Relationship between Mahadasha and Antardasha lord

Vedic Astrologers worldwide use the Dasha system to arrive at astrological conclusions.

While the Dasha system is multi-level which is Mahadasha-Antardasha-Pratyantardasha-Sukshma-Praan-Deha, most astrologers look at the first two levels which are Mahadasha and Antardasha.

One of the very important aspect to watch is how Mahadasha and Antardasha lords are placed with respect to each other. Vedic Astrology treats the mutual positioning of Mahadasha and Antardasha lords as one of the key factors to evaluate while trying to make predictions.

Since the Kundli or the horoscope has 12 houses, the following placements of Mahadasha and Antardasha lords are possible:

  1. Both Mahadasha and Antardasha lords are same example – One may be running Jupiter-Jupiter which is Antardasha of Jupiter in the Mahadasha of Jupiter itself.
  2. The Antardasha lord is placed 2nd to Mahadasha lord. It means that Mahadasha lord is placed 12th to Antardasha lord. It is known as 2-12 axis
  3. The Antardasha lord is placed 3rd to Mahadasha lord. It means that Mahadasha lord is placed 11th to Antardasha lord. It is known as 3-11 axis
  4. The Antardasha lord is placed 4th to Mahadasha lord. It means that Mahadasha lord is placed 10th to Antardasha lord. It is known as 4-10 axis
  5. The Antardasha lord is placed 5th to Mahadasha lord. It means that Mahadasha lord is placed 9th to Antardasha lord. It is known as 5-9 axis
  6. The Antardasha lord is placed 6th to Mahadasha lord. It means that Mahadasha lord is placed 8th to Antardasha lord. It is known as 6-8 axis
  7. The Antardasha lord is placed 7th to Mahadasha lord. It means that Mahadasha lord is also placed 7th to Antardasha lord. It is known as 1-7 axis

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords are the same

When a planet’s Mahadasha (MD) and Antardasha (AD) occur simultaneously (i.e., the sub-period of the ruling planet itself), here is the broad interpretation:

Impact: Knowledgable astrologers say that when the Mahadasha and Antardasha belong to the same planet, the results will be neutral.

Result Intensity: Some experts opine that this period will not yield highly auspicious results.

Neutralizing Effect: This is considered a rule in Parashari and Laghu Parashari astrology:

If the planet is a Rajyogakaraka (bestower of royal status/success), it will not give Rajyoga results.

If the planet is a Maraka (death-inflicting), it will not give Maraka results.

If the planet is a Badhaka (obstructing), it will not give Badhaka results.The period remains neutral.

Astrological Advice: A good astrologer will advise the native to behave neutrally during this time. It is a time to prepare the platform and to avoid rushing (i.e., not to hurry or take quick action).

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords in 1-7 axis

Knowledgeable astrologers often consider the 1-7 axis (where the Mahadasha and Antardasha Lords are in mutual aspect) to be broadly good.

  • Mutual Aspect: Planets on the 1-7 axis mutually aspect each other, signifying direct interaction.
  • Temporary Relations: While they might be temporary enemies (shatru) or neutral according to the Panchdhamaitri (temporary friendship) scheme, the axis itself functions based on reciprocity.
  • Need for Reciprocity: Experts opine that this Dasha demands “fair work” or “balance work”—a cooperative and balanced effort—to achieve positive results. If one side gives preference and the other does not reciprocate, the result will be poor, and the relationship/outcome will eventually end.
  • MD Lord’s Role: The final outcome is primarily dependent on the disposition and nature of the Mahadasha Lord (MD).

Generalized Application:
The 1-7 axis principle applies to any pair of houses 1st and 7th from each other (e.g., 6th and 12th houses). For Example: If the Dasha involves the 6th house (disease) and the 12th house (cure), the person must be advised to seek proper treatment and avoid negligence.

Result Intensity: The results for the 1-7 axis are generally estimated to be in the range of 50% to 60%.

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords in 2-12 axis

The astrological effects when the Antardasha Lord (AD) is in the 2nd house or the 12th house relative to the Mahadasha Lord (MD) are a bit unfavourable.

Here is a concise summary:

  • Benefit Limitation: Knowledgable astrologers say that the native can only benefit from the Antardasha Lord to the extent of the Mahadasha Lord’s “permission”.
  • Example: If the Sun Mahadasha Lord has Jupiter as the Antardasha Lord in the 2nd house. Since the Sun is a friend of Jupiter (Panchdhamaitri), it grants permission, but it is a limited permission.
  • Overall: Benefits can generally be expected, contingent upon the planet’s significations (Karaktvas) and its house lordship.
  • Problematic Period: Experts opine that this position is generally problematic for the native.
  • Exceptions: This general rule does not apply to the specific combinations of Saturn-Venus and Venus-Saturn.
  • Challenges Faced: The native will experience situations involving dilemma, confusion, and an inability to fulfill promises.

Advice:

  • One should not make promises out of overconfidence.
  • The native is often in a state of confusion regarding major life choices (e.g., “Should I take the transfer or not?” “Should I marry or not?”).
  • Marriage or any long term partnership initiated during this period may not lead to desired results.

