Käraka Kendrädi Graha Dasa
‘The progress of the Soul.’
By Visti Larsen
Guide & guru: Pt. Sanjay Rath
CONT ENTS 1 INTRODUCTION 3 1.1 Versatility of Dasa’s 3 1.2 Kendra’s 3 1.3 Käraka 3 1.4 The Atma 4 1.5 The union of souls 4 2 CALCULATION 6 2.1 Sequence, rules and strengths 6 2.1.1 Sequence 6 2.1.2 Dasa length 6 2.1.3 Strength 6 2.1.3.1 Strength of signs 6 2.1.3.2 Strength of graha’s 7 2.1.3.3 Dual Lordship 7 2.1.4 Application of strength rules 7 2.1.5 Antar, PratyAntar, etc Dasa’s 7 2.2 Example of calculation 8 3 USE OF KÄRAKA KENDRÄDI DASA 11 3.1 Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu 11 3.2 Blessings of the Gods 12 3.2.1 Various personal deities 12 3.2.2 Chart example 12 3.3 The union of souls 13 3.3.1 Description of Chara Karaka 13 3.3.2 Chart example 14 3.4 Results of Mahadasa/Antardasa, etc… 15 4 EXAMPLES 17 4.1 Dramatic spiritual events 17 4.2 Times of excellent learning 20 4.3 Initiation into spiritual discipline 22
4.4 Renunciation 24 4.4.1 Childhood 24 4.4.1.1 Fathers influence: 25 4.4.1.2 Mothers influence: 25 4.4.1.3 Arrival of Guru 26 5 AFTERNOTE 28
CHARTS Chart 1: Example Calculations........................................ 8 Chart 2: Ecstacy of Mantra-siddhi................................. 13 Chart 3: Meeting of Guru .............................................. 15 Chart 4: Ramana Maharishi – Leaving home ............... 17 Chart 5: Blessings of spiritual learning......................... 20 Chart 6: Initiation into Gayatri Mantra......................... 22 Chart 7: Initiation into Spiritual sect............................. 23 Chart 8: Shankaracharya - Sri Jayendra Saraswati....... 24
FIGUR ES Figure 1: Kaala Chakra .........................................................4
TABLES Table 1: Example of Karaka Kendrädi Dasa................... 9 Table 2; Sri Ramana Maharishi - Käraka Kendrädi
Maha Dasa's........................................................... 18 Table 3: Sri Ramana Maharishi - Antaradasa's in Rahu
Mahadasa............................................................... 19 Table 4: Chart 5 - Käraka Kendrädi Mahadasa ............ 20 Table 5: Chart 5 - Antardasa’s in Jupiter Maha Dasa..21 Table 6: Sri Jayendra Saraswati - Käraka Kendrädi
Maha Dasa's........................................................... 26
1 Introduction Käraka Kendrädi Dasa was expounded by Maharishi Parasara as well as Maharishi Jaimini, and
originates from a system of Dasa’s aptly called the Kendrädi Dasa’s. The word Käraka is used to
indicate the importance of the 8 Chara Käraka as well as Moksha Käraka Ketu.
1.1 Versatility of Dasa’s
Dasa systems exist for almost any part of life, helping us to understand how life events unfold on
various planes of consciousness. The Dasa systems given by the astrological sages can be divided
into 2 types.
• Dasa’s based on signs, or rasi’s.
• Dasa’s based on planets, or graha’s.
Within these 2 schemes the Kendrädi Dasa’s reside, which can be calculated from signs and
planets, as well as other points of the zodiac.
1.2 Kendra’s
Etymologically, Kendra+adi is the root indicating the Kendra (quadrants) and adi (literally, others).
The Kendrädi Dasa’s are based on the Kendra-principle. The Kendra’s are the 1st, 4th, 7th and 10th
houses from any sign or house and simply indicate the quadrangular houses positioned 90 degrees
apart. The first or starting sign can be reckoned from any house, depending on the purpose.
Since the Kendra’s tell about the working forces helping the native, the Kendrädi Dasa’s tell us
about the fructification of events in the native’s life. Käraka Kendrädi Dasa relates to the
fructification of experiences and relationships received by the Soul – i.e. the individual jévätma
represented by the Ätmakäraka.
Technically, the 1st, 4th, 7th & 10th houses from any sign are the kendras from it. The 2nd, 5th, 8th and
11th houses, which are the kendras to the second sign from it, are also called the panapara. The 3rd,
6th, 9th & 12th houses which are the kendras to the 12th house from it, are called the apoklimas.
1.3 Käraka
The Naisargika Atmakäraka is the Sun, signifying the supersoul or Paramätma. Now each
of the souls born on this earthy abode has a specific purpose with their presence, and this is acted
out through the Jévätma, or the Individual Soul. This Jévätma is signified by the Chara Atmakaraka
in the chart.
There are 8 Chara Kärakas from Sun to Rahu, ruling the 8 directions of the Käla Chakra1.
These 8 directions symbolize the 8 lessons a soul must learn in this abode before their journey and
purpose has been fulfilled, and they can move in the vertical upwards direction, ruled by
Mokñakäraka- Ketu, through-which the soul attains final liberation.
These 8 spokes, represent the 8 purposes of the Jévätma2, having incarnated on this earth for
a specific purpose. This is understood through the position of the Chara Atmakäraka in the chart.
1 Also known as the Astadalapadma, and the basis of Hinduism. 2 Individual Soul, discerned from Paramatma – Universal Soul.
The Käraka Kendrädi Dasa revolves around this Chara Atmakäraka, and shows the experiences
the soul will receive.
