Shadbala: The 6 sources

of strength
A graha acquires strength in various ways, such as being placed in
a certain Rasi, Bhava, Varga, Day or Night time, Shukla or Krsna
paksha, being Vakri or victorious in Graha Yuddha etc. Shadbala is
a mathematical model to quantify the strength attained from 6
different sources. To understand real impact of various
occupation, aspects and yogas in a horoscope, one should have
good estimate of the strength of the grahas in a horoscope.
Without that, ones analysis could be misleading.
BPHS 27.3738. O Brahmin, the various sources
of strengths should be gathered together and
effects declared. Whatever Yogas, or effects have
been stated with respect to a Bhava, will come to
pass through the strongest Graha.
Saravali 4.34. To assess the auspicious and
inauspicious effects of a Graha, its directional,
positional, temporal and motional strengths are
important, for without these it is considered to
be weak.

There are 6 sources of strength of grahas which encompasses all

the various sources. Detailed assessment of the strength have been
given in Brhat Parashari Hora Shastras with extensive
mathematical computation. It is better to develop a mental model
to quickly assess the strength of the grahas, instead of going into
detailed computation, unless one has a lot of time to spare. This is
not to discourage computation, but to understand the sources of
strength so that one can look into the relevant factors to readily
assess them.
The 6 sources of strengths are:

1. Sthanabala: The strengths arising out of various kinds of

placements in Rasi and Vargas are classified under this. These
comprises of 5 sub-components viz. (1) Uccha, (2)
Saptavargaja, (3) Ojayugma, (4) Kendradi, (5) Drekkana.
2. Dikbala: The strength arising out of placement in specific
Kendras depending on the Tattva governing the grahas and teh
Kendras.
3. Kalabala: The strength arising out of the time when the birth
or an event happened. These comprises of 6 sub-components
viz.(1) Paksha, (2) Abdamasadinahora, (3) Ayana, (4)
Natonnata, (5) Tribhaga, (6) Yuddha.
4. Chestabala: The strength arising out of movement, fast or
slow, forward or reverse direction.
5. Naisargika: The strength arising out of natural strength and
weakness of the grahas.
6. Drgbala: The strength arising out of aspects of shubha and
papa grahas. The shubha grahas are the sources of strength
while the papa-grahas are the sources of weakness.

According to Mantresvara, the six sources of strength are similar

to Maharishi Parasharas views, however he suggested some
variations. He separated Ucchabala from the Sthanabala and
removed Drgbala. In my humble opinion Mantresvaras opinion is
misleading, as Ucchabala is derived from the occupation of a
Graha in various Ris reckoned from the Uccha sphuta. Hence,
there is no reason why it should not be included in the Sthanabala.
Also, Drgbala contributes 1 rupa of strength which is missing in
Mantresvaras computation, which is not appropriate.
Phaladeepika 4.1: The strength of a Graha is said
to be sixfold and they are in the following order:
(1) Kalaja, (2) Cheshta, (3) Ucchaja (4) Dik, (5)
Ayana and (6) Sthana. In the night-time, Mangal,
Chandra & Shukra are strong. Budha is strong at
all times. The rest are strong during the day. In
Shukla Paksha the Naisargika Shubha Grahas are
strong, and in Krsna Paksha, the Naisargika
Krura Grahas are strong. When a Graha lords the
Year, Month, Day or Hora, they get , , and
1 Rupas respectively.

Bala 1. The Sthana Bala (Positional

Strength)
The Sthanabala is based on the placement of Grahas in certain
(1) Ri, (2) Bhava, (3) Drekkana and (4) Vargas. This represents
the place factor. It comprises of 5 sub-components (1) Ucchabla,
(2) Saptavargaja Bala, (3) Ojayugma Bala, (4) Kendradi Bala, (5)
Drekkana Bala.

1.1. Uccha bala: This indicates how far a Graha is situated from
its Uccha-sthana-sphuta or the deepest exaltation point. Closer a
Graha to its exaltation point, stronger it is as per UcchaBala. When
a Graha occupies it Paramoccha sphuta, it gets 1 rupa and 0 rupa
when it is in Paramaneecha Sphuta
BPHS 27.11. Uccha Bala: Deduct from the
longitude of the Graha its (deep) debilitation
point. If the sum is less than 6 Ris, consider it,
as it is; if it exceeds 6 Ris, deduct the same from
12 Ris. The sum so got be converted into degrees
etc. and divided by 3, which is the Grahas Uccha
Bala in Virupas.

1.2 Saptavargaja bala: This indicates the strength of a Graha in

7 (sapta) divisions (varga) viz., Ri, Hora, Dreshkana, Sapta,
Nava, Dvadasha and Trimsha. The details of this
strength is given in following section.

1.3. Ojayugma bala: Oja means odd or male, while yuma means
even or female. Ojayugma bala is derived from placement
alignment of male and female grahas with the male and female
Ris. Female Grahas in female Ris and male Grahas in male
Ris attain this strength. This is to be judged in both Ri and
Nava charts. Here, Shukra & Chandra are considered female
and rest are considered male.

In each of Ri and Nava charts a Graha gets 15 Virupa, so

maximum strength possible is 30 Virupa.
BPHS 27.4. Ojhayugma Ri Bala. Each of
ukra and Chandra in even Ris and others in
odd Ris acquire a quarter of Rupa. These are
applicable to such Navas also.

1.4. Kendradi: The 14710 are called Kendra (Quadrant), 2

5811 are called Panaphara (Succedent) and 12369 are
called the Apoklima (Precedent Houses). Grahas in Kendra are the
strongest and in Apoklima are the weakest. Those placed in
Panaphara have middling strength. Again within the Kendras, the
position in certain Kendras are considered stronger than others.
Grahas in Kendras are strongest (60 virupas) and in Apoklima (15
virupas) are weakest. Those placed in Panaphara (30 virupas)
have middling strength.
BPHS 27.5. Kendradi Bala. A Graha in a Kendra
gets full strength, while one in Panaphara Bhava
gets half and the one in Apoklima Bhava gets a
quarter, as Kendradi Bal.
Phaladeepika 4.8: The strength of the grahas
occupying the 4 Kendras (1st, 4th, 7th and 10th)
has been distinguished by the astrologers in the
following manner; It is th in the 4th house;
in the 10th, in the 7th and full in the 1st or
Lagna, thus increasing it by in each stage.

Note: The strength of grahas in various Kendras are different

from the lords of various Kendras. Form a Kendra lordship
standpoint, 10th lord is considered to be strongest while Lagnesha
is considered the weakest. Here, the strength decreases from 10th
to the Lagna in the order of 10, 7, 4 and 1.

1.5 Drekkana: Male Grahas (Surya, Mangal and Guru) get full
strength in 1st Drekkana. Female Grahas (Chandra & Shukra) get
full strength in 2nd Drekkana. Eunuch Grahas (Shani and Budha)
gets full strength in the 3rd Drekkana of a Ri. According to
Parashara, the 1st Drekkana of a Ri falls in the sign itself. The
2nd Drekkana falls in the 5th from it while the 3rd Drekkana falls
in the 9th from it. Saravali gives another view on the Drekkana
Bala. Maximum possible Drekkana Bala is 15 virupas while
minimum is Zero.
BPHS 27.6. Drekkana Bala. Male, female and
eunuch Grahas, respectively, get a quarter Rupa
of strength according to placement of a Graha in
the first, second and third Drekkana.
Saravali 4.38: Male Grahas are strong in the first
Drekkana, female Grahas in the third Drekkana
and eunuch Grahas in the second Drekkana of a
Ri. Grahas are strong, only when they are
away from Surya, as per Yavanas.
Sthana Bala Summary

(1.1) Estimation of Uccha Bala

When a Graha is placed in its Highest exaltation, it gets 60 virupas
and in its Deepest debility, it gets 0 virupas. At other places, the
strength is proportionally reduced. To compute this, one need to
determine the longitudinal difference between the planet position
and the deepest debility point and divide that by 3. The value
arrived is the Ucchabala of the Graha in Virupas.

