COMBUSTION (ASTANGATA, DAGDHA, MOUDYA) & ITS IMPLICATIONS

It is said in the classics that a planet would be more powerful when they are
radiant. If you look at the zodiac, the point rising in the horizon is called
ascendant (the first house) and the point at mid heaven is called the 10th
house. The belt of zodiac from ascendant to descendant across the 10th
house is called visible half of the zodiac. 10th is regarded as most powerful
kendra. Similarly, a special muhurta when sun transits in the mid heavens
is called Abhijit. The results of Abhijit muhurta is beyond the scope of this
article. When a planet is opposite to Sun, it would be visible when the sun
sets and also when the sun rises. A planet in such a condition is said to be
auspicious. When a planet comes closer to sun, it would set and rise along
with sun and hence are lusterless. Such a position is called combustion. Combustion is caused
due to certain longitudinal distances from Sun and it is necessary that both Sun and the combust
planet be in the same sign. Combustion is deemed to be bad at it would rob away the effects of
the planet. The combustion distance varies from planet to planet. Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus
and Saturn come at distance of 17˚, 14˚ (12˚ when retrograde), 11˚, 10˚ (8˚ when retrograde) and
15˚on either side of Sun, they are subjected to combustion. On the other hand, when the planets
come close to Moon, it is called Samagama. In Prashna chart, association of Moon with the
significator implies quick and pleasing results. Nodes do not have combustion as they are not
radiating planets but merely mathematical points. Generally speaking, combustion is a
phenomena most talked about in muhurtas (election astrology) than natal horoscopy - as if the
combust planets hit at the person for selecting a combust muhurta and spare the man born in
combust circumstances! Uttara Kalamrita says, " (Natural) Benefic planets if combust, lose
their potency, while (natural) malefics become more mischievous".

If you look into your Panchanga (Indian conventional Ephemeris), you will find that suitable
muhurtas for inauguration of house, business expansion, marriage etc., would not available
during the period of combustion. Combustion goes by several names - asta or moudya, astangata
and dagdha. Moudya means foolishness. Astangata and dagdha mean 'burnt up'. That means the
combust planet would behave like a fool during this period as so the name.

Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra says," If ascendant lord is in debilitation, combustion or in enemy
sign, there will be diseases. (Sloka 1-2, "Effects on Tanu Bhava). This stanza highlights the
importance of combustion in natal horoscopy. There are two only moudhyas which have been
given importance of Venus and Jupiter. When Jupiter is combust, Upanayana (reborn-
ceremony) is not conducted. Unfortunately the other planets do not enjoy such respect! On the
similar argument, when Mercury is combust, you panchanga should have mentioned that certain
days as not good for education, journalism and court dealings. When Saturn is combust, it
should have told you not to take up a labour contract!

A combust Venus is supposed to cause losses in business. This means when you go to buy a pair
of shoes you will meet loss, the shop keeper also incurs losses. Losses and losses everywhere.
Since Mercury and Venus move close to Sun, the phenomenon happens frequently, say every
year. In that case, it is wise to examine the trading activities during that time. In my humble
experience, such period of combustion marked in the Panchanga has not brought about slacking
trade activities, divorces etc., It is possible that you will not loose any amount nor the shop
keeper gains - as the shops could closed due to various natural or national causes. Such a
situation, as viewed from the national fiscal point, is not good at all! Yes, when combustion is
going on, it is possible we get across such a time. However, the distance of combustion should
be taken as 3˚ 20' or less on either side of Sun. It is wise not to do any business transaction,
conduct marriages, house warming ceremonies during that time.

"If the planets forfeit their strength as a result of combustion the native will enter the holy order,
that is, he will become a saint" (sloka 5 "Ascetism Yogas" Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra). Well, not
all is bad with combustion! Suppose you have a strong Venus in the chart, the effect of
combustion is less. By combustion, the planet looses his strength to Sun. In the event Sun is a
benefic like 5th lord, 9th lord, 10th or 11th lord etc., then how can such a combustion effect you?
You will make good tidings through the significances of Venus and the matters represented by
Sun will flourish. Despite this, the natural signficances (beauty, artistic nature, refinement of the
native) would suffer due to combustion. Other attributes should also be considered. "If 11th Lord
is exalted, though in combustion there will be many gains". (sloka 2, "Effects of Labha Bhava" -
Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra).

You need not panic that you were born when Venus was combust nor that you should not conduct
your beloved daughter's marriage during the entire period shown in your panchanga as sukra
moudhya. It is suffice to avoid the muhurtas during the time when Venus comes close to Sun by
3˚20' or less. Generally, in panchangas only the combustion of only Jupiter and Venus are
published. It is understandable that combustion of Mercury is not given much importance by
panchanga makers, it happens quite often! I suggest to avoid combustion period of other planets,
Mars, Mercury and Saturn for the muhurta for the events signfiifed by these planets. In these
cases also, 3˚ 20' or less on either side of Sun is suggested. It is prudent to view the possible
results of combustion based on the functional role of the combust planets, in addition to natural
significances.

