Chapter 2.
Grah Lakshanas
The lords of the 12 Rāśis and that of the 12 Navamashas with the same identity are: Man̄gal, Śukr, Budh, Candr, Sūrya, Budh, Śukr, Man̄gal, Guru, Śani, Śani and Guru. The lords of the Horas in odd Rāśis are Sūrya and Candr, while the reverse is true in the case of even Rāśis. The lords of the four directions, viz. East, South, West and North are Mesh, Vrishabh, Mithun and Kark, respectively, with their Konas repeating again in the same order.
Notes: Each Rāśi is divided in two equal parts of 15 degrees. The first 15 degrees of odd Rāśis are ruled by Sūrya and called Solar half. The second 15 degrees are ruled by Candr and called Lunar half. In the case of even Rāśi, the arrangement is reversed. As regards directions, these are clear for Rāśis. See planetary rulerships of the directions, as under: Sūrya, Śani, Śukr, Candr, Man̄gal, Budh, Rahu, Guru; East, West, South East, North West, South, North, South West and North East, respectively, (as per Brihat Jataka, Ch. II, Sloka 6 and my English translation of Saravali).
These can be profitably used in Horary Astrology also. In this context, C. G. Rajan’s Tamil translation of Parasara Hora and Prasna Marga, Slokas 7 to 9 in Ch. II have the following account: Mesh-Vrishabh East, Kark-Simh South, Tula-Vrischik West, Kumbh-Meen North, Mithun South East, Kanya South East, Dhanu North West, Meen North East.
The exaltation Bhavas for the (seven) Grahas from Sūrya onwards are: Mesh, Vrishabh, Makar, Kanya, Kark, Meen and Tula. In these Bhavas, the respective Grahas have the highest exaltation points at 10th, 3rd, 28th, 15th, 5th, 27th and the 20th degrees. The seventh Rāśi from the exaltation Rāśi is the Rāśi of fall, or depression for the respective Grah and similar degree is the point of deepest fall.
Notes: These can be tabulated thus: (Grah, Deep exaltation Rāśi and degree, Deep fall Rāśi and degree); Sūrya, Mesh, 10, Tula, 10; Candr, Vrishabh, 3, Vrischik, 3; Man̄gal, Makar, 28, Kark, 28; Budh, Kanya, 15, Meen, 15; Guru, Kark, 5, Makar, 5; Śukr, Meen, 27, Kanya, 27; Śani, Tula, 20, Mesh, 20.
For Rahu and Ketu, please see notes Sloka 8 of this Ch..
In Kanya, the portion of 5 degrees following the exaltation zone (i. e. from 15 1’ to 20") is Multrikon for Budh and from 20 degrees onwards it is to be treated, as his Swakshetr. Thus it has a triple role for Budh.
The first three degrees of Vrishabh are Candr’s exaltation portion, while the rest is her Multrikon. For Śukr up to 20 degrees in Tula are her Multrikon and the rest is her own Bhava, (i.e. Swakshetr).
The first twenty degrees of Simh is Sūrya’s Multrikon. The remaining portion is his own Bhava. Śani has the same arrangement in the Rāśi Kumbh, as Sūrya has in Simh.
It is Multrikon upto twelve degrees in Mesh for Man̄gal, while rest is his Swakshetr. For Guru, the first five degrees in Dhanu are Multrikon and the rest is Swakshetr.
Notes: Readers are referred to Saravali (Ch. 3) for Multrikon, Swakshetr, Deep exaltation etc.
As Rahu, Ketu have not been dealt with, I give below some information in this regard: Vriddha Samhita and Jyotishamrita state, that Kumbh and Vrischik are owned by Rahu and Ketu in their order. Veemesaram, a Tamil work calls Kumbh, as Rahu’s own Bhava, but nothing is allotted to Ketu. Both are exalted in Vrischik and are in fall in Vrishabh, as per Jatakalankaram (Tamil) and Veemesaram. Jatakachintamani agrees with this, only for Rahu, while it mentions, that Ketu is exalted in Mithun and is in fall in Dhanu. Syama Sangraham says, that Mithun and Dhanu are exaltation and Neech for Rahu and the reverse is true for Ketu. Sarvartha Chintamani gives Vrishabh-Vrischik, as exaltation and debilitation for Rahu and Vrischik Vrishabh, as exaltation and debilitation for Ketu. Bhavartha Ratnakara states, that Rahu is exalted in Vrishabh and Ketu in Vrischik and Rahu has Mithun and Kark, as his Multrikonas, while Ketu’s Multrikonas are Dhanu and Makar. Also see Uttara Kalamrita, Slokas 19-20 of Ch. IV, for more information. There are, thus, varied views in this regard.
