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Dasha (Devanagari: दशा, Sanskrit,daśā, 'condition', 'state', 'circumstances', 'period of life', 'planetary period'.) The dasha pattern shows which planets according to Jyotish will be ruling at particular times.^[1]

The Sanskrit term "Dasha" in Hindu astrology is used to indicate planetary periods. The planetary periods indicate when the good or bad effects are produced according to their placement by sign (Rasi), house (Bhava), combinations (Yogas or Raja Yogas) or aspects (Drishti). The Dasha Paddhati (system) of Directional Astrology is unique to the Hindus; it is found nowhere else. There are many kinds of Dasha systems, Parashara mentions forty-two of them, but of these only two are in vogue, namely, "Vimshottari" and "Ashtottari". ^[2]((rp4} Dashas provide a system to judge the effects of the planets throughout a person's life, by indicating how the planets distribute their effects. Each dasha is controlled by one of the nine planets, and the quality and relative benevolence of each period is determined by the condition and position of that planet in the natal chart. There are nine planets or grahas which severally rule the nine dashas: the seven classical planets, plus the north node, Rahu, and south node, Ketu, of the Moon.

There are at least 43 different dasha systems. "Dasha" is the major period of a planet. It is called the "Poorna Dasha" if the planet is the most powerful or is in its sign of exaltation, which dasha gives health and wealth; the dasha of a powerless planet is called the "Rikta dasha", "Rikta" means poor or devoid of any power. Varahamihira explains that the dasha of the planet occupying unfriendly sign and navamsa will produce Aristaphala i.e. undesirable or miserable results; the planet that has fallen from exaltation but is in friendly or exalted navamsa gives ordinary results, and the planet that is ascending from debilitation but is in debilitated or unfriendly navamsa, gives a worthless period. ^[3]

Vimshottari Dasha assumes that the maximum duration of life of an individual human being is 120 years which is the aggregate duration of all nine planetary periods i.e. Ketu 7, Venus 20, Sun 6, Moon 10, Mars 7, Rahu 18, Jupiter 16, Saturn 19 and Mercury 17, in the order of their operation. It is not known when this system was discovered and why the number of years allotted to each varies. ^[4]: 4 V.B.Rele concluded that in this system the trine is the base used in calculations of planetary periods, that each trine begins with a Janma Nakshatra, and that a certain order was once visible in the sky (which order was also visible in the year 649 A.D. when 0 Degree of Aries sign very nearly coincided with Ashwini Nakshatra) the order in which the nine planetary periods or dashas operate. Hindus calculate their year on the basis of a Savan day of 60 ghatikas from sun-rise to next sun-rise, each ghatika is of 24 minutes duration, 30 Savan Days make one month and one year comprises of 360 Savan Days. ^[2]((rp>26, 27)) The year of the Vimshottari dasha is the Savan year of 360 Savan Days.

The divisional longitude of each of the 27 nakshatras beginning with Ashwini and ending with Revati is 13 degrees and 20 minutes further divided into four quarters or padas. Each of the nine planets presides over a set of three nakshatras situated on the zodiac at a trine from each other. The commencing dasha or mahadasha at the time of birth will be that of the lord of the nakshatra in which the Moon is placed, which particular nakshatra is known as the "Janma nakshatra". If the Moon is in Taurus in Mrigsira the first dasha will be of Mars, the second will be that of Rahu and so on. The distance already covered by the Moon in Mrigsira will be the portion of the dasha of Mars that has elapsed; the distance yet to be covered will represent the portion of the dasha of Mars that is yet to be experienced. The balance is calculated on the basis of the rule of three only in the case of the first mahadasha; the subsequent mahadashas will have their full quota. The balance mahadasha at birth on the basis of the exact longitude of the Moon can be ascertained by using the ready reckoner provided in all Panchangas. The Antra-dashas or the sub-periods and the Prayantra-dashas of each planet is calculated on pro-rata basis in proportion of the years allotted to them in the 120 years cycle of Vimshottari dasha system.^[4]: 253 Saravali insists that the sign occupied by the Moon and the influences exercised on it by other planets through aspects etc; at the time of the commencement of its mahadasa should be noted and examined, the same principle should also be applied to other mahadasa lords. If at the time of the commencement of the mahadasa its lord is in the lagna or in benefic or friendly vargas or in an upachyasthana from the the Birth ascendant or if the Moon occupies the friendly sign or exaltation sign of the lord of the mahadasa or is in an upachyasthana from the mahadasa lord and the mahadasa lord is in a trine from the Moon then the mahadasa will give exceptionally good results. ^[5] The order and times of the dashas or mahadashas are shown in the following table:

The sign, the navamsa and the nakshatra occupied by the Moon is of paramount importance; they form the basis for predicting future events. All planets are rendered weak when the Moon is devoid of strength. The results about all astrological problems are to be deduced from the relevant bhava, its lord, its karaka, and their respective dispositors in the light of the intricacy displayed by the various yoga-formations caused by concerned planets. The good or bad results of all yoga-formations are felt during the course of the mahadasha or antra-dashas of planets participating in those yoga-formations. All planets give results in accordance with their basic and acquired qualities, as also in accordance with the quality and status of the nakshatra they rule and occupy.

The nakshatra –wise position of planets and the nakshatras ruled by them cannot be over-looked. Therefore, Jataka Parijata draws attention to an ancient principle and states that counted from the Janma nakshatra the dasas of the planets occupying the first nine nakshatras reflect the effects of the past, from the tenth to the eighteenth nakshatra, the future, and the results of the dasa of planets occupying the nineteenth to the twenty-seventh nakshatra bear no results. The nine nakshatras beginning with the one occupied by the Moon at the time of birth are the "Janma nakshatra", the "Sampata nakshatra", the "Vipat nakshatra", the "Kshema nakshatra", "Pratayari nakshatra", the "Sadhaka nakshatra", "Vadha nakshatra", the "Mitra nakshatra" and the "Ati-mitra nakshatra". The dasas and the antra-dasas of planets occupying the Sampata (2nd), the Sadhaka (6th), the Mitra (8th) and the Param-mitra (9th) confer wealth etc; the 5th is called the Uttpanna, the 8th the Adhana and the 4th the Maha nakshatra. Planets ruling favourable nakshatras generally tend to give favourable results if they occupy a favourable nakshatra and the nakshatras they rule are not afflicted by planets that rule unfavourable nakshatras.

Vaidyanatha Dikshita in his Jataka Parijata states that a planet will give better or exceptional results if it is situated in the centre of the bhava occupied by it, the results will minimise the more it is removed from the centre or if it has gained more and more benefic bindus in the Sarva Ashtakavarga or if it occupies the lagna, the 10th or the 11th house or it is exalted, in own or friendly vargas or occupies favourable bhavas in yoga with benefic bhava-lords and karakas. The mahadasa of the planet owning the sign occupied by either Mandi or Gulika or in conjunction with Mandi or gaining very few benefic bindus or occupying its inimical or debilitation sign or combust or afflicted by papa-grahas or in Rasi-sandhi or in Bhava-sandhi or in adverse association with malefics will give poor results. ^[6]

