Kaala Chakra

Dasha A Critical
Review
By
Shakti Mohan Singh, India.
Multitude of Directional Systems
In Vedicastrology there exist a large
number of directional systems, mostly
known as Dasha Paddatis, suited to
different birth conditions and different
purposes. The Dasha systems as proposed
by Maharshi Parashar in his famous
treatise Brihat Parashar Hora Shastra,
broadly fall into two main categories the
nakshtra dharika or constellation based
Dasha systems and Rashi or zodiacalsign
based Dasha systems. Besides, there are
some lesser systems like Kaala dasha,
chakra dasha, sandhya dasha, pachaka dasha,
tara dasha, panchaswara dasha etc. Which do
not fall in either of these categories and
may be based, at least in parts, even on
nonastrological considerations. According
to him some systems are applicable to all
natives while others can be used in case of
such natives only whose horoscopes satisfy
certain specific conditions. It is also
claimed that some systems can be used for
predicting events in all sectors of life and
are known as phalit dashas while some are
specifically suited for predicting the death
of the native or his near and dear ones and

Having served in the department of Forest,

Rajasthan Government for about 35 years in
various capacities, the author retired from the post
of Director, Forestry Training Institute, Jaipur on
31st January 1995 and has since been working as a
Land Development and Environment Protection
Consultant for several national and international
organizations. Natal astrology has been his passion
since 1951. He taught astrology in the classes run
by the Jaipur chapter of ICAS regularly for about
10 years and now runs Skill Upgradation program
in predictive astrology for serious students of
astrology at Jaipur. He has to his credit more than
100 articles covering different aspects of natal
astrology. He also wrote a book titled Jaimini
Sutra Ek Abhinav Drishti, which was published
in the year 2000. He has been working on Kaal
chakra dasha system for last several years and has
now established not only the efficacy and
dependability of the system, but its supremacy
over most of directional systems in common use. He
has, for the first time formulated a conceptual
model of Kaala chakra , which not only explains
the correct working of the system but also forms
the basis of predictions.

are known as ayurdashas .

Phalit = Phal which means fruit & Ayur =

Longevity

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Kaala Chakra Dasha system happens to be one of these. Kaala means time, Chakra means
Wheel in effect Kaala Chakra Dasha means the methodology of the Wheel Of Time. It
has been dealt with in classical textbooks like Brihat Prashara Hora Shastra (BHPS), Jataka
Parijata (JP), Phala Deepika (PD) and Jatakadesh Marga (JDH). BHPS and JP have
explained this system in greater details than the other textbooks, which contain
comparatively condensed versions. BHPS declares that KCD is the best amongst all these
systems (Verse 06 Ch 46 Dashaadhyay).It also advices that KCD should be used not only in
natal astrology but in horary astrology also (Verse 34 of the section devoted to KCD in this
very chapter) but the sad fact remains that in practice KCD in not playing even the second
fiddle to Vimshottari dasa.

The Question of Applicability

According to verse 12 of chapter 12 of Jatakadesh Marga, KCD must be applied to such
cases in which birth takes place at a time when Moon is aspected/conjoined by the lord of
the constellation occupied by it.
JP verse 40 chap. 18 says that in case where Moon is aspected /conjoined by the lord of
navamamsha occupied by it, KCD gives better results.
According to PD verse 30 of Ch. 22, KCD should be used when the lord of the navamamsha
occupied by Moon is strong. It should be mentioned here that this verse is located in this
chapter with a group of such verses as contains advice about the applicability of various
dashas for determining the longevity.
I have also read somewhere that in cases where moon occupies a navamamsha ruled by
Venus or Venus is otherwise strong, the KCD should be used for determining the longevity.
However, BPHS verse 6 of chapter 46 is very clear that Kaala chakra dasha system is
the best amongst all systems (kalcdzaca=NyamaNyasvRdzasuya) and verse 34 of the section
devoted to KCD in this very chapter asserts that KCD should be used not only in natal
astrology but in horary astrology also. Besides, my own experience with this system, for past
two decades, is that it is not only universally applicable but that it is the most efficacious
system.

