Jaimini’s Sthira

Dasa Fundamentals, Concepts, & Practical Illustrations

By Robert A. Koch, USA.

s time goes on, and as a new generation of Jyotishis evolves, A the systems of timing in Jaimini astrology are likely to come more and more into practice. With the aid of computer technology, and due to the obert A. Koch is a professional Vedic R dedicated efforts of some seasoned and astrologer with over 20 years’ experience in advanced astrologers,1 necessary research the field. His articles have appeared in numerous Vedic astrology journals, and he is thus being conducted on Rashi dashas, is a popular speaker at Vedic astrology or dasha periods based on the conferences and seminars. He has an progressions of signs initiated from a international clientele and student base specific starting point. The following is from all walks of life. Robert released his an independent research on a particular first book in 2005 entitled, The Spiritual approach to the calculation of and Dimensions of Vedic Astrology, which has implementation of Sthira dasa, and, as earned world-wide acclaim among scholars the example charts illustrate, this dasa and astrologers alike. (See system is exquisitely accurate as a http://robertkoch.com/book.html.) consistent predictive tool in Jyotish.

1 Sri K.N. Rao, and his team of advanced Jyotishis under the auspices of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, deserve global recognition here. Smt. Akhila Kumar of New Delhi should be acknowledged here specifically, as many of the approaches utilized in this article were inspired by her first ever research on Jaimini’s Sthira dasa. Sri PVR Narasimha Rao of Maryland, USA also deserves credit for his research on the method and illustration of Sthira dasa. 1 Rashi dashas, like all dasha systems, may be classified into two categories: Phalita, for timing the fruition of Raja and Dhana yogas; and Ayur, for the timing of fatality or other dangerous periods in life. Sthira dasa is an Ayur dasa and as the word “Sthira” implies, the lengths of the dasas are fixed, showing that longevity and the number of breaths that an individual will take in life is numbered. Sthira dasa, however, functions very well in both roles, i.e. Phalita and Ayur, thus making it unique among many dasha systems being practiced today.

The Brahma Graha

he critical point to be seen with Sthira dasa is that the rashi dashas begin from the sign of the Brahma graha, a planet which needs to be carefully considered T and evaluated by consistent and applicable rules. Among the three primal Deities mentioned in Vedic shastras, Vishnu, Brahma, and Mahesvara (Shiva), Brahma is the creator, being empowered by Sri Vishnu with Srishti-shakti, the power of generating universes and life forms from his supreme intelligence. Brahma plays a pivotal role within the expansive pantheon of Devatas, in that due to the function of creation over which he presides, the Raja-guna, or material mode of passion is set forth compelling all living beings to act in certain ways according to their desires. Raja-guna binds the living being to physical forms and repetitive incarnations due to the pursuit of this desire. Thus within the context of Jyotish, the Brahma planet indicates the cause of creation of the living being and what types of samskaras follow him into this life and thus for which he is accountable. Whatever planet qualifies to be Brahma in the will show where the strongest desire of the living being may be found and in which areas of his incarnation this desire may be sought and fulfilled. The Sthira dasa thus starts from the sign of the Brahma graha.

Fixed Karmas and Lifespan, and Fixed dasha periods

ith Sthira dasa, cardinal signs universally last for seven years; fixed signs are of eight year duration; and dual signs are of nine year duration. In the W modern times, life-extension experts promote the theory that lifespan is variable and can be extended due to the adoption of certain habits, lifestyle, and mental orientation. What emerges from the conceptual side of Jyotish, however, is that lifespan itself is fixed and thus only great saints or persons on the highest levels of spiritual realization have a choice as to when and how they will leave the physical body. Thus considering that life span is pre-determined, several systems use a similar fixed length of time for dasha periods. Niryana-shoola dasha, an important Ayur dasa, for example, also uses the same fixed lengths of dashas as is used in Sthira dasa. So let us begin with the 2 calculations of Sthira dasa, and then proceed to give some very interesting illustrations as to how this dasha works and how accurate it is in practice.

Controversies in the Determination of the Brahma Planet

erhaps one of the reasons Sthira dasa thus far is not regularly used by the average Jyotishi, is that various scholars put forward differing theories as to the P calculation of Brahma thus bringing confusion to the minds of students. At the onset, we may offer the following basic rules for the determination of Brahma, and then address the controversies:

Steps for determining the Brahma Graha

1. Find the stronger of the 1st and 7th houses of the horoscope; 2. Then find the stronger of the lords of the 6th, 8th, and 12th houses from the stronger of 1 and 7. Excluding Saturn, Rahu, and , the stronger planet is Brahma. 3. Once Brahma has been determined, all the Sthira dashas run consecutively from his position. Cardinal signs = 7 years; Fixed signs = 8 years; and dual signs = 9 years.

