Varshaphala Part 9: The 16 Tajaka Yogas (Part 1) — Ishkavala Through Manahoo
With the technical framework complete (aspects, strengths, Year Lord, Dasas, Muntha), we now learn the 16 special combinations that form the interpretive backbone of Tajaka astrology.
Part 9 of 21 • Yogas & Sahams • Covers: Chapter 7 — Yogas (Articles 60–68)
The 16 Tajaka Yogas are dynamic planetary combinations — unlike Parasari yogas which depend on fixed planet groupings, these yogas are built entirely on the interplay of applying, full, and separating aspects between planets.
Understanding these yogas requires a solid grasp of the Tajaka aspect system and planetary orbs (Deepthamsa) from Part 3. The core concept underlying most of these yogas is whether a faster-moving planet is approaching or separating from a slower-moving planet within their combined orbs.
Key Vocabulary for This Chapter:
Faster planet (Seeghra Graha): The planet that moves more quickly through the zodiac (Moon is fastest, then Mercury, Venus, Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn being slowest).
Slower planet (Manda Graha): The planet with slower motion in the pair being considered.
Deepthamsa: The orb of a planet — the zone within which it exerts its influence (reviewed in Part 3).
These yogas are valuable not only in annual chart interpretation but also in Horary Astrology (Prashna), where they help determine the outcome of specific questions.
The First Seven Yogas
Ishkavalayoga
Result: Desire fulfilledFormation: The lord of the ascendant and the significator of the event in question are in mutual aspect, and the faster planet's orb (Deepthamsa) intersects that of the slower planet. The faster planet must be approaching the slower one.
Significance: This indicates the fulfillment of the desire connected to the significator planet. The intensity of the result depends on how closely their orbs overlap — the tighter the orb connection, the stronger the yoga.
Practical note: This is essentially a general case of mutual aspect with applying orb contact between the Lagna lord and any house significator.
Induvarayoga
Result: Fulfillment through a mediatorFormation: The Moon transfers the influence of the ascendant lord to the significator by being in aspect with both. The Moon acts as a bridge between two planets that might not otherwise be connected.
Significance: The desired outcome will be achieved, but through the intervention or help of a third party — represented by the Moon. Think of the Moon as a messenger carrying light from one planet to another.
Ithasala Yoga MOST IMPORTANT
Result: Fulfillment, realization of objectives
Formation — Three essential conditions:
- Two planets must be in mutual aspect (sign-to-sign)
- The faster planet must be approaching the slower planet (applying aspect)
- Both planets must be within their respective orbs (Deepthamsa) of each other
Significance: When Ithasala exists between the lord of the ascendant and the significator of any event (marriage, career, children, etc.), the event will come to fruition. The yoga indicates successful completion of whatever matter is under consideration.
Types of Ithasala: The yoga can form through any of the Tajaka aspect types — trine (5/9), sextile (3/11), square (4/10), or opposition (7). The nature of the aspect modifies the quality: trine Ithasala is the most favorable, while square Ithasala brings success but through difficulty.
The ascendant is Virgo. Its lord Mercury is at 22° Scorpio. The lord of the 7th house (marriage), Jupiter, is at 18° Pisces.
Mercury and Jupiter are in trine aspect (Scorpio to Pisces = 5th house). Mercury (faster) is at 22° and approaching Jupiter at 18° of the trine position. Mercury's orb is 7° and Jupiter's is 9°. The combined orb zone covers the gap. Mercury is applying toward Jupiter.
Result: Ithasala is formed. Marriage is indicated.
Critical distinction: If the faster planet has already passed the point of exact aspect and is now moving away from the slower planet, this is NOT Ithasala — it becomes Easarpha (the next yoga), signifying the opposite result.
Easarpha Yoga
Result: Disappointment, failure, lossFormation: The exact opposite of Ithasala. The faster planet has already passed the slower planet and is now separating — moving away. The aspect was once exact but the moment has passed.
Significance: The opportunity was there but has been missed. The event will not materialize, or if it does, it will bring disappointment, failure, and loss. Think of it as "the ship has sailed."
Practical example: If the lord of the ascendant and the lord of the 10th (career) are in Easarpha, a hoped-for promotion will not come through, or the career change will result in disappointment.
Nakta Yoga
Result: Fulfillment through Moon's interventionFormation: Two planets have no mutual aspect between them, but the Moon bridges them by being in aspect with both — transferring the influence from the faster planet to the slower one.
How it works: If Mercury (fast, lord of ascendant) is at 10° Leo and Jupiter (slow, significator) is at 12° Pisces, there is no mutual aspect between them. But if the Moon is at 11° Taurus, it forms a square with both — creating a bridge. The Moon transfers Mercury's light to Jupiter.
Significance: The result is achieved through the Moon's mediation. In practical terms, a woman, mother figure, or public entity (Moon's significations) helps bring about the desired result.
Yamaya Yoga
Result: Fulfillment through a third personFormation: Two planets are not in mutual aspect, but both are in Ithasala with a slow-moving planet. The slow planet acts as a bridge, transferring the effect from one to the other.
Difference from Nakta: In Nakta, it's specifically the Moon that bridges. In Yamaya, any slow-moving planet (typically Jupiter or Saturn) serves as the intermediary.
Significance: The objective will be fulfilled through the help or agency of a third person — represented by the bridging planet. If Jupiter bridges, the helper may be a guru, elder, or wealthy patron. If Saturn, a laborer, servant, or elderly person.
Manahoo Yoga
Result: Failure, debts, quarrels, lossFormation: An Ithasala exists between two planets — which would normally indicate success. But Saturn and Mars are positioned within the orb of the faster planet, blocking its light. The natural malefics literally "knock off" the faster planet's ability to complete the yoga.
Analogy: Imagine you're about to close a business deal (Ithasala), but two hostile parties (Mars and Saturn) step between you and the deal, sabotaging it.
Significance: Despite initially promising indications, the result is failure, fear from enemies, involvement in debts, quarrels, and loss of wealth. The more tightly Mars and Saturn are positioned within the faster planet's orb, the more complete the destruction of the expected result.
Quick Reference: Yogas 1–7
| # | Yoga | Formation Key | Result | Nature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ishkavala | Mutual aspect with orb contact between Lagna lord & significator | Desire fulfilled | Good |
| 2 | Induvara | Moon bridges Lagna lord & significator via aspect to both | Fulfilled via mediator | Good |
| 3 | Ithasala KEY | Faster planet approaching slower within orbs in mutual aspect | Fulfillment, success | Most Important |
| 4 | Easarpha | Faster planet separating from slower (opposite of Ithasala) | Disappointment, failure | Bad |
| 5 | Nakta | No mutual aspect, but Moon bridges by aspecting both | Fulfilled via Moon | Good |
| 6 | Yamaya | No mutual aspect, but both in Ithasala with a slow planet | Fulfilled via third person | Good |
| 7 | Manahoo | Ithasala exists but Mars/Saturn block faster planet's orb | Failure, debts, quarrels | Bad |
What's Next?
We've covered the first seven yogas. In Part 10, we'll complete the remaining nine — from Kamboola through Durupha — and provide a comprehensive reference table of all 16 yogas.
Kamboola, Gairikamboola, Khallasara, Radda, Dupparikutha, Duttota, Thambira, Kuttha, and Durupha — plus the complete 16-yoga reference table.
Based on
Varshaphala or The Hindu Progressed Horoscope
by B.V. Raman | 13th Edition (1992)