Take the Multrikon Bhava of a Grah. The lords of the 3rd, the 6th, the 7th, the 10th and the 11th from that Bhava are inimical to that Grah. This rule does not apply, if the said Bhava happens to be the exaltation Bhava. The rulers of other Bhavas than the ones mentioned above are friendly. There are three kinds of relationships of Grahas, viz. friendly, inimical and neutral.
Notes: For example, Man̄gal has his Multrikon in Mesh. The 10th from there is his exaltation Bhava. Hence, Śani is neutral to Man̄gal. Also see Phala Deepika, Ch. 2, Sloka 21.
There is temporary friendship between Grahas, if they are mutually in the 3rd and the 11th, or the 12th and the 2nd, or the 4th and the 10th.
The eight quarters commencing from the East are serially lorded by Sūrya, Śukr, Man̄gal, Rahu, Śani, Candr, Budh and Guru. These quarters have strength at all times.
Notes: See note given under Sloka 2 of Ch. II for details of directions with reference to Rāśis.
The Grahas cast full Drishti on the 7th from their position. The Drishti is 3/4th on the 4th and the 8th Bhavas. It is only half on the 5th and the 9th Bhavas. A quarter glance is made on the 3rd and the 10th Bhavas. From Sūrya onwards, the Grahas have rays thus: 20, 8, 10, 10, 12, 14 and 16. The 12 Rāśi possess the same rays, as their lords do.
Notes: Man̄gal has special full Drishti on the 4th and the 8th, Guru can effectively lend full Drishti on the 5th and the 9th, while Śani can give a full Drishti to the 3rd and the 10th Bhavas. These are additional Drishtis allotted to these three Grahas. For more information, refer to Ch. II of Jataka Parijata and S. 14 of Ch. II Brihat Jataka.
Sūrya, Guru and Man̄gal are masculine Grahas, while Rahu, Śukr and Candr belong to female group. Śani and Budh are eunuchs.
Notes: Ketu is also a eunuch, as per Phala Deepika, Ch. 2, Sloka 27.
Brahmins are presided by Guru and Śukr. The royal lot is ruled by Man̄gal. Candr is Vaisya. Budh is of mixed breed. Śani is considered to be a Sudra (4th caste), while Rahu is an outcaste (5th caste). Rahu, Śani, Ketu, Sūrya, Man̄gal and the dark fortnight Candr are malefics. Budh, Guru, Śukr and waxing Candr are said to be benefics. Budh and Śukr have Rajo Gun, while Guru, Sūrya and Candr are Sattvic Grahas. Man̄gal, Śani and Rahu possess Tamo Gun. These qualities are reflected in their actions. The following humours are peculiar to the respective Grahas: Bile Sūrya and Man̄gal, Wind Candr and Śani, Wind PhlegmŚukr and Candr, Budh has a mixture of the three humours.
Sūrya is of dark red colour. Candr is white. Deep red is the complexion of Maìgal, while Budh is of green grass colour. Guru is golden yellowish. Śukr is whitish. Śani’s colour is blue mixed with black.
Mandi, the son of Śani, has many colours. Rahu’s colour is dark collyrium (blue mix). Although the Rāśis have pleasing colours, these are changed according to the occupants.
Should a Grah be alone in its own Rāśi, or Navamsh, the effects revealed are according to its nature. This is true, when it does not receive a Drishti from, or is not yuti with others. If it be in other’s Bhava, or receives a Drishti from, or is yuti with others, the results are influenced accordingly.
Sūrya’s body is square; his eyes are pink in colour and he has sparse hair on his body and head. He does not live for a long time in one place. He is of lazy disposition. His knees are weak. He has pleasing face and delivers pleasing speech.
