The literal meaning of the word Argala is 'Bolt' that which has

the ability to exert its influence on something.I am pasting below a part of an

article I had written long ago.Guru Visti Larsen had written a good article on
this topic and perhaps you can request him to upload it on his website as he
keeps uploading various articles there for study.
The literal translation of the term Argala is Intervention. This could be an
intervention caused by a planet in the affairs of the house as well as on the
effect of a particular planet. Hence, Argala becomes an important factor when
we want to study the results of a particular house or even a planet. Argala
from the various planets can also cause certain yogas and can also hinder
certain yogas further making its study an important part of any chart. In
transit too Argala holds its importance and so will the effects be felt as per
the dasas.
Various aspects of Argala
Argala can have different factors to it. It is mainly a concept, which can
further be applied to not only the various planets but also to houses. Thus we
study Argala not just as the effect given by a planet on another planet but
also its effect on the whole house and the native as well. Argala can be seen
from not just the Lagna but from each house too.
1. Planets in one particular house (lets say A) will give Argala to planets in
another house (lets say B)
2. Planets from another house (lets say C) may be obstructing the same Argala
and changing the results further.
3 .Now how do we reckon the result of house B that is receiving Argala from
House A and facing an obstruction at the same time from house C? Here its also
important to note which planets are giving Argala and which planet is
obstructing it. Are they only malefic planets or benefic and which is stronger
..All these factors will make an impact on the results of the house. If the same
Argalas are on the Lagna then these factors will affect the native dierectly. It
may give attributes to the persons nature.
4. Argala on various planets can be studied to look at a particular aspect in
the chart. For example to see all the influences on the native's wealth-sources
Argalas on Jupiter can be seen.
5. Argala is also studied not only on the various houses but on Arudha as well.
Maharishi Parashar gives simple effects of Argala on Arudha. Should there be
Argala on the Arudha Pada, for the natal Lagna and for the 7th from both, the
native will be famous and fortunate. A malefic, or a benefic, causing
unobstructed Argala, giving a Dristi to Lagna will make one famous. Similarly a
malefic, or a benefic, causing unobstructed Argala, giving a Dristi to Dhan
Bhava denotes acquisition of wealth and grains, to Sahaj Bhava happiness from
co-born, to Bandhu Bhava residences, quadrupeds and relatives, to Putr Bhava
sons, grand sons and intelligence, to Ari Bhava fear from enemies, to Yuvati
Bhava abundant wealth and marital happiness, to Randhr Bhava difficulties, to
Dharm Bhava fortunes, to Karm Bhava royal honour, to Labh Bhava gains and to
Vyaya Bhava expenses. The Argala by benefics will give various kinds of
happiness, while benefic effects will be meddling with malefic Argalas. Argala
by both benefics and malefics will yield results.
6. Maharishis say, that the Argala, caused by one Grah, will yield limited
effect, by two mediums and by more than two, excellent effects. Argalas should
be counted from a Rasi, or a Graha, as the case may be.
7. The Argala, which is unobstructed, will be fruitful, while the one duly
obstructed will go astray. The Argala effects will be derived in the Dasa
periods of the Rasi, or Graha concerned.
Calculation of Argala
The 2nd house gives Argala to the lagna; the 12th house obstructs the same argala.
The 11th house gives gains to the lagna; the 3rd house obstructs these gains.
The 4th house ensures happiness to the native/lagna; the 10th house obstructs the same.
The 5th house shows the future and the 9th show the past. The past always
obstructs, the future, which is yet to be. So, 5th house gives argala, the 9th
obstructs it.
The 8th house gives Argala to lagna, and the 6th house obstructs it.
Classification of Argala
Argala can mainly be classified into:

A. PRIMARY ARGALA: Argala given by the houses 2nd, 4th and11th is primary Argala.
B. SECONDARY ARGALA: Argala given by houses 5th and 8th are Secondary Argala.
Various terms for Argala:
1.Shubh Argala
2.Ashubh Argala or Papa Argala.
3.Virodha Argala.
4.Vipreeta Argala.
The topic itself is very detailed but I have given you most of the outlines
here.Gradually apply the rules and see a few charts to understand how a planet
giving Argala will alter the other results.
-------------------Argala means intervention in the affairs of a sign (Rashi) or graha
by another rashi or
graha.
Argala can be of two types viz., (i) Shubhargala (good intervention)
caused by benefic
rasi/graha, and (ii) Papargala (bad intervention) caused by malefic
rasi/graha.
However, such Argala is also obstructed by other rasi/graha.
The strength, effect and prevalence of the Argala or obstruction to
the argala is
determined from the strength of the rasi/graha (determined by the
standard methods)
causing the Argala and obstruction. The result of the stronger of the
two causes it
(Argala/obstruction) to prevail.
The following rules explain the cause of Argala and the obstruction
to it:
Cause of argala
RULE - I
The rasi or planet(s) in the 2nd, 4th and 11th houses from a
rasi/graha intervene or
cause `Argala' in the affairs of the latter. (UPSJ: 1.1.4)
RULE II
Malefic rasi/planet(s) in the 3rd from a rasi/graha also
cause `Argala' on the said rasi.
(Note: A malefic/malefics in the 3rd not only cause obstruction of
the Argala of the 11th
rasi/graha, but they themselves cause Argala simultaneously.
RULE III
The rasi/graha in the 5th also cause secondary level `Argala' on the
said rasi.
Obstruction of argala
RULE I
The rasi/graha in the 3rd, 10th and 12th from a rasi/graha obstruct
the Argala.
RULE II
The rasi/graha in the 9th obstructs the Argala caused by the
rasi/graha in the 5th (Rule
III above).
Exception regarding Ketu
In the case of a sign occupied by Ketu, the reckoning of both Argala
and Obstruction
caused by the said rasi/Ketu is always done in the reverse direction
(anti clockwise).
? FOLLOW-UP QUESTION BY MR.NARASIMHA RAO ON KETU
EXCEPTION
You said, "EXCEPTION REGARDING KETU In the case of a sign occupied by
Ketu, the reckoning of both Argala and Obstruction caused by the said
rais/Ketu
is always done in the reverse direction (anti clockwise)."
Is it "caused by" or "caused on"?
I have so far been under the impression that the exception applies
when we find
argala *on* the sign containing Ketu (not *by* the sign). Let us say
Ketu is in
Libra. When we find argalas on Cancer, Libra and Ketu cause argala
being in the
4th from Cancer. But, when we find argalas *on* Libra, they are
caused by 2nd,
4th and 11th counted in reverse, i.e. by Vi, Cn and Sg. This is the
way I

understood it and possibly it is wrong.

=> ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
Your understanding is correct. Argala means planetary or sign
intervention and
they are caused on signs and planets alike. The primary ones the 2nd,
4th & 11th
and they are obstructed by the 12th, 10th and 3rd respectively. As
regards Ketu,
the reckoning is always in the reverse. Thus, for example, my AL is
Sagittarius
and has Ketu in it. Thus for Ketu the 2nd, 4th and 11th counted in
the reverse is
Scorpio, Virgo and Aquarius that cause Argala. The planets in these
signs also
cause Argala on Ketu.
However, the AL is Sagittarius and the Argala on the AL is reckoned
in the
regular order i.e the 2nd, 4th and 11th from Sagittarius or
Capricorn, Pisces and
Libra intervene in its affairs. Thus the presence of Saturn in the
2nd, Sun in the
8th and Ketu in AL causes Kemadruma (Poverty) Yoga which has resulted
in
taking up a service which can never make the two ends meet!! I guess
all honest
Govt. servants in India will be in such a predicament. Fortunately,
the
Mokshkaraka Ketu has Subha Argala in the 11th in Aquarius and due to
my Ketu
related activities I have received gifts and donations to improve my
lot. Thus in
Leo Dasa Aquarius Antardasa my elder brother gifted me a Car!! (We
should
also see the aspect of Aquarius on the A4 in Libra for this not
ignoring its Argala
on the 4th house as well.) Moon aspected by Venus can be a Dhana Yoga.
? ANOTHER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION BY DINA-NATHA DAS
1.What does that mean that malefic(s) in 3rd cause Argala themselves
simultaneously? 2.What is the secondary level Argala? I couldn't find
any
explanation about secondary level Argala in BPHS. What is the
difference
between primary and secondary Argala?
Regarding Exception of Ketu, In BHPS ch. 31. Verses 2-9, Santhanam's
translation, it is said: "As the nodes have retrograde motions, the
Argalas
and obstructions be also counted accordingly in a reverse manner."
Since Santhanam used plural for words node and motion, that would
indicate that wants to say that we should use reverse counting for
reckoning Argala for both nodes, Rahu and Ketu. Later in the notes on
the
same verse he is giving an example where he is counting in reverse
order
to reckon the Argala of Rahu which confirms the above verse from BPHS.
Also there is very important rule about Argala in the verse 10 of ch
31.: "
The Argala caused by placement of a planet in the first one fourth
part of
the Rasi is countered by another placed in the 4th quarter of the
respective
obstructive Rasi. Similarly 2nd quarter's Argala is eliminated by the
3rd
quarter placement."
Santhanam explains: "If the Argala causing planet is in the first
quarter
(or first 7 degrees 30 minutes of the sign), while the obstructing
planet is
in the 4th quarter (22degrees 30 minutes to 30 degrees), the
obstruction
indeed will come to pass... Likewise while the Argala planet is in
the 2nd
quarter of the sign (i.e. 7 degrees 30 minutes to 15 degrees), the
obstruction (planet in 15degrees to 22 degrees 30 minutes i.e. 3rd
quarter)
will combat the Argala."
=> ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH

Malefics in the third suo-moto cause Argala as they also

simultaneously
obstruct the Argala of the 11th house. Since the 11th is the house of
Gains, the objective is not gained and the person has to use
PARAKRAMA BALA to achieve the objective. Thus, the gain is initially
denied and the native fights for it and gains it at a later stage.
As regards the Chaturthamsa usage for determining the efficacy of the
Argala and its obstruction, this is Bhagya (fortune/Destiny) and we
shall
discuss this later. I have already explained earlier that the reverse
counting is for Ketu ONLY and not for Rahu as along with the other
planets Rahu is the cause of rebirth and the fruits. Ketu is the ONLY
planet that is working like Ganapati (Tapasya) to take us to Narayana
i.e.
Moksha. Hence Ketu's Argala is in the reverse as it indicates the
planets
favouring or disfavouring the attaining of Moksha. For example, I have
Ketu in the AL in Sagittarius with the Moon in Aquarius and no planet
in
Libra. Thus, the Moon in the 3rd from the AL shows the nature of death
and this is unobstructed.
Moon is also in the 11th from Ketu counted in the reverse direction
and
helps in the gain of the objective of Moksha and this Argala is
unobstructed. Thus on the one hand the Moon gives death, and on the
other it aids Moksha which can be achieved, in the real sense after
death.
I hope with this example it is amply clear that the reverse count is
only for
Ketu because it is the Moksha karaka.
? ANOTHER FOLLOW-UP QUESTION BY
MR.NARASIMHA ON THE ABOVE EXAMPLE.
This is a convenient example with Ketu in the arudha lagna.
Because of Ketu is in AL, 3rd from AL and 11th from Ketu (in
reverse) coincide and you have nice logic. This is not always true.
If someone has Ketu is in Sg, Moon in Li and AL in Le, he can say:
"see - the 11th from Ketu (directly counted) has Moon and 3rd
from AL also has Moon. So Moon gives death and helps in the gain
of the objective of Moksha" and present a case for forward
counting for Ketu also.
No, I am not questioning "vipareetam ketoh" exception. I accepted
that argala caused *by* Ketu and his sign are counted in reverse,
because Jaimini maharshi and you taught so. However, I still
cannot see any logic behind this. I am referring to the concluding
remark quoted above. I still can't see the relation between reverse
counting for Ketu and Ketu being Moksha karaka.
I am not satisfied by the explanation you gave and will wait for
more explanation later.
? RELATED QUESTION BY MR.DINAKARAN
Two malefic planets occupied in each two bhava 5th and 9th . 9th
bhava obstructs the
argala. The same number of planets occupied in each house now is the
obstruction
removed or not removed. How does it conclude? Does any remedy to
remove the
obstruction? Please clarify with need example.
Have any rules to cancel " The Karaka bhava nasa" ?
=> ANSWER BY PT.SANJAY RATH
Nice question. If the Argala and its obstruction are equally strong,
it constitutes a
bandhana Yoga (Bondage). If malefics alone are involved, and if this
is in the 2-12 or 5-9
houses, then this can cause actual physical bondage like kidnapping
or jail. Rahu and
Saturn involved gives being beaten with chains or other forms of
torture while Gulika
afflicting shows the use of poisonous substances.
This world can be very evil for some people depending on their karma.
That is why I
always look for natural benefics in these places.
? ANOTHER RELATED QUESTION ON ARGALA BY MR.SATISH
Appreciate if someone can answer the questions on argala. I don't
think I understand
argala. i.e. What is a good argala and what is bad argala. Does it
depend on the planet
causing the argala.