If a Graha is placed in its deepest exaltation point, then the

difference will be 180, when divided by 3, it gets 60 Virupas.

Rough estimation: Count the number of signs from the debility

sign and subtract by 1, where the Graha is placed. Add 10 virupas
for each sign elapsed. For instance, for Surya, Tula is its Neecha
Rasi. If Surya is placed in Simha, then counting from Simha to
Tula, we arrive at 3 signs. Subtracting 1, we get 2. Multiplying 10
with 2, we get 20 virupas as the approximate Ucchabala of Surya.

(1.2a.) Special consideration of

Saptavargaja Bala
Maharishi Parashara in BPHS (27.24) states that when a Graha is
occupies its Mulatrikona Ri, it gets 45 Virupas, in its Svastha
Ri (Swakshetra) it gets 30 Virupas, in its Great Pramudita Ri
(Mitra Kshetra) it gets 22.5 Virupas, in a Shanta Ri
(Mitrakshetra) it gets 15 Virupas, in its Dina Ri (Samakshetra) it
gets 7.5 Virupas, in its Duhkhita Ri (Shatru Kshetra) it gets 3.75
Virupas and in its Khala Ri (Ati Shatru Kshetra) it gets 1.875
Virupas.

He gives the definition of the various Avasthas in another place

(45.810) If a Graha is in its Uccha Ri, it is in Dipta Avastha, if
in its Svakshetra, it is in Svastha, if in a Ati Mitras Ri, it is in
Pramudita, if in a Mitrakshetra, it is in Shanta, if in a
Samakshetra, it is in Dina, if the Graha is yuti with a malefic, it is
in Vikala, if is in a Shatrukshetra, it is in Duhkhita, if in a Ati-
Shatrukshetra, it is in Khala and, if the Graha is being eclipsed by
Surya, it is in Kopa. Depending on such a state of the Graha, the
Bhava, occupied by it will obtain corresponding effects.
BPHS 27.24. Saptavargaja Bala. If a Graha is in
its Mooltrikona Ri, it gets 45 Virupas, in
Svastha Ri 30 Virupas, in Pramudita Ri 20
Virupas, in Shanta Ri 15 Virupas, in Din Ri 10
Virupas, in Duhkhita Ri 4 Virupas and in Khala
Ri 2 Virupas. Similarly these values occur for
the other 6 divisional occupations, viz. Hora,
Dreshkana, Sapta, Nava, Dvadasha
and Trimsha. When all these are added
together the Grahas Sapta Vargaja Bala emerges.
Phaladeepika 4.3: The strength accruing to a
Graha in the six Vargas (viz., Ri, Hora,
Drekkana, Navamsa, Dvadasamsa and
Trimasamsa) on a consideration of its being
posited in its exaltation, its own and its friendly
signs etc., is termed its positional strength. That
arising from its being in Kendra Phanapara and
Apoklima will be one 1, and Rupa
respectively. The eunuch Grahas are strong in the
middle, the male ones at the initial and the female
ones at the concluding portions of a Ri. Shani,
Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Chandra and
Surya are in their order increasing in their
natural strength.

(1.2b.) Simplification of Saptavargaja

bala
Sri Mantresvara in verse 4.10 suggested, why to make the
computation so complex when the temporal friendship and enmity
are impermanent and change with time. He suggested, why not
use the permanent friendship and enmity and simplify the entire
computation using the natural dignity. In this regard Saravali 4.25
and Phaladeepika 4.7 suggests that in the matter of bestowing
auspicious results a graha is capable of giving 1 rupa (60 virupa) of
auspicious results in Ucchakshetra, rupa (45 virupa) in
Mulatrikona Ri, rupa (30 virupa) in Svakshetra, and rupa
(15 virupa) in Mitrakshetra. This means that when a graha is
exalted in all the 7 Vargas, it can contribute to 7 rupas or 420
virupas, which can in fact offset the deficiency due to all other
sources of strength, and make the graha give very auspicious
results.
Phaladeepika 4.5. All Grahas are strong when
they are in exaltation. Chandra is strong and
auspicious when she has her full Paksha bala and
Surya when he has his full Dig-bala. The other five
non-luminous Grahas are strong when they are
retrograde. Rahu in Karka, Vrisha, Mesha,
Kumbha and Vrischika and Ketu in Meena,
Kanya, Vrisha and the later half of Dhanus, in
Parivesha and Indrachapa are strong, if there be
a conjunction of Chandra and Surya and the time
be night.
Phaladeepika 4.7. A Graha gets one full Rupa as
positional strength when he is in his exaltation
Ri. The strength is when he is posited in his
Moolatrikona Ri. It is when the Graha
occupies his own Ri. When the Graha is in. a
friendly house, his bala is only . In an inimical
house, he gets only very little. The strength is nil
when he is in his depression sign or eclipsed by
Suryas rays.
Phaladeepika 4.10. Natural enmity or friendship
between two Grahas is more fully effective than
and preferable to their corresponding temporal
ones as the latter is only a variable quantity and
not a permanent one.

Estimation of the Saptavargaja Bala:This strength is

dependent on the Placement of a Graha in one of the 6 states
defined by the compound friendship and enmity (Panchadha
maitri) and its own sign. There is a 7th state, which is placement in
its Mulatrikona Rasi is only applicable in the Rasi chart (D1).

The SaptaVargas consists of divisions D1, D2, D3, D7, D9, D12,
D30.

First we need to determine the Composite Friendship of the

Planet under consideration with other Planets from
their Placement in the Rasi chart. Then we check whether the
planet it placed in its friends or enemys sign in various Vargas. In
this computation, there is no concept of Mulatrikona in the
Varga chart. Also, exaltation sign has utility in any Varga, as
only thing to look for is the relationship of the Graha with other
Grahas as per the 5 point composite friendship.

The maximum strength possible for any Graha to attain

here is 45 (in Rasi) + 30 (in other vargas) * 6 = 45 + 180 =
225 virupas. The minimum possible is 1.875 * 7 = 13.13

(1.2c.) The Panchadha Sambandha (5

fold relationship) Rules
BPHS 3.55. Naisargika Sambandha. Note the
Ris, which are the 2nd, 4th, 5th, 8th, 9th and
12th from the Mulatrikona of a Graha. The Graha
is friendly towards the Grahas ruling such Ris,
and also to the Lord of its exaltation Ri. The
Graha is inimical towards the lords other than
these. If the Graha becomes friend as well enemy
towards someone, then it becomes neutral to
that Graha.
BPHS 3.56. Tatkalika Relationships. The Grahas,
posited in the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, 11th, or the 12th
from another, become mutual friend. There is
enmity otherwise.
BPHS 3.5758. Panchadha Sambandha. Should
two Grahas be both naturally and temporarily
friendly, they become Adhimitra (extremely
friendly). Friendship on one count and neutrality
on another count make them Mitra (friendly).
Enmity on one count combined with friendship on
the other turns into Sama (neutral). Enmity and
neutral-ship cause only Shatru (enmity). Should
there be enmity in both manners, Adhishatru
(extreme enmity) is obtained. The Jyotishi should
consider these and declare horoscopic effects
accordingly.

Bala 2. The Dikbala (Directional

Strength)
1. The Dikbala is based on the placement of Grahas in one of the
four Kendras representing 4 directions (Dik).
2. Lagna represents the East and Guru, Budha attains Dikbala
here. 7th house represents the West and Shani attains Dikbala
here. 10th house represents the South, where Surya and
Mangal attains dikbala here. 4th house represents the north
and Chandra-Shukra attain Dikbala here.
3. The tattva governing the Lagna are Akasha and Prthvi, that
governing 4th house is Jala, that governing 7H is Vayu and that
governing 10th house is Agni. When grahas occupy their
Dikbala, the tattva governing the graha attains great strength
and prominence and the native is blessed by the Tattva devata.
4. When A Graha is placed in the Dik (Direction) where they
belong to, the attain 60 Virupa of strength. In the opposite
sign, they attain 0 Virupa of strength. In other Bhavas, their
strength is proportionally allocated based on their placement
with regards to the Bhava where they attain Dikbala.
BPHS 27.77. Dikbala. Deduct Bandhu Bhava
(Nadir) from the longitudes of Srya and Mangal,
Yuvati Bhava from that of Guru and Budha,
Karma Bhava from that of ukra and Chandra
and lastly Lagna from that of ani. If the sum is
above 180 degrees, deduct the sum from 360. The
sum arrived in either way be divided by 3, which
will be Dikbala of the Graha.