Notes: He has stout legs (Saravali). Dasadhyayi suggests, that these can be profitably used in regard to diseases in Prashn: Sūrya causes damage to eyes, loss of hair and thirst, fever etc. by bilious temperament. See Phala Deepika, Ch. II, Sloka 8, for more information.
Candr is tall, tender-natured, brilliant in mental disposition, kind, skilled in policy, or politics and has mixed humour of wind and bile. She wears white robes and ornaments. Her body resembles a well-drawn circle. (Imagine the full Candr, which is a perfect circle).
Notes: According to Phala Deepika, she has a mix of both youth and old age. She is mainly phlegmatic. She does not have much hair. Vide Saravali, Candr is fickleminded, phlegmatic and rheumatic in constitution.
Maìgal is unsteady in mind. He is capable of wounding. He has blood-reddish eyes. He is bilious and depicted with fire and arms. His voice is rough. His belly is depressed. He is modest.
Notes: Man̄gal is young. He has curly and shining hair. He is liberal. He rules marrow of the bones. (P- D- Ch. II). According to Saravali, Maìgal is short in stature, has green eyes, ever ready for quarrels.
Budh’s eyes are dark. He is well-versed in politics (or in policy-making), is of medium height, sometimes firm and sometimes unsteady, jolly natured, in touch with all kinds of news, witty, scholarly and has the composition mixed with the three humours (i. e. bile, phlegm and wind).
Notes: See Phala Deepika, Ch. II: Sloka 11. Budh rules skin and is full of veins, arteries and nerves. He has an even body. According to Dasadhyayi, he is sweet spoken, but stammering in speech.
Guru has stout and tall body; his eyes are neither big nor small, he is intelligent, well-versed in politics, or policy making has prominent bilious composition, is a very eloquent speaker, wears yellow apparels and jewels and is of noble disposition.
Notes: Guru’s voice resembles that of a lion. He has broad green eyes. He is mentally steady. He has a fleshy body, (Saravali, Ch. 4). According to Dasadhyayi, he is of virtuous disposition.
The body of Śukr is very bright. He is fortunate, windy and bilious in composition, broad-minded, stout bodied, has a tendency to submit to women, has crooked eyes and is of deceiving nature.
Notes: Śukr has a lustrous body. He is intelligent, broad minded, broad eyed, passionate etc. (Saravali). According to Phala Deepika, Ch. 11, Sloka 13, Śukr has stout body, broad eyes, wind and phlegm in constitution. He has achieved seminal growth.
Śani has hard nails, teeth and hair. He is deceptive. He has long hands and feet. His constitution is bilious. He has prominent veins, is indolent and peaceless.
Notes: Śani is lame, has deeply depressed eyes and is lazy. He rules muscles. He has an emaciated body. (Phala Deepika).
For description of Grahas, also refer to Jataka Parijata Ch. II.
Maìgal resembles a boy in appearance, while Budh looks young. The age of Guru is 30, that of Śukr is 16, that of Sūrya is 50 and that of Candr is 70. Rahu is 100.
Notes: Similar view is found in Sloka 14, Ch. II of Jataka Parijata and in which it is additionally stated, that Ketu is also 100. According to Phala Deepika, Maìgal is 16, while Budh is 20.
The general rule is, that a person acquires the nature and appearance of the strongest Grah at the moment of birth.
Notes: The strongest Grah is the one, that has the highest rupas in Shad Bal. It should be equally good in the 16 Varg Scheme.
Aditya, Arka, Ravi, Bhanu, Bhaskara. Divakara, Marthanda, Savita, Sūrya, Teekshnamsu and Ina are the other names denoting Sūrya.
Notes: As Divakara, Sūrya causes the day. He is Teekshnamsu, as he has warm rays.
See Slokas 3 and 4 of Ch. II of Jataka Parijata for various names given to various Grahas.
Sasi, Sasanka, Vidhu, Soma, Nisakara, Seethamsu, Udunatha and Indu are synonyms of Candr.