We will cover the strengths of houses and planets shortly, but let us just say that some scholars tend to differ with the above simple calculations, saying that Parasara said certain things, or another scholar put forth a separate conclusion, etc. One of these controversies stems from the point of view that the Brahma planet can only be in an odd sign, and also can only be in the visible side of the horoscope. However, if such rules were adopted, then at least two-thirds of would not have Brahma. Proponents of the above theories, however, say that if such strict conditions are not met, then one should find the stronger lord from the weaker of 1st and 7th and see if such planet meets these conditions. Even then, you will still find many horoscopes without Brahma. So the problem arises that if Sthira dasa is a universally applicable dasha, then it becomes a conditional dasha if we were to apply the above exceptions. In other words, Brahma, the creator, must be present in all horoscopes without exception.

Rudra and Mahesvara

aimini as well as Parasara are also of the opinion that if the lord of the 8th from the planet is in the 8th, then that planet becomes Brahma. However, the lord J th 2 of the 8 from AK is also taken as Mahesvara. Then it is instructed that if the lord

2 Rudra and Mahesvara are very important in Jaimini astrology especially where longevity calculations are concerned. Rudra is said to destroy the five tattvas (states of energy and matter) which are the constituents of material 3 of the 8th is in the 8th, or if it is exalted, then the lord of the 12th from AK becomes Mahesvara. But what if the 12th lord is also in own sign or exalted, then the determination of Mahesvara becomes muddy at best. This creates doubt as to which planet then becomes Brahma, and which one is Mahesvara where the lord of the 8th from AK is concerned. Thus the simplified method works best in practice, and that is that Brahma is the stronger among 6th, 8th, and 12th lords from the stronger of the 1st and 7th houses, excepting Saturn, Rahu and Ketu; and Mahesvara is the lord of the 8th from the Atmakaraka.

Rudra is the stronger lord of the 2nd and 8th houses. However, some say that if the weaker lord of the 2nd or 8th is aspected by many malefics, then it can become Rudra. The former is called Prani Rudra – the Rudra with strength - while the latter is called Aprani Rudra, or the one without strength. Again, for the purposes of simplicity, especially where studies in longevity are concerned, we shall take only the stronger lord of the 2nd and 8th (Prani Rudra) as the Rudra graha.

Finally, there is also the theory that if Saturn, Rahu, or Ketu becomes Brahma (by strength determination), then one should take the 6th planet from them instead. However, does the 6th planet mean the sixth planet in order of weekdays, or the lord of the 6th house from them? All of this discussion thus becomes murky and speculative when considering that the entire system of Sthira dasa fails if the Brahma planet is not identified correctly.

We can put all these ambiguous theories to rest by simply adopting the aforementioned rules, and also a straightforward and balanced approach to determining graha and bhava balas, using guidelines given in the Jaimini sutram.

Rules for Determining Strengths of Planets and Houses

Graha (planet) Balas:

Planets are strong based on three criteria:

1. Mulatrikona bala, or strengths based on exaltation, mulatrikona, own sign position, etc.

forms, and also separates the Atma from the material body at death. “Rud” means crying or tears, and thus Rudra represents the grief of the native’s relatives at death. Mahesvara is said to separate the Atma from the Manas, or mind, and thus helps the Atma in a very pure state of consciousness to attain Moksa (liberation). In practice, both Rudra and Mahesvara are essential in the determination of life span and the timing of death. 4 2. Amsa bala, strengths based on the planet’s position as Atmakaraka, Amatyakaraka, etc., or in other words highest degree position of the planet down to lowest degree; 3. Kendra bala, or strength based on the Kendra (angular) relationship of the planet and the Atmakaraka.

Houses are strong based on the following three criteria:

1. Chara bala, or natural strength of signs: Dual signs are stronger than fixed signs; and fixed signs are stronger than cardinal signs. 2. Sthira bala, or strength of signs due to occupation of planets. The more planets occupy a sign, the more strength it receives; 3. Drishti bala, strength due to aspect (by rashi drishti) of the sign lord, Jupiter and Mercury.

