virgo navamsha of Chitra nakshatra; and Mars is placed in the first house in Pisces, in Capricorn navamsha of Revati nakshatra. Jupiter, Moon and Mars are not strong in their respective signs but all of them are exalted in their respective navamshas. Mercury is exalted in its sign of placement as well as in navamsha. Hence strong Pushkal Yoga may be formed.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Pushkal Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Pushkal Yoga are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Jupiter Mahadasha, Moon Mahadasha, Mercury Mahadasha and Mars Mahadasha.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Mahabhagya Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Mahabhagya Yoga in Vedic astrology; if a male native is born during daytime and in his horoscope; ascendant, Sun and Moon are all placed in odd signs, Mahabhagya Yoga is formed in the horoscope. Likewise, if a female native is born during nighttime and in her horoscope; ascendant, Sun and Moon are all placed in even signs, Mahabhagya Yoga is formed in the horoscope. This yoga can bless the native with good results related to profession, fortune, authority, fame and a number of other good things.

In real practice, Mahabhagya Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned conditions are met. Hence some other conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at the first condition; both Sun and Moon should be functionally benefic in one such horoscope, for Mahabhagya Yoga to be formed effectively in the horoscope. If one of them is benefic and other one is malefic; weak Yoga may be formed.

Apart from that, the first house should either be vacant or it should be occupied by one or more than one benefic planet. If the first house is occupied by malefic planet/planets; Mahabhagya Yoga may not be formed or it may not do much good; depending on the overall horoscope under consideration.

Taking an example; suppose in the horoscope of a male native (born during daytime), Sun is placed in the sixth house in Gemini and Moon is placed in the first house in Aquarius. Moon is malefic in this horoscope and it afflicts the first house. Hence Mahabhagya Yoga may not be formed. On the contrary; such combination of Sun and Moon may trouble the native a lot.

Taking another example; suppose in the horoscope of a female native (born during nighttime), Sun is placed in the first house in Scorpio and Moon is placed in the ninth house in Cancer. Both Sun and Moon are benefic in this case; and Sun forms Simhasana Yoga which empowers the first house. Hence Mahabhagya Yoga may be formed in this case and the native may benefit a lot from it.

Once the formation of Mahabhagya Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example for male native, suppose benefic exalted Sun is placed in the first house of a horoscope in Aries, in Leo navamsha of Bharani nakshatra; and benefic Moon is placed in the fifth house in Leo, in Taurus navamsha of Magha nakshatra. Sun is strong in its sign of placement as well as in navamsha. Moon may do very well in Taurus navamsha of Magha nakshatra; within Leo. Hence strong Mahabhagya Yoga may be formed in this case.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Mahabhagya Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than Sun and Moon are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of Sun and Moon are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Kahal Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Kahal Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, the lord of 3^rd house and lord of 10^th house are in Kendra from each other and the lord of ascendant is strong, Kahal Yoga is formed in the horoscope. Kahal Yoga can bless the native with good results related to profession, finances, wealth, reputation, fame and many other things. Kendra houses are 1^st, 4^th, 7^th and 10^th.

In real practice, Kahal Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned conditions are met. Hence some other condition should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at this condition, the lords of the third and tenth house should be benefic in such horoscope. Looking at exceptions; this yoga may not be formed in horoscopes with Leo and Aquarius ascendants. Venus rules the third and tenth house in the first case and Mars rules these houses in the second case. Since one planet rules both these houses; this yoga may not be formed in these cases.

Taking an example, suppose Mars is placed in the first house of a horoscope in Aries, a combination of Mercury and Saturn is placed in the ninth house in Sagittarius. Mercury rules the third house and it is malefic whereas Saturn rules the tenth house. They are both placed in Kendra (1^st house) from each other. However, Kahal Yoga may not be formed since malefic Mercury may afflict Saturn. Hence the native may not benefit from this combination and he may instead face problems.

Taking another example, suppose exalted Mercury is placed in the fourth house of a horoscope in Virgo, Sun is placed in the third house in Leo and Jupiter is placed in the ninth house in Aquarius. Gemini rises in the ascendant, Sun rules the third house; Jupiter rules the tenth house and both these planets are benefic in the horoscope. They are placed in Kendra (7^th house) from each other. Hence Kahal Yoga may be formed in the horoscope.