“The inner planets like Mercury are not considered combust when they are retrograde. They gain energy
from the Sun rather than losing energy to the Sun.”

as i know...in combustion house placement does not matter, the distance matters.
for example..if sun is in Cn and mars is in Le but within combustible
distance..mars will get combusted. the combust planet will not show its
effects. but sun will take over and give the planet's effect during sun
dasa...most probably AD's will be effective.

Planets ahead of the sun or retrograde (only venus in direct motion) are not
said to be combust...even if they are in the orb of combustion. That means for
any planet to get combusted the following conditions must apply,

1. They must be within orb of combustion from sun

2. They must be behind sun and in direct motion.
3. Retrograde venus..even if it is ahead of sun...will be combust as when venus
is retrograde, it is behind the sun as viewed from the earth.

To quote Sanjayji,
"Combustion is a state of being and is another AVASTHA like retrogression. In
combustion the planet loses its own Rays whereas a planet in retrogression is
full of
Rays (Venus being the exception). Thus the combustion of a planet indicates its
lack of influence on the chart by way of its natural nature and the planet
shall be obliged to work for the sun alone and its significations. It shows a
person who is under the dominating influence of a superior in the matters
related to the signification of the planet. For example if Venus is combust,
the artistic side can be lacking whereas if Mercury is combust the learning
abilities are clouded or simply focused on the activities of the sun (Dharma)
and other learning is not present or not of much consequence.
In the converse if a planet is retrograde, then its influence is very strong as
it tends to initially give a strong desire and then abilities as well but not
the results. The results are very difficult to achieve as the person is over
ambitious in matters related to it and has very high GOALS."

the phenomena of combustion is generally over emphasised. It is to be kept in

mind that it indicates the suppression of certain desires indicated by the
Graha's.

As per some openions, if a planet is within 5 to 7 degrees of sun it is said to

be in orbs of real combustion .. where effects are distinct. I am not very
sure..Gurus and learned members may please guide on this.”

“as i know...in combustion house placement does not matter, the distance matters.
for example..if sun is in Cn and mars is in Le but within combustible
distance..mars will get combusted. the combust planet will not show its
effects. but sun will take over and give the planet's effect during sun
dasa...most probably AD's will be effective.

Sanjay rath is of opinion that Retrograde mercury and direct Venus are never combust.It is good to have
mercury retrograde and venus direct.

When a planet is combust in a kundli or in transit then it impacts the life of the native. In this article we
will discuss the result of a combust lord of a house in the kundali (Horoscope).
Combust lord of 1st house
if the 1st house of a horoscope Chart has a combust lord of the Ascendant then the native may have a
life of a prisoner. He or she may have to face fear, disease and tension very often and this may result in
lowered lifestyle, money crisis and obstacles in the way of success.
Combust lord of 2nd house
if the lord of the 2nd house is combust then the native may behave improperly. She may even do some
inconceivable acts. This combination can also cause eye pain, stammering and give a squandering
nature. She may have a problematic life.
Combust lord of 3rd house
If the lord of the 3rd house of a horoscope is combust then this is harmful for the native’s brothers. He
or she might get a bad advisor and enemy in guise. She may feel mental stress and her self-esteem may
be at a strike.
Combust lord of 4th house
Combust lord of the 4th house means the native’s mother may be in pain. The native’s land asset or pet
may be in danger and he or she may be at risk from water and vehicle. Native’s personal happiness is
hampered in this situation.
Combust lord of 5th house
Combust lord in this house may cause problems for children, failure of plans, problems in legs and
unnecessary loss of money.
Combust lord of 6th house
If a native’s horoscope has combust lord in 6th house then she or he may face defeat, conspiracy and
may have to work under others in unfavourable conditions. He may be hurt, afflicted by theft and may
not be able to take intelligent decisions.
Combust lord of 7th house
Combust lord in this house indicate separation from life partner. He may get in trouble from the
opposite sex and develop illegitimate relationships. He might suffer from hidden diseases.
Combust lord of 8th house
Weakness, failure, despair, hunger, disease and death are created by combust lord in the 8th house of a
native’s kundali (Horoscope).
Combust lord of 9th house
Ill fate, poverty and foolish behavior are caused by combust lord in this house. The natives who have this
combination in their horoscope may be cursed by elder people and teachers.
Combust lord of 10th house
If the lord of the 10th house of a horoscope is combust then a native may fail at work, get demotion at
the job, and may lead a difficult life where unpleasant incidents may happen very frequently.
Combust lord of 11th house
Combust lord in this 11 house means danger for elder brother of the native, bad news, loss of wealth,
ear related diseases and separation from friends.
Combust lord of 12th house
A native if has this situation in horoscope may suffer various types of diseases, and may face a situation
in which they are either imprisoned or in threat of imprisonment.