Sarvatobhadra Chakra

1. INTRODUCTION:

Sarvatobhadra Chakra is a tool used as part of Transit of Planets. The term Savatobhadra means overall auspiciousness (sarva- overall; bhadra- auspiciousness) and takes into consideration almost all factors in vedic atrology viz., the 28 nakshatras, the 12 signs, the 30 tithis, the 7 weekdays and the 50 aksharas (Sankrit Alphabets) and hence can be used for variety of analysis of planetary transits. Although the prime focus here is analysis of transits, this can also be used for natal horoscope, dasa analysis etc.

This chart contains 9*9 = 81 boxes containing the nakshatras, signs, tithis, weekdays or the aksharas. For reference purpose I have given the names to the column from 1 to 9 and that to the rows as A to I, although this is not done in the astrological texts and other astrologers. I find giving names to the rows and columns will make it easier to refer to a particular boxes. In subsequent article, the boxes will be referred as A1 (row A, column 1), I9 (row I, column 9) etc.

2. THE CONCEPT OF VEDHA

The concept of vedha is very important in transit analysis. We can encounter this concept while studying transits of planets from natal Moon and hence its understanding is vital in any studies of transits. Vedha means to pierce and hence can means the power of a planet to influence a favourable or unfavourable result. While in normal transits of planets, vedha of other planets can nulify the benefic or malefic influences, in Sarvatobhadra Chakra, the Vedha shows the influence of transiting (or natal) planets on various nakshtras, signs, tithis, aksharas etc. The vedha of benefics are considered to be favouable and that of malefics are considered as unfavourable. The influence is stronger if they are exalted and retrograde while weaker if they are debilitated.

2.1. TYPES OF VEDHA

There are three types of vedha:
1. Across vedha: When seen from a transiting planet, the bodies falling across in the Sarvatobhadra chakra comes under vedha from the said planet. Thus when the planets transit on the nakshatra in the left wall of the chakra, the across vedha will be on the nakshatras (and bodies) towards the right and vice versa. Similarly when the planets transit the nakshatras on the upper wall of the chart, the accross vedha will be downward. This vedha is more effective if the planets are in normal motion or stationary.

2. Fore vedha: When seen from a transiting planet, the bodies falling in the diagonal seen in clockwise (zodiacal) direction are under fore vedha. This vedha becomes effective when the planets are moving fast. This vedha is always more important for the Lumineries, whose motion is always in forward direction.

3. Hind (rear) vedha: When seen from the transiting planet, the bodies falling in the diagonal seen in anticlockwise (antizodiacal) direction are under hind vedha. This vedha becomes effective when the planets are in retrograde motion, as their sight is backward. This vedha is always effective for the nodes since they always move in retrograde motion.

We have seen that that the impact of the vedha in one of the direction is dependent on the motion of the 5 planets, excluding the luminaries and the nodes. When the planets are stationary or moving in normal pace, the across vedha is more effective than others and when moving in faster motion or retrogression, fore or hind vedha becomes effective respectively. Since the Luminaries always move in forward direction, the fore vedha is always effective, while rear vedha is always ineffective. Similarly, since the nodes are always in retrograde motions, the hind vedha is always effective and fore vedha is always ineffective.

2.2. VEDHA ILLUSTRATION

In this illustration, lets see the planets Mars and Mercury causing vedha to which bodies. The bodies highlighted in yellow colour are having "Accross Vedha" while those highlighted in green are having "Fore Vedha" and those highlighted by purple are having "Hind Vedha" from the said planets i.e., Mars and Mercury. Since in the accross Vedha, the vedha to the nakshatra is the most important, we shall only consider Ashwini as receiving Vedha and ignore other bodies such as the aksharas (ma, l. etc) and the signs (Cancer, Gemini, Taurus).

2.3. SPECIAL CASE OF VEDHA

When a transiting planet is in last quarter of the nakshatra preceding the corner or the 1st quarter of the nakshatra succeeding the corner, in addition to the normal vedhas, they also cause vedha to the diagonal crossing the Purna Tithi and all the bodies falling in that diagonal as well as all the vowels in the corner.

