Mahadasha

A 'major period' — the planetary lord whose influence dominates a span of years in the Vimshottari Dasha cycle. The 9 grahas each get a Mahadasha; the cycle totals 120 years. The current Mahadasha is the single most consulted operative timing tool in Vedic astrology.

Related terms

• Antardasha

  A 'sub-period' inside a Mahadasha — same 9 lord rotation, scaled to the Mahadasha's duration. Adds finer timing inside the Mahadasha.

• Pratyantardasha

  A 'sub-sub-period' inside an Antardasha. Used for month-level timing in advanced practice.

• Nakshatra

  One of 27 lunar mansions — finer-grained subdivision of the zodiac than Rashi. The Moon's Nakshatra at birth governs the structure of the Vimshottari Dasha system and is read as a strong indicator of personality and disposition.