Bala 3. The Kalabala (Time Strength)

The Kalabala is based on the period of time such as Day, night,
Year, Month, Hour, Fortnight etc. in which a Graha becomes
stronger. This represents the strength arising out of Time Factor.
It consists of 5 sub-component (1) Natonnata Bala, (2) Tribhaga
Bala, (3) Paksha Bala, (4) Hora Vara Masa Abda Bala, and (5)
Ayana Bala.

3.1. Natonnata Bala: Some Grahas are strong during daytime

while some are strong at night time. This strength is based on this
concept. Srya, Guru and ukra gets this strength highest near to
the Noon time. On the other hand Chandra, Mangal and ani gets
strength highest near to the Midnight time. Budha is strong
throughout the day. At other times, their strength is proportionally
reduced. The Maximum attainable strength here is 60
virupa which is during the peak time of the Graha.
Budha has always 60 virupa of strength.
BPHS 27.89. Nathonnata Bala. Find out the
difference between midnight and the apparent
birth time, which is called Unnata. Deduct Unnata
from 30 Ghatis to obtain Nata. Double the Nata in
Ghatis, which will indicate identical Nata Bala for
Candr, Mangal and ani. Deduct the Nata from
60 to know the Unnata Bala of Srya, Guru and
ukr. Budh, irrespective of day and night, gets full
Nathonnata Bal.
Saravali 4.36: Surya, Guru and Shukra acquire
strength during day-time, while Shani, Chandra
and Mangal become strong during night-time.
Budha acquires vigour at all times.

3.2. Tribhaga Bala: When the Day and Night each are divided
by 3, the 6 grahas (excluding Guru) attains this strength in various
portions of the Day. (a) Budha, Srya and ani are strong in the
1st, 2nd and 3rd portion of the day-time. (b) Similarly Chandra,
ukra and Mangal get full strength in the 1st, 2nd and the 3rd
portions of the night-time. (c) Guru is strong through all the
portions. The highest achievable bala is 60 when the
Graha is placed in their own portion (Bhaga). Guru
always gets 60 virupas as Tribhaga Bala.
BPHS 27.12. One Rupa is obtained by Budha in the
first 1/3 part of day time, by Srya in the second
1/3 part of the day and by ani in the last 1/3 part
of the day. Similarly Chandra, ukra and Mangal
get full Bala in the first, second and last 1/3 parts
of the night. Guru gets this Bala at all times.
Saravali 4.39: Chandra, Shukra and Mangal get
this strength in the first, second and third parts of
the night, respectively. This is similarly enjoyed
by Budha, Surya and Shani in day-time, while
Guru has it always, irrespective of day, or night.

3.3. Paksha Bala: Some Grahas are strong during Shukla

Paksha while others are stronger during Krsna Pasha. (a) The
Shubha Grahas Chandra, Budha, and Guru and ukra gets highest
on this strength during Purnima. (c) The Krura Graha gets highest
on this strength during during Amavashya. At other times, this
strength is proportionally reduced. Shubha Grahas get 60
virupa during Purnima and 0 during Amavashya. The
reverse is true for Papa Grahas. The Sum-total of the
Shubha and Papa Graha Paksha Bala is always 60
virupas.
BPHS 27.1011. Deduct from Chandras longitude
that of Srya. If the sum exceeds 6 Ris, deduct
the same from 12. The product so obtained be
converted into degrees etc. and divided by 3,
which will indicate the Paksha Bala of each of the
benefic Grahas. The Paksha Bala of benefic should
be deducted from 60, which will go to each
malefic, as Paksha Bal.
Saravali 4.36: Malefics get strength in Dark Half,
while benefics become strong in Bright Half.

3.4. Varsh-Maas-Dina-Hora Bala: Various segments of time

are governed by various grahas. It starts with the lord of the year,
which is further sub-divided into Month, Day and Hour. each of
these sub-divisions are governed by a Graha, and each having
strength that is higher in the order of Year, Month, Day and Hour.
There are four component of this strength each of them is 25%
stronger than the previous one. The components are Hora (Graha
hour), Vara (Vedic weekday), Masa (Solar month) and Abda (Solar
year). The Maximum strength that can be gained here is
60 + 45 + 30 + 15 = 150 virupas. It is possible, only when
a Graha simultaneously rules all the 4 period.
BPHS 27.13. 15, 30, 45 and 60 Virupas are in
order given to Varsh Lord, Maas Lord, Dina Lord
and Hora Lord. Naisargika Bala has already been
explained.
Saravali 4.36: The Hora Bala goes to Hora Lord,
Masa Bala (Masamonth) to the Lord of the
month, Dina Bala to the Lord of the week-day of
birth and Abda (year) Bala is credited to the Lord
of the year of birth.

Hora Lord is the Graha ruling the hour. It is strongest among all.
Vara Lord is the Hora Lord at the moment of Suryarise. It is 2nd
in strength. Masa Lord is the Hora lord at the moment of Transit
of Surya into a zodiac sign. Month = duration of Suryas Transit
through one Zodiac sign i.e., between two Sankrantis. Abda Lord
is the Hora lord at the moment of Transit of Surya into Aries.

Definition of a Year: The definition of a year is based on

duration of 4,32,000 years in one Maha-yuga. Although some
believe that the year definition should be based on Soli-Lunar
calendar as Chaitra Shukla Pratipada. However, in my opinion,
since the original definition of time is based on Yuga, we should
take the definition of year and month based on the same principle
i.e., Solar movement in the sidereal zodiac. A different definition
of the year is given by Varahamihira which is given later.

3.5. AyanaBala: This Strength depends on the Uttarayana or

Dakshinayana movement of Grahas. Jataka Parijata Ch 2
mentions that Chandra and Shani are strong in Dakshinayana
(southern movement) and Surya and Guru are strong in
Uttarayana (northern movement). However, according to BPHS
Ch 27, Chandra and Shani are strong in southern Kranti
(declination), while when Srya, Mangal, Guru and Shukra are
strong in northern Kranti. As far as Budha is concerned, is strong
in both Uttarayana and Dakshinayana.

The way to compute Ayana Bala is to convert the Graha longitude

into tropical longitude (sayana graha sphuta). The start of Cancer
represent the highest northern declination while that of Capricorn
represent the lowest southern declination.
BPHS 27.1517. 45, 33 and 12 are the Khandas for
calculating Ayan Bala. Add Ayana to the
Graha and find out the Bhuja (distance from the
nearest equinox). Add the figure, corresponding to
the Ri (of the Bhuja) to the Bhuja. The degrees
etc. of the Bhuja should be multiplied by the
figure, corresponding to the highest of the left out
Khandas and divided by 30. Add the resultant
product to the sum, obtained earlier. Convert this
to Ri, degrees, minutes and seconds. If Chandra
and ani are in Tula, or ahead, add to this 3 Ris
and, if in Mesh to Kanya, reduce from this 3 Ris.
Similarly it is reverse for Srya, Mangal, ukra
and Guru. For Budha 3 Ris are always additive.
The resultant sum in Ri, degrees and minutes be
divided by 3 to get the Ayana Bala in Rupas.
R. Santhanam. Ayana Bala can be found out on
the following simple formula: Ayan Bala =
60(2327 + Kranti)/(4654) = (2327
Kranti)*1.2793. Kranti = Declination.

