My Experiences in Astrology — Modern Reader's Guide

B.V. Raman's autobiographical journey through 60 years of Vedic astrology practice.

Part 29 · Series: Foundational & Learning Topics

An Alternative to Vimshottari Dasa

While the Vimshottari Dasa system (based on the Moon's position at birth) is the most commonly used dasa system in Vedic astrology, the Jaimini system offers an alternative: Chara Dasa , the "moveable dasa," which calculates the sequence of planetary periods based on the positions of planets in odd and even signs. Through his research, Raman found that Chara Dasa often proved remarkably accurate, particularly for understanding the overall sequence of life unfoldment.

"Chara Dasa answered questions that Vimshottari sometimes couldn't. Why did two people with the same Vimshottari dasa sequence experience such different life events? Because their Chara Dasa sequences were completely different. I came to believe that the most accurate prediction comes from using both systems together—where they converge, the timing is nearly certain; where they diverge, careful analysis is required."
The Calculation Principle: Chara Dasa determines which planet rules each dasa period based on the position of planets in odd and even signs, counting systematically from specific points in the chart.

How Chara Dasa is Calculated

The calculation method is elegant in its simplicity but requires careful understanding:

"In Chara Dasa, you identify which planets occupy odd signs and which occupy even signs. Then, based on whether the birth is day or night and whether the ascendant is odd or even, you determine the starting dasa and the sequence in which other planets govern periods. The sequence changes from chart to chart based on planetary positions, making Chara Dasa highly specific to the individual birth chart."

Key calculation steps:

  • Identify odd and even signs: Aries, Gemini, Leo, Libra, Sagittarius, Aquarius are odd; others are even
  • Note planetary positions: Which planets are in odd signs; which in even signs
  • Determine the starting dasa: Based on ascendant, Sun position, and day/night birth
  • Calculate sequence: The order in which planets rule periods depends on their sign positions
  • Determine dasa length: The duration of each planet's dasa period
The Personalization: Unlike Vimshottari, which uses the same dasa sequence for everyone born with the same Moon nakshatra, Chara Dasa is unique to each chart's specific planetary configuration, making it extraordinarily personalized.

Raman's Practical Discovery

Raman discovered through decades of testing that Chara Dasa had particular advantages in specific situations:

"Chara Dasa proved remarkably accurate for predicting major life transitions—career changes, relationship endings, spiritual awakening. In cases where Vimshottari timing seemed off, Chara Dasa often matched the actual timing of events precisely. I came to use Chara Dasa as a verification tool. If both systems predicted the same timing for an event, I had high confidence. If they diverged, Chara Dasa often proved more accurate."

When Chara and Vimshottari Converge

The most powerful predictions come when both dasa systems indicate the same timing:

"When both Vimshottari and Chara Dasa showed beneficial planetary periods activating the same houses or ruling planets at the same time, the predicted events almost invariably manifested. The double confirmation created certainty. Conversely, when they diverged significantly, I would look to other timing indicators—transits, progressions, lunar returns—to determine which system's timing was more likely correct."

The Challenge of Learning Chara Dasa

Raman acknowledged that Chara Dasa was more complex to calculate than Vimshottari:

"Chara Dasa requires careful calculation and understanding multiple rules. Because each chart has a unique dasa sequence, you can't memorize patterns like you can with Vimshottari. But this complexity is also its strength. It prevents mechanical, formulaic astrology. The astrologer must think carefully about each individual chart and its specific sequence."

Integration for Complete Timing Accuracy

For sophisticated timing prediction, Raman recommended using both systems:

"Calculate both Vimshottari and Chara Dasa. Look at where they agree and where they diverge. Examine transits during the predicted period. Check the Navamsa dasa if needed. Only through this multi-layered analysis can you achieve the kind of timing precision that allows you to predict not just the year or month but often the week when a major event will occur."

Key Takeaways: The Moveable Dasa System

What This Part Teaches Us:

  • Chara Dasa is an alternative dasa system based on Jaimini principles: It calculates periods based on odd/even signs rather than lunar positions.
  • Each chart has a unique Chara Dasa sequence: Making it highly personalized and specific to the individual birth chart.
  • Chara Dasa often proves accurate for major life transitions: Particularly useful for timing major events.
  • Double confirmation from both systems increases certainty: When Vimshottari and Chara Dasa converge, timing confidence is very high.
  • Convergence and divergence both provide information: Convergence confirms; divergence indicates need for deeper analysis.
  • Complexity prevents mechanical application: The unique sequence for each chart requires thoughtful analysis rather than formula application.

Through Chara Dasa, Raman demonstrated that Jaimini's contributions to Vedic astrology are not merely alternatives but often superior to Parashara methods in specific domains. The astrologer who masters both systems can achieve levels of accuracy impossible with either system alone.