Numerical Tabulation of Strengths – Jaimini Astrology

A useful numerical breakdown of the above strengths may be studied as follows:3

Graha Bala – Units of Strength of Planets

Mulatrikona Exaltation Mulatrikona Own Friend Neutral Enemy Debil Units > 60 45 30 22.50 15 7.50 3.75

Amsa AK AmK BK MK PK GK DK Units > 60 45 30 22.50 15 7.50 3.75

Kendra to 1-4-7-10 2-5-8-11 3-6-9-12 AK Units > 60 30 15

3 This method of determining numerical strengths of planets and signs/houses in Jaimini astrology was suggested by the late B.V. Raman in his famous treatise, Studies in Jaimini Astrology. Essentially it synthesizes criteria found in several sources of strength for planets and houses mentioned in the Jaimini Upadesa Sutras. 5 Bhava Bala – Units of Strength of Signs/Houses

Sign types “ “ Chara Dual Fixed Moveable Units > 60 30 15

Sthira/Planets Seven Six Five Four Three Two One Units > 150 135 120 105 90 75 60

Drishti/aspects Mer/Jup/Lord Mer/Jup Lord Units > 180 120 60

Example Chart: Find the stronger of 1st and 7th houses in the following chart; then, find the stronger lord of 6th, 8th, and 12th from it and which qualifies as the Brahma planet:

Step #1: Stronger of 1 and 7 houses:

There are two planets in the of this chart, and none in the 7th. Thus the 1st house gets 75 units of strength. The 7th, however, is aspected by Mercury as well as its lord, and this gives a total of 120 units of strength. Thus, although there are two planets in the 1 st, the 7th house is stronger. Thus the Brahma planet is determined from the stronger of 6/8/12 from the 7th.

Step #2: Stronger lord of 6/8/12 from the 7th

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The 6th lord Saturn (from the 7th) is disqualified, and thus the candidates for Brahma are 8th lord Mars and 12th lord Sun. Mars is in his mulatrikona rasi, and thus gets 45 units of strength. Mars is also the Amatyakaraka (2nd highest in degree) which gives 45 additional units. It is in the 2nd (Panapara) from the Atmakaraka Venus, and this gives 30 units. So the sum total for Mars’ strength is 45 + 45 + 30 = 120 units.

Sun is in exaltation which gives 60 units of strength. It is also Putrakaraka (5th highest in degrees) and this gives 15 units. It is also in the 2nd from the AK, and this gives 30 units. Thus the Sun’s strength is 60 + 15 + 30 = 105 units. Mars is thus the Brahma graha in this horoscope and the Sthira dasas will begin from his sign of .

Antaradashas (sub-periods)

Once the Brahma planet has been ascertained, the remaining calculations of Sthira dasa are easy and can even be calculated mentally. Antaradashas are one-twelfth the length of the Mahadashas uniformly, and thus all sub-periods for cardinal signs (7 years) are 7 months long; sub-periods for fixed sign periods (8 years) are 8 months; and sub-periods for dual sign periods (9 years) are 9 months.

There are at least three different methods in vogue as to which sign initiate the sub- periods. They may be summarized as follows:

1. Sub-periods run consecutively forward zodiacally from the dasha sign itself, and thus the last sub-period is in the 12th from the dasa sign; or, 2. Sub-periods run consecutively forward zodiacally from the stronger of the dasha sign and its 7th; or, 3. Sub-periods run consecutively from the stronger lord of the 1st and 7th from dasha sign, but they run zodiacally or anti-zodiacally depending on whether the stronger lord is in an odd or even sign respectively.

An important hint arises here, as the first two methods above are more typically applied when Sthira dasa is used as an Ayur dasha; whereas, the last option above is more typically used if Sthira dasa is used as a Phalita dasha. In the example charts that follow, the 3rd approach above is used for the calculation of Antaradashas.

Interpreting Sthira Dasa Rashi dashas represent a progression in time from some fixed starting point in the horoscope. With Chara, Narayana, Lagna Kendradi, and several other dashas, the

7 ascendant is the starting point in initiating dashas. With Sthira dasa, it is the Brahma planet’s sign from which dashas initiate; for Niryana-shoola dasa, the stronger of the 2nd or 8th houses (the seed houses from which Rudra is calculated) is the initiating sign. The key point in interpreting any of these rasi dashas is to see the operating dasha sign as the ascendant, and then to judge all yogas and planetary combinations in the chart from that vantage point during the operation of the dasha. Thus every sign whose dasha operates in the life of the native will be an ascendant at some point in time in life and thus all the planets will behave in unique ways relative to the rashi sign in operation and what house of the natal horoscope it occupies.

