Introduction:

Karma means “action”. It refers to the action we perform with our body, mind and spirit at each and every moment of our life. The result of the Karma we perform is called the “Karmaphalam”, which literally means the “fruits of action”, which may be good or bad based on our actions. This Karmaphala is accumulated over one or more previous life times, which in turn will have an influence on our present life and even the future lives.

The Karmaphala is delivered to the individual through “Time” or “Kaala”. This is a very important aspect of Astrology. In Chapter 11, Verse 32 of Bhagavad Gita, Lord Krishna says,

कालोऽस्मि लोकक्षयकृत्प्रवृद्धोलोकान्समाहर्तुमिह प्रवृत्त: ।ऋतेऽपि त्वां न भविष्यन्ति सर्वेयेऽवस्थिता: प्रत्यनीकेषु योधा: ॥32 ॥

“I am mighty Time, the source of destruction that comes forth to annihilate the worlds. Even without your participation, the warriors arrayed in the opposing army shall cease to exist.”

The auspiciousness or inauspiciousness of time and events of life are based on the Prarabdha karma. Lord Saturn, being the ruler of Nakshatra is also the keeper of Karma    and Kaala (Time) and hence he delivers the good or bad effects based on the Janma Rasi.

Attributes of Time

The various experiences we face in our lives is dependent on the Time , which is represented as Panchanga. The importance of the five elements of Panchanga is described in the Shloka stated below:

तिथ्येश्च श्रीयमाप्नेति वारात् आयुष्यवर्धनम्

नक्षत्रात् हरतेपापम् योगात् रोगनिवारणम्

करणात् कार्यसिद्धिश्चात् पञ्चागं दशमेफलम् ॥

“Knowledge of Tithi bestows wealth, knowledge of Vāara increases longevity, knowledge of Nakṣhatra erases sins, knowledge of Yogacures  diseases and knowledge of Karaṇaensures success in work”.

If the Panchanga elements are in disharmony, then any or all attributes mentioned in the above Sloka will be impacted negatively. In Vedic Astrology, we infer the inauspiciousness using the principles of Ghataka (obstacles) and Dagdha Rasi / Tithi Shoonya.

1.     GhatakaChakra

Ghätakais derived from the word “Ghata” which means to cause trouble or slay or injure. Thus, Ghätaka means inflicting pain or distress both physically and mentally.

The general rule about the Ghataka Chakra is that the Transit Moon in the Ghataka Rasi, Tithi or Nakshatra is bad and if at any moment, if there is predominanceor prevelance of Ghataka elements, then there can be some injury/pain inflicted on the person.

The below table gives the Ghataka elements for each Janma Rasi.

The Ghataka based on the Panchanga elements together can be summarised as below:

If many Ghataka elements come together, then there can be indications of danger during that time.

2.      Dagdha Rasi or Tithi Shoonya Rasi

Dagdha means “which is Burnt” or consumed by fire. It represents a tormented or a painful condition which is consumed by grief or sorrow. It’s very in auspicious or evil, which causes heating and burning.

Asthe Tithi is the relation between Sun and Moon, each Tithi has the influence of Agni or heat in it along with the Jala or water. The sunlight or the heat from the Sun will be absorbed by the Moon and some portion of it is deflected away from the Moon. This deflected fire or the heat spills to certain Rasis during each Tithi. Due to this phenomenon, certain Rasis become Dagdha or burnt during each Tithi. If planets are placed in these Dagdha Rasis, they also undergo the burning experience, which will affect the results of those planets particularly during their Dasha periods. The Bhava Karakatwa in which the Dagdha Rasi falls will be impacted and the results of the Bhava will be affected. The results of the Bhava, where the lord of the Dagdha Rasi is posited will also be affected to a certain extent.

The relationship or the Jeeva associated by the Bhava which becomes Dagdha will be adversely affected, as Tithi signifies relationships.

The below table gives the Dagdha Rasis for each Tithi.

Conclusion

The concept of Ghataka Chakra and Dagdha Rasi can be applied in Marriage matchmaking, Muhurta and Horary Astrology.

Although the Ashtakoota matching is popular technique for marriage match making, it does not cover the Panchanga principles. Ghataka chakra, which is based on the principles of Panchanga, gives a clear picture regarding the compatibility between the partners. Horoscopes having Tithi-Ghataka can be rejected as it may cause relationships issues and bound to give mental suffering.   In Electional astrology (Muhurta) for initiating auspicious activities, the Ghataka principles can be used.

Dagdha Rasi for the Tithi on which a person is born indicates the areas where the native can face potential challenges. By knowing the Dagdha Rasi and the Bhava impacted, one can try to strengthen the Karakatwas indicated by that Bhava through self-improvement, spiritual practices and other Vedic remedial measures. This helps one to mitigate and navigate the challenges or suffering which are signified by the Dagdha Rasis.

Thus, understanding the Principles of Ghataka Chakra and Tithi Shoonya are very useful tools for predicting the Ashubha Kaala or inauspiciouness.

References

1.     “GhatakaChakra” by Sarajit Poddar.

2.     “DagdhaRasi Concept” by Pandit Sanjay Rath

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