Vedic Astrology: Planetary Strengths or Graha Bala

            

Before analyzing the horoscope we should be able to know the strength of every planet. Vedic astrology being the systematic science has a mathematical method of calculating the strength of planets. These strengths help to evaluate the magnitude of the event. For instance, if a combination indicating that the person will be a doctor is present in two similar horoscopes, their reputation as a doctor will be completely different depending upon the relative strength of the planets. In the coming posts we will learn to mathematically evaluate the relative strength of planets.

            These strengths are called as 'Shadbala' or six fold strength. The strengths are divided into 6 main categories, they are as follows.

1.Sthanabala or Positional Strength

2.Digbala or Directional Strength

3.Kala bala or Temporal Strength

4.Chesta bala or motional Strength

5.Naisargika bala or Natural Strength

6.Drik Bala or Aspectual Strength

        There are certain other strengths like Residential Strength which we will discuss after discussing 'Shadbala'. One important point to note is that Rahu and Ketu are not at considered while calculating planetary strength because they are not planets.

Before explaining the Strength let us understand the unit of measurement for Strength. The main unit is called as Rupa. A rupa is subdivided into virupas. Following formula explains the relation between Rupa and Virupa.

1 Rupa = 60 Virupa

Now let us understand the first type of strength i.e. Sthana Bala or Positional Strength.

The sthana bala is subdivided into 5 subtypes, they are as follows.

1.Uccha Bala (Strength of planet because of being in exalted or debilitated sign)

2.Saptavargaja bala (Relative Strength of the planet in Seven 'vargas' or divisions)

3.Yugma-ayugma rasi-navamsa bala (Strength of planet being in even or odd sign respectively)

4.Kendradi bala (Strength of planet being in kendra or quadrants etc.)

5.Drekkana Bala (Strength of planet being in male or female drekkana)

Now let us calculate different types of strengths one by one.

1.Uccha Bala - Every planet has its point of exaltation and debilitation. It is called as ucchamsa and neechamsha (This is not at all related with divisional charts.) Uccha bala is the strength that a planet possesses because of being at its ucchamsa or in exaltation sign. Every planet at its ucchamsa has full uccha bala( i.e.60 virupas or 1 rupa) and when at neechamsa gives 0 Ucchabala. In between these two points a planet gives proportionate uccha bala.

For calculation of the Uccha Bala take the difference between the longitude of the planet and its neechamsa (point of debilitation) if the difference is more than 180 degrees then subtract it from 360 degree. Multiply the difference by 60 virupa & divide the product by 180 Degrees. The rule can be summarised as follows-

Planet's Longitudes - Debilitation point of a planet
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- x 60 Virupas
180 degrees (distance between the exaltation point and debilitation point of a planet.)

OR

Planet's Longitudes - Debilitation point of a planet

--------------------------------------------------

3

Following table shows the occhabala of planets

Planet	Longitude	Neechamsa (Debilitation Point)	Difference	Ucchabala in Virupas
Sun	75.86	190	114.14	38.05
Moon	208.2	213	4.8	1.6
Mars	233.55	118	115.55	38.52
Mercury	57.81	345	72.81	24.27
Jupiter	63.55	275	148.55	49.52
Venus	31.63	177	145.37	48.46
Saturn	45.13	20	25.13	8.38

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