TmlEi

IKrlln
m

Auur luofeR

SRclcRes in Aatroloaical

ionaeintu

«(((((((«(((((
i m By
Robert A. Koch
^r-e-Jbhagravan uvaca
kalo ' sui lofca-fcjiaya-Acat pravaddho
lokHn saroahartum iha pravattau
ate 'pi fcvaa na Jbhavinyanti sarve
ye 'vasthitaii p^ratyanefcenu yocfhaii

wmmtz J^Aiagovon Si"! Ki-sno said: Time I am, the

' great destroyer of tlie worlds, and I have
come here to destroy all people. With the
exception of you [the Pandavas], all the
soldiers here on both sides will be slain.

—Bhaga vad-Gi ta 1132

Time and tide wait for no man is a familiar English

adage, yet its meaning has a much broader
ryWMJT (>6erb ~/t. ?7&>c/i/ Av aA application in light of the principles of the above
c
Ay^l£/firr^A\uo/ur/ fAz<//o (lA/z^o/oyt's^ | verse from Bhagavad-gita. The statements of Sri
^V SO ' \ Krsna indicate that the indelible and irrefutable
eajfjesAesice? t'/i/ tA&Jie/c/. ar/Sc/ex | processes of birth and death arecarried out entirely
Aatn> afytettret/ vis /u/meroit& c
Pe(/io ! by the will of God, and His will is that in this world
everyone must die at a particular place, in a
as/ni/atfi/yourrui/s', cmt/Aes /<r- a'^a^it/Ar/^
particular manner,and at a specific time.
sfieaAer- ats ^ArxA'o ctsf.ro/tHfys coo^ersrices-
a/u/sestu'/uirs'. Aa^ ctcis v/fer/uiftotui/1
In Jyotish, we can get a glimpse into the workings of
cAe/ifr/o evic/ st/ic/evifs Aases Jrot/i' it// : man's longevity and the destiny, which requires
IIHI/As- (/toAerfsrc/eosec/AtS' ^Ji'rsf j him to come and go from this world not by his own
AooAs //is 200S e/i/tf/cc/, fjjbiritttti/1 choosing, but by Divine Will only. Longevity is
Q^wie/tsfofts- of/Aet/io ^(sfro/oyy, loAicA/ I granted in such finite terms, that one can live as
Airs- ettrttec/ (oorA/-fOfi/e< accAitttts a/fiotit/ j long as he can take a predetermined number of
breaths throughout the course of a lifetime. Grahas
sc/io/ctrs' a/u/ asfro/oyrrs' aA'A-o. j
and yogas in the astrological chart enable the
futofo.roAer/AtocAt,. co/tis / AooAo.Ausn/. 1
astrologer to map the term of lifespan, while dasha
periods will time the event of death. While the
mandates of such destiny are impossible to
overrule, thegood karmas of the native are theonly
factor that may grant him an extension of the term
of life. Still, whogets a promotion,' and who doesn't,
is still a matter of Divine Will and such
exceptions are beyond the scopeof astrological