Thus this specific condition is met when a planet transits through last pada of Bharani, Aslesha, Vishakha and Sravana and the 1st pada of Krittika, Magha, Anurdha and Dhanistha.

3. SPECIAL NAKSHATRAS

Counted from the Janma Nakshatra (Moon's Asterism) certain nakshatras becomes important for judgement of certain aspect of an event or life. These special nakstras are also important in other areas of transits such as Navatara chakra hence their understanding is extremely important for understranding not only Sarvatobhadra Chakras, but also other areas of trasits as well. The nakshatras are as follows:

3.1. THE SHANNADI GROUP

Shannadi is derived from Shad-Nadi means 6 nadis. Nadi's generally mean sensitive or vital points in a body (physical or symbolic) and signify the energy centers in the body which has substantial control over the body in various areas. The Shannadi group of nakshatras counted from Moon, are as follows:

1. 1st Nakshatra : Janma Nadi
2. 10th Nakshatra: Karma Nadi
3. 16th Nakshatra: Sanghatika Nadi
4. 18th Nakshatra: Samudayika Nadi
5. 23th Nakshatra: Vainashika Nadi
6. 25th Nakshatra: Manas Nadi

Janma Nadi: This is the Moon's nakshatra and is also called the Janma Tara (in navatara scheme) or Janmarksha or Janmabha. This is the most important nakshatra in any natal or transit analysis as it houses the Moon. It is said that the karaka for human life is Moon and hence very important for human birth and also it is the prime sustrainer in this virtual world. The body is fine and healthy as long as the Mind (signified by Moon) relishes the stay in this world and it weathers away when the Mind has no more need to sustain. It is said that the when the Mind stops relishing the experiences (good or bad) in this world, there is no more attraction for the soul to re-incarnate and the body is out of the bondage. From the brief description of the nakshatra and its strong association with Moon, we understand that the overall experience, sustenance in this world depends on the influences on the Janma Nadi.

Karma Nadi: There is a strong association of number 10th with the karma which we are supposed to do to fulfil the mission for which we have taken birth. In the rasi chart, the 10th house is also the house of Karma and in the scheme of Nakshatra, the 10th Nakshatra from the Moon is also associated with Karma. The influences on this nakshatra will determine the access to various resources which the native can use in fulfilling his work and how easily (or otherwise) the native will attain the results of his work. This nakshatra becomes very important in muhurthas related to profession or business, which involves realisation of an objective.

Sanghatika Nadi: This means Danger. As the name suggests, this nakshatras has a strong bearing on the risks the native faces in fulfilling an objective. An example of risks could be accepting an unfavourable alliance or partnership with someone due to financial constrains etc.

Samudayika Nadi: This means environment. As the name suggests this nadi indicate the support the native is going to get from the environment etc. For example, whether the environment is going to be supportive or hostile to the native or an business enterprise (in mundane astrology) is seen from this nakstra.

Vainashika Nadi: Vinash means destruction. As the name suggests this nakshatra has a strong bearing on the ways and menthods which can cause destruction or trouble to the wellbeing of the native or the event under consideration. In the analysis of business enterprise, this has a strong say on the associates, friends and the partners.

Manasa Nadi: Manasa means the state of the mind. Thus, as the name suggests the nakshatra has a strong bearing on the state of mind of the native at any point of time, based on the planetary transits. In mundate astrology, it can represent the state of the mind of people involved such as how peaceful or how agitated they are.

3.2. OTHER KEY NAKSHATRAS

Other than the 6 nakshtras of the Shannadi group, there are other nakshatras which play a key role in the transit analysis. They are give below with their position from the Moon in brackets:

1. Sampat Nakshatra (2): This is the nakshatras of wealth and assets. In mundane astrology, this has a strong bearing on the net wealth or other current or fixed assets that are created/ generated in the event under consideration. In the annual horoscopy of the nations, this nakshatra can indicate the GDP and GNP of the nation generated in the year under consideration and similarly in a business enterprise this can show the net revenue/ assets of the company acquired.

