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10 min readĀ·Lesson 4 of 25
Planetary Periods (Dasha)
Dashas are time periods when a planet's influence is strongest.
The dasha system divides your life into periods ruled by different planets. This is one of Vedic astrology's most powerful timing tools.
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The Vimshottari Dasha is the most commonly used - a 120-year cycle
- Sun (Surya): 6 years
- Moon (Chandra): 10 years
- Mars (Mangal): 7 years
- Rahu: 18 years
- Jupiter (Guru): 16 years
- Saturn (Shani): 19 years
- Mercury (Budha): 17 years
- Ketu: 7 years
- Venus (Shukra): 20 years
Your birth Moon's nakshatra determines which dasha you start with and when each period begins. This is why your exact birth time matters so much.
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Within each Mahadasha (major period) there are
- Antardasha (sub-period): Each planet within the major period
- Pratyantar dasha: Even finer timing
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For example, if you are in Jupiter Mahadasha and Mercury Antardasha
- Jupiter's themes dominate: wisdom, growth, education, children
- Mercury colours it: communication, intellect, business
Transits overlay on top of your dashaso the same dasha can feel different in different years. Understanding your current Mahadasha and Antardasha helps you work with the energy rather than against it.
Key Takeaway
Dasha periods explain why different life phases feel so different - timing is everything in Vedic astrology.