Signs, Dignity and Dasha Years
| Graha | Own signs | Exalted | Debilitated | Dasha years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Surya (Sun) | Singh | Mesh (10°) | Tula (10°) | 6 |
| Chandra (Moon) | Kark | Vrishabh (3°) | Vrishchik (3°) | 10 |
| Mangal (Mars) | Mesh, Vrishchik | Makar (28°) | Kark (28°) | 7 |
| Budh (Mercury) | Mithun, Kanya | Kanya (15°) | Meen (15°) | 17 |
| Guru (Jupiter) | Dhanu, Meen | Kark (5°) | Makar (5°) | 16 |
| Shukra (Venus) | Vrishabh, Tula | Meen (27°) | Kanya (27°) | 20 |
| Shani (Saturn) | Makar, Kumbh | Tula (20°) | Mesh (20°) | 19 |
| Rahu | None | Traditions differ | Traditions differ | 18 |
| Ketu | None | Traditions differ | Traditions differ | 7 |
Rahu and Ketu
Rahu and Ketu are the two points where the orbit of the Moon crosses the apparent path of the Sun. They are always exactly opposite each other and move backwards through the zodiac. They are treated as Grahas because their position carries interpretive weight, especially in eclipses and in the Vimshottari Dasha sequence.
Benefic and Malefic Grahas
Traditionally Jupiter and Venus are natural benefics, and Mercury is benefic when associated with benefics. The Moon is considered benefic when waxing. The Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are natural malefics. In practice, a planet's results depend on its sign, house, aspects and Dasha, so this classification is a starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the nine Grahas?
The nine Grahas are the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are the lunar nodes and are not physical bodies.
What is the difference between a Graha and a planet?
Graha means one that seizes or influences. It includes the Sun and Moon and the two lunar nodes, which Western usage does not call planets.