3.Corr. Yuddha Bala Correction

Two Grahas are supposed to be in Grahaary War when distance
between Two Grahas is less than 1 deg. The one in the North is
victorious. Only the Tara Graha (Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra
and Shani) get into war. Grahas conjoining Surya get into
Combustion and those conjoining Chandra get into Samagama.

The quantum of Yuddha Bala = Difference in the total of Tri-

balas (Sthana, Dik, Kala) / Difference of disc circumference.
According to Graha & Bhava Balas by Dr BV
Raman, the disc circumference are (1) Kuja: 9.4,
(2) Budha: 6.6, (3) Guru: 190.4, (4) Shukra:
16.6, (5) Shani: 158.

The YuddhaBala has to be deducted from the Kalabala of the

defeated Graha and added to that of the Victor. The resultant
Kalabala is the final Kalabala used for all purposes. In
computation of Kalabala for the use of Yddhabala, the balas used
are (1) Natonnata, (2) Paksha, (3) Tribhaga and (4) Abda-Masa-
Vara-Hora bala are included. But Ayana Bala is excluded.
BPHS 27.20. Graha Yuddha. Should there be a
war between the Tara Grahas (Mangal to Shani),
the difference between the Shadbalas of the two
should be added to the victors Shadbala and
deducted from the Shad Bala of the vanquished.

Two planets are supposed to be in Planetary War when distance

between Two Grahas is less than 1 deg. The one in the North is
victorious. Only the Tara Graha (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus
and Saturn) get into war. Planets conjoining Surya get into
Combustion and those conjoining Chandra get into Samagama.

The quantum of Yuddha Bala = Difference in the total of

Tri-balas (Sthana, Dik, Kala) / Difference of disc
circumference.
(3.5.) Special notes on Ayana Bala
The Ayana Bala depends on the Declination (Kranti) of the Graha.
When the Graha move up in Declination, it is called Uttarayana
and on the Reverse is called Dakshinayana. The Ayana Bala at
Zero Declination is 30.

For Chandra and Shani, at lowest Declination, Ayana Bala

becomes 60 and in highest Declination, it becomes Zero. This is
reverse for all other Grahas viz., Shukra, Surya, Mangal and Guru.

Ayana Bala = (240 + Kranti)/ 48 * 60

The maximum declination is 23 deg 27 min, which is dependent

on the tilt of the Earth on its axis, and this is rounded to 24 by
Vedic savants for ease of computation.

Steps for determining Ayana Bala (1/3)

1. Sayana Longitude: Convert Nirayana to Sayana Longitude

by adding Ayanamsa.
2. Bhuja: Bhuja is the distance from the nearest Equinoctial
point. The Equinoxial points are at 0 deg (Aries) and 180 deg
(Libra).The maximum attainable Bhuja is 90 deg.
3. Portion of Declination: The highest declination of 24 deg
(approx. of 23 deg 27 min) is divided into 6 portions, each
measuring 15 degrees of Bhuja. The Bhuja should be divided by
15 to determine the portion in which the Bhuja falls. Here the
Quotient represents the portion of 15 degrees and the
Reminder represents the extent of progress of the Graha within
the Portion. So Portion = Quotient, Deg Elapsed = Remainder.
4. Declination Associated with the Portion: Each portion of
15 degrees is associated with a Declination value. They are 1st
portion: 362 min, 2nd portion: 341 min, 3rd portion: 299 min,
4th portion: 236 min, fifth portion: 150 min, Sixth portion: 52
min. When the declinations allocated to various portions are
 added up, we arrive at 1440 min which equals to 24 deg of
maximum declination.
5. Declination within the Portion: The Maximum declination
within a portion is given before. So declination within a portion
can be ascertained by Declination with the portion (in
minutes) = (Portion.Declination * Elapsed) / 15. See
below for Portion.Declination.
6. Total Declination: The total declination is the sum of
Declination arrived in 15 deg portion of the Bhuja and the total
declination of previous portion.
7. North Vs. South Declination: If the Sayana longitude is
below 180 degree, it is Northern declination. On the other
hand, if the longitude is more than 180 degree, it is Southern
declination.
8. Determine the Ayana Bala: According to Keshava
Daivagna, the Ayana Bala can be found using the following
formula Ayana Bala = (24 deg +/- Declination value) /
48 * 60. Important Note: Whether the Declination value is
added or Subtracted (+/-) in the formula depends on the Graha
and their south or north declination. Moon and Saturn are
strong in Southern declination, hence their declination value is
added when they are in south (Libra to Pisces in Sayana
chakra). If they are in the Northern declination (Aries to
Virgo), their declination value is subtracted. This is reverse for
the remaining Graha. Mercurys declination is always added
irrespective of whether it is in South or North.

Portion.Declination = 362 (1st), 341 (2nd), 299 (3rd), 236

(4th), 150 (5th), 52 (6th). The Figures inside the bracket represent
the portion while those outside are the max. declination in that
portion.
Bala 4. The Chesta Bala (Motional
Strength)
1. Chesta means effort. This source of strength means how much
effort a Graha is making. The effort is less when the Graha is
moving steadily, and highest when it is Retrograde.
2. Retrogression can be equated with moving against the river
current, which is extremely tough.
3. Movement of Surya and Chandra are always steady, and they
never have retrogression or acceleration, hence their
Chestabala equates to their Ayana Bala and Paksha Bala
respectively.
4. For the Tara Grahas (Mangal to Shani), their Chestabala is
computed based on their speed and direction of their motion.
5. The Chesta Bala can be known from the speed of the Grahas.
The computation involve determining the mean position and
the true position and identifying the difference to determine
the speed. The computation is complex, hence an approximate
method is suggested. The approximation introduces only a
small error in Chestabala as its maximum contribution is only
60 virupas. The speed of a Graha can be known from any
standard ephemeris of a astrological software and compared
with the average speed.
6. The strengths in virupas, allotted due to such 8
motions are 60 (Vakra), 30 (Anuvakra), 15 (Vikala),
30 (Manda), 15 (Mandatara), 7.5
(Sama), 45 (Chara) and 30 (Atichara).
7. The 8 different kinds of motions and their strength are:

Vakra: Retrogression and moving in reverse gear: 100%

strength
Anuvakra: Entering the previous Ri in retrograde motion
i.e., moving Ri in reverse gear: 60% strength
Vikala: Devoid of motion i.e., standstill: 15%
Manda: Slowing down and decelerating, in direct motion:
30%
 Mandatara: Decelerating even more and coming to near
standstill 15%
Sama: Somewhat accelerating: 7.5%
Chara: Moving in direct motion with average speed: 45%
Atichara: Moving much faster than the average speech: 30%
BPHS 27.2123. 8 kinds of motions. Eight kinds of
motions are attributed to Grahas. These are
Vakra (retrogression), Anuvakra (entering the
previous Ri in retrograde motion), Vikala
(devoid of motion), Manda (somewhat slower
motion than usual), Mandatara (slower than the
previous), Sama (somewhat increasing in
motion), Chara (faster than Sama) and Atichara
(entering next Ri in accelerated motion). The
strengths, allotted due to such 8 motions are 60,
30, 15, 30, 15, 7.5, 45 and 30.
BPHS 27.2425. Chest Bala of Mangal to Shani.
Add together the mean and true longitudes of a
Graha and divide the one by two. Reduce this sum
from the Seeghrocha (or apogee) of the Graha.
The resultant product will indicate the Cheshta
Kendra (or Seeghra Kendra) of the Graha from 12
Ris. The Ri, degrees and minutes so arrived
should be converted into degrees, minutes etc. and
divided by 3, which will denote the motional
strength of the Graha. Thus there are six sources
of strength, called Sthana Bala, Dig Bala, Kaal
Bala, Drik Bala, Cheshta Bala and Naisargika
Bal.
BPHS 27.18. Chesta Bala for Srya and Chandra.
Sryas Cheshta Bala will correspond to his
Ayana Bala. Chandras Paksha Bala will itself be
her Cheshta Bala.
Phaladeepika 4.2: Chandra gets Cheshta-bata
when she is full. Surya gets it when he is in his
northern course; the other Grahas, when in their
retrograde motion. In Grahaary war, those that
are posited in the north and who have got brilliant
rays should be considered as victorious. Grahas
have their full Uchchabala when in their highest
exaltation. As regards directional strength, Surya
and Mangal are strong in the 10th; Shukra and
Chandra in the 4th; Budha and Guru in the 1st
and Shani in the 7th. Budha, Shani and Chandra
have their Ayanabala in their southerly course.
The rest have the same in their northern.
Phaladeepika 4.4: a Graha is said to possess
strength when he is retrograde or when his rays
are full and brilliant, though posited in a
depression or inimical Ri or Amsa. Like
Chandra, a Graha though occupying an
exaltation, friendly or his own Ri or Amsa
becomes weak, should his rays be overpowered or
eclipsed.
Bala 5. The NaisargikaBala (Natural
Strength)
1. The natural strength of Grahas is called Naisargika Bala. The
Grahas are progressively stronger in the order of Shani,
Mangal, Budha, Guru, ukra, Chandra and Srya, respectively.
2. When two Grahas influence each other by conjunction or
mutual aspect, the one who is stronger in this order has higher
ability to influence the other and give results predominantly of
its own. Since Surya is the strongest, any Graha conjoining with
Surya becomes Combust, but Surya does not become weaker.
BPHS 27.14. Divide one Rupa by 7 and multiply
the resultant product by 1 to 7 separately, which
will indicate the Naisargika Bala, due to ani,
Mangal, Budha, Guru, ukra, Chandra and
Srya, respectively.
Saravali 4.40: Shani, Mangal, Budha, Guru,
Shukra, Chandra and Surya are stronger than the
other in the ascending order. Should there be
similarity in other strengths, then the one with
greater natural strength prevails.

The naisargika Bala of Grahas in virupas are (1) Guru:

34, (2) Budha: 25.7, (3) Surya: 60, (4) Chandra: 51.4, (5)
Shukra: 42.8, (6) Mangal: 17, (7) Shani: 8.6

Bala 6. The Drgbala (Aspect Strength)

1. Drg means aspect.This strength is acquired by the virtue of
being aspected by Natural Benefic or Natural Malefics.
2. The Aspect of Natural Benefics add to the strength, while that
of Natural Malefics reduces the strength.
3. The strength of aspect depends on the longitudinal difference
between the aspecting Graha and the aspected Graha.
BPHS 27.19. Reduce one fourth of the Drishti
Pinda, if a Grah receives malefic Drishtis and add
a fourth, if it receives a Drishti from a benefic.
Super add the entire Drishti of Budha and Guru to
get the net strength of a Grah.
Phaladeepika 4.9: The aspect from the 7th house is
the only one that should be declared as most
effective in all cases; not so, the rest. But there are
others who opine that the special aspect (of Shani,
Guru and Mangal) is in no way less efficacious in
producing full effect in all Yogas and the like.

When a Natural Benefic (Jupiter, Venus, Waxing Moon and

Benefic Mercury) aspects a Graha, it adds to their strength. On the
other hand, when Natural malefic (Saturn, Mars, Sun, waning
Moon and Malefic Mercury) aspects a Graha, it reduced their
strength. The computation of this strength is time-consuming,
hence an approximation has been suggested. This will introduce
some insignificant error, which can be ignored.
Drgbala Approximation Method
Actual Drgbala Computation
Drgbala Computation Table

Summary of all the Other Balas (besides

the Stanabala)

Summary of all other Balas (besides the Sthana Bala)

Maximum attainable strength

1. The maximum attainable Sthanabala is 390 virupas. This
comprises of Uccha: 30 virupas, Saptavargaja: 225 virupas,
Ojayugma: 30 virupas, Kendradi: 60 virupas, Drekkana: 15
virupas. This indicates that when a graha attains Saptavargaja
bala, the other balas become insignificant.
2. The maximum attainable Kalabala is 390 virupas. Each of
Natonnata, Paksha, Tribhaga and Ayana contribute to 60
virupas each. The Horavaramasaabda bala is strongest among
them and contributes to 150 virupas, however it is hardly
attainable. The most important component of
Horavaramasaabda bala is Hora bala, which a graha attains
when it rules the Hora of birth or event. The Hora bala
contributes 60 virupas to the 150 virupas of
Horavaramasaabda bala.
3. The maximum attaining strength of all other sources are 240
virupas. This is comprised of Dik, Chesta, Naisargika and Drg
bala, each of which contribute a maximum of 60 virupas.
4. Assessment of Strength: The Stanabala and Kalabala
individually contribute to strength that is more that combined
strength of Dik, Chesta, Naisargika and Drg. The highest
strength attainable under Sthanabala and Kalabala is the same
i.e., 390 virupas. The combined strength of the other four balas
are 240 virupas.
5. In a horoscope, if the strength of a Graha is low due to its
position in Bad Avastha, such as sign of Debility, sign of enemy
or great enemy, in Apoklima etc., it can be compensated by
Birth in a auspicious time when the Graha under consideration
is strong.
6. In general, it is excellent if the Lagnesha (LL), Mantresha (5L)
and Dharmesha (9L) are endowed with Great strength either
through Stanabala or Kalabala, if not all the other strengths.
7. The maximum attainable shadbala is 1020 virupas or 17 rupas,
which can be attained by Surya, who is highest in naisargika
bala. However, it is not possible to attain it in real life cases.
For this reason, Maharishi Parashara mentioned the minimum
threshold above which a Graha should be considered strong.
BPHS 27.3436: Minimum Prescribed Strength:
Guru, Budha and Srya are strong, if each of their
Sthanabala, Dikbala, Kalabala, Cheshtabala and
Ayanabala are, respectively, 165, 35, 50, 112 and
30 Virupas. The same required for Chandra and
ukra are 133, 50, 30, 100 and 40. For Mangal
and Shani these are 96, 30, 40, 67 and 20.
BPHS 27.3233: Minimum Shadbala
Requirement: 390, 360, 300, 420, 390, 330 and
300 Virupas are the Shadbala Pindas, needed for
Srya etc. to be considered strong. If the strength
exceeds the above-mentioned values, the Graha is
deemed to be very strong. If a Graha has the
required Shadbala, it proves favourable to the
native by virtue of its strength. However, anis
extreme strength gives long life as well as
miseries.
Phaladeepika 4.22: Surya is declared strong when
his strength is 6 Rupas. In the case of Chandra,
it is 6 Rupas. Five Rupas are assigned to
Mangal and 7 to Budha. Gurus Purna-bala is
similar to that of Surya, that is 6 Rupas. Shukra
is strong when he gets 5 Rupas.
Phaladeepika 4.23: Shani should have 5 Rupas.
These are the figures representing the total
Shadbala for the several Grahas. If the respective
figures be otherwise, i.e., less than the above, the
Grahas should be considered as weak. It is only
after a minute examination of the several kinds of
strength of the several Grahas, one ought to
declare their effects.

The Maximum Attainable Strength of the Grahas

Quick Estimation of Strength according
to Jataka Parijata (2.6169)
Given below are some key strengths of the Grahas, which can help
in quickly arriving at a rough estimation of the strength without
going into elaborate computation. Jataka Parijata considers them
the most important sources of strength, hence mentioned only
these. These can also be used to understand the sources of
strength that are important.

