Avastha
In Vedic astrology, Avastha means state or condition. It shows how mature or strong a planet is in your birth chart, which affects how well it can deliver results.
Avastha divides each planet’s position into five stages based on its degrees in a sign:
Bala (0–6 degrees): The planet is like an infant, with a weak influence.
Kumara (6–12 degrees): Like a teenager, moderate strength but still learning.
Yuva (12–18 degrees): Young adult stage, full of energy and best able to give results.
Vriddha (18–24 degrees): Older age, the planet’s power starts to fade.
Mritya (24–30 degrees): Near end-of-life stage, very low influence.
A planet’s Avastha shows how confidently it can do its job. For example, a planet in Yuva Avastha is active and effective, bringing clear results. In Bala Avastha, it may lack maturity and strength, so its positive effects are weaker.
Avastha also hints at mental and karmic patterns. It helps astrologers see how a planet behaves and how it blends with other chart factors.
Frequently Asked Questions About Avastha
What are Avasthas?
Avasthas refer to the different states of a planet, which can influence how a planet manifests its effects in a birth chart.
What are the age-related Avasthas?
The age-related Avasthas are Saisava (child), Kumara (adolescent), Yuvana (youth), Vriddha (old), and Mrita (dead). These are determined by a planet's degree within a sign and are reversed in even and odd signs.
What are the alertness-related Avasthas?
The alertness-related Avasthas are Jaagrita (awake), Swapna (dreaming), and Sushupta (asleep). These are determined by the planet's placement by sign.
What are some mood-related Avasthas?
Some mood-related Avasthas are Lajjita (ashamed), Garvita (proud), Kshudhita (hungry), Trishita (thirsty), Mudita (delighted), and Kshobhita (agitated). These are determined by planet placements and relationships with other planets.
What are activity-related Avasthas?
There are 12 activity-related Avasthas, known as the Sayanaadi Avasthas. These are calculated using a formula that includes the planet's constellation, planetary index, Navamsa position, Moon's constellation, Ghati at birth, and Lagna sign.