Eila via
n
m
calculation. As pertains that which can be
determined within the scope ol Jijotish, the
following guidelines will be useful in determining
longevity.
Determination of Lifespan in Jyotish
In Chapt er 11 of the Bhagavad-gita, the Virata
Purusha,or universal form of Vishnu, is described in
detail. Virata means large or huge, thus
indicating that the Virata Purusha is a form
encompassing the entire manifested universe. The
Virata Purusha is also called Kola Purusha, as this
gigantic form of Vishnu encompasses the three
dimensions of space, pi us thefourt h dimension, time
(Kala). Time is defined as a linear progression of the
state of being, as well as infinite repetitions of
various cycles and sub-cijcles. With regard to the
planet Earth, time is defined in terms of a
samvatsara, which is the period of sidereal
progression of the Sun through the signs of the
zodiac. The Sun is the natural Atmakaraka, and its
symboliczodiacal movement at a rateof 1 of arc per
year is the basis of lifespan determination in
Jyotish.
Terms of Lifespan
Before venturing to time the death of the native,
the term of longevity must be established first. The
maximum term of longevity for human beings in
the Kali-yuga, viz. 120 years, is thus symbolized bij
the Sun's movement through each of three
Gandantas, or life-terminating zones of the
naksatra belt. Progressing the Sun at the rate of 1
per year, 120 years is reached at the junction
between Ashlesha and Magha; then again
between Jyeshta and Mula; and finally between
Revati and Aswini. These are Gandantas, or life-
terminating naksatra padas.
In Jyotish, the lifespan is first assigned as short,
medium,or long term, which may be determined by
way of various Ay ur yogas as explained in the next
section. If 120 years is the maximum longevity (and
which is the maximum number of years contributed
' Refer to The Suirituol Dimensions of Vedic Astrolortu.
Ch 4, pg. 105, bij Robert A Koch
to the lifespan in the Vimsottori dasa system),
then short life (Alpayu) a maximum of 40 years;
medium life (Madhyayu) gives a maximum of SO
years; and full life would grant 120 years. Different
contributions of years to the lifespan are offered
through other dasa systems, however, and thus
three different versions of short, medium, and long
life are considered According to Shoola dasa and
Ashtottari dasa, the maximum planetary
contribution of years to the lifespan is 108; while,
according to Sthiro dasa, the niaxiiDuii)
contribution of years comes to 96. Thus the
breakdown of three differing terms, according to
different dasa systems, may be studiedas follows;
Tables of Longevity Terms per Dashas
I Rang? of Longavliif Rasod oiiDaxlios
Ayusltoriu} Stbiro du ba Asbtottari/SHoola Viniiottarl dadia
(QGijoar*)
=
dajba (IQ-S poars) tl20i|oara)
Ono third of dasba Q6/3 32 \yr»a n J!P§£5 120/3 =40yoan
Alpa{ibart) 0 to32poaM 0to30t)oars 0to40i^oars
Madh ifa ( modi u m) I 32 to 64 ijcsft n 36 to 72 ifoars 40 toSOiioan
Puma Qana) 04 to 06 poa n 72 to 105 uesars S0tol20uoars
The average term of longevity is the one based on
Ashtottari dasa and Shoola dasa, and this applies to
the number of Navamsas within the 12 zodiacal
signs. By progressing the lagna, for example, at a
rate of 1 Navamsa (3 20 or arc) = 1 year, the first
naksatra Gandanta will be reached at the age of
36, or the first term of longevity per Shoola dasa.
Because Shoola dasa and the theme of Navamsa
progressions are the most effective in determining
the death of the native, the average term of
longevity will be considered in the chart
illustrations shown later in this article.
Ayur Yogas
Which of the three variations of short, mediu m, and
long life may be used for a particular horoscope con
be determined by way of a variety of Ayur ijogas in
Jyotish. There are many of these suggested in the
classical literatures, but in practice the most useful
and effective of these involves various sets of
longevity factors. Although there are many
combinations giving differing terms of longevity,
three methods given as follows will be studied in
thisarticle:
 104

