Vimshottari timing
Mahadasha gives your Kundli a timeline.
A birth chart is static; Vimshottari Dasha adds a sequence of planetary periods. Ritvi tracks Mahadasha and Antardasha so chart interpretation can include the longer chapter you are currently moving through.
01The definition
What is Mahadasha?
Mahadasha is the major-period layer of the Vimshottari Dasha system, a 120-year cycle divided among nine planetary lords. The starting balance comes from the Moon's birth nakshatra. Each Mahadasha contains Antardashas, which create shorter sub-periods inside the larger chapter.
01
A 120-year cycle
Vimshottari Dasha follows a fixed planetary sequence whose full set of major periods totals 120 years.
02
Moon and nakshatra matter
The Moon's position at birth determines where the person enters that fixed sequence and how much of the opening period remains.
03
Mahadasha is the long chapter
A Mahadasha can span several years and is used as a broad timing context rather than as a single-day prediction.
04
Antardasha narrows the period
Antardashas sit inside the current Mahadasha and provide a more specific sub-period for interpretation.
02How it works
How Ritvi uses Dasha timing
Timing is most useful when it is read together with the birth chart instead of treated as a standalone planetary label.
1. Compute the birth Moon
The chart calculation establishes the Moon's sidereal position and birth nakshatra.
2. Derive the Vimshottari sequence
That position determines the starting planetary period and the remaining balance at birth.
3. Identify the current periods
Ritvi can surface the current Mahadasha and Antardasha within the broader sequence.
4. Read timing with the Kundli
The period is interpreted alongside the natal chart so timing context stays connected to the person's actual placements.
03Common questions
What people usually ask about Mahadasha.
Short, direct answers to the questions that matter before you go deeper.
What is the difference between Mahadasha and Antardasha?
Mahadasha is the major planetary period; Antardasha is a shorter sub-period nested inside it.
How long is the full Vimshottari cycle?
The classical Vimshottari sequence totals 120 years across nine planetary periods.
Can Mahadasha be read without the rest of the chart?
It can be listed as a timing sequence, but interpretation is stronger when the ruling planet is read in the context of the person's Kundli.
Does Ritvi show Mahadasha timing?
Yes. Ritvi supports Vimshottari Mahadasha and Antardasha as part of its current Vedic timing features.