2. Adhana Nakshatra (19): Adhana means conception. To understand the role of this nakshatra in transit analysis, we need to understand what happens in conception. During conception, the fertilized egg embeds itself to the wall of the uterus of the mother, which nourishes till delivery of child. Thus this nakshatra has a strong bearing on the place of activity and how well the place supports the native or the event (in mundane astrology). This nakshatra has a strong bearing on whether the native will be comfortable or successful in his homeland or abroad. While benefic influences would make the native stay in his homeland, malefic influences will make him move away.

3. Jati Nakshatra (26): Jati means community. This nakshatra not only indicate the relationshio of the native with his family members, relatives and friends, but also how well the native will be supported by his fellow community members. In a business enterprise, this indicate the relationship between the employer and employees and among the employees; such as how harmonious they are and how well they support the business bottomline.

4. Desha Nakshatra (27): Desha means country. This nakshatra is specifically important in mundane astrology and it signifies how well the government support an enterprise of a community such as a political party. This nakshatra also assumes great importance in the horoscopy of national figures and leaders and signify the support they receive from their government. Thus is a leader is sent to exile, this nakshatra is the key to look for.

5. Abhisheka Nakshatra (28): Abisheka means coronations. As the name suggests, this nakshatra is important in mundane astrology which deals with areas related to leadership such as political astrology or business leadership (CXO's positions). In general this nakshatra show the amount of influence, dominance and control the native has over others. This also indicate how much freedom the native has and how well the he enjoys the work, such that he becomes his own boss in that context. When there are negetive influences on this nakshatra, this can show fall from power, bondage and exile as well.

3.3. THE TRISHULA NAKSHATRAS

The trishula nakshatras are specifically important for the matters of longevity and dealth and is a group of 4 nakshatras counted from Sun's nakshatra which form the Trishula or the Trident of lord Shiva. Mythologically, Shiva is the lord of death and annihilation among the three divine principles causing birth, sustenance and destructions. It is said that the Trident in the hand of lord Shiva symbolises his power to destroy and hence in astrology things named after Trishula or Shula signify death and annihilation. The three nakshatras which are important in this context are 1st, 9th, 15th and 21st counted from Sun.

3.4. THE UPAGRAHAS

There are yet another group of 8 nakshatras counted from Sun whose primary purpose is to cause obstacles and troubles. They are:

1. 5th nakshatra: Vidyunmukha (mouth of lightning)
2. 8th nakshatra: Shula (sharp and piercing)
3. 14th nakshatra: Sannipata (trouble creator like Saturn)
4. 18th nakshatra: Ketu (unpredictable)
5. 21st nakshatra: Ulka (fireball)
6. 22nd nakshatra: Kampa (shiver)
7. 23rd nakshatra: Vajraka (lighning)
8. 24th nakshatra: Nirghata (deadly)

While Malefic influences on these nakshatra can cause obstacles and troubles in ways related to the nakshatra as well as the planets involved; benefics influencing the nakshatras shall alleviate the troubles.

4. EFFECT OF PLANETS

4.1. BENEFICS & MALEFICS

Effect of various planets on the said nakshatras will give specific results related to the nature of planets under consideration. While influences of benefics enhance good fortune, influences of malefics cause suffering and destruction. In this context the benefics are Jupiter, Venus, well associated Mercury and strong Moon and malefics are Saturn, Rahu, Mars and Ketu and the Sun. Association of Mercury with Saturn and Rahu makes it extremely diabolical while association of Sun and Mars makes it only mildly malefic. Similarly dark Moon from Krsna Chaturdasi to Shukla Pratipada is quite malefic while from Shukla Dvitiya to Shukla Ashtami and Krsna Ashtami to Krshna Trayodashi are mildly malefic.

The specific effect of planets are as follows:

1. Sun: Misunderstanding and ego related problems
2. Moon: Pleasent happenings if strong and vice-versa
3. Mars: Loss of wealth
4. Mercury: Learning and efficiency at work
5. Jupiter: Overall prosperity and wellbeing
6. Venus: Sexual enjoyment and entertainment
7. Saturn: Sickness
8. Rahu: Deception and cheating
9. Ketu: Accidents and sudden happenings

4.2. STRENGTH OF INFLUENCE

Based on the diginity of the planets causing vedha, the influence will be modified in the following way:

1. Exaltation: 3 times
2. Retrogression: 2 times
3. Debilitation: 1/2 times
4. Other dignity: 1 times (normal)

If a malefic planets gets exalted or retrograde, the it becomes extremely malefic. Thus it is desirable to have benefics are retrograde or exalted and malefics as debilitated.