Present Status
I became interested in KCD system sometimes in 1990 and was studying,
investigating and testing this system since then but it was only around 1995 that I became
convinced that this was a unique system which surpassed all others in Vedic astrology. I also
found that the system was thrown into disuse because the method of calculation and
computation as explained in various translations/commentaries of the classical texts was not
in accordance with the dicta of the classical texts. The book written by contemporary
authorities also suggested incorrect methods and therefore
astrologers were unable to make correct predictions consistently on
the basis of this system. I wrote a series of articles during 200103 for
a Hindi magazine published from Jaipur explaining the classical
method of calculation and computation, pointing out there in the
mistakes in the methods recommended by translators,
commentators and authors. I also proposed a conceptual model of
Kaala Chakra in this series to demonstrate the mechanism of this system for the first time
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and explained on its basis the correct method as propounded in the classical texts. I
illustrated this series with the horoscope of late Srimati Indira Gandhi and demonstrated
that all the events of her life were shown very clearly if the dasha was calculated and
computed in the manner explained by me.
Justice S. N Kapoor, National President, Indian Council of Astrological Sciences, read
some of my articles. The judicaturists astute mind immediately appreciated the tremendous
opportunities hidden in the system. He took keen interest in my work on this system and
asked me to make a detailed presentation on KCD at a Faculty Development Program of
ICAS, organized by him at Delhi in July 2002, which was attended by the faculty members
of ICAS from all over the country.
Accordingly, I made the presentation. At the end of the presentation Pt. Bhola Nath
Shukla of Kanpur, the then National Vice President of ICAS asked me Does the system
really work? Other participant also asked similar questions and wondered that if it was
such an efficacious system why it was not being taught in details like Vimshottari in the
regular classes held by ICAS? My object in mentioning this episode is to show that even
scholars of great standing in the field
are diffident about this system. In
In this system the Moons movement through
fact, several participants confided to
an arc of 120 degree in the space is equated to a
me that after devoting a lot of time to
it they abandoned the system because
time frame of 3186 solar years while in
they found that correct predictions
Vimshottari system it is 120 years only.
could not be made on its basis. The
truth of the matter is that these
gentlemen tried to follow the methodology advocated in books available in the market. This
methodology attempts to handle KCD also on the principles of Vimshottari producing
confounded versions.
Today, rank and file of astrologers does not know even the name KCD. Many confuse
it with the unnecessarily dreaded Kaala Sarpa Yoga of dubious authenticity. Some consider it
to be an ayurdasha only and doubt its usefulness as a phalit dasha. Very few astrologers know
that such a system does at all exist. Although, today the market is flooded with books on
natal astrology written by a multitude of authors, the names of authors who have written
anything about this system can be counted on fingertips. Some astrologers have claimed that
they have made correct predictions on the basis of KCD in one or two cases but during my
50 plus years of wandering through the reams of astrology and astrologers, I did not find a
single astrologer who even occasionally had used exclusively this system for giving
predictions to his clients.

Atrophied Through Disuse

This is a matter of common knowledge that the most
popular dasha system is the Vimshottari dasha system. In fact it
was probably the only system used in north India, with the
exception of the Himalayan tract where Yogini was also in
vogue, till the publication of Shri K. N. Raos Predicting
through Jaiminis Chara Dasha in 1995. Even today, you open
any book on Vedic astrology and you will come across
Vimshottari Dasha. It does not make any difference whether the
book you have opened is a classical text or one written by a modern
author. Very few books deal with dasha systems other than Vimshottari.
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Even BPHS has given maximum space to this system.

