12th from 1st Ascendant = Bodily Energy Loss

12th from 2nd Money Hoard = 1st House Ascendant = Financial Loss
12th from 3rd Longevity = 2nd house = Longevity Loss (and hence we call 2nd as Maraka)
12th from 4th Caring = 3rd house = Caring Losses (this means for example Home less or
Keep Changing Homes)
12th from 5th Children = 4th house = Children Losses (this means trouble to First child
and in general separation of Children)
12th from 6th Disease = 5th house = Disease Losses (this means Increase in Health)
12th from 7th Partnership = 6th house = Partnership Losses
12th from 8th Longevity = 7th house = Longevity Loss (and hence we call 7th as Maraka)
12th from 9th Higher Learning = 8th house = Higher Learning Losses (this means leave
the PG Degree / PhD for example and turn towards secretive learning)
12th from 10th Career = 9th house = Career Losses (this means strictly not a loss, given
the 9th house, it brings Change in Career)
12th from 11th Social Gains = 10th house = No Gains from Society. Society gets restricted
to work folks.
12th from 12th Body Energy Losses = 11th house = Too much body energy losses in
connecting with Social Networks

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Thoughts on Jyotish
Moola Dasa: Pt. Sanjay Rath
MOOLA DASA / Lagna Kendradi Graha Dasa (Pt. Sanjay Rath)

Introduction
Lagna Kendradi Graha Dasa, also known as the Moola Dasa (Refer: Saravali of Kalyan
Verma), is one of the very important dasa systems of Vedic astrology. It is a sister Dasa or
derivative of the Vimsottari dasa and is fundamental to Jyotish. Although this had been
known for quite some time, to my knowledge this would be the first time that this secret of
the tradition is being revealed in print. It answers some of the most basic questions in
Jyotish. For example everyone has wondered as to how Bhagavan Sri Rama Chandra was
banished to the forest in the beginning of Saturn dasa when the Moon was in Cancer at the
time of His birth (appearance in this world) and would have been over by the time He left
for the forest. Then again the scriptures say that this period of Vanvas (forest dwelling was
for 14 years. This is grossly different from the well known period of 19 years for Saturn
dasa. Moola dasa gives the vital clues. It maybe noted that the Rishi’s were very careful in
using the names of the Dasa and this itself gives a vital clue to its deciphering. Here the
word “MOOLA” is short for “MOOLATRIKONA” and the importance of this we shall see
later in deriving the period of the dasa.
‘Lagna’ means the ascendant, ‘Kendra’ means the quadrants/ Cadent houses and ‘Adi’
refers to “the others” which includes Panapara (Succedent signs 2nd, 5th, 8th & 11th) and
Apoklima (Precedent signs 3rd, 6th, 9th & 12th). This dasa is vital in that it gives the
results of the past life Karma that every individual has to face in the form of suffering or
blessing, depending on the Karma.

As the name suggests the dasa begins from the Lagna or any other Kendra, whichever is
stronger and has planet(s) disposited in them, and is succeeded by the other Kendra’s
(having planet(s) in it) according to their strengths. After completing the periods of the
planets in the quadrants, the dasa shifts to the planets in the four signs in the Panaphara and
then to the Apoklimas.

However, the following rules apply in deciding which sets of houses — the Panaphara or
Apoklimas succeed the initial dasa of the planets in the quadrants.

If the Lagna is an odd sign, the dasa of the planets in the Panaphara (2nd, 5th, 8th and
11th) follow the dasa of the Kendra’s.
If the Lagna is an even sign, the dasa of the planets in the Apoklimas (Precedent signs 3rd,
6th, 9th & 12th) follow the dasa of the Kendra’s.
If Saturn is in the Lagna, then irrespective of whether the Lagna is odd or even, the dasa of
the planets in the Kendra signs will be followed by the dasa of the planets in the Panaphara
(2nd, 5th, 8th & 11th).
If Ketu is in Lagna, then irrespective of whether the Lagna is odd or even, the dasa of the
planets in the Kendra signs will be followed by the dasa of the planets in the Apoklimas
(3rd, 6th, 9th & 12th).
Sequence of the Dasa
(1) In determining the sequence of the dasa of the planets, their relative strengths are to be
studied as per standard rules.

