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Antardasha: the sub-periods of a dasha

An antardasha (bhukti) is a sub-period within a mahadasha. If the mahadasha sets the theme for years, the antardasha shows which side of it is active now. They are always read as a pair: “Jupiter–Saturn” means Jupiter's mahadasha and Saturn's antardasha.

JyotiSoft editorial team · dates checked by calculation

In short

Every mahadasha holds 9 antardashas, the first of the mahadasha planet itself.
Length = mahadasha years × antardasha years / 120.
The most delicate moments are changes of mahadasha (dasha sandhi).
Results depend on how the two planets relate in the chart.
Antardashas split into pratyantardashas for precision to weeks.

How an antardasha is calculated

Within each mahadasha nine sub-periods follow in the usual Vimshottari order, starting with the mahadasha planet. A sub-period's length is the product of both planets' years divided by 120. In Jupiter's 16-year mahadasha, Saturn's antardasha lasts 16 × 19 / 120 = 2.53 years and the Sun's 16 × 6 / 120 = 0.8 years.

Reading a pair of planets

The antardasha gives the results of its own planet, but within and against the background of the mahadasha. What matters is how the two planets are linked in the chart: conjunct, aspecting each other, natural friends or enemies, in which house from each other. If the antardasha lord stands 6th, 8th or 12th from the mahadasha lord, the sub-period is often difficult; in a kendra or trikona from it, harmonious.

Dasha sandhi — the junction

The last months of one mahadasha and the first months of the next are called dasha sandhi. It is a time of transition: the old agenda fades, the new one is not yet settled. Many people experience it as uncertainty and a change of direction. It is wise not to rush irreversible decisions then.

An example

Someone with a Libra ascendant runs Saturn's mahadasha (yoga karaka: 4th and 5th houses) and Mercury's antardasha (9th and 12th houses). Saturn brings home, property, children and creativity; Mercury adds fortune, study, travel and perhaps expenses or a move abroad. The combination favours study, relocation or buying a home, especially if Saturn and Mercury are strong and connected.

Pratyantardashas

Each antardasha splits again into nine pratyantardashas by the same rule. They are used to date specific events to within weeks, usually together with transits.

Questions

Is an antardasha different from a bhukti?

No — they are two names for the same sub-period.

Why is the first antardasha that of the mahadasha planet?

That is how Vimshottari works: at the start the planet expresses itself “pure”, then combines in turn with the others.

Which antardasha matters most?

The one running now, and those tied to the houses you care about — the 7th lord for marriage, the 10th lord for career.

Where can I see my antardashas?

In the JyotiSoft Mini App: the dasha table lists mahadashas and antardashas with start dates.

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