Vimshottari dasha is a 120-year cycle of planetary periods in the fixed order Ketu (7 years), Venus (20), Sun (6), Moon (10), Mars (7), Rahu (18), Jupiter (16), Saturn (19) and Mercury (17). Your first mahadasha is that of the lord of the nakshatra your Moon occupied at birth, and only its unexpired balance remains — so people start life in different dashas.
The sequence
| Order | Mahadasha | Years | Starts at birth if Moon is in |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ketu | 7 | Ashwini, Magha, Mula |
| 2 | Venus | 20 | Bharani, Purva Phalguni, Purva Ashadha |
| 3 | Sun | 6 | Krittika, Uttara Phalguni, Uttara Ashadha |
| 4 | Moon | 10 | Rohini, Hasta, Shravana |
| 5 | Mars | 7 | Mrigashira, Chitra, Dhanishta |
| 6 | Rahu | 18 | Ardra, Swati, Shatabhisha |
| 7 | Jupiter | 16 | Punarvasu, Vishakha, Purva Bhadrapada |
| 8 | Saturn | 19 | Pushya, Anuradha, Uttara Bhadrapada |
| 9 | Mercury | 17 | Ashlesha, Jyeshtha, Revati |
Balance at birth
The fraction of the birth nakshatra the Moon has still to cover gives the balance of the first dasha. Example: Moon halfway through Rohini (Moon-ruled) leaves half of the Moon’s 10 years — about 5 years — before Mars dasha begins. Get yours from the mahadasha calculator.
Antardashas
Each mahadasha is divided into nine antardashas (bhuktis) in the same order, starting with the mahadasha lord itself. An antardasha’s length = mahadasha years × antardasha planet’s years ÷ 120. Example: Jupiter–Jupiter = 16 × 16 ÷ 120 ≈ 2 years 1 month.
How it is read
- The dasha lord gives results of the houses it rules and occupies, and of its strength.
- The antardasha lord colours the period; its relationship with the mahadasha lord matters.
- Transits of Saturn and Jupiter time events within a supportive dasha.
Check your own chart
A free kundli shows your Moon nakshatra, planets and dasha. For a full reading of how this applies to you, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is the order of Vimshottari dasha?
Ketu, Venus, Sun, Moon, Mars, Rahu, Jupiter, Saturn, Mercury.
How long is the full cycle?
120 years.
Does everyone start with the Moon dasha?
No. The first dasha is the lord of your birth nakshatra.
How long is Jupiter mahadasha?
16 years.
Part of our guide: Kundli & Birth Chart →
Want to know how this applies to your own chart? A personal reading checks the whole kundli and the dasha first.
Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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