WM
First Method - Three Key Longevity Specilically, lor purposes ol longevity calculation,
Factors: lagna, 10,h house/lord, and 8' tke first source ol strengtk (or signs/kouses is
house/lord considered. For all otker purposes coming under
tke heading ol Phalita (results ol karmas), tke
fourth source ol strengtk according to Jaimini may
A useful way ol getting a snapskot view ol tke term be used. In kierarckical order (strongest to
ol longevity is a determination ol tke strengtks ol weakest), tkese are listed as lollows:
tke lagno and its lord, tke lO'11 kouse and its lord; as
well as tke 8' kouse and its lord- Strengtks in tkis
First Source of Strength — Ayur
context may ke used as per Skad-balas, as well as
Calculations
according to specific criteria tkat will ke given
skortly. In order to understand tke importance ol
*t* Tke first source ol strengtk is tke presence ol tke
tkese kouses relating to longevity, one may
Atmakaraka planet in a sign.
consider tke symbolism ol tke natural rodiac;
II tke AK is not present in a sign, then a larger
Saturn is tke Uaraka ol tke 8' kouse, ke owns tke
number ol planets in tkesign renders it stronger;
natural lO'1" kouse, and is dekilitated in tke first
II both signs have an equal number ol planets,
kouse;MorsownstkenaturalFandS' kouses,andis
then tke presence ol exalted planets renders tke
exalted in tke lO'1, kouse. Tke Sun is tke natural
sign stronger and debilitated planets renders it
karalca ol tke 1" and 10' kouses, and owns tke 5'
weaker.
kouse. Tke Sun is also tke natural Atmakaraka
planet. Tkus, in some texts, tke 5' kouse and its lord II both signs are still equally strong, then tke
natural strengtks ol signs may be considered:
are substituted lor tke lO1, lord, altkougk in tkis
study, we skall consider tke 10'1* lord mainly. Tke Dual>Fixed>MoveabIe (strongest to weakest
strengtks ol tke lords ol tkese kouses will be respectively);
*t* II both signs are unoccupied, then tke one ruled
determinedaccording to tkelollowing criteria:
by tke AK planet isstrongest;
II neither sign is ruled by tke AK, then tke one
II tke lord isinaKendra,Panapara,or Apoklima
(angular, succedent, or cadent) kouses, tke term whose lord is highest in degrees in its sign is tke
stronger.
islong, medium,orskort respectively;
*t* II tke lord is friendly, neutral, or inimical to tke II tke two signs have tke same lord, or il tke lords
Sun, tke term will be long, medium, or skort have equal longitude, then odd signs ore strong
il tke lord is in an even sign; and even signs are
respectively;
strong il their lords are in an odd sign.
II tke lord is in a sign ol a friend, neutral, or
enemy, tke term will be long, medium, or skort
respectively. Maximum strengtk is exaltation, Additional Considerations of Strengths
wkereas minimum strengtk is debilitatiomand,
II tke lord is in aNavamsaol a friend, neutral, or
Other essential elements ol interpretations will
enemy, tke term will be long, medium, or skort
reveal strengtks ol planets as well. For example, tke
respectively. Exaltation gives maximum
combination ol multiple malelics weakens planets,
strengtk, wkiledebilitation gives tke minimum.
wkereas association/aspect ol benelic planets
strengthens them. Retrograde and debilitated
malelics in Kendros gain strengtk, wkereas
Considerations of Planetary and House
retrograde and exalted benelics in Kendras become
Strengths (Graha and Bhava balas)
weakened. Planets entangled in Sarpa yoga (three
or lour malelics in Kendra to them) also become
Tke strengths ol tkese planets skould be considered
weakened, wkereas skubka-kartari yoga ol
not only in terms ol Shad-bala, but according to
be nelics strengthens them. Parivartana yoga ol tke
lour sources ol strengtk^s given by Makarski Jaimini
lagna lord and 8' lord is damaging lor longevity,
i n k is Upadeska sut ras.
especially ilSaturn istkelordol theS'1.
S
Jaimini Sutram, 2.3.6 - 2.3.13
 *1* Finally, allliction to tlie luminaries by
malelics, especially Rabu and Ketu, climinisbes
bealtb and longevity ol tbe native.
Second Method - Three Pairs of Longevity
Factors
Tbis system ol tbree pairs ol longevity lactors seems
to acquire tbe most emphasis by botb Parasara and
Jaimini, and in practice, it is found to be tbe most
consistently accurate and useful. Tbe tbree factors
being considered are as follows:
1. Tbe signs occupied by tbe lords of tbe 1" and
lord of tbe 8l\
2. Tbe signs occupied by tbe Hora lagna and
tbelagna;and,
3. Tbe signs occupied by Saturn and tbe Moon
Consider tbe nature of tbe signs occupied by eacb
of tbese pairs. If botb factors in a pair occupy tbe
same sign type, tben tbe longevity granted is as per
tbe following:
> Moveable signs = long life;
^ Fixedsigns^bortlifeiand,
^ Dual signs = medium life
If tbe nat ures of tbe occupied signs are different,
tben cboose tbe term granted by tbe tbird pair. For
example, if one factor in a pair grants long life,
wbereas tbe otber grants medium life, tben tbe
tbird factor, i.e. sbort life will be given. Or, if one
factor grants long life, and tbe otber factor grants
sbort life, tben tbe tbird factor, viz. medium life is
tbe term granted for tbat pair of factors.
"P" Tbe majority consensus of tbe term of longevity
granted by all tbree pairs will be tbe term of
final longevity given to tbe native.
P' If all tbree pairs yielda different term, tben take
tbe term, wbicb is granted by tbe lagna and
Hora lagna.
5* If tbe Moon is in tbe 1" or 7^ bouse of tbe cbart,
tben take tbe term granted by Saturn and tbe
Moon.
Increase or Decrease in the Term of
Longevity (Kaksha vriddhi and Kaksha
Hrasa)
Certain factors in tbe boroscope may increase or
decrease tbe final term as granted by tbe system of
tbree pairs, and tbere are a variety of opinions
among astrological authorities on tbis subject. For
purposesof simplicity, thefollowing may be noted:
Increase in tbe term of longevity (Kaksha
Vriddbi) occurs if a strong and unafflicted
Jupiter is in t beascendant orT'1" bouse;
** Benefics in trines or wbicb caused
Shubakartari xjoga of tbe 1" or 7'k bouses from
tbe lagna or Cham Atmakaraka, cause
Kaksha V riddhi;
** Benefics in kendras, while malef ics are in 3"', G'1,
or ll'1, bouses, increases tbe longevity term; or,
** Benefics in tbe 8'1, bouse or conjoining tbe 8'1*
lord.
** Decrease in tbe term of longevity (Kaksha
Hrasa) occurs if Saturn conjoins or aspects tbe
planets/signs contributing to tbe longevity
determination. Tbis, however, will not occur if
Saturn is one of tbe planets itself. Also, if
Saturn is in its own or exaltation sign, decrease
in tbe longevity term does not occur.
*1* Multiple malefics in tbe S'1* bouse from lagna or
tbe Atmakaraka planet, or conjoining their
lords,decrease tbe term of longevity;
*** Malefics in trines, or wbicb cause Papakartari
yoga of tbe T' or bouses from tbe lagna ^r
Atmakaraka, decrease tbe term of longevity.
Third Method: Three Sets of Longevity
Factors: Drekkana, Navamsa, and
Dwadasamsa Considerations
Varga positions of tbe lagna lord, Moon, andS'1, lord
are also very useful in determining tbe lifespan.
Tbese may be considered as follows:
Drekkana (D-3) chart: IntheDrekkanachart,
if tbe Moon and tbe lagna are botb in moveable
signs, tben tbe longevity term is long. If one is in a
* Mabarsbi Jaimini UpadesU Sutram, 2.123 - 2160.
dbanjay RafMSagarriiLlicatious)
 106