Other principles of interpretation are as follows:

The stronger dashas for specific events in life should relate directly to whatever houses in the natal chart they activate. For example, if there are strong planets and yogas in the 10th house of the native’s chart, then it is certain that the Sthira dasa of the 10th house will bring a spectacular rise in career. If the 5th house rasi dasha operates, then children or higher education come into the life of the native; or, if the 7th house of the natal chart comes into operation and strong benefics either occupy or aspect it (only rashi, or sign aspects are considered here), then marriage becomes likely for the native.

 Sthira dashas having relation to Sthira (natural) and Chara (temporal) karakas will bring events and experience into life relating to those karakas. For example, the Sthira dasha that falls in the 8th house from the Bratrikaraka may bring the question of the father’s longevity and health to the surface.  Similarly, the dasha which falls in the 9th house from Jupiter may bring spiritual experiences or meeting the guru, whereas the dasha rashi in the 5th from Jupiter may bring mantra Diksa (initiation).  The dasha which falls in the 6th or 8th from Saturn or Rahu, can bring set-backs and health problems to the native.  The dasha in the 5th house from the Chara Putrakaraka or Jupiter may bring children or issues relating to children.  The dasha in the 4th house from Mercury may bring early education, or the dasa in the 10th from Saturn or the Amatyakaraka may bring significant events relative to career.  Or, the 6th house from the Chara Jnatikaraka (GK) may bring health problems, especially if the GK or the dasha rasi itself are afflicted.

Further to these principles, Arudhas, or padas of houses are very important in interpreting rashi dashas, especially Ayur dasas.

8  For example, the 3rd or 8th form the Arudha pada will bring death if that sign is seriously afflicted or has a trinal relationship with Rudra in the horoscope.  Death or set-backs to health can also occur if the dasha rasi is afflicted in the 3rd or 8th from the Atmakaraka, or the pada of the 7th house, if it is stronger than the pada of the 1st house.  Similarly, the sign containing the Rajya-pada (Arudha of the 10th house) could bring rise in status if reinforced by strong yogas.  Generally speaking, significant events will occur in the life of the native if the dasha rasi either contains, or is aspected, by the Arudha (pada) lagna itself.  The sign containing Mrityu-pada (Arudha of the 8th house) can bring death or death- like experiences if it is afflicted. The more there are malefic planets afflicting it, then the more challenging the experience will be.  Over-all, the rashi dashas which fall in good houses (kendras or trikonas) either from the natal lagna, the Atmakaraka or Arudha lagna, or from other karakas mentioned above, and which are aspected and joined by strong benefic planets, will bring Raja or Dhana to the life of the native.  Adverse locations, such as 6, 8, or 12 houses from the above vantage points, will bring losses, separation, divorce, set-backs, and other anomalies as part of the background karma destined for the native in this lifetime.  Appropriate remedial measures should be undertaken at the onset of, and within the duration of such adverse Rasi dashas.

Examples and Illustrations

Chart #1: Marriage and Birth of children - Male

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In this chart, Mars occupies the 7th house while the 7th is aspected by its lord, by Mercury, as well as Jupiter. Since there are no planets in the 1st, the 7th house is thus stronger than the 1st. From the 7th, the candidates for Brahma are Venus, Moon and Mars. Venus is the Atmakaraka and is stronger by sign position than Mars, and equally with Moon. Venus is therefore Brahma in this horoscope, and thus the Sthira dasas begin from the sign of , as follows:

Leo: 10/30/1975 to 10/30/1983 : 10/30/1983 to 10/29/1992 : 10/29/1992 to 10/30/1999 : 10/30/1999 to 10/30/2007 : 10/30/2007 to 10/29/2016 : 10/29/2016 to 10/30/2023

Events: Marriage, 7/3/1998; 1st child, 8/16/2002; 2nd child, 5/10/2006

Marriage took place during the Sthira dasa of Libra, AD of . The sign Libra and its 7th are aspected by Venus and Moon, while the 7th lord from Libra, Mars, is the Darakaraka and occupies the 7th house from lagna. From AD sign Taurus, the 7th lord is again Mars in the 7th from lagna, while sign Taurus is directly the 7th house of the chart. Venus, ruling the major and sub-period signs also aspects the Upapada lagna which is pivotal for marriage, and which is the sign Capricorn in this chart. These facts illustrate the event of marriage very well as per Sthira dasa.

