What is Mahadasha & Antardasha in Vedic Astrology

Mahadasha is a Sanskrit term that refers to the major period of a particular planet's influence in a person's life according to Vedic Astrology. The Vedic Astrology system divides a person's life into different planetary periods, each of which is governed by a particular planet. The Mahadasha period is the longest and most influential planetary period, lasting for several years, and is followed by a sub-period known as Antardasha. During the Mahadasha period, the planet whose influence is predominant determines the major life events, opportunities, and challenges that a person may face. The Mahadasha period is determined by the position of the Moon at the time of a person's birth, and each planet has its own specific duration for the Mahadasha period. The order of the planetary periods is fixed and follows a specific sequence: Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mercury.

Each planetary period has its own specific effects and can impact a person's life in different ways. For example, during the Mahadasha period of Jupiter, a person may experience growth, expansion, and success in their life, while during the Mahadasha period of Saturn, a person may experience obstacles, challenges, and hardship. The Mahadasha period is an important tool in Vedic Astrology for understanding a person's life journey and predicting major life events. It can provide valuable insights into a person's past, present, and future, and help individuals navigate their life journey with greater awareness and understanding.

Antar Dasha, also known as the sub-period or bhukti, is a sub-period of the Mahadasha (major period) of a planet in Vedic Astrology. Each Mahadasha period is further divided into several Antar Dasha periods, which are shorter in duration and have a more specific influence on a person's life. During the Antardasha period, the influence of the Mahadasha planet is modified by the influence of the sub-period planet. For example, if a person is in the Mahadasha period of Jupiter and the Antardasha period of Mars, the influence of Mars will modify the Jupiter period, and the person may experience a combination of the effects of both planets during this period.

The duration of the Antardasha period depends on the planet's position in the Mahadasha period. The order of the planetary periods is fixed, and each planet has its specific duration for the Mahadasha and Antardasha periods. Antardasha periods can have a significant impact on a person's life, depending on the position of the planets in the birth chart. The influence of the Antardasha planet can modify the effects of the Mahadasha planet and can result in different experiences and outcomes. Astrologers use the Antardasha periods to gain insights into a person's life journey and predict major life events. By understanding the influences of the Mahadasha and Antardasha planets, they can provide guidance and advice to help individuals navigate their life journey with greater awareness and understanding.

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The period of Mahadasha in Vedic Astrology is determined based on the position of the Moon at the time of a person's birth. Each planet has its own specific duration for the Mahadasha period, which is fixed and follows a specific sequence.

The duration of Mahadasha for each planet in Vedic Astrology is as follows:

Ketu: 7 years

Venus: 20 years

Sun: 6 years

Moon: 10 years

Mars: 7 years

Rahu: 18 years

Jupiter: 16 years

Saturn: 19 years

Mercury: 17 years

These planetary periods are further divided into sub-periods known as Antardasha, which are shorter in duration and have a more specific influence on a person's life.

The Mahadasha period is considered the most significant and influential period in a person's life, as it can determine major life events, opportunities, and challenges. The influence of the Mahadasha planet is modified by the influence of the sub-period planet during the Antardasha period.

Vedic Astrology practitioners use the Mahadasha period to gain insights into a person's life journey and predict major life events. By understanding the influences of the Mahadasha and Antardasha planets, they can provide guidance and advice to help individuals navigate their life journey with greater awareness and understanding.

-       Punit Sharma

(Jyotish Acharya)