moveatlesi^i^and the other a tixed sign, then
the term of longevity is medium; and if one is in
a dual sign and the other in a moveahle sign, then
the term is short. Similarly, if lx>th are in fixed signs,
the term is short, vrhereas if Loth are in dual signs,
the term is medium.
(medium, 36 to 72 years); or long (72 to 108 and
heyond).
In the first approach mentioned above, the
strengths of 1", lO^, and S'1, lords ore considered.
Novwexaminethechart of thenative:

Navamsa (D'9) chart: Consider the same as
above for the Navamsa positions, except in this case
the Moon sign and the lord of lagna (from the rosi
chart). If the Moon is also lord of the lagna, then
take the lord of theMoon ssign.
Dwadasamsa (D-12) chart: Consider the
positions of the 1' ' and S'1, lords (of the rasi chart) in
the Dwadasamsa chart, according to the above
criteria. The consensus of the term of longevity
given by these three pairs will grant the final term.
Chart Illustration #1: Death following
kidnapping: Example of Alpayu
I <Ve) r* Su ^ ju i II
Fern ate- short kfo Ra
Aprtt 14. t«7T
13:46:00 (5.00 wtti)
I 6IW41,41N26
L The lord of the lagna is in the S'1, house in a
neutral sign, but also associated and aspected
by three malefics, Saturn, Rahu and Mars (note
that rasi aspects are considered here). This
weakens the ascendant lord greatly, thus
diminishing longevity.
II. The lord of the 10' house is Mars, who is in an
enemy s sign in the 8>k house and also coming
under the aspects of Saturn and Rahu. It is thus
rendered weak and there by un able to
contribute to tbe litespan;
IIL Tbe lord of tbe 8' bouse is Atmakeraka Rahu,
who, although stronger than the others, is also
the subject of mu Itiple malefics aspects. Rahu
by itself is harmful to the lifespan if in the4,t(8'1'
Z
and 12l', also) house. Jupiter's aspect falls onto
Rah u (by rasi drishti), and thus, although the
native did not reach the medium term of life,she
,4 , Su lived to the upper end of the short term.
Second Method

At; 29Cn22 Sir !*10<DK> Mo: (BK> U» ZSAqSOfAjniq This is the method of three pairs, which is found to
Ma: ISA/35(UK) Ju: «Ta4]{GK) va (R): 17PI51 (WQ Sa: 16Cn27(FT)
Ra: 0U5t(AK) Ke: OA/51 HL: ZTScH GU 2ISC50 be the most widely acceptable and taught by most
Female authorities. Note the three pairs of longevity
April 14,1977,13.46EST factors as follows with respect to this chart:
Cleveland,OH,USA ^ Lord of lagna = Moon = fixed sign placement =
The native died following a kidnapping that short life
occurred on 30"- April 2001, altho ugh her body r" Lord of — Rahu — moveahle = long life
was not discovered until 22',d May 2002. The »term is medium
native was th US 34 at the time of her ^ Hora lagna —Scorpio = Fixed =
short life
disappearance. ^ Lagna = Cancer = moveahle — long life
»term is medium
=
'f' Moon sign Aquarius= Fixed = short life
Deciding the Term of Longevity — First
r* Saturn's sign = Cancer = Moveahle = long life
Method
»term is medium