Figure 1: Kaala Chakra
1.4 The Atma
The Soul is the self, that which is unborn and never dies. Every being is comprised of a Soul, Mind,
Body and Intellect. A vivid explanation of the links between these 4 is given in Katha Upanishad:
AaTman< riwn< zrIr< tu, buiÏ< tu iviÏ mn> à¢hmev c.3. ätmänaà rathinaà çaréraà tu| buddhià tu viddhi manaù pragrahameva ca||3||
“Consider the embodied soul as the master of the chariot, the body as the chariot, the intellect as the
charioteer, and the mind as the reins.” – Swami Lokeswarananda
Understanding this, we may infer that our true self, the soul, is but an observer overseeing the
experiences of life. It is not attached to the bodily ailments or the heartaches of life, yet we as
beings identify ourselves with our surroundings and hence our good and bad karmas are
experienced through our surroundings.
1.5 The union of souls
In this mortal abode, other souls incarnate with us due to a certain amount of karma shared
between the souls. Two souls, who have spent continuous lives fighting with each other, will meet
again to continue the unresolved fight. Similarly two souls having spent their lives in deep love to
each other may as well be reunited once again to live out their seemingly irrevocable thirst for
love.
It is for this reason that enlightened souls and spiritual aspirants tend to live in seclusion from the
mundane world, trying to break the cycle of repeating karmas. The meeting and learning between
these souls is seen from the Käraka Kendrädi Dasa.
This article attempts to spread light on the experiences of the Master of the chariot, whilst in the
chariot we call life.
2 Calculation
2.1 Sequence, rules and strengths
2.1.1 Sequence
1. If the Chara Atmakaraka is in an odd sign, the Dasa of the planets in the Panaphara follow
the Dasa of the Kendra’s.
2. If the Chara Atmakaraka is in an even sign, the Dasa of the planets in the Apoklima’s
follow the Dasa of the Kendra’s.
3. If Saturn is in the sign of the Chara Atmakaraka, then irrespective of whether the sign is
odd or even, the Dasa of the planets in the Kendra signs will be followed by the Dasa of the
planets in the Panaphara.
4. If Ketu is in is in the sign of the Chara Atmakaraka, then irrespective of whether the Chara
Atmakaraka is odd or even, the Dasa of the planets in the Kendra signs will be followed by
the Dasa of the planets in the Apoklima’s.
5. If both Saturn & Ketu are in the sign of the Chara Atmakaraka, then determine the stronger
of the two and follow either of rule 3 or 4 above.
2.1.2 Dasa length
1. Counting from the sign occupied by the planet to its Mülatrikoëa sign and deducting 1
year from the result we find the length of the Dasa in years.
2. If the planet is exalted, in addition to the above, we add 1 year, whilst if debilitated we
deduct 1 year.
3. If the planet is in own sign it gets the maximum period of 12 years. This is irrespective of its
exaltation.
4. Thereafter, we deduct the result from the Vimshottari Dasa period of the planet. If the
result is larger than the Vimshottari period, then we deduct the Vimshottari period from
the result.
5. In case of the nodes, Aquarius is considered for Rahu, whilst Scorpio is considered for
Ketu.
6. If the result of the deduction becomes 0, the period will be the full Vimshottari length.
7. After calculating the years of the nine graha’s, we have completed the 1st cycle of the
Dasa’s. The 2nd cycle comprises of the same planets in the same sequence, however the
Dasa length is the Vimshottari length deducted from the previously given result. Adding
up the 2 cycles would give a full result of 120 years, which is the length of life for humans.
2.1.3 Strength
The given rules must be used to first determine the stronger sign, and later the stronger planet
in the signs must be found using the following rules.
2.1.3.1 Strength of signs 1. A sign with more graha’s is stronger.
2. The signs aspected or joined by Jupiter, Mercury or the lord of the sign, are stronger.
3. If there are an equal number of planets/aspects, then the state of the planets in the signs
must be ascertained i.e. exalted planets are stronger than Moolatrikona, who are stronger
than Swakshetra signs, etc. Debilitation signs are weakest.
4. If they are still equal in strength, then the natural strengths of the lords placed in Dual signs
being stronger than fixed signs and fixed signs being stronger than movable signs is
considered.
5. The sign lorded by Atmakaraka is stronger.
6. If the strengths are still equal, the degrees of the sign-lord must be delineated. One with
higher degrees (as used in the Chara Karaka scheme) is stronger.
7. If both lords have the same degrees, then the lord of a sign being in a different oddity than
its own sign is stronger.
8. The sign who gives a higher Dasa period is stronger.
2.1.3.2 Strength of graha’s 1. A planet placed in exaltation/Moolatrikona or Own sign is stronger in decreasing order.
2. The degrees of planet must be delineated. One with higher degrees (as used in the Chara
Karaka scheme) is stronger.
3. If both have equal number of degrees, the one with higher minutes/seconds is stronger.
2.1.3.3 Dual Lordship For Scorpio and Aquarius, special consideration should be made, as Scorpio is lorded by both
Mars and Ketu, whilst Aquarius is lorded by both Saturn and Rahu. 3
1. If both lords are placed in their own sign (Scorpio/Aqua) then the Dasa length is 12 years.
2. Similarly consider when both placed in the same sign, i.e. count from the lords to the sign.
3. If one of the lords is placed in the own sign (Scorpio/Aqua), then the Dasa length is
estimated from the lord placed elsewhere.
4. If both are placed elsewhere, the stronger of the signs they are posited in must be
delineated using the given rules for sign strength (refer 2.1.3.1).
5. If the signs occupied by the lords are of equal strength, the lord contributing more years is
stronger.
2.1.4 Application of strength rules
1. Initially the stronger of the 4 signs in Kendra to the 1st, 2nd or 3rd from AK (refer 2.1 -
Sequence, rules and strengths) must be perused. For this purpose the strengths of signs
must be known (refer 2.1.3.1 - Strength of signs).
2. Next the stronger sign having being ascertained, one must determine the stronger planet in
the specific sign (refer 2.1.3.2 - Strength of graha’s).
