Dasha & Timing

Dasha

दशा • Dasha

Dasha is the Vedic astrology planetary period system that divides life into sequential timeframes, each ruled by a specific planet.

What is Dasha?

Dasha (Dasha, दशा) — Dasha is the Vedic astrology planetary period system that divides life into sequential timeframes, each ruled by a specific planet.

Dasha is the planetary period system unique to Vedic astrology that assigns specific time periods to each planet throughout a person's life. The most widely used system is Vimshottari Dasha, which spans 120 years and assigns periods ranging from 6 years (Sun) to 20 years (Venus). The starting Dasha is determined by the Moon's Nakshatra at birth. Each Mahadasha (major period) is subdivided into Antardashas (sub-periods), Pratyantardashas (sub-sub-periods), and finer divisions. The Dasha system is what gives Vedic astrology its predictive power — it indicates when specific planetary energies become active in the native's life, enabling precise timing of events.

Examples

Venus Mahadasha (20 years) activates all matters signified by Venus in the birth chart.
The transition from Saturn to Mercury Mahadasha often brings a significant shift in life direction.
Jupiter Antardasha within Venus Mahadasha combines both planets' influences.

Practical Application

Knowing your current Dasha period helps predict which life areas are activated and when major changes may occur. Planning important decisions around favorable Dasha periods can optimize outcomes.

Common Misconceptions

Dasha doesn't determine destiny — it indicates which planetary energies are active, but outcomes depend on free will and the planet's natal strength.
A 'malefic' planet's Dasha isn't automatically bad — Saturn's Dasha can bring career peak if Saturn is well-placed.
The Vimshottari system's 120-year span doesn't mean it only works for people living that long — the starting point matters.

Related Terms

Mahadashaमहादशा
Nakshatraनक्षत्र

More Dasha & Timing Terms

Sade Satiसाढ़े सातीMahadashaमहादशाGocharगोचर

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dasha in Vedic astrology?

Dasha is a planetary period system that divides life into time segments ruled by specific planets. The Vimshottari system (most common) spans 120 years with 9 planetary periods. It reveals when each planet's influences become active.

How is the starting Dasha determined?

The starting Mahadasha is determined by the Moon's Nakshatra at birth. Each Nakshatra is ruled by a planet, and the balance of that planet's Mahadasha at birth time becomes the starting period.

What is the order of Dashas?

In Vimshottari: Ketu (7y), Venus (20y), Sun (6y), Moon (10y), Mars (7y), Rahu (18y), Jupiter (16y), Saturn (19y), Mercury (17y). Total: 120 years.

How does Dasha affect daily life?

The Mahadasha sets the broad theme, Antardasha refines it, and Pratyantardasha fine-tunes it. Combined with transits, this creates specific timing windows for events like career changes, marriage, or health matters.