In longevity determinations the first task is to

According to three pairs assessment, the native
decide the term of lifespan of the native, whether it
should have medium life (36 to 72), but she died at
be Alpayu (short, 0 to 36 years); Madhyayu
age 34. However, in this chart there is a very clear
indication of Kaksha Hrasa (decrease in the
Laghu Parashari Siddhant, p. 85. commentary by S.S.
Sareen (Sagar Publications)
*351
term of longevity), as a malefic Saturn occupies
one of the longevity factors, namely the lagno.
Thus, what starts out to be medium life becomes
shortlifein the final analysis.
Third Method
This approach involves the strengths of: fl) the
lagna and Moon in Drelckana chart; (2) the lord of
Lagna and Moon in the Navamsa chart; and (3) the
lord of lagna and lord of S' in the Dwadasamsa
chart. Note as follows why the native attained only
theshort term of life:
^ In the Drekkana chart, the lagna as well as
the Moon are in dual signs. This gives
medium life;
^ In the Navamsa chart, the Moon occupies a
dual sign (Pisces). It is also the lord of rasi
(D^l)la£na,and.sothelorclof the Moon sign
(in D-l) is considered for the second factor.
It is Rahu, which is placed in a moveable
sign (Libra) in Navamsa. Thus, the term
granted isshort life;and,
^ In the Dwadasamsa chart (D-12), the lord
of the rasi lagna (Moon) is in a dual sign,
whereas the lord of the S'1* Rahu is again in
a moveable sign. This gives short life. Thus
two out of three considerations grant short
life tothenative.
Timing Death
Once the term of longevity is determined, the next
taskistotimethepointofdeathof thenative. Timing
anything in astrology is no easy task, yet some
specific guidelines are given by the authors of
classical literatures on Jyotish. Although the
methods of timing are many, in this article I will
confine the focus to the most consistent and accurate
methods. These are the Vimsottari dasa, as well as
Shoola dasa. Transits of planets also, most no tably
that of Saturn and Rahu /Ket u, bear significantly
into the over-all accuracy of timing death.
Vimsottari dasa
The dasas of Maraka lords, i.e. 2,"1 and T'1* will bring
death, but only if their dasas operating during
the term of longevity granted. The houses of
longevity are the S"" from the lagna, and the 8^
from theS'1. Thus, the IS'1" from these houses — 2"d
and 7^ — are maraka (death inflicting), as are their
lords. The likelihood of their bringing death during
their major and sub-periods will depend on their
placement and strength, as well as aspects from
functionally malefic planets. Accordin gtoLagh u
Pa rashari Siddhaut, the respective order of
malfeasance of dashas likely to bring death is as
follows:
^ The lord of the 2"1 or T'1- is powerful to bring
death;
^ Malefic planets occupying either of these
houses;
^ Malefics associating with the lords of 2"'1 or
T;
^ Benefics (functional) associating with lords
of 2^ or?11";
^ LordsoftheT'^orS'1";
^ Lords of the 3'J or S*1 conjoined with that of
the2*J or?11";
^ Saturn in association with a Maraka;
r* Lord of the O'1" or S'1", whether or not it is
associated with a maraka; and,
^ The least powerful planet in the chart
If death does not take place during the dasha
periods of the above planets, then it will occur
during that of the most powerful malefic in the
chart. The lord or occupant of the 12',' house will
also cause death when the dasas of other maraka
lordsdonot operate.
Transits of Saturn
Saturn, being thechief Ayur karaka, will issue forth
death when in transit, providing the following
general conditions apply:
^ Saturn is moving in the '4,\ S'1* or 12l1' house
from thenatalMoon;
^ Saturn is in trines to the Mrtyupada
(Arudha of the 8'1, house) ,or in theT'1, from it
or its trines;
^ Saturn s transiting aspect falls onto a planet
Laghu Pa rashari Siddhant, p. 83-91, S.S. Sareen,
Sagar Publications
 108
in Mrtyubhoga;
^ Saturn s transiting aspect falls onto
the oscen<Jont or its lord, as well as the sign
an<l lord of the Moon's placement;
a" Saturn in collal>oration with other malefics
moves over the 8 house of the chart, or
afflicts its lord;
a" Saturn's transiting and natal aspects fall
onto the 3 or 8' from the Arudha lagna, as
well as 3 or 8* from the Atmakaraka
planet. The effects become all the more
powerful when conjunctions or aspects
{both natal as well as t ransitiuglof Rahu and
Ket u combine with the effects of Saturn.
There are a multitude of other considerations
regarding the transits of Saturn, as well as those of
other planets disposed to bring death, in the
classical literatures. The above will provide a
snapshot of the times that are most likely for Saturn
to trigger the death of the native.
Shoola Dasa
The Shoola refers to one of three prongs on the
trident of Lord Shiva. Shoola dasas are 9 years in
len gth uniformly, and run according to the
sequence of 1 Navamsa — 1 year of life progressions.
The three prongs on the trident refer to the three
terms of longevity. Thus within each term of 36
years, lour Shoola dashas will operate. The one
which meets certain criteria as a maraka dasa will
bring death during the appointed term of
longevity. Having first determined the term of
longevity, the astrologer's next task is to determine