2.1.5 Antar, PratyAntar, etc Dasa’s
3 v&iíkaixptI ÖaE c ketu-ÉaEmaE Sm&taE iÖj, zin-r÷ c k…MÉSy SvaimnaE pirkIit<tae.157.
våçcikädhipaté dvau ca ketu-bhaumau småtau dvija| çani-rahu ca kumbhasya sväminau parikétinto||157|| - ”For Scorpio Ketu and Mars, for Aquarius
Saturn and Rahu, should be proclaimed as lords. – BPHS Chapter 46. Refer to Slokas 157-163 of the same chapter.
1. The Dasa is divided in 9 equal parts, to find the length of the sub Dasa’s.
2. The sequence of the sub Dasa’s is the same as the previously ascertained, beginning from
the planet lording the Dasa.
2.2 Example of calculation
Chart 1: Example Calculations – Male August 7th 1963, 21:15 Sambalpur India.
The sign containing the Chara Atmakaraka is Capricorn. The quadrants to Capricorn are
the movable signs. Among the movable signs, Cancer is the strongest having more planets. Among
the planets in Cancer, Sun has highest degrees, followed by Venus. Saturn follows the Dasa of
these two, and hence these 3 furnish the Dasa’s of the planets in the Kendra’s to the Chara
Atmakaraka.
The Atmakaraka – sign, contains Saturn, hence after the Kendra’s to AK, the Panaphara’s
follow, being the Fixed signs. Among the Fixed signs, Leo and Aquarius have a planet each.
Among these Leo is stronger, being occupied by Mercury, and hence Mercury Dasa will furnish
the Dasa followed by Moon. This furnishes the Dasa’s of planets in Panaphara’s to the Chara
Atmakaraka.
Following the Panaphara’s the Dasa’s of planets in Apoklima from the same emerge, being
the planets in Dual signs. Each of the Dual signs are occupied by a graha each, among which the
nodes – Rahu and Ketu, are exalted, making Gemini and Sagittarius the stronger. Among the two,
lord of Sagittarius is aspected by its own lord - Jupiter, making Sagittarius stronger. Hence Ketu
Dasa furnishes the Dasa of the Apoklima’s followed by Rahu, then Jupiter in own sign, and lastly
Mars.
A table of the Dasa and Dasa length is given.
Table 1: Example of Karaka Kendrädi Dasa
Quadrant Dasa Distance to Moolatrikona -1 +/- Exal/deb
Vimshottari length
Dasa Length Years Age
1st cycle
Sun 1 6 5 1963 0
Venus 3 20 17 1968 5 Kendra/Brahma
Saturn 1 19 18 1985 22
Mercury 1 17 16 2003 40 Panaphara/Shiva
Moon 3 10 7 2019 56
Ketu 11+1 7 5 2026 63
Rahu 8+1 18 9 2031 67
Jupiter 9 16 7 2040 77 Apoklima/Vishnu
Mars 7 7 (0) 7 2047 84
2nd cycle 1st cycle length Vimshottari
length
Dasa Length
Sun 5 6 1 2054 91
Venus 17 20 3 2055 92 Kendra/Brahma
Saturn 18 19 1 2058 95
Mercury 16 17 1 2059 96 Panaphara/Shiva
Moon 7 10 3 2060 99
Ketu 5 7 2 2063 100
Rahu 9 18 9 2065 103
Jupiter 7 16 9 2074 111 Apoklima/Vishnu
Mars 7 7 0 2083 120
Ending date/age: 2083 120
An example of Antar Dasa’s is given for the 1st cycle Maha Dasa of Saturn from 22-40 years
of age:
Saturn = 18 years / 9 = 2 years. So each Antar Dasa is for 2 years.
# Antar Dasa of Saturn Maha Dasa Year
1 Saturn 1985
2 Mercury 1987
3 Moon 1989
4 Ketu 1991
5 Rahu 1993
6 Jupiter 1995
7 Mars 1997
8 Sun 1999
9 Venus 2001
Ending Date: 2003
3 Use of Käraka Kendrädi Dasa
It should be kept in mind that the Soul is unborn, and never ages. The efforts to time events using
the Karaka Kendrädi Dasa help us understand the teachings/lessons the soul is experiencing.
However whether the native is conscious of these activities depends on their level of awareness.
A child will be less aware of the workings of the universe, whilst a spiritually enlightened being
will respond much easier to the various experiences of enlightenment colouring the native’s life.
However in both cases the soul will always be aware, and will take on all the experiences. This is
exemplified in this sloka from Katha Upanishad:
n jayte ièTyte va ivpiíÚay< k…tiíÚ bÉUv kiít!,
Ajae inTy> zañtae=y< puranae n hNyte hNymane zrIre.18. na jäyate mrityate vä vipaçcinnäyaà kutaçcinna babhüva kaçcit|
ajo nityaù çäçvato'yaà puräno na hanyate hanyamäne çarére||18||
“The self is not born; it does not die, either. It is not born of something, nor is something else born of it. It is
without birth, eternal, unchanging, always present. The body perishes but the self (soul) never
perishes.“– translation by Swami Lokeswarananda
Unlike the Udu Dasa’s given by Maharishi Parasara, the Käraka Kendrädi Dasa is not bound to the
natives mind and emotions. The results of Käraka Kendrädi Dasa are above the level of the mind
and body, and will only be attached to the learning the soul gets, i.e. the native may experience the
deaths of many relatives and loved ones, yet the realisation of deaths true nature may not come
during such a time. Similarly the native may enter into many love relationships, but may not
realise loves true nature until they are divorced and single.
In this manner the astrologer should understand the experiences of the soul.
The steps given below will help ascertain the type of learning/experiences the soul faces in life,
and the events that fulfil the same.