1. Surya: Exaltation, Own sign, Own Vargas, Sunday,

Uttarayana, First Drekkana of a Rasi, Friends Drekkana, Hora
and Navamsa, 10th house.
2. Chandra: In Karka and Vrshabha, Monday, Own Vargas, Last
drekkana of a sign, Aspected by Shubha Grahas, Night time,
4th house, Dakshinayana, Full Moon, Not in rasi sandhi.
3. Mangal: Tuesday, Own Vargas, Meena, Vrschika, Kumbha,
Makara, Mesha, Night time, Retrograde, Southern direction
(10th house), First Drekkana of a Rasi, Cancer coinciding with
the 10th house.
4. Budha: Kanya, Mithuna, Wednesday, Own Vargas, Dhanu if
not placed with the Sun, both day and night time, Middle
drekkana, Lagna.
5. Guru: Meena, Vrschika, Dhanu, Karka, Own Vargas,
Thursday, Middle part of the day, Uttarayana, Middle
Drekkana of a sign, Kumbha, even in Neecha Rasi, Gives much
wealth in Lagna/4th/10th, Karka in 10th House.
6. Shukra: Uccha Rasi, Own Vargas, Friday, Middle drekkana of
a sign, 4th house, Noon time, Graha Yuddha, Conjunct with
Chandra (Samagama), Vakri, Ahead of Surya.
7. Shani: Tula, Makara, Kumbha, 7th house, Dakshinayana, Own
drekkana, Saturday, 3rd drekkana of a Rasi, Graha Yuddha,
Krsna Paksha, Vakri.
8. Rahu: Mesha, Vrsha, Karka, Kanya, Vrschika, Kumbha, 10th
House.
9. Ketu: Kanya, Meena, Vrshabha, Dhanu, Night time, Rising
time (ref Brhat Samhita chapter 46 and Jataka Parijata chapter
11)

Conclusion on the Shadbala

It may not always be practical to mathematically determine the
strength of the Grahas. However, a good understanding of the
conditions in which different Grahas attain strength can help in
quick visual estimation of strength.

The Authors of Jataka Parijata and Phaladeepika provided their

views on the circumstances in which Grahas attain strength which
is same as Parasharas Shadbala model, however, the focus is more
on getting a sense of the strength through quick visual estimation.

When one attains proper understanding of 6 sources of strength,

one does not need to rely upon complete computation.

Special Strength of Chandra

Chandra is the natural sustainer of the horoscope being the
representation of mother and her compassion and care. It is the
only graha that undergoes waxing and waning depending on its
closeness towards Surya. For Chandra, it is said that Paksha Bala
is more important than its Stanabala. So, even though it may
occupy its Neecha, but if it is strong in Paksha Bala, then it is to be
considered strong. In addition, if Chandra is a strong in a
Horoscope, other Grahas are also to be considered as considerably
strong as Chandra lends its strength to all the Grahas. It is known
that all the Shubha grahas attain their strength depending on
Chandras Shukla Paksha. Hence, stronger is Chandra in its
Paksha Bala, stronger are the Shubha Grahas.
Phaladeepika 4.21: It is said that Paksha-bala is of
special importance to Chandra, while the Bala
arising from Sthana is important for the other
Grahas. This strength when added to the other
varieties of strength of a Graha will greatly
increase the strength of that Graha. There are
many such types of strength.
Saravali 5.1617: The vrddha Yavanas say that
Chandra is of medium strength for ten days
commencing from Shukla Pratipada i.e., Shukla
Pratipada to Shukla Dashami. During the
following ten days i.e., from Shukla Ekadashi to
Krsna Panchami she is exceedingly strong. And
during the third ten-day period i.e. Krsna Shasti
to Amavashya she has very little strength. When
at birth Chandra has brilliant rays, circled by a
bright halo and is full, it makes the native an
unconquerable king.

Uccha Vakri Graha

It is said that when a Graha attains Uccha and is also Vakra, its
results of Uccha is nullified. In my humble opinion, this is
particularly true when (1) the Vakra graha is moving away from its
Paramoccha position, (2) The Vakra graha is moving towards the
Paramoccha position but is moving into the Uccha Rasi from the
next Rasi.
Saravali 5.14: When a Graha is retrograde, but
occupies its exaltation, it produces no auspicious
effect. This is the view held by some. Even, if it is
in exaltation by its entry in retrograde motion
from the next Sign, the effect is same, for it takes
unduly long time in such traversing.

Strength of grahas in different states

The strength of a Graha, particularly the Sthana bala can be
estimated when their avastha is known.
Saravali 5.15: A Graha in exaltation is considered
highly strong. It is medium in strength in its
Mulatrikona Ri, or Svakshetra. Its strength is
only nominal, if it be aspected by a Mitra graha,
or when occupies a Mitra Ri.

Strength of the Bhavas

A Bhava attains strength under following conditions:

1. The nature of the Rasi falling in the Lagna determines its

strength. The Rasis are classified into Nara or Manushya,
Chatuspada, Jalachara and Keeta.
2. Manushya Rasis are Mithuna, Kanya, Tula, Kumbha and 1st
half of Dhanu. Chatuspada Rasis are Mesha, Vrshabha, Simha
and 2nd half of Dhanu and 1st half of Makara. Jalachara Rasis
are Meena and 2nd half of Makara. Kept Rasis are Karka and
Vrschika. Karka is considered both Jalachara as well as Keeta
Rasi. This classification of Rasis are based on legs or mobility.
No leg = Jalachara or Sarisripa such as fishes and snakes. 2 legs
= Manushya, 4 legs = Chatuspada, 6 or more legs = Keeta.
3. According to Brhat Jataka Kantaka, the Nara Rasis, Mithuna,
Kanya, Tula, the first half of Dhanus and Kumbha are powerful
in the Lagna. The Jalachara Rasis, Kataka, Meena, the second
half of Makara are powerful in the fourth. Keeta Rasi Vrschika
is powerful in the 7th, and Chatuspada Rasis Mesha,
 Vrishabha, Simha, the 2nd half of Dhanus and the 1st half of
Makara become strong in the 10th houses.
4. Maharishi Parasharas computation is based on (1) identifying
the nature of the Rasi falling in the Bhava, (2) identifying the
Kendra where that Rasi attains zero Bala viz., Manushya = 7th
house, Chatuspada = 4th house, Keeta = Lagna, and Jalachara
= Karma. One may observe that this mapping is just opposite of
Brhat Jataka, where the mapping of 100% strength is given. (3)
Determine the proportional increase of the strength based on
the nearness from the Kendra.
5. Bhava conjoined or aspected by Guru or Budha gains strength,
while those conjoined or aspected by Shani, Mangal and Surya
lose strength. Each gain and loss is of 60 Virupas (1 rupa).
6. According to Phaladeepika conjunction or aspect of Shukra
also contributes strength, but then it should be considered
lower than that of Guru and Budha as Maharishi Parashara
kept out Shukra out of the picture.
7. Similarly, conjunction of aspect of the lord of the Bhava
contributes to the strength of the Bhava.
8. The Bhavas strength is also contributed by the lord of the
Bhava. The shadbala of the Bhava lords strength should be
added to the Bhavas strength.
9. The following combination based on the rising nature of the
Rasi gives 1/4th quantum of strong (15 virupas). Sheershodaya
Rasi = Day birth, Prshtodaya Rasi = Night birth, Ubhayodaya
Rasi = Dusk or Dawn, Sandhya (twilight).
10. The day strong Rasis are Simha to Vrschika, Kumbha and
Meena. The night strong Rasis are Mesha to Karka, Dhanu and
Makara. According to Phaladeepika, day strong Rasis are
strong for day birth, while night strong Rasis are strong for
night birth.
11.Sirshodaya signs are day strong signs while Prshtodaya signs
are night strong Rasis with exceptions of Mithuna and Meena.
Mithuna is a night strong Rasi but is Sirshodaya while Meena is
day strong Rasi but Ubhayodaya.
12. According to Phaladeepika, Lagnesha occupying an
Upachaya makes Lagna very strong.
BPHS 27.2629. Bhava Balas. Deduct Yuvati
Bhava from the Bhava, if the Bhava happens to be
Manushya Rasis, Kanya, Mithuna, Tula, Kumbha,
or the first half of Dhanu. If Chatuspada Rasis,
Mesha, Vrishabha, Simha, or first half of Makara,
or the second half of Dhanu happen to be the
Bhava, deduct Bandhu Bhava from it. Should the
Bhava be in Keeta Rasis, Karka or Vrschika,
deduct from it Lagna. Deduct Karma Bhava from
the Bhava falling in Jalachara Rasis, Makara
second half or Meena. Convert the product so
obtained into degrees etc. and divide by 3 to get
Bhava Bal. If the balance in the process of
deducting Nadir, Meridian, Lagna, or Yuvati
exceeds 6 Ris, deduct it again from 12 Ris,
before converting into degrees and dividing by 3.
The product after division should be increased by
one fourth, if the Bhava in question receives a
benefic Drishti. If the Bhava receives a malefic
Drishti, one fourth should be reduced. If Guru, or
Budha give a Drishti to a Bhava, add that Grahas
Drgbala also. And then super-add the strength,
acquired by the Lord of that Bhava. This will be
the net Bhava Bal.
BPHS 27.3031. Special Rules. The Bhavas,
occupied by Guru and Budha will each get an
addition of 1 Rupa, while each of the Bhavas,
occupied by ani, Mangal and Srya, suffer 1
Rupa reduction. 15 Virupas will have to be added
to the Bhavas, falling in Sheershodaya Ris, if
birth happens to be in day time, to the Bhavas,
falling in Dual Ris, if birth happens to be in
twilight and to the Bhavas, falling in Prshtodaya
Ris, if birth be in night time.
Phaladeepika 4.6a. If the first Bhava be a
Manushya Rasi, 1 Rupa has to be allotted to it; if
it be Keeta Rasi, the Bala is ; if it be any other
Rasi, the strength is . The strength of the Lagna
is equal to that of its lord and is very powerful
when the lord occupies an Upachaya (3rd, 6th,
10th or 11th) house.
Phaladeepika 4.6b. The same is also the case when
the Bhava is occupied or aspected by Shukra, its
lord, Budha or Guru, and is at the same time
without the conjunction or aspect of any other
planet. The day signs possess strength in day-
births, while night signs are declared powerful in
night-births.
Saravali 5.1920: The effects revealed by various
Ris will correspond to the strengths of their
Lords. Should two Grahas have identical strength,
the one with higher Naisargika Bala will prevail.
According to Chudamani Acharya the Ascendants
strength equals that of its Lord.