which of the four nine-year Shoola dasas is going to
bring death. Since each dasa is of 9 years, each
Antaradasa is of 9 months. Some guidelines in the
matter of determining the Shoola dasa operative at
death are as follows:
Rudra and Mahesvara Grahas
Planets determined as either Rudra or Maheswara
play very important roles in giving the correct
Shoola dasa when death will occur. There ore
* Mrtyubhoga are death-inflicting degrees. See the last
article in Saptarishi magazine on Applied Pregressions in
ijotish by theauthor.
eleven Rudras which ore taken to be the
expansions of Lord Shiva, whose role according to
Vedic texts is to bring about the annihilation of all
beings. The eleven Rudras are the lords of the 8A
from all of the houses, except from that of Jupiter.
Rud ra is mentioned in the Rhagavad-gita also as
the agent of Lord Sri Krsna, who is the origin of
Shiva, and who issues forth death. Mahesvar as the
chief of the Rudras, and thus either Rudra or
Maheswara will bring the end of life to the native
when associated with the most likely Shoola dasa.
It is said that Rudra destroys the five tattvas, of
which the material body is composed, whereas
Mahesvara removes the mind (manas) and Atma
from thephysical form when death occurs.
Rudra: Of the eleven Rudras, the one most
inclined to bring the end of life to the native is the
stronger of the lords of the 2°J or 8'1, houses from
lagna (see the first source of strength given
previously). The weaker of the lords of 2° orS' may
become Rudra if such planet is aspected by many
malefics If Rudra can be either a benefic or a
malefic, the malefic one is most likely to render the
jobof inllictingdeath.
Mahesvara: Mahesvar is the lord of t heS'1" f rom t he
Atmakaraka. If the S'1, lord from the AK is in the 8<L
itself, then the lordof t he IS11"! rom AK is Mahesvara.
If Rahu or Ketu is in the 1" or 8'1* from AK, then
Mahesvar is the lord of the O'1, from AK. There are
some additional ridersgto these rules given in the
JaiminiSutramaswell.
Involvements of Rudra and Mahesvara in
Timing Death
In consideration of which Shoola dasa among four
possible ones (within the term of longevity) will
bring death, the following may be noted:
Dasas of signs that either conjoin Rudra or
Mahesvara, or which ore in trines to them, are
likely tobring about death.
Dasas of signs that are aspected by Rudra
(consider only rashi aspects here), or whose
lords ore either Rudra or associated with him,
7
Bhagavad-gita 10.23rudraei«a caik<sr<sc casmi,
, Of all Rudras, I am Lord Shiva.
Jaimini Sutram 2.L46-48
 will bring about deatb. thus tbe natives deatb will be likely during tbis
••• Sboola dasas ol signs containing tbe most nine-year period, i.e. between tbe ages ol 9 and
malelic conjunctions and aspects ol malebcs 18. This is because all tbe participants in Rudra
will bring about deatb. yoga aspect tbe Sboola dasa, in tbis case its lord
Sboola dasas ol tbe afllicted 3"1 or 8'1, bom Venus specifically. Tbis is provided, ol course, tbat
tbe Arudba lagna, or tbat ot tbe Mrty upada, longevity (alls within tbe short term (0 to 36). 11
can also bring about deatb. medium life were indicated lor tbe native, then
Deatb can come during tbe Sboola dasa ol deatb would come during tbe Sboola dasa ol Libra,
tbe Y'1" bous<^(wbicb is possible in tbe case ol as then all tbe Rudra yogas would be activated by
Madbijayu), wben tbe Y'1" or its lord are tbat sign directly with Moon occupying it, and
alllicted, or ol tbe alllicted 2"1 bouse {possible Venus/Mars aspecting it.
in tbecaseol Alpayu)or its lord-
Dustha Marana Yoga
Tbe above are basic guidelines, wbile readers can
get moredetails Ironi classical literatures.
Dustha means bad .unusual,or very painful, wbile
Marana refers to deatb. So tbis is not a good yoga to
Death-Inflicting Yogas
have considering tbat ilit activates tbeSbooladasa
at tbe timed deatb, tbe native sdeath is likely to be
Tbe presence ol Rudra Yoga (tbis is dillerent tban either violent, unusual, or painful. In tbe case ol
tbe Rudra planet as explained above), and Dustba- sudden deatb due to accident, gunshot, lall from a
marana yogas need to be examined carelu lly il height, or other unusual situations, Dustha Marana
tliey apply in a horoscope, as tbese will play very yoga is frequently visible. It forms as follows:
strongly in tbe matter ol {!) wben deatb occurs; and
(2)tbe mannerol deatb respectively. Multiple malelics should join or aspect the3 '1 Irom
Arudba lagna, or its 8'1", by rasbi drishti. 11 tbe Y'1
Rudra Yoga: Tb is occurs wben tbere are mutual bouse is stronger tban tbe lirst, tbe Dustha Marana
aspects or conjunctions ol tbe Moon and Mars, or ol yoga forms Irom tbe3' ,,and8>1' from AY as well.
tbe Moon and Venus (by rasbi dri sbti). Either or all 'Mo I Kc
I Su rua)
three ol tbe factors will be significant in timing
deatb wben they either together, or separately,
aspect tbe Sboola dasa sign. For example, note tbe
Male • medwrn \te
MfrX* 19. 1950
20:49 00 tS 00 west}
Vc 77W36. 43 H 9
><[| Mp
YeM;
At: SliCti Su SPIUjGK) M0. 21 PI 37 (MK) Md(R) 10V107rPri
Me: 25AqC6(AK> Ju IAoHIDKI Ve 21Cp42<Bi9 Se (R). 21 Le 54 fAirK}
Re: 14 Pi 49 |PiK) Ke 14 V) 49 HL: 13 7a 08 GL 10 Pi 07