Notes: Candr is Nisakara, as she causes the night. She is Seetamsu, as her rays are cool and pleasant. The name Udunatha is given to Candr because Candr married the 27 Nakshatras.
The Grah Man̄gal is otherwise called Aara, Vakra, Maheeja Rudhira, Rakta, Angaraka and Krudradrik.
Budh’s other names are: Saumya, Vid, Jna, Somaja, Bodhana, Kumar and Vidhusuta.
Notes: Budh is Candr’s son and hence known, as Somaja and Vidhusuta.
Guru’s synonyms are: Jeeva, Angirasa, Suraguru, Mantri Vachaspati, Arya, Brihaspati, Suri and Vageesh.
Śukr is called Bhrigu, Bhrigusuta, Ahpujit, Sita, Usanas, Vaitya Pujya, Kavya and Kavi.
Kona, Manda, Sani, Krishn, Sūrya Putr, Yama, Pangu, Sanaischara, Sauri, Kala and Chayasuta: these are other names, by which Śani is called.
Rahu is indicated, as Tamas, Asura, Swarbhanu, Vidhuntuda, Pata, Sainhikeya, Bhujanga and Ahi.
Ketu is called Sikhin, Dhvaja, Dhum, Mrityu Putr and Anala.
These different names (as in the above s]okas) have been given to various Grahas by the scholars of olden days.
Notes: Balbhadra in his Hora Ratna, quotes Suka Jataka in this context, giving various names to Grahas, as under: (the day), Tamohanta (destoryer of darkness), Dinakarta (cause of the day) and Dinamani; Ratrisa, Sasi and Kumudinipathi; Kruradhrik (inauspicious in aspect) and Krurakrit (evil doer); Prabhasuta; Sūryau and Brihaspati; Daityapujya, Kaama and Kavi; Sanaischara, Sauri and Chayasuta; Sainhikeya, Bhujanga and Bhujaga; course reads, as Dhumra and Anala in Balabhadra’s.
Please also see Sarvarthachintamani (Ch. I) and Jataka Parijata (Ch. II) for more such information in this regard.
This information is supposed to help one to easily interpret Sanskrit names, given to different Grahas in different contexts by different texts.
Thus ends the 2nd Chapter, entitled "Grah Lakshanas", in Horashara of Prithuyasas, son of Varah Mihira.
Chapter 3.
Evaluation of Strengths of Grahas
Sūrya has strength in his Uttarayana (northerly) course, when he occupies his own Rāśi, exaltation Rāśi, Navamsh, Dreshkan, or Hora and on Sunday. In a friendly Rāśi, he has medium strength. He is strong in the initial part of a Rāśi; weak in the end and moderately strong in the middle. He is devoid of strength during twilights and eclipses.
Notes: The Shad Bal of a Grah should essentially be encouraging in order, that good results are achieved.
Sūrya is strong in his exaltation Rāśi, in Simh, in own Dreshkan, solar Hora, on Sunday, while in northern declination, while entering in a Rāśi, in the middle portion of the day, in friendly Amshas and in Karm Bhava from Lagn. (Jataka Parijata Ch. II)
Candr has strength in Vrishabh and, when in her southerly course. She is strong in her Rāśi, in Hora, during the night, in her own Navamsh, on Monday and in her own Dreshkan. She is said to possess medium strength in the first ten days of the bright half, exceedingly strong during the next ten days and weak during the remaining ten days. Should Candr be in the north of the Grahas, in clockwise motion around the Grahas, yuti with, or in Drishti to benefics, she gets strength. She is weak in the initial portion of a Rāśi, has medium strength in the middle portion and is strong in the last part. The Full Candr is strong in all Rāśis.
Notes: See Jataka Parijata, Ch. II. Candr is strong in Kark and Vrishabh, on Monday, in her own Dreshkan and Navamsh, at the end of a Rāśi, when receiving a Drishti from benefics, in Bandhu Bhava in the case of a night birth and in her southerly course. The Full Moon, if not occupying any kind of Sandhis (i. e. Rāśi Sandhi, Nakshatr Sandhi, Lagn Sandhi etc.), be strong and receiving a Drishti from other Grahas, makes the native a king.
