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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 5th and 6th 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