The first child, a boy, was born during the major Sthira dasa period of Scorpio, and sub- period of Sagittarius. From Scorpio, the 5th lord Jupiter occupies his own sign in the 5th itself, a strong indicator for childbirth. Jupiter is aspected further by the 5th lord from lagna, viz. Mars. From the Antaradasha (AD) sign of Sg, the 5th lord is aspected again by Jupiter from his own sign. In Saptamsa, Sagittarius is in the 7th house and wherefrom the 5th is aspected by its lord Mars, as well as by Jupiter and 5th lord from lagna, Venus. 10 The Putrakaraka Sun is directly in the AD sign in Saptamsa. Thus birth of a child is confirmed.

Birth of the second child, also a son: Scorpio is the Sthira Mahadasha, as mentioned above for the 1st son, but this time Taurus is the AD. From Taurus, the 5th lord is exalted in the 5th, and is aspected by both Jupiter and 5th lord from lagna, Mars. Thus in the life of this native, three events of marriage and birth of two children are illustrated nicely.

Example chart # 2: Marriage, birth of a child, and tragedy – Female

The lagna of the chart has one planet, whereas the 7th house has none. The 7th house, however, is aspected by its lord as well as of Mercury. This gives more strength to the 7th house than the first. Thus Brahma is decided among Mars and Venus (Saturn is 11 excluded). Mars is in exaltation, whereas Venus is in a friend’s sign; Venus is higher in degree than Mars (AmK and PK respectively); both are in Panapara (2-5-8-11) house relationship to the AK. Thus the count is close, and so the units of strength need to be carefully totaled, as follows:

 Mars: 60 + 22.50 + 30 = 112.50 units  Venus: 22.50 + 45 + 30 = 97.50 units

Thus in this chart, Mars is the Brahma graha. The Sthira dasa thus starts from the sign Capricorn.

Events: Marriage: 2/15/1984; birth of son, 1/6/1986; husband died, 11/23/1993

Sthira dasas:

Capricorn: 3/24/1958 to 3/24/1965 : 3/23/1965 to 3/23/1973 : 3/23/1973 to 3/23/1982 Aries: 3/23/1982 to 3/23/1989 Taurus: 3/23/1989 to 3/23/1997 : 3/23/1997 to 3/23/2006 : 3/23/2006 to 3/23/2013 Leo: 3/23/2013 to 3/23/2021

Marriage: Marriage occurred during the Sthira MD of Aries, and AD of Libra. Aries is the Navamsa sign of the Darakaraka, also referred to as the DKN in this chart. In the Navamsa itself, Aries is directly the 7th house and has its lord Mars strong in that house and conjoined the DK Saturn. So the dasha sign of Aries is strong for marriage. The AD sign is Libra and which is directly the lagna of the Navamsa chart. Also in Navamsa the MD and AD signs Aries/Libra are aspected by Venus, thus confirming the event of marriage.

Libra, however, is joined by the GK Jupiter as well as Rahu and Mandi, and thus the husband would soon develop health problems after marriage due to alcoholism.

Son’s birth: Her son was born during the Sthira MD of Aries, and AD of Cancer. Aries is directly the 5th house of the chart, while AD sign Cancer is the 5th from the Putrakaraka Sun. Further, the 5th from Cancer is aspected by its lord, and exalted Mars. In Saptamsa, sign Cancer is occupied by its lord Moon and is aspected by Chara Putrakaraka Sun, and fixed Putrakaraka Jupiter. These facts promoted the birth of her son.

12 Husband’s death: Her husband died of alcoholism, and this occurred during the Sthira MD of Taurus/Gemini. Taurus is in the 8th from the natural DK which is Jupiter, and is also a sign for the husband due to its being the 2nd from the DKN. Taurus is also in the 6th from Saturn, and 8th from Navamsa lagna. The ruler of Taurus and the 7th from it, Venus and Mars respectively are also the 6th and 8th lords from lagna, and they afflict the 8th from the 7th, or the house of the husband’s longevity. In the Navamsa, 7th lord Mars + Saturn aspect the 2nd (8th from 7th) thus showing that the husband’s death was his own undoing, and not due to some natural cause. It may also be noted in this chart that the Moon is Rudra (the stronger of the lords of the 2nd and 8th), and this planet is capable of bringing the event of death by itself. For the husband, the Rudra planet is the stronger lord of the 8th and 2nd, or put another way, the stronger of the 2nd and 8th from the 7th. The point here is that sign Gemini is the Upapada lagna in the Navamsa chart (D-9), and it plus its lord come under the aspect of Rudra in the D-9.