Man̄gal is strong, when he wins a war between Grahas, while in retrograde motion, when brilliant (i. e. not combust), when in Makar, Kumbh, Meen, in his southerly course, during night, in his own Amsh, in his own Rāśi, on Tuesday and in the Dreshkan ruled by him. He has full strength, when on the meridian, or Karm Bhava. He is strong in the beginning of a Rāśi, weak in the middle portion and moderately strong at the end.
Notes: Man̄gal is strong on Tuesday, in his own Amsh, in Dreshkan Meen, Vrischik, Kumbh, Makar and Mesh, during nights, in the south (Karm Bhava), in his retrograde motion, in the initial portion of a Rāśi and in Kark. (See Jataka Parijata. Ch. Il)
Man̄gal is strong even in his enemy’s Bhava. See "Bhaumarige Va Bali" (Uttara Kalamrita).
Budh regains strength, as soon as he is past the combustion belt. He is strong in Dhanu, in Kanya and in Mithun, as Rāśi, or Navamsh and by day and night. He is also strong in his retrograde motion except, when eclipsed by Sūrya. Budh is moderately good, exceedingly strong and weak, respectively, in the first, second and third portions of a Rāśi. He is strong in his own Dreshkan and in Mithun.
Notes: Jatak Parijata in its Ch. II has the following in this respect: Budh is strong in Kanya, Mithun, on Wednesday, in Dhanu, but not joining Sūrya; in day and night, in his own Vargasand in Lagn coinciding with the middle of a Rāśi. Guru is exceedingly strong in Dhanu, Meen, Kark, Vrischik and during the time preceding mid day, in his northerly course, in his own Dreshkan, in his own Amsh and, when he succeeds in battle between Grahas. He has medium strength in the initial part of a Rāśi, is quite strong in the middle and weak at the end. He is considered to be strong in retrograde motion in all Rāśis except in the Rāśi Makar, where he is in fall. Notes: Guru is strong in Meen, Vrischik, Dhanu, Kark, own Vargas, mid-day, his northerly declination, middle of a Rāśi and Kumbh and he is strong even in his fall. He gives plenty of money, if in Lagn, or in Karm Bhava. (Jatak Parijata, Ch. II). Guru in Kumbh gives the same results, as in Kark (Brihat Jataka, Ch. XVIII, Sloka 13) and hence is considered equally strong in Kumbh, as in Kark.
While some say, that a debilitated Grah in retrograde motion is equal to its being in exaltation, our author does not subscribe to such view, as is evident from this Sloka.
Śukr has strength, if he occupies Sahaj, Ari, or Vyaya Bhava form Lagn. He is also strong, when in retrograde motion, when ahead of Sūrya, during the portion of the day, that follows mid-day, when in exaltation Rāśi and in the north of Grahas. Śukr has no strength in the initial portion of a Rāśi, but has it in the middle, while at the end of a Rāśi, he is only of medium strength. He is also strong in the company of Candr, or, when victorious in war between Grahas.
Notes: Śukr is strong in his exaltation Rāśi, his own Vargas, on Friday, in the middle of a Rāśi, in Ari, Vyaya, Sahaj, Bandhu Bhava, in the last third part of day time, when victorious in war, whileyuti with Candr, in retrograde motion and, while ahead of Sūrya. (Jataka Parijata Ch. II)
Śani is strong during the dark fortnight and also from sunset to sunrise. He has strength, when in retrograde motion, also, when in Makar, Kumbh, Tula and in southerly course. Similar is the case with Śani in the rising Rāśi, in his slow movement and, when successful in war between Grahas. He is weak in the in first portion of a Rāśi, moderately strong in the middle portion and strong at the end. But, some say he is strong in all places.
Notes: According to Jataka Parijata Ch. II, Śani is strong in Tula, his own Rāśi, in Yuvati Bhava, in southerly course, in own Dreshkan, on Saturday, in the end of a Rāśi, in war between Grahas, in the dark half and in retrograde motion.
Rahu is said to be strong, when posited in Mesh, Vrishabh, Kark, Vrischik, or Kumbh, or, when yuti with Sūrya, or Candr, during Parivesh and at the end of a Rāśi i. e., when he starts his journey in a Rāśi).