(2) Parashara gives four rules for determining the strength of signs/planets (Chapter 46
Sloka 161 to 164). These are as follows: -

The sign with a planet (or with more planets) is considered stronger than a sign without a
planet (or with lesser number of planets).
If the signs have equal number of planets, then the status of the planets like exaltation,
Moolatrikona, Svakshetra etc, should be considered to declare the stronger sign.
If they are still equal in strength, or without planets, then the natural strengths of Dual
signs being stronger than fixed signs and fixed signs being stronger than movable signs is
considered.
If they are still equal in strength, then the degrees be considered. The Planet with a higher
degree (used in Chara Karaka) shall be stronger and shall make the sign stronger.
(3) Sources of strength should be studied and understood from the Upadesa Sutra of
Maharishi Jaimini (see the translation by this scribe).

Period of the Dasa

Count the number of signs from there to its Moolatrikona sign and subtract the number
arrived at by 1. This period is to be subtracted from the number of Vimshottari Dasa years
assigned to the planet. The net result arrived at indicates the number of years of Moola
Dasa/ Lagna Kendradi Graha Dasa assigned to the planet.

Rider 1: Add one year to the final sum if the said planet is exalted and subtract one if the
planet is in debilitation.
Rider 2: For the purposes of this Dasa, the count for Rahu & Ketu shall be reckoned to
Aquarius and Scorpio respectively as is done in Narayana Dasa.
In case the number of years to be subtracted and the number of years under the Vimshottari
scheme are the same wherein the final figure would be zero, then take the full cycle of
years under the Vimshottari dasa as the number of Moola dasa years of the said planet in
the first cycle. Similarly, calculate the dasa years for the other planets in all the Kendra’s,
Panaphara and Apoklimas. After, having completed the exercise for all the nine planets, we
get the first cycle of the Moola dasa for the nine planets. This is bound to be less than 120
years (full period of Vimshottari dasa).

The balance years remaining from the first cycle gives the total period of the second cycle
(Param Ayus of man is for 120 years; so it is 120 minus the total Moola dasa years of all
nine planets in the first cycle). Thus, the second cycle

period of the Moola dasa for each of the planet works in the same order during the second
cycle and is equal to the Vimshottari Dasa period of the planet minus its Dasa period in the
first cycle.

Illustrations
Let us study the horoscope of Bhagwan Sri Ram as an example and determine the periods
and significance of Moola Dasa in his life.

Chart 1 Bhagwan Sri Ram

RASI: Lagna, Jupiter & Moon in Cancer; Saturn ® Libra; Mars-Capricorn; Rahu-
Sagittarius; Venus- Pisces; Sun-Aries; Mercury-Taurus; Ketu-Gemini.

Step 1: Determine the strongest sign in the Kendra and planets therein shall furnish the first
Dasa.

All the four Kendra are occupied and Cancer with two planets is the strongest. Among
Moon & Jupiter, the latter is exalted and shall furnish the first dasa. This shall be followed
by the dasa of the Moon. Thereafter, the dasa of Mars, Saturn, and the Sun placed in
Kendra shall follow.

Step 2: Determine whether the Lagna is odd or even. If the Lagna is odd, examine the
strength of the planets in Panaphara whereas if it even, examine the strength of planets in
Apoklimas. Similarly, if Saturn is placed in Lagna, examine the strength of the planets in
Panaphara whereas if Ketu is placed in Lagna examine the strength of planets in
Apoklimas. If both Saturn & Ketu are present, see their degrees and the one with a higher
longitude shall decide whether the dasa of the planets in Panaphara (Saturn) or Apoklimas
(Ketu) shall follow.