Inauspiciousness of grahas in different

dignities
The inauspiciousness is just the reverse of auspiciousness. A graha
is of highest inauspiciousness when it is Neecha, and is zero when
it is Uccha. In all other places, its inauspiciousness = 1
auspiciousness.
Saravali 5.26: A Graha is fully inauspicious, if it is
in its debilitation; it is somewhat better in inimical
House. Its inauspicious effects are nil, if it is
exalted, in friendly House, in own House
and in Mulatrikona Ri.

A Graha is considered weak, hence capable of giving inauspicious

results when the graha is combust due to closeness with surya, is
neecha hence has less brilliance, in Shatru Rasi, or when it is
defeated in a Graha Yuddha. The combination for Utpata
(disruption) will be explained elsewhere.
Saravali 5.27: The planetary combination, that
produces Utpata, the Graha, that is combust by
Surya, with less brilliance, which is in debilitation,
in enemys camp, or, that is defeated in planetary
war: such a Graha not only loses its potency to be
auspicious, but also becomes capable of bestowing
inauspicious results in full.

Effect of various dignities of grahas

A graha is capable of various kinds of results depending on its
dignity. The high level results are given below. This of course
varies depending on the specific graha attaining the dignity and
other yogas in the horoscope.

1. Uccha Rasi: Wealth

2. Mulatrikona Rasi: Leadership, ministership
3. Own Rasi: Happiness, wealth, good food.
4. Mitra Rasi: Fame, splendour, good fortune, lasting wealth.
Saravali 5.2829: A Graha in exaltation gives all
kinds of wealth. It confers ministership, or
leadership over Army, if in Mulatrikona Ri. If it
is in own House, it gives happiness, grains, wealth
etc. In a friendly House, it gives fame, splendour,
abundant good fortune, long-lasting wealth and
also wealth through king.

Effects of placement in own Vargas

The good placement of a graha in different Vargas have different
shades of good results. What is mentioned in Saravali as belonging
to own varga can also extended to Uccha, Mulatrikona or Mitra
Vargas. They results are are:

1. Shubha Hora: Courage

2. Shubha Drekkana: Virtues
3. Shubha Navamsa: Fame
4. Shubha Saptamsa: Courage, Wealth, Fame
5. Shubha Dvadasamsa: Devout (religious), helpful
6. Shubha Trimsamsa: Happiness (Rajas Guna), good qualities
(Sattva Guna)

When a Graha is aspected by a Shubha Graha, it becomes capable

of blessing the native with wealth, fame, fortune, leadership
abilities, pleasant appearance and happiness.
Saravali 5.30: A Graha, that is in its own Hora,
makes one courageous.
Saravali 5.31: A Graha in its own Drekkana
confers virtues, while the one in own Nava
makes one famous.
Saravali 5.32: Courage, wealth and fame are
bestowed by a Graha occupying its own
Saptamsa. One becomes devout and helpful, if a
Graha is in its own Dvadasamsa.
Saravali 5.33: A Graha in own Trimsamsa gives
happiness and good qualities. When a Graha is
aspected by a benefic Graha, the native becomes
wealthy, famous, fortunate, chief of all, beautiful
and happy.

Effect of strengths arising out of

different limbs of Shadbala
When graha are endowed with one of different sources of strength,
that constitute the Shadbala, they give different kinds of results.
Understanding the philosophy behind the results is important.

Results 1: Results of Oja and Yugma bala

Ojayugma Bala: Grahas endowed with Oja or Yugma Bala,
which is due to their alignment with the masculine or feminine
principle, they become capable of giving good results such as:

1. Respect from people

2. Expertise in arts and crafts which may depend on which
principle, masculine or feminine is predominant
3. Freedom and protection from diseases
 Sthana Bala: When a graha attains other sources of
positional strength (Sthana Bala), they become capable of
giving following good results:

1. Happiness
2. Friendship with people represented by the Rasis that become
the source of the strength. People who are represented by the
Rasi will also provide all support necessary for the person to be
successful.
3. Courage
4. Stability and steadiness of mind, so that the native can focus
his attention on a specific area and achieve success
5. Freedom from servitude, or serving others. Which means a
graha in positional strength can give one an independent
profession, particularly when it is connected to Artha Trikona
(2, 6, 10).
Saravali 5.3435: If a Graha is with Ojha or
Yugma Bala, the native is worshipped by the
public, expert in arts, pleased, immune to sickness
and prone to fear of other Worlds. A Graha with
positional strength gives perennial happiness,
friendship, courage, fixity of mind and
independent profession.

Results 2: Results of Dikbala and

Ayanabala
When a graha attains Dikbala, it gives success in the direction
ruled by the Graha. Our tradition however teaches that this is
particularly true when the graha attains such strength seen from
the Arudha Lagna. Here success in the direction involved can
mean, gain good clothes, conveyances, happiness, jewels and
gemstones etc. The native may chose the location or country
indicated by the graha attaining dikbala.

The results of the Ayana bala is similar to Dikbala, where the focus
is on the direction of success. This however is true when the
Dikbali graha is not weak due to combustion, neecha or say defeat
in graha yuddha. If the Dikbali graha attains a good rasi such as
Svarasi, Uccha, Mulatrikona, or Mitra Rasi, the results are even
better.
Saravali 5.36: A Graha with directional strength
takes the native to the direction ruled by it and
gives clothes, jewels, conveyances etc. And the
native is happy in such a direction.
Saravali 5.37: A Graha with Ayana Bala similarly
takes the native to its direction and confers
various kinds of wealth apart from fame. In both
the cases, the Grahas should not be combust, or
debilitated.