3.1 Brahma, Shiva and Vishnu
The progression of the soul acts on 3 levels.
i) Brahma - the level of experiencing the world, after which the soul attains inner-
personal spiritual maturity – The soul chooses their direction in life during this
period.
ii) Shiva – the level of learning where the soul is gaining understanding of the
world they are in. Just like Shiva, the native may consume poisons/take
chances/risks in the effort of learning. After this period the consciousness has
expanded to include other souls into their consideration.
iii) Vishnu – after the previous levels, the soul has decided its place in this world
and the path to follow and will now work towards its goal, as per its previous
considerations.
These 3 levels are expressed in the 3 quadrants occupied by Graha’s, i.e. planets in the first
quadrant to the AK are in the Brahma portion, whilst the 2nd quadrant (whichever follows the 1st),
is called the Shiva portion, whilst the last quadrant is the Vishnu portion.
In the given calculations example (refer Table 1: Example of Karaka Kendrädi Dasa) the
native experiences the Brahma portion from 0-40 years of age, whilst the Shiva portion is from the
40-63 years of age, whilst the Vishnu portion rests in the 63-91 years of age. This begins over from
the 91-96 years of age, 96-100 years of age is the Shiva portion again, and the 100-120 years of age is
the remaining Vishnu portion.
Hence the Maha Dasa portion, determines the level of experiences/learning the soul will
receive.
3.2 Blessings of the Gods
3.2.1 Various personal deities
There are various deities who have taken on the role of helping the soul through their stay
in the earthly abode. These are:
i) Istha Devata4 – responsible for liberating the soul of its desires.
ii) Guru Devata5 – responsible for guiding to knowledge.
iii) Dharma Devata6 – responsible for protecting the souls interests.
iv) Palana Devata7 – sustainer of the native in this abode.
v) Kula Devata8 – bringer of happiness, and deity of the family.
vi) Grama Devata9 – bringer of fortune to the community the native resides in.
Of these mentioned Deities, the first 3, Ishta, Guru and Dharma Devata’s, are most vital for
analysing the results of the Karaka Kendrädi Dasa, as they will show the various times of
learning/protection for the soul.
3.2.2 Chart example
4 The stronger planet placed in or lording the 12th from the Karakamsa (Chara Atmakaraka in Navamsa). 5 The stronger planet joining the Chara Bhratri Karaka in Navamsa, or the Chara Bhratri Karaka itself, in case of no planets joining. 6 The stronger planet placed in or lording the 9th sign from Karakamsa. 7 The stronger planet placed in or lording the 6th sign from the Chara AmatyaKaraka in Navamsa. 8 The stronger planet placed in or lording the 2nd sign in Vimsamsa (D-20). 9 The stronger planet placed in or lording the 4th sign in Vimsamsa (D-20).
Chart 2: Ecstacy of Mantra-siddhi – Rasi: Male November 21st 1981, 6:22:22 AM Nairobi, Kenya
In the given chart, Mercury is the Ishta Devata and occupies the 3rd Drekkana of its sign, indicating
Sri Krishna as the Ishta Devata. Mercury is joined Jupiter, the 5th lord and some Mantra is bound to
lead the native to the Istha Devata.
Mercury lords the 11th house ruling astrology learning (11th house is the 4th–learning from the 8th-
occult).
The 11th house shows the Parampara10 of ones astrology learning. Saturn is in the 11th house with
Moon, indicating a strict discipline of learning. Hence the native would attain the company of their
Istha Devata through the initiation into a Parampara of Astrology.
The native’s initiation happened in Jupiter Dasa, Mercury Antar Dasa, as Jupiter is Karaka for the
9th house and Guru, whilst Mercury is Guru Devata showing the natives obtainment of a guru. The
Pratyantardasa was of Rahu placed in the 9th house.
The subsequent Pratyantardasa of Saturn made the native endure long hours chanting the
Parampara mantra, and when Moon Pratyantardasa came, the native suddenly found himself
experiencing an powerful spiritual presence, filling the native with tears of love and ecstatic joy, as
a result of the constant repetition of the mantra “Hare Rama Krishna”.
3.3 The union of souls
The Karaka Kendrädi Graha Dasa, doesn’t only highlight the experiences of the individual
soul, but also shows the interaction and learning experienced by/through other souls who come
into contact with the individual soul.
3.3.1 Description of Chara Karaka
10 Parampara means Lineage.
Union or separation from these souls is a fact of life, but the Atma is free from emotion in
this regard, and the focus is on learning. This learning is part of the experiences that all souls go
through in various lifetimes and can be understood through the 8 Chara Karaka.
1. Atmakäraka – the individual soul.
2. Amatyakäraka – the advisor and protector of the individual soul.
3. Bhratrikäraka – the guide of the soul, or Guru. This is the concept of
brotherly love.
4. Matrikäraka – the mother or nurturing soul.
5. Pitrikäraka – the father or elders.
6. Putrakäraka – the children and followers.
7. Gnatikäraka – the Kinsmen and relatives.
8. Darakäraka – the lover or spouse.
The 8 Graha’s from Sun-Rahu occupy the 8 categories given above depending on their
degree. Expunging signs, the planet with the highest degree becomes the Atmakaraka, whilst the
one attaining 2nd highest degrees becomes the Amatyakaraka, and so forth. A special exception is
applied to Rahu whose degrees are counted in reverse (from the end of the sign) due to its
retrograde motion.
The list excludes the 9th graha – Ketu because it is the Moksha Karaka and is not attached to
the affairs that souls occupy in this abode. Instead it represents otherworldly spiritual experiences,
provided Ketu is in a spiritual yoga in the chart.
The Dasa’s of the other Chara karaka will be very spiritually enlightening for the specific
soul. If the planet is a malefic then the lessons learnt are harsh, whilst if benefic the lessons are
easy. Either way the lessons are definitely learnt, and this learning is the focal point of the Dasa.
3.3.2 Chart example
Chart 3: Meeting of Guru –Male Rasi: July 18th 1935, 19:00 (IST) (79e26;10n42)
In the given chart, the Bhratri Karaka is Venus placed in the 8th house (celibacy), and has mutual
Graha Dristi with the Sadhu11 Yoga formed by Moon and Saturn in the 2nd house. This shows that
the Guru would have a strong influence on the native’s decision to renounce life.
