BPHS prioritizes Dasha over Gochar, but both are essential—Dasha sets the stage, Gochar triggers the events.
In classical Parāśari astrology, Dasha (planetary
periods) is the primary predictive tool. Brihat Parāśara Hora Śāstra (BPHS)
devotes extensive chapters to Vimśottarī Dasha, Yoginī, and other systems,
detailing how planetary periods unfold karma over time. Transits (Gochar),
while not given a dedicated chapter in BPHS, are implicitly acknowledged
through principles like Ashtakavarga, Chandra Lagna-based analysis,
and triggering of yogas.
Why Dasha is Supreme in BPHS
Karmic unfolding: Dashas reflect the unfolding of
latent karmas based on the natal chart. They determine what is possible.
Planetary ownership and placement: BPHS emphasizes
the role of Dasha lords based on their house ownership, placement, and
strength.
Sequential logic: Dashas follow a karmic
timeline—Gochar cannot override this sequence.
Role of Gochar (Transits)
Timing mechanism: Gochar acts as a trigger,
activating the potential promised by the Dasha.
Ashtakavarga and Vedha: Though BPHS doesn’t elaborate
on Vedha, later texts like Phaladīpika and Sarvārtha Chintāmaṇi do. Vedha
refines transit results by checking obstructive planetary positions.
Moon-based Gochar: BPHS hints at Moon-based transit
analysis, especially in Ashtakavarga and Chandra Lagna-based predictions.
Operational
Synthesis
|
Principle |
Dasha (Supreme) |
Gochar (Trigger) |
|
Predictive weight |
Determines what will happen |
Determines when it will happen |
|
Source |
Natal chart + Dasha sequence |
Real-time planetary movement |
|
Scope |
Long-term karmic trends |
Short-term fluctuations and activation |
|
Mention in BPHS |
Extensive chapters |
Implicit via Ashtakavarga and Moon Lagna |
Practical Rule for Prediction
“Dasha gives the fruit, Gochar delivers it.”
A favorable transit during an unfavorable Dasha may bring temporary relief, but
not lasting change. Conversely, a powerful Dasha with adverse transits may
delay or distort the result.
If you're building dashboard logic, you might encode this
as:
Dasha = primary filter
Gochar = secondary trigger
Vedha = conditional override