Notes: Rahu is strong in Mesh, Kanya, Vrishabh, Vrischik and Kumbh. He is also strong in Karm Bhava. (Jataka Parijata Ch. II)
Ketu has strength in the second portion of Dhanu. He is also strong in Meen, Kanya and Vrishabh and in night, or, when a rainbow, or a meteor is noticed.
Notes: Ketu is strong in Kanya, Meen, Vrishabh and Dhanu and, when a rainbow, or a meteor is noticed (Jatak Parijata).
The Rāśis Mesh, Simh, Dhanu and Meen give strength to Sūrya, if they happen to rise, or be on the meridian simultaneously. In other Bhavas, he is weak.
Notes: Should Sūrya be in the said Bhavas, which happen to be Lagn, or Karm Bhava, he is strong. In other Bhavas, as Lagn, or Karm Bhava, he is not so good.
Slokas 20 to 29 deal with the strength of the Grahas ih the various Rāśis, which should simultaneously be that particular Bhava in the Kundali.
Candr is strong, if she is in Mithun, Kanya, or Dhanu coinciding with Lagn. She is strong in Yuvati Bhava, if it is Meen, or the first half of Dhanu. If she is in Vrishabh, or in the latter half of Dhanu, as Yuvati Bhava, or Karm Bhava, as the case may be, she is strong. Similarly, when in Kark, or in Mithun, as Bandhu Bhava, she has strength.
Notes: For Kanya Lagn, Candr in Yuvati Bhava in Meen, or for Vrischik Lagn in Vrishabh in Yuvati Bhava, for Mithun Lagn, in Yuvati Bhava in the first half of Dhanu, for Meen in Bandhu Bhava in Kark, is said to possess strength.
Man̄gal is strong in Lagn identical with Kumbh, or in Yuvati Bhava, if it is Kark, or Vrischik. He is strong in Karm Bhava in the first half of Makar, or in Mithun and in Bandhu Bhava, if in the second half of Dhanu. He is similarly strong, when his brightness is not obscured, or, when he is in Dharm in his own Bhava.
Notes: Maìgal, though in fall in Kark, is good in Yuvati Bhava in the case of Makar natives. Should he in such a case join Śani, he blesses the subject with a beautiful and chaste wife. Further, Bandhu and Yuvati Bhava placement of Maìgal, as per the above Sloka shall not give rise to Kuja dosha. For Simh and Meen Lagnas, the Grah is good in Dharm Bhava and will not cause bad effects for the father of the native
Budh is strong in Lagn, if in Makar, Simh, or Kark. He is also strong in his own divisions. Should Dhanu hold Budh in Bandhu Bhava, then too he is strong. Similarly in Vrishabh, as Yuvati Bhava, or in Meen, as Karm Bhava.
Notes: Should Makar be Lagn and be occupied by Budh, his blemish of Ari’s lordship is mitigated and simi]arly Vyaya’s lordship, if in Kark Lagn. For Mithun Lagn, though he will be fall in Karm Bhava, he will prove auspicious.
Guru has strength in Simh, Vrishabh, Mesh, Dhanu, Vrischik and Meen, if one of these happens to be Lagn, or Bandhu, or Karm Bhava of the horoscope. Otherwise he is weak.
Notes: Guru rules Randhr Bhava for Vrishabh Lagn. Hence, he is adverse for longevity, if he is in Vrishabh, when it rises in the horoscope. In such circumstances, Śani should be strong lest the native is short lived. Or otherwise, Śukr should be stronger than Guru.
Dr. B.V. Raman, a powerful Jyotishi has Guru in Karm Bhava in Vrischik.
Śukr possesses strength in Simh, Mesh. Kumbh and Vrischik, if these happen to be Lagn; similarly in Yuvati Bhava, if at the end of Dhanu, or in (the whole of) Vrischik. He is strong in the first half of Dhanu in Karm Bhava. Karm Bhava position in Meen, Simh, or Vrischik is also good. He is strong also in Bandhu Bhava in the second half of Makar. He is strong, if he wins in a war between Grahas.