Once the formation of Kahal Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose exalted Mercury is placed in the fourth house of a horoscope in Virgo and a combination of Sun and Jupiter is placed in the third house in Leo. Within Leo; Sun is placed in Aries navamsha of Magha nakshatra whereas Jupiter is placed in Cancer navamsha of Magha nakshatra. Both Sun and Jupiter are strong in Leo and they are exalted in their respective navamshas. Hence strong Kahal Yoga may be formed.

Let’s look at influences of malefic planets on this yoga. Suppose in the same horoscope; malefic Saturn and Ketu are also placed in the third house in Leo. Saturn and Ketu may afflict Sun and Jupiter. As a result, Kahal Yoga may witness significant reduction in strength. Hence the native may not benefit a lot from this Yoga.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Kahal Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Kahal Yoga are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Sun Mahadasha, Mercury Mahadasha and Jupiter Mahadasha.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Amal Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Amal Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, there are planets in the 10^th house from ascendant or Moon, Amal Yoga is formed in the horoscope. This Yoga can bless the native with good results related to profession, authority, fame, reputation and many other things.

In real practice, Amal Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned condition is met. Hence some other conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at the first condition, the planets placed in the tenth house should be benefic in such horoscope. Apart from that, placements of planets in the tenth house from Moon may not form Amal Yoga, in most cases.

Hence only benefic planets placed in the tenth house from ascendant should be considered for the formation of this yoga. Let’s see how this yoga may be formed when planets are placed in the tenth house from Moon. In case Moon is benefic in a horoscope, the planet/planets placed in the tenth house from it are also benefic and Moon as well as such planet/planets are placed in comfortable houses; Adhi Yoga may be formed in the horoscope.

Taking an example, suppose Mars is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Aquarius. Taurus rises in the ascendant and Mars is malefic in the horoscope. Hence Amal Yoga may not be formed in the horoscope.

Taking another example, suppose Mars is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Aries. Cancer rises in the ascendant and Mars is benefic in the horoscope. Hence Amal Yoga as well as Ruchaka Yoga may be formed in the horoscope.

Once the formation of Amal Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose benefic Jupiter is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Gemini, in Capricorn navamsha of Ardra nakshatra. Jupiter is not strong in Gemini and it is debilitated in navamsha. Hence weak yoga may be formed.

Taking another example, suppose benefic Jupiter is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Sagittarius, in Cancer navamsha of Moola nakshatra. Jupiter is strong in Sagittarius and it is exalted in navamsha. Hence strong yoga may be formed in this case.

Let’s look at influences of malefic planets on this yoga. Suppose benefic Jupiter is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Sagittarius along with malefic Sun and malefic Saturn. Both Sun and Saturn may cause serious damage to Jupiter. Hence the strength of Amal Yoga may reduce a lot. Accordingly, the native may not benefit much from this yoga.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Amal Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Amal Yoga are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Jupiter Mahadasha.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Daridra Yoga

Daridra Yoga is considered as a malefic yoga in Vedic astrology. According to its prevalent definition; if in a horoscope, the lord of 11^th house is placed in the 6^th, 8^th or 12^th house, Daridra Yoga is formed in such horoscope. This Yoga can trouble the native with problems related to profession, reputation, finances and a number of other problems.

In real practice, Daridra Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned condition is met. Hence more conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at the first condition; the lord of eleventh house should be duly or partly malefic. Looking at the second condition; if the lord of eleventh house is benefic; it should be weak or afflicted in the horoscope, in order for this Yoga to be formed in such horoscope.

Taking an example, suppose Mars is placed in the eight house of a horoscope in Leo. Capricorn rises in the ascendant. Mars rules the fourth and eleventh house, it is benefic and it is strong. Hence Daridra Yoga may not be formed in this case. On the contrary; such placement of Mars may bless the native with good results related to profession. One such native may become a doctor, lawyer, police officer, army officer, air force officer, politician, minister, chief minister, prime minister or president; depending on his overall horoscope.

Taking another example, suppose debilitated Jupiter is placed in the twelfth house of a horoscope in Capricorn. Jupiter rules the eleventh house and it is weak. Hence strong Daridra Yoga may be formed in this case. Such native may suffer from financial problems; unless strong benefic planets interfere.