The results of the planetary periods or dashas depend on the specific strength or weakness of the concerned planet; for the planet to give its best results it should be strong in Shadabala and auspiciously placed with reference to the lagna without being afflicted by inimical malefic planets. Saturn situated in the 5th house from the lagna does not generally confer good results, though it can confer a long span of life but usually makes one evil-minded and quarrelsome. In the case of Gemini lagna, Saturn situated in the 5th will be in its sign of exaltation as a benefic and as the lord of the 9th house; it will give rise to yoga and Dhana yoga. An exalted planet occupying a trikonabhava makes one fortunate and famous; additionally if the lord of the navamsa of occupation is also situated in a quadrant (kendra) or a trine (trikona) from the lagna in own or exaltation sign then one undoubtedly becomes very fortunate and occupies an eminent position in life. ^[7] All planets give their good or bad results during the course of their mahadasas and antra-dasas; the results vary from person to person because of the varying conditions and circumstances of their individual births and family back-ground, place and country of birth etc., and because planets are never found identically conditioned in any two individual horoscopes. A planet may give a weak constitution but at the same time it may also produce financial and professional prosperity. The mental disposition is judged by reference to the Moon, and the liability to diseases and accidents is judged from the planets associating with the Moon, the Sun and the lagna. ^[8] Jataka Parijata (Ch. XVIII. Sl.58) states that in the beginning the mahadasa lord gives results in accordance with the house it occupies, in the middle, as per the sign it occupies, and at the close, as per the influence of the planetary aspects that improve or afflict the mahadasa lord. And, Mantreswara in his Phaladeepika explains that the gain or loss of things and the events signified by a particular bhava will be experienced when the lord of the lagna transits a trine from the natal position of the bhava-lord or the bhava-lord transits a trine from the natal point of the lagna, or when during the course of their transits they aspect each other or combine in a sign, or when the bhava-karaka transits the natal position of the lord of the lagna or the lord of the sign occupied by the Moon at the time of birth or when the lord of the lagna transits that bhava. ^[9]

According to the tradition, each of the mahadashas will have an effect on the individual's life by highlighting the effects of the planet concerned for its duration, both in terms of its general nature, and by the exact nature of the planet's placement in the person's horoscope (e.g. easy or difficult). In general terms, however, the effects of each mahadasha are described as follows by practitioners:

• Ketu (7 Years)

In this period life will give the person only what is needed and will take away everything that is not. Also, any success during this dasha usually ends when the dasha itself does. When Ketu is strong it indicates sudden bursts of energy, discretion, liberation, universality, idealism, psychic ability, compassion, spirituality and self sacrifice. The effects of Ketu can be harsh and cruel when taking things away - generally it tends to strip away materialism and force a more spiritual perspective and a simpler existence.

• Venus (20 Years)

This is a time when the person seeks worldly happiness, and themes of marriage, love and children are prominent. Wealth, prosperity, luxury, beauty and sensual pleasures are indicated and psychic ability is increased. Success in all these areas depends on how well Venus is placed in the individual horoscope - a badly placed Venus can bring unhappiness to these areas instead. During this mahadasha friendliness and relations with others are important, and charm, care and courtesy to others and towards the person concerned will be centre stage.

• Sun (6 Years)

This is a time when the urge to be true to him or herself burns more strongly than usual in the individual, and greater energy will be put into the search for the person's real identity. It may be a crisis of confidence which spurs the need to seek inner truth, and purge the self of false influences. Education, spirituality, politics, medicine, business, high office in government and all forms of public success and acclaim are prominent. Astrologically, the sun is the planet of strength and power which can bring success if the person's true nature is expressed and they follow their own path, but this period can also force the person to make sacrifices and separate from those who do not support them in achieving that goal. If the sun is badly placed in the horoscope there may be an inability to project confidence and charisma.

• Moon (10 Years)

This is the period when the person seeks connection to others through marriage, family and parenthood, which will all be themes of this time. Also indicated are starting a business, buying a home, and otherwise staking a claim in the world - in other words, themes of nurturing, security and putting down roots. It also indicates increased sensitivity, receptivity, imagination, good memory and the development of sound habits. If the moon is weakly placed in the horoscope it may mean that connections to family and children are absent, with feelings of exclusion from 'normal' family life. It is also a time when memories of childhood and upbringing are revisited and old issues faced, perhaps through seeing the evolution of the person's own family. In extreme cases this period may also see episodes of mental illness and instability.