The Lagna is Cancer and neither Saturn nor Ketu is placed in it. Hence the Moola Dasa
shall be in the reverse direction and the planets in Apoklimas shall furnish the subsequent
dasa. The signs Virgo, Sagittarius, Pisces and Gemini are in the Apoklimas. The planets
Venus, Rahu and Ketu are placed in it and one planet is in one sign. Venus is exalted
whereas the nodes are debilitated. Thus the first dasa in this group shall be of Venus. Now,
the signs Gemini and Sagittarius seem to be of equal strength as they have equal planets,
both are in debility and are not aspected by the lords of the signs. Further, the longitude of
the nodes is equal. In such a case, use the dispositor of the nodes. Both Jupiter (dispositor
of Rahu) is placed in an even sign and Mercury is also placed in an even sign. Then we see
that Jupiter is exalted and Sagittarius shall be stronger. Thus, Rahu shall furnish the next
dasa and

the dasa of Ketu shall follow.

Step 3: The planets in the remaining four signs shall furnish the last dasa’s.

Having covered the Apoklimas and Kendra, the planets in the Panaphara houses is only
Mercury and its dasa will be the last.

Step 4: Determine the period of the Moola Dasa of the planets.

Planet: The planet under consideration

Vimshottari Dasa: The period of the graha as per the Vimshottari Dasa scheme
Moolatrikona: Count from the Graha to its Mulatrikona Rasi
Minus one: The Moolatrikona count — 1
Exaltation or debility: Adjustment by 1 in the case of exaltation or debility. 1 is added to
the count arrived above for exaltation and subtracted for debility.
Net Reduction: The net amount to be reduced from the Vimshottari years
Moola Dasa Duration: The duration in years of the Moola dasa of the Graha
Additional Conditions:

If the Moola Dasa period arrived is zero, then the full duration of the Vimshottari Dasa
years is taken.
If the final Moola Dasa period arrived is a negative value, then the negative sign is ignored
and the Duration arrived is taken as it is.
Planet: Jup
Vimsottari Dasa: 16
Moolatrikona: 6
Minus one: 6-1= 5
Exaltation or debility: +1
Net Reduction: 6
Moola Dasa Duration: 10
—

Planet: Moon
Vimsottari Dasa: 10
Moolatrikona: 11
Minus one: 11-1=10
Exaltation or debility: 0
Net Reduction: 10
Moola Dasa Duration: 10
—-

Planet: Mars
Vimsottari Dasa: 7
Moolatrikona: 4
Minus one: 4-1 =3
Exaltation or debility: +1
Net Reduction: 4
Moola Dasa Duration: 3
—-

Planet: Sat
Vimsottari Dasa: 19
Moolatrikona: 5
Minus one: 5-1 =4
Exaltation or debility: +1
Net Reduction: 5
Moola Dasa Duration: 14
—-

Planet: Sun
Vimsottari Dasa: 6
Moolatrikona: 5
Minus one: 5-1 =4
Exaltation or debility: +1
Net Reduction: 5
Moola Dasa Duration: 1
—-

Planet: Ven
Vimsottari Dasa: 20
Moolatrikona: 8
Minus one: 8-1 =7
Exaltation or debility: +1
Net Reduction: 8
Moola Dasa Duration: 12
—-

Planet: Rahu
Vimsottari Dasa: 18
Moolatrikona: 3
Minus one: 3-1= 2
Exaltation or debility: -1
Net Reduction: 1
Moola Dasa Duration: 17
—-

Planet: Ketu
Vimsottari Dasa: 7
Moolatrikona: 6
Minus one: 6-1=5
Exaltation or debility: -1
Net Reduction: 4
Moola Dasa Duration: 3
—-

Planet: Merc
Vimsottari Dasa: 17
Moolatrikona: 5
Minus one: 5-1=4
Exaltation or debility: 0
Net Reduction: 4
Moola Dasa Duration: 13
Step 5: Write the Moola Dasa.