Venus is furthermore 5th and 10th lord, hence becoming Yogakaraka for the native, and is capable of
raising the native to a high position in life.
Guru Karaka and Atmakaraka - Jupiter is in the 10th house, in a Guru-Mangala Yoga which would
confer the blessings of Shiva on the native, and also mark them with a sign of a trident. As Jupiter
and Mars join the Kulapada (A2) this comes through a lineage of Shiva worshippers that the native
belonged to.
In the Dasa/Antara of Jupiter – Venus, the native started his studies in Sanskrit and became Sishya
of the HH. Sri Chandrashekhar Saraswati, who was the Sankaracharya of that time.
3.4 Results of Mahadasa/Antardasa, etc…
The Dasa lords work primarily on 3 levels – Maha, Antara and Pratyantara, and then on
Sookshma-antar, Prana-antara and Deha-antara levels. These are the 6 levels of a Dasa, used to
predict the events of life.
1. The Mahadasa will show the experiences the soul is undergoing, during the
period of the Dasa. This shows the disposition of the soul, i.e. whether its still
maturing (Brahma portion), or experimenting (Shiva portion) or trying to
achieve its goals (Vishnu portion). The Mahadasa is supreme and will govern
11 A Sadhu is a person who desires to renounce material affairs and live in spiritual practice.
the results of the entire Dasa. No steps should be made in interpretation
without understanding the results of the Mahadasa.
2. The Antardasa will show the souls that interact with the individual soul to
bring out the results of the Mahadasa. Their results should be reckoned from
the Lagna and the Mahadasa lord.
i. The placement/lordship of the Antardasa lord from Lagna, will indicate
what events/knowledge are brought forth to be experienced between the
soul and other souls, also how these results manifest is to be seen from the
state of the Antardasa lord, i.e. exalted/Moolatrikona/Swakshetra planets
may indicate associations with great souls who bring the results.
ii. The relationship between the Mahadasa lord and the Antardasa lord will
decide the results of the Mahadasa. If the Antardasa is supportive of the
Mahadasa, then the results of the Mahadasa will come into full blossom,
otherwise the results maybe not come.
3. The Pratyantardasa will show the action that produces the result of the
Yoga/relationship between the Mahadasa and Antardasa. The event that
highlights the Yoga between the individual soul and other souls is indicated
herein. This is again reckoned in two ways:
i. By the placement/lordship of the Pratyantardasa lord from Lagna.
ii. Through the mutual relationship between the Antardasa lord and the
Pratyantardasa lord. This will determine the time(s) when the soul(s) have
fulfilled their purpose in the individual soul’s life.
These methods will be applied in the subsequent examples.
4 Examples
4.1 Dramatic spiritual events
Chart 4: Leaving home- Ramana MaharishiRasi: December 30th 1879, 1:00 AM (+5:12 east) (78e07;9n56)
The above chart is that of Sri Ramana Maharishi of Arunachala.
The Lagna is Libra and Mars is forming a Ruchaka Mahapurusha Yoga. Mars is Bhratri
Karaka giving the native spiritual knowledge which will lift him to the seat of a Mahapurusha or
great personality.
The Atmakaraka is the Moon, and is the most important, showing the direction of the soul
in this life. As Moon is joined Ketu, it shows a soul directed towards liberation and Moksha. As
this happens in the trines to Lagna, the native will definitely be steered in this direction.
For such spiritual personalities the possibility of renunciation must be perused. Yoga’s for
renunciation are caused by Saturn. In this chart Saturn is Matri Karaka and lords the 4th house,
whilst it has mutual Rasi dristi with the Moon. The natural relationship between Atmakaraka and
the Matri Karaka is important in this chart, as the native will without doubt pursue the path
indicated by the Ketu-Moon Yoga, and any other souls who do not follow this path will be
ignored, or left behind.
Moon being Atmakaraka and Saturn being Matrikaraka have a bad natural relationship as
Saturn is very inimical towards the Moon. Hence the native (atmakaraka) is likely to break the
association with the mother (matrikaraka), and renounce the houses lorded by Saturn (4th & 5th), as
well as their occupants (Capricorn is occupied by Kulapada, Satrupada, Darapada and Upapada,
showing the renouncement of family, enmity, sexual associations and marriage).
Table 2; Sri Ramana Maharishi - Käraka Kendrädi Maha Dasa's
# Dasa Year Month Date (time) Age Length
1 Moo 1879 12 30 (1:00:00) 0 1
2 Ket 1880 12 29 (7:10:29) 1 3
3 Sun 1883 12 30 (1:37:33) 4 2
4 Rah 1885 12 29 (13:53:47) 6 17
5 Sat 1902 12 30 (22:35:19) 23 8
6 Mer 1910 12 30 (23:43:20) 31 7
7 Ven 1917 12 30 (18:52:11) 38 9
8 Jup 1926 12 31 (2:21:31) 47 6
9 Mar 1932 12 30 (15:04:48) 53 5
Jupiter placed in the 5th house in Aqua, sets the scene for some deep knowledge residing in
the native. Whenever Jupiter is well placed, Venus and Mercury should be analysed for the
possibility of Saraswati Yoga. Venus and Mercury are in 2nd fulfilling the requirements of
Saraswati Yoga, which makes the native very learned in scriptures, such as Vedas and Upanishads.
As Jupiter is Pitri Karaka, it indicates that this knowledge would come from the father!
Venkataraman’s father was a devout Shiva worshipper.
The native started his life in Moon Dasa being the Atmakaraka. Thou the native was but a
baby at this time, the soul was experiencing great learning during this time. This would again have
resonated in the Dasa of Ketu being the Ishta Devata of the chart, and showing the divine
protection of Ganesh on the native.