Results 3: Effect of Chesta Bala:

When a Graha attains Chesta Bala, which is true for the Tara
Grahas, Mangal to Shani, it gives great strength. It blesses the
native with leadership abilities, respect and honour, wealth, or
fame. However, the Vakri graha are highly unpredictable, hence,
there is a great deal of uncertainty in the results of such graha. The
same can expected when Chandra is strong in Paksha Bala and
Surya is strong in Ayana Bala as these two grahas dont have
Chesta Bala.
Saravali 5.38: If a Graha has Cheshta Bala, it
sometimes gives kingdom, sometimes respect,
sometimes money and yet sometimes increases
the fame of the native.
while it is known that a graha attains Chesta Bala when they are
Vakri, the results are different especially with regards to the
natural significations of the graha. A Vakri Shubha graha becomes
highly Shubha, while a Vakri Papa graha becomes highly Papa.
Vakri Shubha graha can bestow great fortune, while Vakri
Papagraha bestows purposeless wandering. This gets modified by
Bhava lordship, placement and other yogas. The Vakri Shubha
grahas should not occupy a Dusthana. And they do, they should
not be afflicted by papagrahas, else, that is the sure shot recipe for
disaster.
Saravali 5.39: A benefic, if retrograde, is strong
and is capable of conferring kingdom. If a malefic
is retrograde, it causes grief and purposeless
wandering.

Results 4: Graha in strength:

A Graha is capable of conferring happiness and success in life,
when it is endowed with great strength, i.e., through Uccha,
conjunction with a strong Chandra (Samagama), or victory in
graha Yuddha. Shukra is never defeated in Graha Yuddha, hence
should always be considered strong, especially when it is
Retrograde.
Saravali 5.40: A Graha with clear rays (uccha),
or, that is conjunct with Chandra, or, that has
won in a Graha Yuddha war, is capable of
bestowing complete happiness and kingdom, that
cannot be seized.

Results 5: Effects of Diva Bala and

Ratri Bala
The diva and ratri bala are time bound strength, which means that
they give success in a certain time of the day. Graha that are strong
with Diva Bala will support in attaining success during the day
time and vice-versa. The success can come in the form of accession
of land, properties, conveyances, victory over enemies, authority
and wealth. These results will also get modified based on other
yoga.
Saravali 5.41: A Graha, that has Diva or Ratri
Bala, is capable of conferring lands, elephants etc.
Such a native defeats his enemies with courage
and achieves kingdom and wealth.

Results 6: Effects of Lord of Year, Month,

Week lord and Hora lord
The lords of the year, months etc. are very important from a time
standpoint. When the year and month coincide with a good dasa
i.e., that of yogakaraka etc., the strength of the results multiplies.
Similarly, undertaking activities during the Day or Hora of a
yogakaraka will ensure success in the work governed by the said
strong graha. In this regard, the day and hora of the birth gains
great prominence, particularly when these graha are endowed
with positional strength in the horoscope.
Saravali 5.42: The Lords of the year, month, week
and Hora improve two-fold in their Dasas
happiness, wealth and fame. That is the Lord of
the month gives two-fold results, as against year
Lord, the week Lord two-fold of month Lord and
the Hora Lord two-fold of week Lord.

Results 7: Effects of high paksha bala

Paksha Bala is another key component of time-based strength.
Which means that the grahas that are active at birth based on the
paksha of birth will give their results when that particular paksha
is active.

It can also be said that grahas with strong positional strength will
give their results when the graha achieves strength during the
appropriate paksha. When the Shubha grahas are strong or they
become yogakaraka in a horoscope, the native attains higher
chances of success in Shukla Paksha. The reverse is true when the
Krura grahas are strong or they become yogakaraka.
Saravali 5.43: A Graha with Paksha Bala
destroys enemies and confers diamonds, robes,
conveyances, wife, gold, land and fame.

Results 8: Effects of a Graha with all

Sources of Strengths
When a Graha is endowed with all the 6 forms of strength, the
native attains great success in life, provided the graha is involved
in a good yoga. When a Dusthana lord attains great strength, then
they will also manifest their results by putting the native in great
difficulties.

Ideally the Lagnesha, Kendresha, Kenosha and Labhesha should

be endowed with great strength, for the native to attain great
success in life.
Saravali 5.44: Should a Graha have all kinds of
strengths stated so far and be bright with
unobscured rays, it confers kingdom exceeding
the desires of the native.
Shubha or Krura grahas with all-round
Strength
When Shubha Grahas are strong at birth, the native is blessed with
a Shubha personality. Thus, by nature, the native is (1)
truthful, (2) upright (not deceptive), (3) beautiful or handsome
appearance, (4) splendorous, (5) an expert in various deeds, (6)
respectful towards the scholars and the Gods. This is all about the
nature of the native, however, whether the native gains or loses in
life is dependent on how these grahas are situated functionally and
what good or bad yogas these grahas are involved in. Not all good
and righteous people gain great success in life. Similarly not all
sinful people are failures. It all depends on how these grahas give
their results based on their ownership, placement and other yogas.
Saravali 5.45: If at birth benefic Grahas possess
all-round strength, the native will have good
habits, be truthful, upright, beautiful, splendorous
and be an expert in all deeds, respectful towards
the wise and Gods and will be blessed with scents,
garlands, robes, ornaments etc.

On the contrary, when Krura Grahas attain various strength, the

native is imbibed with their natural qualities, which are (1) miserly
(not charitable and selfish), (2) jealous of virtuous people, (3) fond
of promoting quarrels, (4) wicked, (5) torturous, (6) dirty, (7)
ungrateful, (8) slanderous and (9) ugly.
Saravali 5.46: Should malefics be with such all-
round strength at birth, the native will be a miser,
will do bad acts, be selfish, jealous of virtuous
people, intent on promoting quarrels, wicked,
torturous, dirty, ungrateful, slanderous and ugly.
The qualities mentioned here are general qualities; to understand
them better, one should make a thorough study of the nature,
appearance and disposition of individual grahas.

Effects of Planetary Avasthas

There are other forms of strength that is similar to the graha
avasthas. They are as follows:

1. Childhood: Sva, Mitra, Mulatrikona Rasi

2. Teenage: Uccha Rasi
3. Old age: Inimical Rasi
4. Dying stage: Neecha Rasi

This classification is done to add one more dimension to the

analysis, which is akin to the characteristics of those age group.
For instance, when a graha is in childhood age, it is very playful,
experimentation minded. Similarly, when a graha is in Teenage
age, it is full of energy and driving and is geared towards great
achievements in life; it is also highly enterprising. The results of
these stages attitude by Saravali are:

1. Childhood: Happiness
2. Teenage: Virtue, authority
3. Old age: Sickness, debts, death
4. Dying stage: expenses
Saravali 5.4750: It is Childhood, if a Graha is in
its own House, or friendly House. In Mulatrikona
Ri, it is in youth and in adolescence in
exaltation. It is said to be in old stage, if it
occupies an inimical House. A Graha in
debilitation is in extrimis. The corresponding
effects are felt in the respective Planetary Dashas.
 The results for such stages are, respectively,
happiness, virtue, kingdom, sickness with debts
and death, or expenses.

Effects of Grahas in Odd and Even Ris

The results of grahas are also modified by their placement in Odd
or Even Rasis. Odd Rasis are imbibed with Masculine energy,
while the Even Rasis are imbibed with Feminine energy. The
results attributed to them by Saravali are:

1. Odd-strength: Courageous, Warrior

2. Odd-weakness: Cruelty, dull-wittedness
3. Even-strength: Soft-nature, peaceful, love for beautiful
things in life such as water sports, flower, clothes etc., good
fortune, good health, protection of own men etc.
4. Even-weakness: Not given. In my humble opinion, this can
indicate selfishness, miserliness, lack of gratitude
Saravali 5.5152: A Graha in odd Ri with
strength makes the native courageous and a
warrior. If it is weak in odd Ri, the native is
cruel and dull-witted. A Graha in even Ri gives
soft nature, fear for quarrels, love for water,
flowers and clothes, good fortune, health and
protection of own men.
Vedic Astrology

Jyotish

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