Śani is strong in Kumbh, or Tula, if they happen to rise, or be Bandhu Bhava. Similarly he is strong in Karm Bhava in Simh, or in Yuvati Bhava in a Rāśi, that does not rise with hind part.
Notes: The risings of Rāśis have already been explained in the opening Chapter. Now, I give below the details of Grahodaya, or risings of Grahas: 1) Sūrya, Rahu, Man̄gal and Śani rise with hind part and hence called Prishtodaya Grahas. 2) Candr, Śukr and Budh rise with their heads and hence called Shirshodaya Grahas. 3) Guru rises in both ways and hence Ubhayodaya Grah.
The Dasha of a Grah in that particular class of Rāśi will be beneficial. Suppose a Grah, that rises with its head is in a Shirshodaya Rāśi, then the Dasha concerned will be auspicious.
Śani is strong, if he is in Tula Lagn; see notes under previous Sloka.
Budh and Guru in Lagn, Candr and Śukr in Bandhu Bhava, Sūrya and Man̄gal in Karm Bhava and Śani in Yuvati Bhava enjoy Dig Bal, or directional strength. According to Yavanas, all the Grahas are devoid of strength in Apoklima Bhavas (Sahaj, Ari, Dharm and Vyaya Bhava), have medium strength in Panaphara (Dhan, Putr, Randhr and Labh Bhava) and are strong in Kendras (Tanu, Bandhu, Yuvati and Karm Bhava).
Notes: Directional strength makes a Grah confer good results during its Dasha Bhuktis. In the opposite Bhava with reference to such Rāśis, the Grah has no Dig Bal. For example, Sūrya has Dig Bal in Karm Bhava. Should he be in Bandhu Bhava, his Dig Bal is nil. For full details on such calculations, please see Dr. B. V. Raman’s Graha and Bhava Balas, or Sripathi Paddhati, English translation by Shri V. S. Shastry.
The strength of Maìgal is double of Śani’s. Budh is four times stronger than Budh. Guru is eight times stronger than Budh. Śukr has eight times more strength than that of Guru. Candr is sixteen times stronger than Śukr, Sūrya has twice the strength of Candr and Rahu’s strength is twice of Sūrya’s and hence Rahu is the strongest of the Grahas.
Should Sūrya and Candr be exceedingly strong, all other Grahas, though weak, will yield good effects in their periods.
Notes: The strength of Sūrya is the most important factor to lend strength to the entire natus. Sūrya singly in deep fall, even though other Grahas may be strong, can reduce the vitality of Kundali. Similarly Candr’s potentiality is all essential, as it has a notable bearing on the mind of the person. Should Candr be in deep fall, all other Yogas become ineffective (see Jataka Tatwa, Ch. III, Section N). And of course, Lagn’s strength forms foundational support. Thus, these are tripod of the horoscope.
Śani, Guru, Man̄gal, Sūrya, Śukr, Budh and Candr: This is the order of the Grahas starting with the distant-most one, as above (with reference to the earth). Rahu is at the top most of earth’s orbit. Grahas are strong (i. e more influencing in nature), if they are on the lower position of the zodiac. Rahu is strong in the South, i. e., when he is on the meridian of the horoscope.
Even, if the Grahas derive strength in the ways mentioned earlier, they become weak, if eclipsed by Sūrya. Such weak Grahas do not give good results in respect of the Bhavas, (Raja) Yogas and Dashas they are connected with.
Notes: Benefic Grahas, if combust, do lose their potence, while malefics become more mischievous. Śani and Śukr are said to retain their rays even in combustion, as per Sloka 15, Ch. IV of Uttara Kalamrita.
Strong benefics make a person fortunate, bright and beautiful. Malefics, when stronger than benefics, make a person sinful and a simpleton.
Notes: It is to be noted, that benefic Grahas should be stronger than malefics for Yog purposes. In any case, the strength of malefics is equally important, as each has its own Karakatwas; for example Śani though a natural malefic should be strong for longevity. If he is weak, the subject cannot enjoy longevity and all Raj Yogas then will be equal to a painting sans canvas.
Thus ends the 3rd Chapter entitled "Evaluation of Strengths of Grahas" in Horashara of Prithuyasas, son of Varah Mihira.
