Question

How many total years are comprised in a full cycle of the 'Viṃśōttarī Daśā' system?

• A. 106
• B. 120
• C. 30
• D. 100

Hint:

Vimshottari = 120 (Vimshat + Shata).
Ashtottari = 108.
The name itself tells you the total years!

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The 'Viṃśōttarī Daśā' is the most popular and widely used planetary period system in Vedic Astrology. Its name is derived from 'Viṃśat' (20) + 'Uttara' (after) + 'Śata' (100), literally meaning "120". It is based on the position of the Moon at the time of birth and assumes a full human life span to be 120 years.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The system assigns a specific number of years to each of the nine planets (Nava Grahas). The sequence and duration are as follows:

1. Kētu: 7 years
2. Venus (Śukra): 20 years
3. Sun (Sūrya): 6 years
4. Moon (Candra): 10 years
5. Mars (Maṅgala): 7 years
6. Rāhu: 18 years
7. Jupiter (Guru): 16 years
8. Saturn (Śani): 19 years
9. Mercury (Budha): 17 years

Total: \(7+20+6+10+7+18+16+19+17 = 120\) years.

Maharṣi Parāśara, in the Br̥hat Parāśara Hōrā Śāstra, recommends Viṃśōttarī as the primary Dasha system for the current age of 'Kali Yuga' because it is easy to calculate and highly accurate. The Dasha cycle starts from the lord of the Nakshatra in which the Moon is placed at birth. For example, if a child is born in 'Aśvinī' Nakshatra, their first Dasha will be of Kētu. The remaining portion of the first Dasha is calculated based on the 'Bhayāt' and 'Bhōbhōga' of the Nakshatra.

The 120-year cycle reflects the ancient Indian belief in the ideal longevity of a human being. Each planet's period is designed to highlight specific psychological and material themes. For instance, the 20-year Venus period is for worldly enjoyment, and the 16-year Jupiter period is for wisdom and growth.

Step 3: Final Answer:
The total duration of Viṃśōttarī Daśā is 120 years.