Vimsottari Dasa is the most important Dasa of Vedic astrology.
This Dasa is extensively described in Parasara Hora Shastra and is called the
supreme Dasa of Vedic astrology (together with Kalachakra).
It is a strange fact that some supreme classical texts (Saravali, Brihat Jataka)
do not mention this Dasa at all.
Vimsottari is a Nakshatra Dasa that is based upon the position of the Moon in her Lunar
mansion. Each Nakshatra has a planet (or Node) as its lord. There are in total
9 lords.
Each of the lords has a fixed period of influence. The total period is of
120 years. Calculation of Dasa balance is described in the chapter above.
The basic rules for this Dasa are given in the next table.
Dasa Lord
Duration (Years)
Nakshatras
Sun
6
3, 12, 21
Moon
10
4, 13, 22
Mars
7
5, 14, 23
Rahu
18
6, 15, 24
Jupiter
16
7, 16, 25
Saturn
19
8, 17, 26
Mercury
17
9, 18, 27
Ketu
7
1, 10, 19
Venus
20
2, 11, 20
Sum
120
Subperiods
Antardasas are calculated according to the proportional values of the lords.
Antardasas begin with the lord of the major Dasa. Each lord has a propotional
time of influence.
Example: The Moon's Dasa is of 10 years. Each Antardasa contributes
the same proportional value as indicated by the portion of the Mahadasas.
So Moon/Moon will be of 10 * 10/120 years = 10 months.
Moon/Mars will be of 10 * 7/120 years = 0 years 7 months, etc.
Interpretation of Vimsottari Dasa
Each Dasa has several influences
The dignity of the Dasa/Antardasa lords in Rasi chart are of high importance. Their house
positions must be regarded with care.
Navamsa position is important, too. Special aspects of life should be
predicted from other Varga charts (like children from D7, siblings from D3).
The Mahadasa lord becomes Lagna for the time of the Dasa. Antardasas must
be regarded relative to this Lagna.
Friendship and enmity of the Dasa and Antardasa lords are important. So inimical relation between Dasa
and Antardasa lord can be inauspicious even if their house positions and strengths are good (and vice versa).
Most events happen in appropiate Antardasas. Events indicated by Mahadasas are most likely to happen in
appropiate Antardasas.
The natural character of the Dasa/Antardasa lords is not so important in
Vimsottari Dasa (let's say 15%).
Combination of Dasas is important. So events indicated by Vimsottari will surely happen if Yogini and Kalachakra
Dasas agree.
House and Nakshatra positions of running planets should be regarded, too. So Gochara and Sarvatobhadra can give
valuable hints if (and when) events will come true.