Chart #3: Loss of Job - Male

13 In this Gemini rising chart, there are no planets in either of 1st or 7th houses. Jupiter aspects the 1st and 7th as the ruler of the 7th itself, and thus the 7th is the stronger of the two. The candidates for Brahma are thus Venus, Moon, and Mars. Moon is in own sign, and also in a Panapara (2-5-8-11) relationship with the Atmakaraka Jupiter. Venus is in a neutral sign and Apoklima relationship with the AK. Even though Venus is higher in degrees, the Moon is thus still stronger. Mars is in debilitation and lower in degrees, and thus disqualified. Thus the Moon is Brahma in this horoscope, and the Sthira dasas will begin from its sign of Cancer.

Cancer: 8/30/1951 to 8/30/1958 Leo: 8/29/1958 to 8/29/1966 Virgo: 8/30/1966 to 8/30 1975 Libra: 8/30/1975 to 8/30/1982 Scorpio: 8/30/1982 to 8/30/1990 Sag: 8/30/1990 to 8/30/1999 Capricorn: 8/30/1999 to 8/30/2006 Aquarius: 8/30/2006 to 8/29/2014

Event: The native lost is job as Director of Advertising Sales at Bay Nature magazine 12/9/2010. This occurred during the Sthira dasa of Aquarius, and Antaradasha of Aquarius also, which ran from 8/29/2010 to 4/29/2011. It is notable in this chart that Aquarius is the 9th house and has Rahu in it, the 9th being the 12th from the 10th thus representing loss of career. Rahu tends to separate or cause endings to occur, but more importantly to direct the trajectory of karma into new avenues in life. It is also notable that Aquarius is in the 7th from the Amatyakaraka Venus, and thus serves as a maraka sign for the career of the native. In the Dashamsa, AmK Venus is directly in the sign of Aquarius and in the 3rd house and which is the 6th from the 10th, thus serving as problematic in the area of his work, most probably with those in charge of employment or those higher up the executive chain. It is also notable here that sign Aq and AmK Venus in the D-10 are aspected by three tough malefics, Rahu, Mars, and Saturn.

Chart #4: Female – Birth of children and financial failure – Female

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In this Virgo rising chart, there are no planets in 1/7 houses, nor do their lords, Jupiter or Mercury aspect them. Thus the lords of the houses will decide the stronger of them. Mercury rules the 1st and is the Atmakaraka, and thus the stronger house is the 1st. Among candidates for Brahma, Mars and Sun (Saturn is disqualified), the Sun is in exaltation, is higher in degree, and is also in Kendra to the AK. Thus the Sun is the Brahma graha, and the dashas will begin from the sign of Aries.

Cancer: 4/28/1994 to 4/28/2001 Leo: 4/28/2001 to 4/28/2009 Virgo: 4/28/2009 to 4/28 2018

Events: Marriage, 10/24/2000; Birth of daughter, 4/8/2003; Father died, 5/21/2009; Financial collapse and bankruptcy, 5/1/2009

The native is a very successful creative hair designer and built a very lucrative business for herself in the past 15 years (1986 to 2011). Note the events listed above with respect to the Sthira dasas:

Marriage: The dasha was the major period of Cancer, and sub-period of Pisces when she was married. Note that Cancer is the 7th house from the Moon ( lagna), and the 1st/7th from Cancer is also aspected by a strong Venus from the sign of Taurus, as well as Putrakaraka Mars. The Chara Putrakaraka is frequently instrumental when love and marriage occur in the native’s life. Sub-period sign of Pisces is directly the 7th house from lagna, and in which position the Navamsa sign of exalted Venus occurs. So consistent with basic rules of prediction, this period was appropriate for marriage. Coincidentally, both 7th lords Jupiter (in the rasi chart) and Saturn (7th lord from Dasha rasi) were transiting the natal sign of Taurus, as well as Venus and Mars (Mars is the 7th 15 lord from the DK) at the time of marriage, thus confirming the consistency of the dual Jupiter/Saturn transit phenomena at the time that key events occur.