Once the formation of Daridra Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of lord of eleventh house in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets. The overall theme of horoscope also affects the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose Mercury is placed in the twelfth house of a horoscope in Libra, in Pisces navamsha of Swati nakshatra. Scorpio rises in the ascendant. Mercury rules the eleventh house, it is malefic and it is not comfortable in Pisces navamsha of Swati nakshatra; within the sign of Libra. Hence strong Daridra Yoga may be formed in this case. The native may suffer from financial losses, insufficient income and a number of other problems; unless strong benefic planets interfere.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of benefic planets are in effect; malefic effects of Daridra Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of malefic planets other than the lord of eleventh house are in effect; malefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadasha of the lord of eleventh house is in effect; the native may witness mixed results if such planet is benefic but weak; and he may witness malefic results if the planet forming this Yoga is significantly malefic and/or afflicted.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Dur Yoga

Dur Yoga is considered as a malefic yoga in Vedic astrology. According to its prevalent definition; if in a horoscope, the lord of 10^th house is placed in the 6^th, 8^th or 12^th house, Dur Yoga is formed in such horoscope. Duryoga can trouble the native with problems related to profession, reputation, status, credibility and a number of other problems.

In real practice, Dur Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned condition is met. Hence more conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at the first condition; the lord of the tenth house should be duly or partly malefic. Looking at the second condition; if the lord of tenth house is benefic; it should be weak or afflicted in the horoscope, in order for Duryoga to be formed in such horoscope.

Taking an example, suppose exalted Sun is placed in the sixth house of a horoscope in Aries. Scorpio rises in the ascendant. Sun rules the tenth house, it is benefic and it is strong. Hence Dur Yoga may not be formed in this case.

Taking another example, suppose Saturn is placed in the twelfth house of a horoscope in Pisces, in Cancer navamsha of Poorvabhadrapada nakshatra. Aries rises in the ascendant. Functional nature of Saturn is flexible in horoscopes with Aries ascendant. In the present case, Saturn is uncomfortable in Pisces as well as in Cancer navamsha of Poorvabhadrapada nakshatra. Hence it may turn much more malefic than benefic. Therefore, Dur Yoga may be formed in the horoscope. The concept of planets exhibiting tendencies to be benefic or malefic on the basis of the houses they rule in a horoscope has been explained in the chapter ‘Gemstones for House Lords’ of the book ‘Gemstones – Magic or Science (Revised Edition)’.

Once the formation of Dur Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of lord of tenth house in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets. The overall theme of horoscope also affects the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose benefic Moon is placed in the sixth house of a horoscope in Pisces, in Scorpio navamsha of Uttarabhadrapada nakshatra. Moon is strong in Pisces but it does poorly in Scorpio navamsha of Uttarabhadrapada. Hence Duryoga may be formed in the horoscope but it may not be strong.

Taking another example, suppose debilitated Jupiter is placed in the eighth house of a horoscope in Capricorn, in Capricorn navamsha of Uttarashada nakshatra. Jupiter rules the tenth house and it is debilitated in its sign of placement as well as in navamsha. Hence strong Dur Yoga may be formed in this case. Such native may not achieve much success in profession; unless strong benefic planets interfere.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of benefic planets are in effect; malefic effects of Dur Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of malefic planets other than the lord of tenth house are in effect; malefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadasha of the lord of the tenth house is in effect; the native may witness mixed results if such planet is benefic but weak; and he may witness malefic results if the planet forming Duryoga is significantly malefic and/or afflicted.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Durdhara Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Durdhara Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, there is one or more than one planet in the house prior as well as the house next to the house of placement of Moon, Durdhara Yoga is formed in the horoscope. Durdhara Yoga may bless the native with good results related to profession, health, money, wealth, prosperity, authority, fame and many other things.

The placement of Sun, Rahu and/or Ketu only, in the house prior or next to the house of placement of Moon is not considered for the formation of this Yoga. Hence one or more than one planet other than Sun, Rahu and Ketu should be placed in the house prior as well as next to the house of placement of Moon in a horoscope, for the formation of this Yoga in that horoscope.

