Vimshottari vs
Ashtottari Dasha
Two ancient timing systems for life predictions. Understand the 120-year vs 108-year cycles.
Planetary Period Lengths
Vimshottari (120 Years)
Ashtottari (108 Years)
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Aspect | Vimshottari | Ashtottari |
|---|---|---|
| Total Cycle | 120 years | 108 years |
| Planets Included | 9 (all Grahas including Rahu/Ketu) | 8 (excludes Ketu) |
| Starting Point | Moon's Nakshatra at birth | Moon's Nakshatra at birth |
| Applicability | Universal (all births) | Night births in Krishna Paksha |
| Popularity | Most widely used | Regional/specific use |
| Sub-periods | Antardasha, Pratyantardasha | Antardasha, Pratyantardasha |
| Longest Period | Venus (20 years) | Venus (21 years) |
| Shortest Period | Sun (6 years) | Sun (6 years) |
When to Use Each System
Use Vimshottari When:
- You want the most widely-used standard system
- Born during daytime (sunrise to sunset)
- You need analysis of Rahu and Ketu periods
- Following mainstream Vedic astrology texts
Use Ashtottari When:
- Born at night during Krishna Paksha (waning Moon)
- You want to cross-reference Vimshottari predictions
- Following specific South Indian traditions
- Prefer analysis without shadow planets
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Dasha system should I use?
Vimshottari is the most commonly used and is applicable universally. Ashtottari is traditionally recommended for night births (between sunset and sunrise) with Moon in Krishna Paksha (waning phase), though many astrologers use Vimshottari for all charts.
Why is Vimshottari 120 years when humans don't live that long?
The 120-year cycle represents a complete cosmic cycle, not human lifespan. Your Dasha sequence starts from your Moon's Nakshatra at birth, so you experience only a portion of the full cycle based on when you were born.
Why doesn't Ashtottari include Rahu and Ketu?
Ashtottari Dasha excludes the shadow planets (Rahu and Ketu) and focuses on the seven visible grahas plus the Moon. This gives more weight to the physical planets that are directly observable.
Can both Dasha systems give accurate predictions?
Yes, both systems have been used successfully for thousands of years. The key is consistent application. Many astrologers primarily use Vimshottari while cross-referencing Ashtottari for additional insights.
How do I calculate my current Dasha period?
Dasha calculation requires your exact Moon Nakshatra position at birth. My Kundli AI automatically calculates both Vimshottari and Ashtottari Dashas when you generate your Kundli.
Calculate Your Dasha Periods
My Kundli AI calculates both Vimshottari and Ashtottari Dashas automatically. See your current planetary period and future predictions.
Open Dasha Calculator