Birth of her daughter: The Sthira Mahadasha was Leo, while the AD period was of Gemini. Jupiter aspects Leo in this chart, and is also the 5th lord from the dasha sign. Further, Jupiter mutually aspects Putrakaraka Mars, who is also the 9th lord from the dasha rasi. In the Navamsa, Leo is the 5th house and has its lord Sun placed there, thus confirming that this dasha would give the birth of a child. Sub-period sign is Gemini, wherefrom 1st and 9th lords join in the 11th (from Gemini), whereas Jupiter is in the 5th from Gemini. In Navamsa also, both Mercury and 9th lord Jupiter aspect the sign Gemini, and are in the 5th from the dasa sign Leo.

Death of her father: This occurred during the Mahadasha of Leo, and AD period of Libra. Sign Leo is the 12th house and has Ketu in addition to Gulika and Mandi in it suggesting death and losses during this dasa, and further it is aspected by Sun, Saturn, and Mercury. Mercury is a maraka for the father as lord of the 2nd from the 9th. Very importantly, however, Leo is the 8th from the Bratrikaraka (father) Moon, and thus it is easy to see that this dasha would greatly compromise the father’s health and longevity. Sub-period sign Libra is the 6th from the 9th, and it has 8th lord (from the 9th) Jupiter in it afflicted by Rahu, Ketu and Mars. Libra is also directly the 9th house of the and in which maraka lord Mars is situated and further aspected by Rahu and Ketu. The father would thus not survive this period.

Financial collapse: Perhaps the most challenging experience of this person’s life was a complete and utter financial failure which culminated in bankruptcy and foreclosure of her house on May 1, 2009. The Sthira dasa is very clear on this event occurring in her life and in fact her astrologer had predicted it. Note that this occurred during the Sthira dasa of Virgo, and sub-period of Aries. Mercury rules both the 1st and 10th houses from the dasa rasi and lagna, and its position in the 8th house with 6th lord Saturn, 12th lord Sun, and aspected by Rahu and Ketu was sure to bring ruin to her financial situation. It is well-known and frequently found that the 10th lord moving to the 8th house in an afflicted condition brings about the end of careers, and in this case it additionally brought financial ruin to the native. She did, however, get the chance to restart her financial life after bankruptcy, and by this time (April 2011) has recovered many if not most of her losses. Note that now the Sthira dasa is Aquarius/Cancer, Aq being aspected by Jupiter and a strong Raja- forming in the 4th from it, i.e. Mars ruling the 10th, and Venus ruling the 4th and 9th. Cancer is also the 11th house from lagna and which receives the aspects of the aforementioned yogakarakas.

16 It is important to note from this example alone that two completely opposite ends of the spectrum may occur in the native’s life depending on the rotating signs of the Sthira dasa from one to the next.

Example chart # 5: Near-death experience - Female

In this Scorpio rising chart, Jupiter aspects the 7th whereas neither the sign lord of the 1st, Jupiter or Mercury aspect the first. There are no planets in 1st or 7th either. Thus, the stronger of 1st and 7th is the 7th house. The candidates for Brahma are thus Venus, Jupiter, and Mars. Among the three, Mars is highest in degree and is in the 1st/Kendra from the AK Saturn, yet is in an enemy’s sign. Jupiter and Venus are both lower in degrees than Mars, Jupiter is in a neutral sign, while Venus is in a friendly sign. Venus and Jupiter are in Panapara relationship to the AK. Thus Mars emerges as the strongest of the three, even though he is inimically placed. So the Sthira dasas begin from the sign of Mars, i.e. Virgo.

Sagittarius Sthira dasa: 3/18/2006 to 3/18/2015. 17

Event: Sthira dasa of Sagittarius, sub-period of Pisces. On April 21, 2010, she suddenly collapsed and was taken to the local hospital unconscious. With family members afraid for her life, she remained in a coma in the hospital for a period of at least two weeks on life-support machinery before regaining consciousness. The doctors had no answer to why this happened to her, and to this day the cause of the life-threatening event remains a mystery. She did not die, however, and by this date (April 21, 2011), exactly one year later, she has regained her health yet has been changed in some very fundamental ways, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually.