Sun Dasa commenced from 4-6 years of age, and is the 11th lord, joined 5th lord Rahu, whilst
in Mutual Rasi dristi to 2nd lord Ketu and 4th lord Saturn, causing Parijata Yoga and beginning of
the native’s scriptural learning. The Sun being natural Karaka of the father would have an
important role in that native’s education, ensuring excellent power of discrimination as per the
Parijata Yoga. We may infer that the young Venkataraman would have been initiated into
scriptural learning during this age, as well as the Gayatri Mantra (Sun). However due to Suns
junction with Rahu, this learning may have been for material purposes.
The next Dasa of Rahu lasts for 17 years, and being 5th lord and joined fiery Sun, is bound
to have an impact on the spiritual-learning of the native. Rahu having Labhaargala on pitri-karaka
Jupiter unfortunately sets the scene for detachment from the soul of the father, and as Rahu is in
the Maraka Sthana from the 9th house, this is sure to happen. During Rahu Dasa – Saturn Antar
Dasa, the father of Venkataraman left his body. Saturn also having Argala on Jupiter supported the
detachment of the father.
Table 3: Sri Ramana Maharishi - Antaradasa's in Rahu Mahadasa
# Antardasa Year Month Date(time)
1 Rah 1885 12 29 (13:53:47)
2 Sat 1887 11 20 (17:15:23)
3 Mer 1889 10 11 (6:20:45)
4 Ven 1891 08 31 (21:38:54)
5 Jup 1893 07 20 (18:13:19)
6 Mar 1895 06 09 (8:16:20)
7 Moo 1897 04 28 (7:15:21)
8 Ket 1899 03 19 (1:55:33)
9 Sun 1901 02 07 (17:49:59)
Mars is in the 5th from Rahu, and is causing a powerful Ruchak Mahapurusha Yoga from
the Lagna, which would ensure great spiritual knowledge/attraction during this time. It was
during this time that the native learnt of Arunachala (Sun12) and was most attracted to it and its
stories. And when Saturn Pratyantardasa commenced in the same Dasa/Antara (Rahu-Mars), the
native suddenly and secretly left his home with just enough money to make the train-fair to
Arunachala! The native ate only very little and was disinterested in any offerings made to him
from bystanders worried for the boys safety, and was solely interested in arriving in Arunachala.
Once arriving in Arunachala the native threw all his money, food given to him, as well as
his sacred thread, away and had made the firm decision of complete renunciation, only with focus
on meditation and spiritual pursuits. With time the boy gained respect with the amazed natives of
Arunachala, and was protected by spiritually like-minded people, through which he also received
spiritual knowledge of Vedas, Upanishads, etc.
It was through these associations that we have come to know of this boy today, as Sri
Ramana Maharishi.
12 When Vishnu and Brahma were quarrelling over whom among the two were most supreme, a brilliant ray of light emanated in the form of a Linga at the
place where the two divinities were quarrelling. When the two divinities tried to ascertain its origin a most divine being appeared with 5 heads and a most
splendid appearance. This being was Lord Shiva, which the two divinities then decided was the most supreme of the 3. The place where this Linga arrived
is now known as Arunachala.
4.2 Times of excellent learning
Chart 5: Blessings of spiritual learning – Male, Rasi: November 21st 1981, 6:22:22 AM, Nairobi Kenya
The native of the given chart has Scorpio Lagna, and Mercury in this chart becomes very
significant for the native. Following can be perused:
Mercury becomes:
1) Ishta Devata
2) Guru Devata
3) 9th lord from Jupiter, making it bringer of the guru
4) 11th lord, hence bringing knowledge of the occult13, such as Jyotish, etc.
Furthermore Mercury is joined Jupiter who is well placed in Navamsa (D-9) and
Shastyamsa (D-60), ensuring the blessings of Guru in the natives life.
When such a planet occupies the seat of many personal deities in the chart, it’s indicative of
a person who did a very good deed to the specific deity in previous births. It so happens that the
native’s referred name means “the remover of poison”, in Sanskrit, and Mercury is the remover of
the poison of Rahu (Refer: Figure 1: Kaala Chakra).
Table 4: Chart 5 - Käraka Kendrädi Mahadasa
# Dasa Year Month Date (time) Age Length
1 Merc 1981 11 21 (6:22:22) 0 6
13 The 11th house is the 4th (vidya/education) from the 8th (death, occcult).
2 Jup 1987 11 21 (19:21:41) 6 14
3 Ketu 2001 11 21 (9:23:53) 20 3
4 Rah 2004 11 21 (3:47:52) 23 11
5 Sat 2015 11 21 (23:33:24) 34 14
6 Moon 2029 11 21 (13:43:07 48 3
7 Ven 2031 11 22 (2:04:39) 51 10
8 Mars 2041 11 21 (15:31:30) 61 1
9 Sun 2042 11 21 (21:41:15) 62 3
Mercury Dasa was running very early in life, and one may presume that the native had a
happy childhood, protected from many evils, due to the blessings of Mercury being the Ishta and
Guru Devata on the native.
Jupiter Dasa began in 1987-2001 and is sure to bring the blessings of spiritual knowledge to
the native. During Jupiter Dasa – Sun Antar Dasa, the native began learning Astrology.
Sun is placed in the Lagna and is the 10th lord in exchange with the Lagna lord Mars, this
forms a Maharaja Ganapati Yoga14, ensuring the natives increase in spiritual knowledge. When
Jupiter Dasa – Mercury Antar Dasa (Guru Devata) came along the native began learning Vedic
Astrology, and within the same Dasa was blessed with a Jyotish Guru.