In common practice, the word dasha has become synonymous with Vimshottari. Even
nonastrologers can be heard saying that they are under stress because Saturn or Rahu dasha
is running and by dasha they mean Vimshottari only. Vimshottari is believed to be easy to
calculate and compute which it really is up to a certain extent only. It is also believed to be
simple to interpret which it certainly is not.
Granting that the universal applicability of Vimshottari is indisputable, because
Maharishi Parashar has categorically stated in verse 3 of chapter 46 that Vimshottari is the
main system (dzabivxaStasu muOya iv<zaerI mta), this does not constitute a reasonable excuse
for shelving KCD and ignoring summarily Maharishis dictum in verse 6 of this very
chapter that
Kaala chakra dasha system is the best amongst all systems
(kalcdzaca=NyamaNyasvRdzasuya). The only reason appears to be that on account of its
complicated nature astrologers experienced difficulty in understanding the system correctly.
The result that it was not used consistently in the recent past and finally became atrophied
through disuse.

NakshatraDharika (Constellation Based) Dasha Systems

Constellation based dasha systems are those in which the life of an individual is linked to
the postnatal progress of the Moon through various constellations. The initial dasha is,
therefore, identified on the basis of the constellation or group of constellations occupied by
the Moon at the time of birth of that individual and its balance at birth is calculated on basis
of the arc traversed by the Moon in that constellation or the group of constellations. Thus,
these are based on a single parameter and the dashas in such systems proceed in a continuous
and fixed order, which is irreversible in most of the cases. The duration of each dasha is also
fixed.
In these systems the various dashas are generally named, not after the constellations, the
lordship being specific to the particular system. The predictions for dashas are, therefore,
based on such lords, their nature, their house lordship, strength and relationships with other
planets for which detailed rules are given in BPHS. Other classical texts, as a rule, also
contain detailed material on Vimshottari. Occasionally, there is mention of other systems
also but only briefly.

Rashi (Sign Based) Dasha Systems

The sign based systems, on the other hand, are those in which the various periods in the life
of an individual are linked to various zodiacal signs and the initial dasha is determined on the
basis of the rashi or the zodiacal sign which may qualify for the purpose on account of its
being the ascendant, the zodiacal sign which may qualify for the
trinal houses or a sign occupied by a planet qualifying as Brahma etc
and generally the concept of balance of dasha at the time of birth is
absent here. The progress of dashas may or may not follow any
continuous or fixed sequence and also may or may not be reversible
in case of a sign based system. The duration of various dasha is also
variable in most of the cases.
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In case of these systems the events are determined on the basis of the nature and strength of
the zodiacal sign, after which the dasha is named, along with nature, strength and position of
its lord. The nature, strength, lordship and charakarakartwa of the planet or planets,
occupying and aspecting the zodiacal sign in question itself or other key houses from it, their
interrelationship and planetary configurations like rajayogas, dhanayogas, arishtayogas etc,
formed with reference to that sign also play a vital role in the interpretation.
Thus the sign based dasha systems, are not only based on a whole complex of parameters
but, use multiple considerations for interpretation also and therefore, offer better
opportunities for the astrologer. Besides the rules of interpretation follows very simple logic.
This perhaps is also the reason that less space than Vimshottari was required for these
systems in BPHS and generally nothing was considered necessary in other old texts. The
rules of interpretation for sign based dasha systems are substantially different from those
that apply to the constellation based systems and have been enunciated in a small separate
chapter in BPHS. Some scattered hints related to their interpretation are also available in
Jaimini Sutras.