5. Effect of Vedha on Different Elements

Although we have only discussed on the vedha of planets on the vital nakshatras, it is important to note the vedha on various other elements of the sarvatobhadra chakra viz., the akshara, tithi vara etc. Each element governs over various areas of life as used in the judgement of panchanga. In addition to the janma and other vital nakshatra, native's janma tithi, vara, rasi and akshara can also be noted. Benefic and malefic vedha on these elements will have good or bad impacts on different areas of life as mentioned below:

1. Vara (weekday): The weekday lord governs over the life force of the native. A strong weekday lord gives good health and faster recovery from diseases and health disorders, while weak weekday lord fails to do so. Applying this principle in Sarvatobhadra chakra, we can say that malefic vedha on the Janma vara (the day on which the person is born) can have negative impact on the native's health and vice-versa.

2. Akshara (Alphabet): Like Moon, the akshara is also related to sustenance of the native in this world, while Moon sustains by giving comfort and good living condition, the name sustains by giving a favourable image. Thus if there are malefic vedhas to the 1st akshara of the name, the native's image may suffer and vice-versa.

3. Tithi (Lunar day): In the Panchanga scheme, Tithi rules over prosperity and has a strong say on the finances in addition to the overall comfort and well being. Using the same principle here, if there are malefic vedha on the native's janma tithi, the native will face financial troubles as well as general lack of comfort. The tithis are grouped into 5 groups viz.,

i. Nanda : Pratipad, Shasthi, Ekadasi

ii. Bhadra : Dvitiya, Saptami, Dvadasi

iii. Jaya : Tritiya, Astami, Trayodasi

iv. Rikta : Chaturthi, Navami, Chaturdasi

v. Purna : Panchami, Dasami, Purnima, Amavasya

Malefic vedha on the Purna Tithi in the muhurtha chart of an ailing person can show death.

4. Rasi (Sign): The rasi governs over all the resources which we get from the mother nature. Thus the vedha on the rasi would show accessibility to various resoures. In addition, the Janma Rasi has a strong bearing on the health of the native while the Janma Lagna has a strong bearing on his intellectual faculty. Thus malefic vedha on the Janma rasi can cause heath troubles while that on the Janma Lagna can show incorrect application of intelligence and incorrect decision making.

This can also be used in conjunction to the natal chart. In the natal chart, each sign will be associated with a particular house. Malefic vedha on a sign can trouble the associated house. If there are inauspicious yogas in a particular house, malefic vedha on that sign can aggravate it further, while benefic vedha can alleviate the trouble to certain extent. Similarly a favourable yoga can be stunted during a particular period if there are malefic vedha on the associated sign and the yoga can flourish under benefic vedha.

6. DASA & ANTARDASA

The dasa and antardasa of the planets involved in inauspicious yoga in the horoscope can cause tremendous suffering, if both of them simultaneously cause vedha to a vital nakshatra in the area related to the nakshatra. One has to judge the result based on functional and natural nature of the planets involved as well as the yoga they form in the natal chart. The adverse yogas give the adverse results during infavourable transits and hence one has to watch out the transiting dasa, antardasa lord not only with respect to normal transits but also from the viewpoint of sarvatobhadra chakra.

Similarly dasa, antar of benefic planets can give their benefic results when they have benefic vedha on some vital nakshatras. Based on the functional nature of the planets and the yoga they form one among the mentioned vital nakshatra would become more important and a wise astrologer should ascertain that vital nakshatra before pronouncing the results. For example, for the matter of yogas related to power, status and fame, abhisheka nakshatra becomes extremely important. If the planets contributing to the yoga simultaneously have vedha on the abhisheka nakshatra during their periods and sub-periods, it can be predicted that the yoga will fructify.

Om Tat Sat