Choghadiya divides the day and night into 8 segments each, based on planetary rulers. Each segment is approximately 96 minutes and is classified as auspicious, neutral, or inauspicious for various activities.

Rahu Kaal is a daily inauspicious period governed by Rahu (shadow planet). It must be strictly avoided for starting new ventures or auspicious activities. The timing varies daily based on the weekday.

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Shadbala Calculator - Planetary Strength in Virupas

Calculate the sixfold strength (Shadbala) of planets in Virupas. 60 Virupas = 1 Rupa. Get accurate calculations of all six Bala components for your birth chart.

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Understanding Virupas and Rupas

Shadbala calculations use Virupas (Shashtiamsas) as the primary unit of measurement. The conversion is simple: 60 Virupas = 1 Rupa. For example, 300 Virupas = 5 Rupas, 450 Virupas = 7.5 Rupas. Most planets need a minimum of 300-450 Virupas (5-7.5 Rupas) to be considered strong. The total Shadbala is the sum of all six Bala components, each contributing its share of Virupas.

Quick Conversion:

60 Virupas = 1 Rupa
300 Virupas = 5 Rupas
450 Virupas = 7.5 Rupas
600 Virupas = 10 Rupas

What is Shadbala? Understanding Planetary Strength in Virupas

Shadbala, meaning 'sixfold strength', is a comprehensive system in Vedic astrology that quantifies the strength of planets within a natal chart. All calculations are measured in Virupas (also called Shashtiamsas), where 60 Virupas equals 1 Rupa. This system evaluates six distinct factors that contribute to a planet's overall power and effectiveness, providing precise insights into their potential influence on an individual's life. A planet is considered strong when its total Shadbala exceeds 300-450 Virupas (5-7.5 Rupas), depending on the planet.

The Six Components of Shadbala (Measured in Virupas)

Sthana Bala (Positional Strength)

Evaluates a planet's placement in the chart, considering factors like its position in its own sign, exaltation (Uchcha), debilitation (Neecha), moolatrikona, friendly/enemy signs, and Saptavargaja Bala (strength across 7 divisional charts). Maximum: ~200 Virupas (~3.3 Rupas). This is the largest component of Shadbala.

Dig Bala (Directional Strength)

Assesses how well a planet performs based on its direction in the chart. Planets gain maximum strength when placed in their optimal houses: Sun and Mars in 10th house, Moon and Venus in 4th house, Mercury in 1st house, Jupiter in 9th house, Saturn in 7th house. Maximum: 60 Virupas (1 Rupa).

Kala Bala (Temporal Strength)

Takes into account time-related factors including day/night strength (Natonnata), lunar phase (Paksha), day divided into three parts (Tribhaga), declination (Ayana), year lord (Abda), month lord (Masa), day lord (Vara), and planetary hour (Hora). Maximum: ~150 Virupas (~2.5 Rupas).

Cheshta Bala (Motional Strength)

Measures the planet's speed and motion, including whether it is retrograde (Vakra), slowing down before retrograde (Anuvakra), stationary (Vikala), fast (Atichari), slow (Manda), or normal speed. Retrograde planets get maximum strength. Maximum: 60 Virupas (1 Rupa).

Naisargika Bala (Natural Strength)

Determines strength based on the inherent luminosity and nature of the planet. This is fixed for each planet and cannot change: Sun (60 Virupas), Moon (51.43 Virupas), Venus (42.85 Virupas), Jupiter (34.28 Virupas), Mercury (25.70 Virupas), Mars (17.14 Virupas), Saturn (8.57 Virupas). Maximum: 60 Virupas (1 Rupa).

Drik Bala (Aspectual Strength)

Calculates strength based on the aspects (Drishti) received from benefic and malefic planets. Benefic aspects (from Jupiter, Venus, Mercury, Moon) add strength, while malefic aspects (from Sun, Mars, Saturn) reduce strength. Can be positive or negative. Maximum: ~30 Virupas (~0.5 Rupa).

Frequently Asked Questions About Shadbala and Virupas

What is Virupas in Shadbala? How does it relate to Rupas?

Virupas (also called Shashtiamsas) is the unit of measurement for Shadbala calculations. 60 Virupas equals 1 Rupa. For example, 300 Virupas = 5 Rupas, 450 Virupas = 7.5 Rupas. All six Bala components are measured in Virupas, and the total Shadbala is the sum of these components.

What is the maximum Shadbala score per planet?

There is no single universal maximum Shadbala. Different planets have different practical ceilings (roughly 480-520 Virupas or 8-8.7 Rupas). In practice, most strong planets score between 300-450 Virupas (5-7.5 Rupas). Scores above 450 Virupas are considered very strong.

How do I interpret my Shadbala results?

Per planet interpretation: 450+ Virupas (7.5+ Rupas) is very strong, 375-450 Virupas (6.25-7.5 Rupas) is strong, 300-375 Virupas (5-6.25 Rupas) is average, and below 300 Virupas (<5 Rupas) indicates weakness. Each planet has its own minimum required strength as per classical texts.

Which Bala component contributes the most to total Shadbala?

Sthana Bala (Positional Strength) typically contributes the most, with a maximum of approximately 200 Virupas. It includes five sub-components: Uchcha Bala, Saptavargaja Bala, Ojayugma Bala, Kendradi Bala, and Drekkana Bala. This is followed by Kala Bala (~150 Virupas), then Dig Bala, Cheshta Bala, and Naisargika Bala (each up to 60 Virupas).

Can Shadbala change over time?

No, Shadbala is calculated based on your birth chart, which remains constant throughout your life. However, planetary transits (Gochara) and dashas (planetary periods) can activate or modify the effects of planetary strength. The Shadbala itself doesn't change, but its manifestation can vary during different periods.

What should I do if a planet has low Shadbala (below 300 Virupas)?

Planets with low Shadbala can be strengthened through various remedies (Upayas) including wearing specific gemstones (Ratna), chanting mantras, using yantras, performing specific rituals (Puja), charity (Dana), and following certain lifestyle practices. Consult a qualified Vedic astrologer for personalized remedies based on your complete birth chart analysis.

What is the minimum Shadbala required for each planet?

Classical requirements per BPHS: Sun ~390 Virupas (6.5 Rupas), Moon ~360 (6 Rupas), Mars ~300 (5 Rupas), Mercury ~420 (7 Rupas), Jupiter ~390 (6.5 Rupas), Venus ~330 (5.5 Rupas), Saturn ~300 (5 Rupas). These thresholds determine if a planet is considered strong.

What classical sources and methodology does this calculator follow?

This calculator follows Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra (BPHS) for Shadbala rules. It uses Lahiri Ayanamsa (the most widely used in India) and Swiss Ephemeris for astronomical calculations.