Composite Dasha System With High Degree Of Precision

The dasha system which bears the name of Kaala Chakra or the cycle of time is unique in as
much as it has the properties of both, the constellation based as well as the sign based dasha
systems. The initial dasha is identified on the basis of, not just the constellation occupied by
Moon at the time of birth but the quarter of such constellation. Moreover, degree of
precision in this system is very high because it is based on a very high spacetime ratio. In
this system the Moons movement through an arc of 120 degree in the space is equated to a
time frame of 3186 solar years while in Vimshottari system it is 120 years only. We shall also
see that for the purpose of interpretation KCD is treated as a sign based system and can
bring the future events into focus more sharply than any other system.
In order to use any system effectively and efficiently, a clear understanding as to its concept,
constitution and mechanism is a sine qua non. The reason behind our reluctance in using
KCD system for making predictions regularly appears to be that the system is not properly
understood. Some scattered hints are no doubt hidden in, the available translations of and
commentaries on, the classical texts that include an elaborate system bearing the name of
Kaala Chakra. However no clear and precise conceptual model of Kaala Chakra or any details
of its constitution and mechanism is available anywhere and hence the state of confusion. In
Part I of my upcoming book I propose to present to my readers a conceptual model of Kaala
Chakra or the cycle of time, which forms the basis of this system. This model 1 has been
culled out from the classical texts. I hope that understanding and operating KCD system
will become easier with such a model before us and it will enable the astrologers to make
correct predictions on the basis of this system.