The Moola Dasa of Bhagwan Sri Ram began from Moon and is given below. Readers will
appreciate that the periods are exactly as per the Ramayana. Sri Rama was exiled (Vanvas)
during the Saturn Dasa for 14 years starting from His 24th year.

Dasa: Jupiter
Duration: 10
Age: 10
Remarks: Janma
—-

Dasa: Moon
Duration: 10
Age: 20
Remarks: Shiksha & Janaki Vivaha
—-

Dasa: Mars
Duration: 3
Age: 23
Remarks: Diksha (by Vishwamitra)
—-

Dasa: Saturn
Duration: 14
Age: 37
Remarks: Dandakaranya (Vanvas)
—-

Dasa: Sun
Duration: 1
Age: 38
Remarks: Simhasana
—-

Dasa: Venus
Duration: 12
Age: 50
Remarks: Mantra Pada (Sita is banished and birth of sons - Luv & Kush)
—-

Dasa: Rahu
Duration: 17
Age: 67
Remarks: End of all Rakshasha/demons
—-

Dasa: Ketu
Duration: 3
Age: 70
Remarks: Establishment of 'Eka Patni Dharma' in the world
—-

Dasa: Mercury
Duration: 13
Age: 83
Remarks: Dharma (establishment of dharma in the world)
Thus, the Moola Dasa system is arrived at and it will be seen that this is the only Dasa
system that explains the Vanvas (Rama was banished to the Dandaranyaka) for 14 years
and that too exactly from the 24 year of His life as recorded in the scriptures. Thus when
the Maharishi’s say that this period of Sani Dasa was for 14 years, they were referring to
the Moola Dasa.
This kind of accuracy can be achieved by using the Moola Dasa which gives the results of
Karma of past birth. It shows the exact period when a curse or blessing shall come into
play.
The curse of Narada Muni (Curse of Brahmin) is seen in the placement of Jupiter in the
Lagna aspected by Mars and Saturn by the seventh and tenth house aspect. The house
owned by Saturn shows the cause of the curse. Saturn owns the 7th and 8th houses for
Cancer Lagna and the scriptures teach that Sri Vishnu had to incarnate as Sri Rama
(Avatar) due to the curse of Narada Muni when the latter was enraged at a trick played by
Bhagavan in trying to prevent him from getting married. Bhagavan made the face of
Narada look like a monkey and the bride rejected him. Narada had cursed that the Lord too
would have to face such a great sorrow like separation from His beloved (Sita was
kidnapped in the forest) and would be helped by monkeys (Hanumanji-Mars).
The combinations for curses and remedies can be studied from standard texts like BPHS or
from the book of this scribe: Vedic Remedies in Astrology.
Reasons for Secrecy
Rather than blaming the tradition for hiding things indiscriminately, it is necessary to
understand the reasons for the same. Knowledge that can cause sorrow or that can be
misused by unscrupulous astrologers was kept secret by the families associated with the
tradition of Jyotish. This Moola Dasa delves into the past Karma and brings out the exact
period when the effect of curses and bad karma would fructify. This knowledge can be
misused by bad astrologers who could start telling all kinds of tales to loot their gullible
clients and the net result would be a bad name for Jyotish. I am giving this with a prayer
that this may not be misused. Another reason for giving this is that in a book titled
Mandooka Dasa, Sri K.N.Rao has actually given the Lagna Kendradi Rasi Dasa. Readers
will appreciate that the dasa taught by him is not the Mandooka Dasa and is very similar to
this Moola Dasa or Lagna Kendradi Graha Dasa. After debating for many years the benefit
or otherwise of keeping this knowledge a Secret, I have now given this to all. The primary
case being that it delves into past births and helps us to gain a better understanding of our
selves and the causes of so much sorrow, its timing as well as its remedy.

HARI OM TAT SAT

— Footnotes —

Jaimini teaches that signs gain strength if the sign being odd has its lord placed in an even
sign or Vice-versa.