Jaimini’s Sthira
Dasa
Robert A. Koch is a professional Vedic
astrologer with over 20 years’ experience in
the field. His articles have appeared in
numerous Vedic astrology journals, and he
is a popular speaker at Vedic astrology
conferences and seminars. He has an
international clientele and student base
from all walks of life. Robert released his
first book in 2005 entitled, The Spiritual
Dimensions of Vedic Astrology, which has
earned world-wide acclaim among scholars
and astrologers alike. (See
http://robertkoch.com/book.html.)
Fundamentals, Concepts, &
Practical Illustrations
By
Robert A. Koch, USA.
A
s time goes on, and as a new
generation of Jyotishis evolves,
the systems of timing in
Jaimini astrology are likely to come more
and more into practice. With the aid of
computer technology, and due to the
dedicated efforts of some seasoned and
1
advanced astrologers, necessary research
is thus being conducted on Rashi dashas,
or dasha periods based on the
progressions of signs initiated from a
specific starting point. The following is
an independent research on a particular
approach to the calculation of and
implementation of Sthira dasa, and, as
the example charts illustrate, this dasa
system is exquisitely accurate as a
consistent predictive tool in Jyotish.
1 Sri K.N. Rao, and his team of advanced Jyotishis under
the auspices of Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, deserve
global recognition here. Smt. Akhila Kumar of New
Delhi should be acknowledged here specifically, as
many of the approaches utilized in this article were
inspired by her first ever research on Jaimini’s Sthira
dasa. Sri PVR Narasimha Rao of Maryland, USA also
deserves credit for his research on the method and
illustration of Sthira dasa.
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Rashi dashas, like all dasha systems, may be classified into two categories: Phalita, for
timing the fruition of Raja and Dhana yogas; and Ayur, for the timing of fatality or other
dangerous periods in life. Sthira dasa is an Ayur dasa and as the word “Sthira” implies,
the lengths of the dasas are fixed, showing that longevity and the number of breaths that
an individual will take in life is numbered. Sthira dasa, however, functions very well in
both roles, i.e. Phalita and Ayur, thus making it unique among many dasha systems being
practiced today.

The Brahma Graha

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

Fixed Karmas and Lifespan, and Fixed dasha periods

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

Controversies in the Determination of the Brahma Planet

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

Steps for determining the Brahma Graha

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

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

Rudra and Mahesvara

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

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

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

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

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

Rules for Determining Strengths of Planets and Houses

Graha (planet) Balas:

Planets are strong based on three criteria:

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

etc.

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

Houses are strong based on the following three criteria:

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

Numerical Tabulation of Strengths – Jaimini Astrology

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

Graha Bala – Units of Strength of Planets

Mulatrikona Exaltation Mulatrikona Own Friend Neutral Enemy Debil

Units > 60 45 30 22.50 15 7.50 3.75

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

Kendra to 1-4-7-10 2-5-8-11 3-6-9-12

AK
Units > 60 30 15

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

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

Sthira/Planets Seven Six Five Four Three Two One

Units > 150 135 120 105 90 75 60

Drishti/aspects Mer/Jup/Lord Mer/Jup Lord

Units > 180 120 60

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

Step #1: Stronger of 1 and 7 houses:

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

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

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

Sun is in exaltation which gives 60 units of strength. It is also Putrakaraka (5 th highest in

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

Antaradashas (sub-periods)

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

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

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

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

Interpreting Sthira Dasa

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

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

Other principles of interpretation are as follows:

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

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

Further to these principles, Arudhas, or padas of houses are very important in

interpreting rashi dashas, especially Ayur dasas.

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

Examples and Illustrations

Chart #1: Marriage and Birth of children - Male

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

Leo: 10/30/1975 to 10/30/1983 Virgo: 10/30/1983 to 10/29/1992

Libra: 10/29/1992 to 10/30/1999 Scorpio: 10/30/1999 to 10/30/2007
Sagittarius: 10/30/2007 to 10/29/2016 Capricorn: 10/29/2016 to 10/30/2023

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Mars: 60 + 22.50 + 30 = 112.50 units

 Venus: 22.50 + 45 + 30 = 97.50 units

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

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

Sthira dasas:

Capricorn: 3/24/1958 to 3/24/1965 Aquarius: 3/23/1965 to 3/23/1973

Pisces: 3/23/1973 to 3/23/1982 Aries: 3/23/1982 to 3/23/1989
Taurus: 3/23/1989 to 3/23/1997 Gemini: 3/23/1997 to 3/23/2006
Cancer: 3/23/2006 to 3/23/2013 Leo: 3/23/2013 to 3/23/2021

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

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

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

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

Chart #3: Loss of Job - Male

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

Cancer: 8/30/1951 to 8/30/1958 Leo: 8/29/1958 to 8/29/1966

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

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

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

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

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

Virgo: 4/28/2009 to 4/28 2018

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

Financial collapse and bankruptcy, 5/1/2009

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

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

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

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

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

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

Example chart # 5: Near-death experience - Female

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

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

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

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

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

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

4 Rudra yoga is also formed by way of mutual aspects of Venus and Moon.

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

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

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

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

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