In Vedic Astrology, Parashar Maharishi has given a marvelous tool to determine the timing of an event called Vimshottari Dasha. This Dasha system is calculated based on Moon nakshatras. The degree of the Moon at the time of birth determines the beginning of your Maha Dasha period.

For if a person is born with a 28-degree Moon in Taurus. This will be in Mrigshira Nakshatra. which means, the Dasha sequence will begin from Mars, followed by Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury, Ketu, Venus, Sun, and Moon.

A specific period is designated for all 9 planets in this method. There is a full cycle of 120 years for Mahadashas of all nine planets. This cycle has been divided into 9 parts and every part is governed by planets.

Maharishi, Parashar has assumed the life span of a human is up to 120 years. This will give the person a chance to experience 5 – 6 planet dasha.

Details of Vimshottari Dasha

S.No.	Planet	Number of Years
1.	Ketu	7
2.	Venus	20
3.	Sun	6
4.	Moon	10
5.	Mars	7
6.	Rahu	18
7.	Jupiter	16
8.	Saturn	19
9.	Mercury	17

How to check Mahadasha and Antardasha

The birth time dasha is determined by the Moon’s degree. Therefore it is best to start analyzing the chart with the birth time dasha period. This will show the sequence of events right from the beginning. Even the birth time dasha gives certain insights about the person.

Vimshottari Dasha in Astrology

The Mahadasha in Astrology is the most significant medium to interpret Life’s major events. Next, you must count the years allotted to each planet. Let’s take the example of Saturn Mahadasha which stays for 19 years.

Let’s understand the MD AD with the example

Maha Dasha in Astrology

In the above Vimshottari Dasha details, we see that it is Jupiter Mahadasha and Rahu Antar dasha, Moon Pratyantar, Venus Suksham, and Mercury Pran dasha.

Here you have to remember that Mahadasha will set the trend as per its significance, and major life events related to its position, lordship, and PAC. So if Jupiter’s period, is going the person’s life will revolve around Jupiter’s significations.

Antar Dasha in Astrology

The Antardasha, planet follows the order of the Mahadasha planet. For instance, if MD Planet shows a good time for a career. To get the best results, it becomes very important that AD also shows favorable combinations for a career. And if AD denies it, then the event is delayed. Therefore it is only Antar dasha whose results are mainly notified.

Pratyantar Dasha in Astrology

Pratyantar Dasha follows the commands of Minister Antar dasha. This is just like a soldier, who cannot make major decisions because he is bound by the higher authorities. But not to forget it is only Pratantar dasha that will finalize the event. So if you have to check the day-to-day activities, then Pratyantar dasha needs to be considered.

Hence if you have to analyze the chart, focus on MD, and its significance. Like here if Jupiter, then Jupiter is the karaka of wealth, children, and wisdom. And considering the house significator, Jupiter will give its effects.

Similarly, the Antar dasha planet in the example chart is Rahu. So if you have a query related to a career, the main planet you have to consider is Rahu, followed by the Moon.

Conclusion

In the end, I would say that the running dasha period is the most important to consider because only through this the event is decided in one’s life. And the ruling planet dasha gives results as per its Karak. If a person is going through Saturn Mahadasha, then one will face events or even his lifestyle will be as per Karma planet Saturn. Thus running dasha should be analyzed very carefully.