Since Sthira dasa is conceived of as an Ayur dasa (although the preceding case studies also show its efficacy in timing ordinary events too) the periods challenging the native’s longevity should be very carefully noted by astrologers and appropriate warnings given. Of course in this instance, it is hard to forewarn against an illness that has no diagnosis, but still the astrologer should forewarn against a period of grave danger to the native. The native’s mother was given this forewarning by her astrologer nearly one year prior to the time of the event.

Dushta Marana and Rudra yogas: The Dushta Marana yoga (combination threatening life and causing terrible pain) occurs when the 3rd or 8th house from the Arudha lagna comes under severe afflictions, whereas the results of the yoga occur during the dasha periods through which malefics aspect the 3rd from the AL. In this chart, the AL falls in the sign of Cancer wherefrom the 3rd has Saturn and Mars, and is aspected by Rahu, Ketu and the Moon as well as Mandi and Gulika, the latter ones aspecting from the Sthira dasa rasi of Sagittarius. It is further noted here that the mutual aspects of the Moon and Mars – while simultaneously malefics also aspect them – causes a Rudra yoga which is a combination for death or near-death experience.4 Rudra yoga is thus also noted in this chart and it directly occurs in the dasa rasi itself, which is the sign of Sagittarius. Rudra yoga can also form by way of mutual aspects between Moon and Venus. Sri KN Rao has done research on the dangers to life which could occur during rasi dashas of Sagittarius, and this is certainly one of those cases.

Cause of the incident from the Astrological Angle: Moon rules the blood and other bodily fluids, whereas Ketu and Rahu represent poisons, and since they both fell in the 2nd house (a maraka bhava), it could be concluded that she fell prey to food poisoning or also a water- born pathogen, yet one of an extremely virulent nature. She may also have had a severe allergic reaction to some prescription drug that she was taking. It could also be concluded that some very subtle toxic substance entered her blood stream, such as radioactive material,

4 Rudra yoga is also formed by way of mutual aspects of Venus and Moon. 18 although the present of Ketu in the dasha sign makes any of these prognoses difficult to definitely determine. The AD sign Pisces holds the DK Sun, also a maraka, and this sign is also in the 7th from the Atmakaraka which is Saturn. Transit Saturn was in the same sign as at birth (Virgo, the 3rd from AL), while the nodes Rahu and Ketu had reversed their sign positions from the natal chart: Rahu in Sagittarius the dasha rasi; and Ketu in Gemini.

So why did she survive and not die? The key point here is that the Atmakaraka protects the native from death if he is either in or aspects the dasha rasi and Antaradasha rasi. This will even be the case if the AK plays other sinister roles too, such as Rudra or Maheswara, neither of which apply in this chart, however. On the other hand, disease or injury which occurs during periods strongly influenced by the AK can bring terrible pain and suffering that the native has to undergo, and this may be seen as a type of spiritual purification or quantum leap forward in terms of samskaras being burned off during the operative dashas relating to the Atmakaraka. Since the Moon is the natural karaka of mother also, one can only imagine the terrible emotional stress, anxiety and pain that her mother went through during this period, and which her mother confirms to this day, namely that her daughter’s near-death has been the most difficult and harrowing period of her entire life. At this point in time the young woman is nearly fully recovered, and this can be seen from the Sthira dasa too, which is now Sagittarius/Aries. From Aries, benefics Jupiter and Venus are in the angles, benefic Mercury aspects Aries, and further the worst malefics Rahu, Mars, and Saturn are in the Upachaya 3rd and 6th, wherein they are contained thus confirming that she is well on the mend at this time.

The above examples give clear evidence of (1) the correct determination of Brahma and in which determination all ambiguous and confusing methods have been set aside; and (2) how the ensuing Sthira dasa gives very clear and straightforward illustrations of actual events that occurred in the lives of the natives. These examples give light to the power of this ancient dasha systems and thus may give the astrologer ample enthusiasm to further research in the rasi dashas of Jaimini. With the help of Jyotish computer software, more 5 advances in these areas of research are possible than ever before.

5 The calculations of Sthira dasa as presented in this research are calculated with precision accuracy in the Parasara’s Light 7.03 software. Jagannatha 7.51 gives options for the starting point of the dasa, but as of the latest version of it, the option doesn’t work. Of the remaining leading Jyotish software programs, Sri Jyoti Star 6.0 does not give calculations for Brahma or Sthira dasa. Kala Jyotish software gives Sthira dasa but with different calculations for Brahma than are given in this article and with no options to change the starting point of the dasa. Thus for researching this dasa, my software recommendation is Parasara’s Light 7.03.

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