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords in 3-11 axis

Highly favorable results are associated with the 3-11 axis (planets in the 3rd and 11th positions from each other) in Dasha analysis.

Here is a concise summary:

  • Best Axis: Knowledgable astrologers consider the 3-11 axis to be the best overall axis for Dasha results.
  • Results and Effort: The core principle of this axis is that the native will receive results in proportion to their efforts. The more effort they put in, the better the outcomes.
  • Selection of Opportunities: Experts opine that the native gets the opportunity to choose and implement their options according to their own preferences.
  • General Applicability: The 3-11 axis is generally good for all planets.
  • Exceptions: The Dasha is considered sensitive and not good for the specific combinations of Saturn-Venus and Venus-Saturn.
  • Prerequisites: The planet should ideally not be debilitated for the Dasha to be effective (although this condition generally applies to all Dasha assessments).

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords in 4-10 axis

The astrological significance of the 4-10 axis (Mahadasha and Antardasha Lords placed in the 4th and 10th positions from each other) is summarised below:

  • Second Best Axis:
    Knowledgable astrologers say that the 4-10 axis is considered the second-best axis for Dasha results, following the 3-11 axis.
  • Favorable Outcomes:
    This Dasha is generally considered auspicious and very good.

    • It provides the native with happiness (or sukha).
    • It grants name and fame.
    • The native receives results related to the planets’ lordships and significations (Karaktvas).
  • Reason for Strength:
    The 4-10 axis, similar to the 3-11 axis, is powerful because the planets involved often become temporary friends (tatkalik mitra) within the Panchdhamaitri (temporary friendship) scheme, regardless of their natural friendship or enmity.
  • Result Intensity:
    The 4-10 axis is generally rated highly for positive results.

Exceptions:
Experts opine that the Dasha is not good and can be problematic for the specific combinations of Saturn-Venus and Venus-Saturn.

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords in 5-9 axis

The 5-9 axis for Mahadasha and Antardasha lords is considered as a neutral axis.

Reason for Neutrality (Friendship Status)
The axis is considered neutral because of the temporary friendship status of the planets involved:

  • Planets that are natural friends in the 5-9 axis become temporary enemies.
  • Therefore, the overall result provided by this axis is a neutral result.

Core Theme for this axis is : Dharma and Discipline
The 5-9 axis strongly emphasizes the themes of Dharma (duty, righteous conduct), Pūrva Puṇya (past merit), and strict adherence to rules.

  • Need for Adherence: The native must strictly follow rules, laws, and regulations (niyam, kaanun, vidhi-vidhaan).
  • Discipline Required: It’s necessary to work with discipline and in the spirit of duty and righteousness. For example, if a person previously arrived late (e.g., 12:00 PM), they must now adhere to the proper time (e.g., 9:10 AM).

Result:
Only when the native acts righteously, diligently, and follows their Dharma and Karma will they receive good results and their luck/fortune (bhāgya) will move forward.

Intelligence and Fortune:
The axis is also associated with buddhimattā (intelligence) and bhāgya (fortune).

Exception (Saturn-Venus)
The combination of Saturn-Venus or Venus-Saturn in the 5-9 axis is also considered to not give good results.A good result will only be obtained if one of the two planets is “very badly afflicted” or “pitted” (pitā huā). Otherwise, the combination is generally unfavorable.

Mahadasha and Antardasha lords in 6-8 axis

When the Antardasha Lord is in the 6th house from the Mahadasha Lord, the following results are expected:

  • Temporary Enmity: The Panchdha Maitri (Fivefold Friendship) rule dictates that in this position, the planets become temporary enemies.
  • Struggle and Conflict: The individual has to face immense struggle (bahut zyada sangharsh) for any result.
  • Competition and Opposition: The native will have to deal with opponents, competition, and situations where people try to pull them down (taang kheench lena).
  • Delayed and Partial Results: The results are not immediate. The efforts will yield only a fraction of the desired outcome (e.g., trying for 100 rupees yields 35 to 45 rupees, like a “third division passing mark”).
  • Future Benefit: If the native continues to strive, the full, good result will be obtained in the future.

When the Antardasha Lord is in the 8th house from the Mahadasha Lord, the results are often intense and disruptive:

  • Sudden Endings/Change: This axis can signify the end of the work, the profession, or the result itself.
  • Radical Transformation: The native may have to switch off or make a complete, fundamental change (amool chool parivartan) in their profession or path.
  • Losses and Humiliation: The person may face heavy losses and may be subjected to humiliation (apmaanit hona).
  • Sudden Negative Twists: The life sees sudden turn and twists towards negativity.
  • Health and Relationship Impact: This position can signify problems with the father (e.g., relationship breakdown, or the father leaving the native’s life).
  • Mental Stress: The difficult situations created by this axis lead to mental anxiety, worries, and tension.

In summary, the 6th axis demands struggle and patience for delayed, partial gains, while the 8th axis brings sudden, negative transformations, endings, and significant stress.

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About Author

Alok Bhatnagar

Alok Bhatnagar, founder of Astropatri got initiated in the field of Astrology in 1998. He was working with the Internet department of The Times of India Group at that time. Alok helped set up the Astrology portal for Times Group – Astrospeak.