Table 5: Chart 5 - Antardasa’s in Jupiter Maha Dasa
Jup 1987 11 21 (19:21:41)
Ket: 1989 06 09 (20:23:18)
Rah 1990 12 30 (22:55:00)
Sat 1992 07 21 (13:07:54)
Moo 1994 02 08 (1:00:17)
Ven 1995 09 01 (23:22:37)
Mar 1997 03 19 (15:26:24)
Sun 1998 10 12 (15:13:55)
Mer 2000 04 29 (3:05:03)
The next Dasa of Ketu would also be very auspicious for spiritual learning, as Ketu forms a
Kala Amrita Yoga, caused by all the planets between Ketu and Rahu. It was during this time that
the native became deeper immersed into meditation, mantras and purity in actions (vegetarianism,
non-violence, etc).
14 A person with such a strong Yoga will be devoted to the Gods, and will have the blessings of Maharaja Ganapati – Phala Deepika.
The Dasa’s and Antar Dasa’s of Mercury and Jupiter can be inferred to have given excellent
spiritual knowledge to the native.
4.3 Initiation into spiritual discipline
Chart 6: Initiation into Gayatri Mantra – Male Rasi: August 7th 1963, 21:15 Sambalpur, India
The traditional Upanayam where the child is initiated into the Gayatri Mantra is a custom
among the Brahmin families in India. During such, the child receives the Gayatri by having it
whispered into the ear, and one receives the sacred thread.
For such an initiation to commence, the 5th house, lord and Jupiter are under focus.
In the given chart the 5th house is occupied by Venus and Sun. Among the two Venus is in
Pushya Nakshatra - whose deity is Brihaspati, whilst Sun is in Asreesha Nakshatra, who’s deity is
Sarpa. Hence Venus is more likely to give the event of the two.
Sun is the ruler of the Gayatri Mantra and is joined Venus in the 5th house, showing that the
experiences of the soul during this time would be highlighted by the interest in the Sun (Aditya,
Shiva, etc). Sun is furthermore Bhratri Karaka, and hence also Guru Devata, hence the Guru may
come during this period. Planets in the 9th house, 9th lord, Karaka – Jupiter and the Gurudevata
(Sun), can bring the Guru during their antar Dasa. There are no planets in the 9th, and the 9th is
lorded by both Mars and Ketu. Among the two Ketu is in Sag – the sign of temples, churches, and
other places of God, making it more apt to give the event.
During Venus Dasa – Ketu Antar Dasa (1976-1978) the native and his brother were initiated
into the Savitur Gayatri Mantra. His brother was given the same by the maternal uncle, whilst he
received it from the Paternal uncle.
Note that this is a special case, as the native was born in a Brahmin family, hence was able
to receive this mantra/initiation from their relatives (Venus in 5th is Pitrikaraka, showing fathers
side).
Chart 7: Initiation into Spiritual sect – Male Rasi: September 18th 1947, 8:23:43, (+8:00 west)
(122w27;37n47)
In the given chart, the Moon is in Lagna and its dispositor Venus is in the 12th house, joined
the 9th lord - Mercury, forming a very auspicious Laxmi Yoga15 destined in a foreign land, due to
the 12th house placement. As Venus is debilitated and receives the Graha Dristi of Saturn these will
be of a very austere and clean type.
At first this looks as if the blessings of this Yoga are purely material however Venus
happens to be Istha Devata, Dharma Devata and is joined the Bhratri Karaka in Navamsa also
making it the Guru Devata for the native. So not only is the native going to reap the blessings of
Laxmi in a foreign land, but these blessings will be of a very high spiritual significance to the
individual, and as Venus is joined 9th lord Mercury in his exaltation sign, this be in a temple of Sri
Krishna!
Indeed the native must have been a great devotee of Sri Radha (Mercury + Venus) in his
past life to walk on this path.
It was in the Dasa of Venus that the native at a young age travelled to India, and during the
Antardasa of Jupiter (Guru-Karaka) he received initiation into the ‘International Society for
Krishna Consciousness’, also known as ISKCON, where he received his Siksha16 mantra.
Later during the subsequent Antardasa of Rahu, lording the 5th house, he received Diksha,
ensuring perfect guidance in his movement towards godhead. Indeed the placement of Venus in
this chart is essential for this individual’s movement towards God, and later Moksha, as it’s placed
in the 12th house.
15 1st and 9th lords joining or having mutual association causes Laxmi Yoga, and gives very aesthetic and beautiful surroundings and material blessings. 16 Siksha is the event when one is accepted by a guru to initiate you on the spiritual path.
4.4 Renunciation
Chart 8: Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswati – Rasi: July 18th 1935, 19:00 (IST) (79e26;10n42)
The given chart is of the Shankaracharya Sri Jayendra Saraswati of the Shri Kanchi Kamakoti
Peetham.
The Lagna lord is Saturn, joined Moon in the 2nd house in Aquarius, another sign lorded by Saturn,
forming Pravrayja Yoga or a yoga for renunciation. As this happens in the 12th from Arudha
Lagna, the renunciation is sure to lead to a Raja Yoga, as Saturn in the 12th house from Arudha
Lagna makes one the head of any activity one takes up.
With careful notice one will observe that Saturn also forms Kalpadruma Yoga17, ensuring that the
native will attain a status as a head of an organization, and this will be as a result of the
renunciation.
Jupiter the Atmakaraka is 12th lord, showing that the soul will have a strong inclination towards
renunciation. Jupiter placed in the 10th house having Graha dristi on the 4th, 2nd and 6th houses
indicates that this ideal must fructify through work and education. Especially the natives family
will have an important role to play in this.
It would be worthwhile to analyze the childhood of such an important personality.
4.4.1 Childhood
It’s said that HH Sri Jayendra Saraswati, initially named Subramanyam, was unlike the other
children in the town where he grew up. Whilst the other children were playing, Subramanyam
was meditating for hours. His classmates dreamt of becoming doctors and engineers but
Subramanyam wanted to become a Sanyasi (ascetic or renunciate). Later he would say:
17 When the Lagnesh, Pakesh, and Pakesh’s dispositor in Rasi and Navamsa, are all in Kendra, Kona or own/exaltation signs, the Kalpadruma Yoga results,
and the native is sure to attain a position akin to Indra.
