Introduction: When Astrology Becomes a Scoreboard
Traditionally, much of Vedic astrology is based on interpretation. A planet’s sign, house, and aspects all contribute to an astrologer’s judgment, which often depends on experience and years of study.
Ashtakavarga takes a different approach. It uses a numerical system to measure the strength and support associated with planets and zodiac signs.
Instead of simply asking, “Is this a good placement?” Ashtakavarga asks, “How many points does this placement receive?”
This makes Ashtakavarga a useful quantitative tool within classical Jyotish. It is particularly helpful when studying planetary transits and evaluating the level of support associated with different signs and houses.
In this guide, you will learn:
- What Ashtakavarga means
- How Bhinnashtakavarga works
- What Sarvashtakavarga represents
- How Ashtakavarga is calculated
- How to interpret Ashtakavarga scores
- How Ashtakavarga can be used for transits and Dasha analysis
- Common myths about Ashtakavarga
What Is Ashtakavarga in Vedic Astrology?
The word Ashtakavarga comes from the Sanskrit word Ashta, meaning “eight.”
The system works with eight reference points:
- Sun
- Moon
- Mars
- Mercury
- Jupiter
- Venus
- Saturn
- Lagna or Ascendant
Rahu and Ketu are not included in the classical Ashtakavarga system.
Each of these eight reference points contributes a certain number of Bindus, or points, to different zodiac signs according to classical rules.
These points help quantify the level of support associated with a sign in relation to a particular planet.
Ashtakavarga is therefore different from a purely qualitative interpretation. Instead of relying only on whether a planet is considered favorable or unfavorable, it provides a numerical layer that can be used alongside other parts of a Vedic astrology chart.
Bhinnashtakavarga: Individual Planetary Scores
The first major component of Ashtakavarga is called Bhinnashtakavarga (BAV).
Bhinnashtakavarga provides an individual table for each of the seven classical planets:
- Sun
- Moon
- Mars
- Mercury
- Jupiter
- Venus
- Saturn
For each planet, astrologers examine how many of the eight reference points contribute Bindus to each zodiac sign.
A sign can receive between 0 and 8 Bindus in an individual planet’s BAV table.
Maximum Bindus for Each Planet
Each planet has a fixed maximum number of Bindus across the 12 zodiac signs.
| Planet | Maximum Bindus |
|---|---|
| Sun | 48 |
| Moon | 49 |
| Mars | 39 |
| Mercury | 54 |
| Jupiter | 56 |
| Venus | 52 |
| Saturn | 39 |
These totals remain constant from one birth chart to another.
What changes from chart to chart is how those Bindus are distributed across the 12 zodiac signs.
Sarvashtakavarga: The Combined Strength Table
The second major component is Sarvashtakavarga (SAV).
Sarvashtakavarga is created by combining the seven planetary Bhinnashtakavarga tables, sign by sign.
This produces a combined score that represents the overall level of support associated with each zodiac sign.
The seven planetary BAV totals are:
- Sun: 48
- Moon: 49
- Mars: 39
- Mercury: 54
- Jupiter: 56
- Venus: 52
- Saturn: 39
When these values are added together, they produce a constant total of 337 Bindus.
These 337 points are distributed across the 12 zodiac signs. The total remains the same, but the distribution varies from one birth chart to another.
Average Sarvashtakavarga Score
Since 337 points are distributed across 12 signs, the average score is approximately 28 Bindus per sign.
This average can be used as a general reference point when interpreting Sarvashtakavarga.
A score significantly above the average may indicate greater support, while a score significantly below the average may indicate comparatively less support.
How to Interpret Sarvashtakavarga Scores
A commonly used interpretation divides Sarvashtakavarga scores into three broad categories:
| Bindus | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| 30 or more | Strong |
| 25 to 29 | Neutral to moderate |
| Less than 25 | Weak |
A relatively high score for a sign or house can indicate a greater level of support.
A lower score can suggest that the area represented by that sign or house may require more careful interpretation.
However, an Ashtakavarga score should not be interpreted by itself. Other factors in the birth chart can influence the final result.
Ashtakavarga Calculation: Step by Step
The basic process of calculating Ashtakavarga can be understood through the following steps.
Step 1: Identify the Eight Reference Points
The eight reference points are:
- Sun
- Moon
- Mars
- Mercury
- Jupiter
- Venus
- Saturn
- Lagna
Step 2: Apply the Classical Contribution Rules
Classical Ashtakavarga rules determine which zodiac signs receive a Bindu from each reference point.
These contributions are calculated by counting signs from the position of the relevant reference point.
Step 3: Create the Bhinnashtakavarga Tables
For each planet, count how many of the eight reference points contribute a Bindu to each of the 12 zodiac signs.
This produces an individual BAV table for each planet.
Each sign can receive between 0 and 8 Bindus in a planet’s BAV.
Step 4: Create the Sarvashtakavarga Table
Add the seven planetary BAV tables together, sign by sign.
The result is the Sarvashtakavarga table, which shows the combined score for each zodiac sign.
Step 5: Apply Advanced Reductions
Classical Ashtakavarga calculations may also include two refinement techniques:
- Trikona Shodhana
- Ekadhipatya Shodhana
These techniques refine the raw Sarvashtakavarga values according to classical rules.
In practical chart analysis, these calculations are often handled by dedicated astrology software rather than calculated manually.
Worked Example of Ashtakavarga Calculation
Suppose Aries receives the following Bindus from the seven planetary BAV tables:
- Sun: 4
- Moon: 3
- Mars: 4
- Mercury: 3
- Jupiter: 4
- Venus: 3
- Saturn: 2
The Sarvashtakavarga score for Aries would be:
4 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 4 + 3 + 2 = 23 Bindus
Based on the score categories described above, 23 Bindus would indicate a comparatively weak level of support.