=> ANSWER BY MR.NARASIMHA RAO

Yes. Think of this question: What is a good aspect and what is a bad
aspect?
Argalas by malefics are bad and argalas by benefics are good. Let me
give an example.
Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi's D-10 has lagna and Venus in Gemini, Sun in
Cancer and
Saturn and Mercury in Aries. Lagna in D-10 shows one's true nature
when moving in
society (i.e. in career). Let us take the argalas on lagna. Sun casts
an argala and so do
Mercury and Saturn. What are the results?
Mercury's argala shows that he may be intellectual in nature.
Saturn's argala on lagna
can make him humble. Sun's argala may make him forceful and
authoritative. How can
one be humble and authoritative? Well, you can see both these
qualities in him
depending on dasa and transit influences. But the dominating
influence will be Sun's,
because Saturn is debilitated and weak.
Why did I say Saturn's argala gives humility, which is a word with a
positive spin on it?
Why not introvert nature, inhibition, servile behavior etc, which
have a negative spin?
Similarly, why did I say Sun's argala on dasamsa lagna makes him
forceful and
authoritative in his movement in the society (which is somewhat
negative)? Why can't it
make him a charming and charismatic leader (which is positive)? The
answer has to do
with benefic/malefic argalas.
Each planet's influence on each house can have a positive spin as
well as negative spin.
A positive influence, consistent with the nature of the planet, can
be exerted when it has
a benefic argala. A negative influence, consistent with the nature of
the planet, can be
exerted when it has a malefic argala.
Here Saturn owns 8th and 9th from lagna and he is a functional
benefic. So his argala
on lagna can give humble nature (positive) and not servile, introvert
and inhibited nature
(negative). Sun, OTOH, is a functional malefic as he owns 3rd house
and he gives a
forceful and authoritative nature (negative) and not a charismatic
and charming
personality (positive).
[Note: To find functional benefics and malefics for a lagna, follow
Parasara and not
modern day savants! What Parasara taught is perfect. If it doesn't
make sense to you or
if it doesn't work for you, it must be that you misunderstood him!
While on the topic of
strict adherence of Parasari principles of functional nature of
planets, look for my article
on "Kendradhipati dosha" (the malice of a benefic's ownership of a
quadrant) in Surya
Prakash memorial issue of "The Astrological Magazine" - Sept 1999.]
Another example: Madonna's D-10 has ghati lagna and Venus in Taurus
and Saturn
causes argala on ghati lagna from Pisces. With Saturn being a
yogakaraka (owner of 9th
and 10th) from Taurus, his argala is benefic. What does it give her?
Humility?
In the previous example, we were dealing with lagna. Lagna shows true
nature, arudha
lagna shows perceptions and ghati lagna shows power and authority.
When we consider
planets and houses, we have to choose what they stand for based on
the varga
(divisional chart) at hand and the reference point at hand (lagna,
arudha lagna, ghati
lagna etc). This is why classics give many qualities for the same
planet. In the case of
lagna, the positive quality Saturn gives is humility. In the case of

ghati lagna (fame,

power and authority), Saturn signifies popularity among masses. So
yogakaraka
Saturn's benefic argala on ghati lagna made her popular among masses.
Final example: Sanjay's D-24 (chart of knowledge) has a benefic
argala of Saturn on
lagna and benefic argala of Sun on ghati lagna. In matters of
knowledge, he is a humble
person because of Saturn's benefic argala on lagna (despite Saturn's
debilitation). In
matters of knowledge, he is popular among politicians and powerful
men, because of
Sun's argala on ghati lagna. As far as matters related to ghati lagna
(fame and power)
are concerned, Saturn signifies mass following and Sun signifies
following in the ruling
class.
As I keep trying to show you again and again, different divisional
charts and different
lagnas cover different dimensions of human life. Attempting to cover
all those with one
lagna and one chart results in ambiguity and eventually loss of
confidence in classics.
Parasara wasn't fooling around when he defined special lagnas and
divisional charts.
They have specific purposes. Also he did not mention argalas for fun.
They too have a
purpose.
Hope you have learnt something from these freewheeling thoughts....