Misconceptions Related To Fundamentals Of This System

I
There exists confusion amongst some of the astrologers that the outstanding balance is
to be calculated, not for the sarvayu or the total duration of the
package, but for the first dasha in that package. This is correct because
in this system one quarter of the constellation or the navamamsha, i.e.,
an arc of 3 degree and 20 minutes, has been equated to entire dasha
period (DP) and not to the first dasha only. Besides, in calculating the
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balance with reference to the first dasha of the package we are making an altogether illogical
assumption that every native compulsorily starts his life from either the dasha of the
corporal (deha) or the psychical (jeeva) sign. If this assumption was correct then nobody will
ever start his life in dashas of Leo or Aquarius because neither of these two signs ever
becomes the corporal or the psychical signs.
The correct method, as propounded by Maharishi Parashar in verse 38 to 40 of the
section dealing with KaalaChakra Dasha in chapter 46 of BPHS is to calculate the
outstanding balance with reference to the total span of the DP.
The life of a native can start from the dasha of any one of the nine constituent sign in the DP
and at any point of time in that dasha.
II There is another confusion prevalent amongst several contemporary authorities that, after
the expiry of the outstanding balance of span of DP or sarvayu, in case of direct progression,
the next and in case of indirect progression, the previous DP will become applicable. Many
popular computer software programs also suffer from this misconception.
According to Maharishi Parashar different quarters of various constellations or the
different navamamsha have independent packages of nine dashas each. Merely because they
follow the order of the zodiac in forward or backward direction even after the end or before
the beginning of the package it should not be presumed that there is a continuum of 108
dashas. If such were the case there was no need for Maharishi to waste so many verses in
describing 24 independent packages of nine dashas each because once the starting point in the
dasha continuum was determined on the basis of the longitude of the Moon subsequent
dashas would follow in the forward or backward direction and the importance given to the
quarter of the constellation or the navamamsha would be irrelevant and superfluous.
I have not come across a single verse in BPHS, JP, PD or JDM stating that after the
expiry of the outstanding balance of DP running at birth the next or previous DP will
become applicable.
This must be clearly understood that the quarter of the constellation and the
corresponding navamamsha for a particular native is decided once for all on the basis of the
longitude of the Moon at the time of birth of the native and this can never change during his
or her for present life. Therefore, the DP applicable to the particular quarter of the
constellation or the navamamsha will also not change during this life and will stick to him
or her for the entire life. After the expiry of the outstanding balance of DP running at the
time of natives birth the same DP will repeat itself.
The correct method, therefore, is to revert back to the first dasha (the corporal sign) in
cases where the DP is in indirect progression, in the same DP after the expiry of the
outstanding balance of the sarvayu or the span of the DP at the time of birth.
In Vimshottari, or for that matter in most of the constellation based systems there is a
single package which is easily identifiable from the birth constellation and computable from
its outstanding balance but in case of KCD there exist several DPs
having different properties (nomenclature, direction, span, space
time ratio and design) and the task becomes somewhat complicated.
On account of exclusive use of Vimshottari dasha system over a long
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period most of the astrologers are stuck up with its working to the extent that they find it
difficult to adjust with any other system based on a different concept and with a different
constitution and dynamics. Many books on KCD published heretofore have advocated
incorrect methods and created confusion.
III One should not forget that in this system the dasha and bhukties strictly follow the KCD
navamamsha scheme. The design of the Kaala chakra replicates itself at all levels; mega and
micro. Each dasha bears the name of a zodiacal sign and that sign always has the same nine
navamamshas. In other words the bhukties or subperiods in the dasha bearing the name of a
particular sign will always have the same nine bhukties irrespective of the DP of which it
may form a part. These bhukties will follow the scheme of KCD navamamsha division. This is
in confirmation to the JDMS dictum also.
Take, for example, Leo dasha in any DP.
The movable sign in trine to Leo is Aries
Lord of Aries is Mars
The first bhukti will, therefore, be of a sign ruled by Mars, i.e., either Aries or
Scorpio,
Starting from Mars, the nine lords in the usual sequence will be MarsVenus
MercuryMoonSunMercuryVenusMarsJupiter. The two sets of signs ruled by
these lords are (1) Aries TaurusGeminiCancerLeoVirgoLibraScorpioSagittarius
and (2) ScorpioLibraVirgoCancerLeoGeminiTaurusAriesPisces and
Since the first bhukti is that of Scorpio and not Aries, the applicable set of nine
bhukties in this case will be ScorpioLibraVirgoCancerLeoGeminiTaurusAries
Pisces
Reader may find it contrary to the belief system deeply ingrained into their minds due to
exclusive use of Vimshottari and so, a bit difficult to accept, but it is not only logical but true
also, that KCD scheme of navamamsha, the signs Taurus and Scorpio do not have their own
navamamsha and therefore, in this system Taurus dasha cannot have a Taurus bhukti and
Scorpio dasha cannot have a bhukti of Scorpio, just as Taurus DP does not have Taurus
dasha and Scorpio DP does not have Scorpio dasha.
The sum and substance of the entire exercise is that the bhukties in the dasha bearing
the name of any sign are same as are the dashas in the DP bearing the name of that sign. For
example, each of the DPs Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Leo, Virgo, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn
or Aquarius has Gemini dashas. Bhukties in Gemini dasha in Aries DP will not be different
from the bhukties in Gemini dasha in Taurus, Gemini, Leo or any other DP. Whatever the
DP, the Gemini dasha will always have one and the same set of nine bhukties. TaurusAries
PiscesAquarius CapricornSagittariusAriesTaurusGemini, because the sign Gemini has
these nine navamamasha only.
IV
Finally there is the question of the sequence of the bhukties. In Vimshottari, there is no
problem of this kind because there is only one sequence, which is
fixed at all levels but so far as KCD is concerned the tables given
by Pt. Sitaram Jha, Dr Suresh Chandra Mishra and Deevan Ram
Chandra Kapoor are inappropriate and so are the tables given in
the books of several other authors. Logically, the sequence of
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bhukties in the dasha of any sign must follow the sequence in which the nine navamamasha
occur in that sign. This sequence should be run in the forward or backward direction
depending upon the orientation of the dasha sign in its specific location.
This is important in different DPs one and the same constituent dasha sign may
sometimes occur in zodiacal order and sometimes in the reverse order. Besides the applicable
DP itself can be the one having either of the two categories of progression direct or indirect
resulting in the reversal of the orientation of individual dasha sign and the sequence of its
constituents navamamshas.
Readers will find that on several issues I have disagreed with earlier authorities on the
subject. I have explained my reasons for such disagreement and will try to establish the
correctness of my contentions through examples in the near future. It is for readers to test
my contentions at their level. To err is human and I am no exception. I will consider it a
great personal favour if readers will be kind enough to inform me whenever they find me
mistaken or following a wrong line of argument. Such little gestures of cooperation from
readers will go a long way in settling some of the contentious issues related to this system.

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