“I knew at the age of nine or 10 itself that I was destined to be a Sanyasi”. Such strong inclination
and drive is indicated by the Dasa of AK-Jupiter itself lording the 12th house, showing the deep
desire of the soul to lead an ascetic life.
4.4.1.1 Fathers influence: The Chara Pitrkäraka is Moon joined Saturn - the Lagna lord. This shows a father that would have
supported the native’s ideals of renunciation. The mutual Rasi Dristi between Atmakaraka (Jupiter) and Pitrkäraka (Moon) confirms that the
father will support the native in his spiritual path; this is also a Raja Yoga as per Jaimini.
Upon learning of HH Chandrashekaranda’s desire to initiate Subramanyam into the order of a
Sanyasi, his father did not respond for almost a year. However eventually consented and also
spent a lot of time taking the soon to be sanyasi on pilgrimages to all the holy places in India,
hence ensuring the above blessings of father. 4th and 11th lord Mars is in the 10th house and in Mutual Rasi Dristi with the 2nd house and lord -
Saturn, forming Parijata Yoga, giving great wealth of knowledge, which is linked to the father and
his lineage. As Mars is in Devaamsa18, this is the HIGHEST knowledge, such as that of scriptures,
God, Veda’s, etc. The traditional and deep knowledge is confirmed by Jupiter’s conjunction with Mars, whilst the
Graha Dristi on 2nd house, where Pitrkäraka - Moon, resides ensures that the knowledge is from
the tradition. The father - Mahadeva Iyer, came from a family of greatly gifted Sanskrit Scholars, and wanted his
son to learn the Vedas and Sanskrit. The families influence is similarly seen through Mars and Jupiter's conjunction with the Kulapada
(A2).
4.4.1.2 Mothers influence: The Matri Karaka is Mercury joined Ketu in the 6th house. This shows associations with mother,
which were probably short-lasted, argumentative, and marked by misunderstanding. A lot of
sorrow related to the mother, can be perused through the presence of Matri Shaapa (curse of
mother) in the chart. Thou Mercury is in trines to the Atmakaraka, Mercury is naturally inimical towards the dharma of
Jupiter. Hence the mother will initially not be supportive of the native’s ideals. However the trinal
placement will ensure eventual support from the mother. It should be noted that upon learning of
HH Chandrashekaranda’s desire to initiate Subramanyam into the order of a Sanyasi, the mother
18 Deva-amsa, is one among the 60 divisions of a sign, which will influence ones dharma.
wept for several weeks, and it took her more than 5 years to get over the idea that she had lost her
son.
4.4.1.3 Arrival of Guru
His fathers Guru was the His Hollyness Sankaracharya Chandrasekarendra, who the father asked
for advice regarding the son’s education. The Sankaracharya wanted him to begin schooling in Kanchi itself, where the Sankaracharya
resided. His Upanayanam happened in his 8th year, during Jupiter Maha Dasa (5th house karaka) and
Venus Antar Dasa (5th lord and Bhratåkäraka)
In the same year (1944) he travelled to Kanchi to learn the Veda's. He learnt the Vedas for 6 years (Jupiter and Mars Dasa’s) after which his Guru told him to learn
the Upanishads. It should be noted that during these 3 Dasa’s the strong fiery influence of Sun
and Mars was dominating the periods, showing a very strong attachment to Lord Shiva, or such
deities and hence a lot of knowledge may have dawned upon Subramanyam.
It was during Subramanyams 18th year that the Sankaracharya HH. Sri Chandrashekaranda,
conveyed the desire to make Subramanyam a Sanyasi. Sun lords the 8th house which is the 9th from
the 12th houses, hence shows the guiding force towards renouncing life. The planets in the 12th
house itself is Rahu, and hence during Sun Dasa – Rahu Antardasa, 10 days after having
performed mundan (shaving ones head in obeisance to Venkatesha – Rahu) in Tirumala,
Sumbramanyam was standing waist deep, in a tank at the Sarva Theertha Karai, where after
having chanted the sacred mantras, pulled out the last strands of hair left from his mundane, and
declared that he had no desire for land, woman or material. Finally he took of his sacred thread,
given to him at his Upanayam, severing his last connection with material life. He had now
renounced all material attachments!
Table 6: Sri Jayendra Saraswati - Käraka Kendrädi Maha Dasa's
# Dasa Year Month Date (time) Age Length
1 Jup 1935 07 18 (19:00:00) 0 14
2 Mar 1949 07 18 (9:12:12) 14 1
3 Sun 1950 07 18 (15:08:13) 15 5
4 Sat 1955 07 18 (21:57:21) 20 7
5 Moo 1962 07 18 (17:01:01) 27 7
6 Ven 1969 07 18 (12:07:39) 34 18
7 Mer 1987 07 19 (2:43:15) 52 14
8 Ket 2001 07 18 (16:54:02) 66 3
9 Rah 2004 07 18 (11:22:40) 69 17
5 Afternote As it’s clear, the Käraka Kendrädi Dasa is important to see the experiences the soul faces, and the
important times of spiritual evolvement can easily be timed with the Käraka Kendrädi Dasa.
Astrologers are advised to study this Dasa, to see the level of spiritual evolvement that the native’s
soul is undergoing, and which important spiritual lessons are yet to come. The events as well as
the other souls bringing these events are very easily highlighted.
Also this can be used to check the actual karma that various souls are bringing into ones life. One
may meet someone who takes the role of a Guru, but ends up as ones spouse. Such indications are
very clearly indicated by the Käraka Kendrädi Dasa, and Astrologers may use this tool very wisely
to decide the future evolvements through the people one meets.
Indeed this Dasa finds an important place among the multitude of Dasa’s available for Astrologers.
O M T A T S A T
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