In real practice, Durdhara Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned conditions are met. Hence more conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. If Moon is functionally benefic in one such horoscope, this yoga may produce better results. If the planet/planets placed in the prior and next house are also benefic; Durdhara Yoga may produce even better results.

Taking an example, suppose Moon is placed in the fifth house of a horoscope in Gemini, Saturn is placed in the sixth house in Cancer and Mercury is placed in the fourth house in Taurus. Moon is malefic in the horoscope whereas Saturn and Mercury are partly benefic and partly malefic. In this case, Durdhara Yoga may not be formed in the horoscope, though the primary conditions are met. The concept of a planet being partly benefic and partly malefic has been explained in the book ‘Pitra Dosh – Ancestors are Calling (Revised Edition)’.

Taking another example, suppose Moon is placed in the third house of a horoscope in Taurus, Mercury is placed in the fourth house in Gemini and Jupiter is placed in the second house in Aries. In this case, Durdhara Yoga may be formed in the horoscope; since Moon, Mercury and Jupiter are benefic. Hence the native may witness good results related to profession, reputation, finances, education, mother, family, wealth, properties and a number of other things.

Once the formation of Durdhara Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose benefic exalted Moon is placed in the third house of a horoscope in Taurus, in Taurus navamsha of Rohini nakshatra. Suppose benefic Mercury is placed in the fourth house in Gemini, in Gemini navamsha of Punarvasu nakshatra; and benefic Jupiter is placed in the second house in Aries, in Cancer navamsha of Ashwini nakshatra. All these planets are strong in their respective signs as well as navamshas. Hence strong Durdhara Yoga may be formed in this case.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Durdhara Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Durdhara Yoga are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Moon Mahadasha, Jupiter Mahadasha and Mercury Mahadasha.

Himanshu Shangari

Click here to go to Important Yogas Section

The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.

Anfa Yoga

According to prevalent definition of Anfa Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, there is one or more than one planet in the house prior to the house of placement of Moon, Anfa Yoga is formed in the horoscope. This Yoga may bless the native with good results related to money, wealth, prosperity, spiritual growth, family and many other things.

The placement of Sun, Rahu and/or Ketu only, in the house prior to the house of placement of Moon is not considered for the formation of this Yoga. Hence one or more than one planet other than Sun, Rahu and Ketu should be placed in the house prior to the house of placement of Moon in a horoscope, for the formation of this Yoga in that horoscope.

In real practice, Anfa Yoga is not seen producing such results when only the aforementioned conditions are met. Hence more conditions should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. If Moon is functionally benefic in one such horoscope, this yoga may produce better results. If the planet/planets placed in the prior house are also benefic; Anfa Yoga may produce even better results.

Taking an example, suppose Moon is placed in the third house of a horoscope in Aquarius and Venus is placed in the second house in Capricorn. Both Moon and Venus are malefic in the horoscope. In this case, Anfa Yoga may not be formed in the horoscope, though the primary conditions are met.

Taking another example, suppose exalted Moon is placed in the third house of a horoscope in Taurus and Mars is placed in the second house in Aries. In this case, Anfa Yoga may be formed in the horoscope, since both Moon and Mars are benefic. Hence the native with may witness good results related to profession, brothers, sisters, finances, wealth, family and a number of other things.

Once the formation of Anfa Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.

Taking an example, suppose benefic Moon is placed in the eleventh house of a horoscope in Taurus, in Taurus navamsha of Rohini nakshatra; and benefic Mars is placed in the tenth house in Aries, in Leo navamsha of Bharani nakshatra. Moon and Mars are strong in their respective signs as well as navamshas. Hence strong Anfa Yoga may be formed.

Let’s look at influences of malefic planets on this yoga. Suppose in the recently mentioned horoscope; malefic Mercury is placed in the eleventh house in Taurus with Moon; and malefic Rahu as well as Saturn is placed in the tenth house in Aries with Mars. Mercury may afflict Moon and Rahu as well as Saturn may afflict Mars. Hence the strength of Anfa Yoga may reduce significantly. Accordingly, the native may not benefit much from this yoga.

Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Anfa Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Anfa Yoga are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Moon Mahadasha and Mars Mahadasha.

Himanshu Shangari