Chart Illustration #2 — Example of

following chart: Madhyayu
In tbis chart, Rudra yoga forms by mutual aspects Male
between Moon + Venus (sign aspects), as well as March 19,1950
Mars + Moon. Now,wben theShooladasaofTaurus 20:49 EST
comes, two Rudra yogas will be activated lully and RocbesterNY-USA
Tbis is tbe chart ol a person who contacted tbe
Madhyaij u,or the middle term ot 1 ife, covers the SKoola dasas Hepatitis C virus wbile traveling in a foreign
ol the fA 6^.7^, and 8^ houses. Similarly, lor A1 pay u (short country. From tbe point ol the disease s onset in
term) the dasas ol and d'1" are involved. mid-1996, tbe native gradu ally diminished in
 strength un til he finally died on March 15,
2008just helore hisSS'1, hirthdaij. His death
was rather violent and unusual, i.e. vomiting hlood
en route to the hospital, and dying on the hospital
operating tohle due to loss o! hlood.
Determining the Term of Longevity
Ol the three approaches given previously, let us try
the method ol three pairs in seeing why this
individual was granted the middle term ol life:
Lord ol logna = Venus = moveable sign = long lile
Lord ol 8"' = Jupiter = fixed sign = short lile
» term is medium
Lagna —Libra — moveable sign —long lile
=
Hora Lagna Taurus = fixed sign =
short lile
» term is medium
Moon sign = Pisces = dual sign = medium lile
=
Saturn Leo = fixed sign = short lile
» term is long
Two out ol three pairs indicate medium lile, and so
that is the term allowed lor the native. Thereareno
considerations warranting either increase or
decrease in the term (Kaksa Vriddhi or Kalcsa
Hrasa), and so the medium term stands.
Other Considerations
^ The native was born just one day alter a lull
solar eclipse, and thus the Sun and Moon are
afflicted by the nodes. Further, the strong
retrograde meralce lord Mars aspects the
luminaries, thus weakening the general health
and ultimately longevity. Mars' aspect to the
Moon also causes Rudra yoga in this chart.
^ The ascendant as well as the ascendant lord
both come under the aspect ol a strong, Rx
Saturn. ^Vhile Saturn can cause Kaksa Hrasa
when in aspect to the ascendant, its tendency to
diminish longevity is lessened in this chart due
to his being a strong, benefic yogakaraka.
Saturn should be a functional malefic lor the
chart in order to cause Kaksa Hrasa, as was
** Note that when the lord ot the S'4 is the same planet as the
lord ot the 1", as in Aries and Libra ascendants, then take the
lord ol the 8* Irom the 8 '' lor the 8lk lord.
shown in Chart illust ration 4r 1.
^ The Ar udha lagna is Capricorn, while multiple
malelies aspect the 3"1 therefrom. This causes
Dustha-marana yoga, and thus the cause ol
death is loss ol blood due to the Mars/Moon
combination with the nodes.
^ Further,at the timeol thenativesdeath,Saturn
and Ketu were transiting in the sign ol Leo,
which is S"-! rom the Arudha lagna. Their rashi
drishtis thus lell on the AL, the lagna lord, as
well as the lagna. In addition, on the day ol
death, the Moon and Mars transited in the sign
ol Gemini thus activating the Rudra yoga, and
causing Rudra yoga themselves. The ellects ol
this combination will be even clearer when the
Shooladasa is examined below.
^ The Arudha ol the T'1 house is Aquarius, from
which the S'1" house is alllicted by Mars and
Ket u. The sign ol the Atmakorake is also
Aquarius, and thus the d asa ol either
Pisces/Virgo or ol Aries is certain to bring forth
the death ol the native.
Determination of Rudra and Mahesvara
Between 2"<l lord Mars and S'1, lord Venus, Mars is
Rudra in this chart due to his joining another planet
(Ketu). Further, as the ascendant lord, Venus is not
disposed to be an agent ol death, but rather
promotes lile.
TheS'1, Irom Atmakaraka is Virgo, yet has Ketu in it.
Thus, Mahesvara is not theS' lorcfbut rather the 6'
lord Irom AK which is theMoon.
Dasa Periods at the Time of Death