The same calculation can be repeated for all 12 zodiac signs to construct the complete Sarvashtakavarga table.
The Role of Ashtakavarga in Vedic Astrology
One of the most important applications of Ashtakavarga is Gochara, or transit analysis.
Astrologers can use Ashtakavarga to evaluate the level of support associated with a planet’s transit through a particular sign.
The planet’s Bhinnashtakavarga score and the sign’s Sarvashtakavarga score can be considered together when evaluating a transit.
For example, a challenging planet such as Saturn may produce different results depending on the level of support indicated by the relevant Ashtakavarga scores.
Likewise, a naturally favorable planet may not always produce equally strong results when moving through a sign with comparatively low support.
This is why Ashtakavarga can provide an additional layer of information when studying major transits involving planets such as Jupiter and Saturn.
Ashtakavarga and Dasha Analysis
Ashtakavarga can also complement Dasha analysis.
When a Dasha planet has a relatively high number of Bindus in relevant signs, astrologers may consider this additional support when interpreting the planetary period.
For example, a higher BAV score can be considered alongside the planet’s sign, house placement, aspects, dignity, and other chart factors.
Ashtakavarga should therefore be viewed as a supporting tool for Dasha interpretation, rather than a replacement for a complete chart analysis.
Common Myths About Ashtakavarga
Myth 1: A High Sarvashtakavarga Score Guarantees Good Results
A high score indicates a greater level of support, but it does not guarantee a specific outcome.
Other factors in the birth chart must also be considered.
Myth 2: Rahu and Ketu Are Included in Classical Ashtakavarga
Rahu and Ketu are not included in the classical Ashtakavarga calculation.
The traditional system works with the seven classical planets and the Lagna.
Myth 3: Every Birth Chart Has a Different Total Number of Bindus
The total number of Bindus in the planetary Sarvashtakavarga calculation remains 337.
What changes from one birth chart to another is the distribution of those points across the zodiac signs.
Myth 4: A Low Sarvashtakavarga Score Means Permanent Misfortune
A lower score does not automatically indicate permanent negative results.
It simply represents comparatively lower support according to the Ashtakavarga system.
Other planetary placements, Dashas, transits, and chart factors may influence the final interpretation.
How to Use Ashtakavarga in Your Own Kundli
If your birth chart includes an Ashtakavarga calculation, you can use it as an additional layer of analysis.
1. Create Your Ashtakavarga Chart
Use a reliable calculator that follows the classical Parashari contribution rules.
2. Check Important Houses
Look at the Sarvashtakavarga scores associated with houses relevant to your question.
For example:
- 1st house: self and overall life
- 10th house: career and profession
- 7th house: partnerships and marriage
- 5th house: education, creativity, and children
- 11th house: gains and achievements
3. Examine Planetary Transits
Compare a planet’s current transit with:
- Its Bhinnashtakavarga score
- The Sarvashtakavarga score of the sign it is transiting
This can provide additional context when studying planetary transits.
4. Compare Ashtakavarga With Dasha
Use Ashtakavarga alongside Dasha analysis rather than treating it as a standalone prediction system.
A higher Bindu score may provide additional support to an interpretation, while a lower score may suggest the need for greater caution.
5. Consider the Complete Birth Chart
Ashtakavarga should be used as one layer of analysis.
For a broader interpretation, consider it alongside planetary positions, houses, aspects, Dashas, transits, and other relevant factors.
Conclusion
Ashtakavarga brings a quantitative dimension to Vedic astrology.
By using Bindus from eight classical reference points, astrologers can create individual Bhinnashtakavarga tables for the seven classical planets and combine them into a Sarvashtakavarga table.
The resulting scores provide an additional way to evaluate the level of support associated with different signs and houses.
Ashtakavarga is particularly useful when studying planetary transits and Dasha periods. However, it works best as a supporting tool rather than a replacement for complete birth chart analysis.
Understanding the distribution of Bindus can help you look at a Kundli from a more structured and numerical perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the word Ashtakavarga mean?
The word Ashtakavarga comes from the Sanskrit word Ashta, meaning “eight.” It refers to the eight classical reference points used in the system: the seven classical planets and the Lagna.
What is the difference between Bhinnashtakavarga and Sarvashtakavarga?
Bhinnashtakavarga (BAV) provides individual Bindu tables for each of the seven classical planets.
Sarvashtakavarga (SAV) combines the seven planetary BAV tables to produce a total score for each zodiac sign.
Why does the Sarvashtakavarga calculation have 337 Bindus?
The seven planetary BAV totals are fixed:
Sun 48 + Moon 49 + Mars 39 + Mercury 54 + Jupiter 56 + Venus 52 + Saturn 39 = 337 Bindus.
These points are distributed across the 12 zodiac signs, although the distribution differs from one birth chart to another.
What is considered a good Ashtakavarga score?
A commonly used guideline considers:
- 30 or more Bindus: Strong
- 25 to 29 Bindus: Neutral to moderate
- Less than 25 Bindus: Weak
These ranges should be treated as general guidelines rather than standalone predictions.
How is Ashtakavarga used for transits?
Astrologers can compare a planet’s Bhinnashtakavarga score with the Sarvashtakavarga score of the sign it is transiting.
This provides additional information when evaluating planetary transits.
External References and Resources
- Wikipedia – Jyotisha (Vedic Astrology) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jyotisha
- Wikipedia – Hindu Astrology https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hindu_astrology
- Wikipedia – Prasna Marga (Classical Horary Text Referencing Ashtakavarga) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prasna_Marga
- Drik Panchang – Planetary Positions Reference https://www.drikpanchang.com/planet/position/