• Mars (7 Years)

This is a time to pursue goals with energy and passion, and a sense of energy and excitement is present. Courage, a thirst for action and physical strength will be increased. There is a desire in the person to better themselves during this time, and sports and competitions are prominent. Buying a home may also feature during this time as Mars rules property issues in Vedic astrology. If Mars is weakly placed in the horoscope, there may be a lack of courage, strength, inability to improve the life circumstances, and a lack of help and comfort from family. This may bring complacency and stagnation, or else power struggles and arguments with others.

• Rahu (18 Years)

This period brings to the fore the degree of material attachment the person possesses and compels them to develop the qualities that are most lacking in the person's life. This often happens at an unconscious level and can put the person in mysterious and unforeseen circumstances. However, this mahadasha can bring enormous success as it brings focus and determination to the process, but it can also leave the person feeling out of control and chaotic, as things are accumulated and experienced without a proper sense of wisdom and understanding. Occupations indicated include diplomatic jobs, jobs requiring manipulation of facts, computing, engineering, pilots, and dealing with poison and drugs.

• Jupiter (16 Years)

This is a period that always teaches something to the individual and it usually brings honor and recognition. It is a period of faith, hope and optimism when personal growth and a greater sense of fulfillment occurs, including marriage and children. It is a good period for opportunities for growth, and teachers and guides will play a useful role. There is a greater sense of morality, ethics and conscience in this mahadasha. Top political, business and administrative positions are indicated, such as bankers, presidents/kings, and lawyers. If Jupiter is weak however, there may also be unrealistic, over-optimistic, arrogant attitudes, and a misplaced sense of entitlement. There may be bad teachers and guides who lead the person astray. If Jupiter is difficultly placed then good health and wealth may be withheld, forcing a deeper fulfillment. During this period the person may also meet people, or experience some random event that will change their life for the better.

• Saturn (19 Years)

This is a period when the person faces their limitations, and becomes aware of the possibility of their own mortality. Detachment from worldy concerns, spirituality, concentration, dutifulness, honesty, sincerity and constancy will be emphasised. Ill health, death of loved ones and/or the fear of those things will occur. The more attached the person is to material things and pleasures the more difficult the Saturn mahadasha will be. But great success is also possible as Saturn gives responsibility, ambition, practicality and perseverance. Hospitals, old people, legacies and inheritance, wills and money matters will be prominent.

• Mercury (17 Years)

This mahadasha is a time of learning, curiosity, experimentation and the pursuit of the person's own interests. But sometimes this can be excessive. This mahadasha is a time when the person's career and worldly life could succeed hugely, or else fail totally. Either the person devises an effective and clever plan which allows them to ascend to greater heights, or they become overwhelmed by the many tasks and details of life, leading to mental escapism, indecisiveness, lethargy and fantasy. The position of Mercury in the person's horoscope will show how they go about things - will they say the right things, talk to the right people, get the details right - or not. At its best Mercury allows the person to see all possibilities at once, assess them accurately and discriminate between them. Qualities of good communication, intelligence, rationality, wit, shrewdness, judgment, dexterity and flexibility will also be emphasised if Mercury is well placed.

Each mahadasha is also subdivided into planetary periods called Bhukti, which run in the same order as the mahadashas, and with the same proportional length. For example, the first bhukti of Ketu is Ketu/Ketu, the second is Ketu/Venus, the third Ketu/Sun and so on. It is believed that this subdivision allows a much more detailed examination of the influence of each mahadasha, and a much clearer indication of what events are expected to occur and when.

The last bhukti of each mahadasha is considered to be a preparatory time for the major shift which the next mahadasha will bring. Thus, the last bhukti of the Sun mahadasha is Sun/Venus, which prepares for the coming Moon mahadasha by emphasising relationships and family matters. Similarly, the last bhukti of Jupiter is Jupiter/Rahu which prepares the mind for the practical and realistic Saturn mahadasha by reattaching it to stress and worldly concerns.