VimsOttari dasa: The native was running the
dasa period ol Mars/Mercury/Jupiter at the time
ol death. Note that Mars is a most powerful maroka
in this chart ruling the2M'JandT\ and thus since his
dasa period operated during the middle frame ol
lile, i.e. Irom Nov. 25,2005 to Nov. 25 2010, he was
sure tobring death during his dasa.
Mercury is theT?"1, lord in the chart, while Jupiter is
the malefic 3,J and O'1" lord, and thus their
Antoradasha and Pratyantaradasas were in
 Ill
operation. The major period ol a maraka, and
sub-periods of 6' , 8' , or 12"- lords bring about
death,as per theguidelinesgiven above.
In this case, the root cause of death was disease of
the liver, which comes to the D'1* house of the
astrological chart, as well as the planet Jupiter.
Since Mercury and Jupiter are functional benef ics,
why did they not protect the native during their
sub and sub sub-periods? Note here that, opart
from their lordshijjs, Mercury disposits Mars and
Ketu into the house, while Jupiter brings
Sun/Rah /M oon there by dispositorship as well.
Thus not only is the liver very afflicted in this chart,
but death itself comes by way of the sub-periods of
the planets causing affliction to it.
Shoola Dasa
Since the term of longevity granted is medium, the
Shoola dasas that will bring about death are from
the^1" house to theS'1, house, that is,of Aq (age36 to
45),Pi (age 45 to 54), Ar (age 54 to 63),and Ta (age
63 to 72) in this chart. Which of these will bring
death? If the correct Shoola dasa can be found,
then death shall be timed to within a nine year
period, and then to within a nine month period if
the correct An taradasa is found.
Shoola dasa (troubles and death):
Maho Dasas:
Li: 1950-03-19 - 1959-03-20
Sc: 1959-03-20 --1968-03-19
Sg: 1968-03-19 - 1977-03-19
Cp: 1977-03-19 - 1986-03-20
Aq: 1986-03-20 --1995-03-20
Pi: 1995-03-20-- 2004-03-19
Ar: 2004-03-19 -- 2013-03-20
Ta: 2013-03-20 -- 2022-03-20
Ge: 2022-03-20 - 2031-03-20
Cn: 2031-03-20 -- 2040-03-19
Le: 2040-03-19 -- 2049-03-20
Vi: 2049-03-20 - 2058-03-20
Note as follows the likely periods:
^ Pisces Shoola dasa runs from age 45 to
54, and is a likely dasha for initiating death.
Pisces is 3"1 from the AL, and is also afflicted
by a terribleRudra yoga. Moon is also in Pisces
in weak Poksa bala, and further is Mahesvora.
Wby then did he not die during that period
instead? Note as follows:
^ The Aries Shoola dasa is very likely also to
bring death, as Aries is the maraka 7' house, a
very strong factor. Also, its lord is Mars who
further damages longevity being Rudra and
also involved in the Rudra yoga. In the cose of
Aries, since the dasa sign as well as its lord are
Marakas, then it will carry more weight in
deciding the time of death than the sign Pisces
which is not in a maraka house (C11").
^ Perhaps the over-arching reason why death
occurred in the Aries dasa (age 54 to 63) rather
than Pisces, as during the Pisces dasa, the
Vimsottari dasa running was of theMoon, while
the Moon is not a maraka lord in thischart.
s
5 " The Shoola dasa sub-period at death was of
Pisces, which is directly the 3*J from AL, and
since the Moon is there afflicted by Mars and
the nodes, Rudra yoga applied fully at this
point in time: between Dec. 21,2007 and Sep.
22,2008.
The above is a sketch of some of the most essential
elements in longevity determination. The subject,
however, is vast and thus the serious student
wishing to fine-tune the techniques of longevity
and the timing of death should approach the
subject in all the astrological classics as a serious
and dedicated study. Longevity is also a
subject, which needs to be dealt ffjy with
carefully. Due to a natural fear of iff mortality
in all persons, the informationJH concernin
g death and longevity shou Id be/ 1 keptby the
astrologer as private unless/2 *1/ ' the subject
or his relatives are ready fef hear such
information. 11 .-r,