Jyotish: An Interactive Guide to Longevity

The Foundations of Ayurdaya

The determination of longevity (Ayu Nirnay) is the foundational step in horoscope analysis. It's not a fatalistic prediction, but a deep inquiry into the karmic map, shaped by past deeds, present actions, and the potential for divine grace.

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Primacy of Longevity

All yogas and promises in a chart materialize only if there is sufficient lifespan. Analysis must begin here.

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The Law of Karma

Lifespan is dynamic. Good karmas (actions) can extend it, while bad karmas can shorten it. Free will is paramount.

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Ethical Boundaries

Astrologers are forbidden from revealing the exact time of death, using this knowledge only for contextual analysis.

The Spans of Life (Ayu Khandas)

Jyotish categorizes lifespan into three broad sections, or Khandas. The overall strength and placement of planets in a horoscope provide the first clues to which category a native belongs. Select a lifespan below to see the general planetary indicators.

Alpa-Ayu (Short Life) Indicators

The five key longevity factors (Lagna/Lord, Moon/Lord, 8th House/Lord) are weak or ill-placed.
Benefics are in Trik Bhavas (6, 8, 12), while malefics occupy Kendras (1, 4, 7, 10) and Trikonas (1, 5, 9).
Lagna Lord is weaker than the 8th Lord, especially if the Moon is afflicted in a Trik house.
Lords of Lagna and 8th are mutually inimical (enemies).
All malefics are in Kendras or all benefics are in Apoklim (3, 6, 9, 12) houses.

Madhya-Ayu (Medium Life) Indicators

A mix of strong and weak indicators for long and short life.
Planets are generally of medium strength.
All malefics are placed in Panphar (2, 5, 8, 11) houses.
All benefics are placed in Panphar houses.
Lords of Lagna and 8th are mutually neutral.

Poorna-Ayu (Long Life) Indicators

The five key longevity factors are strong, well-placed, and receive benefic aspects.
Benefics are in Kendras (1, 4, 7, 10) and Trikonas (1, 5, 9).
Malefics are in Upachaya houses (3, 6, 10, 11), where their energy becomes productive.
The Lagna Lord is stronger than the 8th Lord.
Lords of Lagna and 8th are mutually friendly.
8th and 12th houses are vacant and free from malefic influence.

The Vulnerable Years: Childhood

The first twelve years are a critical period where a child is highly susceptible to karmic influences. Jyotish pays special attention to identifying threats (*Balarishta*) and protections (*Arishtabhanga*), as well as specific sensitive birth conditions like *Gandanta*.

Balarishta (Afflictions)

Moon in 6th, 8th, or 12th house, aspected by or conjunct malefics. This is the most critical factor as Moon represents the child's health and mother.

Malefics in angular houses (1, 4, 7, 10) from the Lagna or Moon without benefic influence can cause significant harm.

Birth when the Moon is at the junction of a water and fire sign (e.g., end of Pisces/start of Aries). Considered highly inauspicious and requires a 'Moola Shanti' remedy. Jyeshta and Moola nakshatras are particularly critical.

Arishtabhanga (Protections)

A powerful, well-placed Jupiter in the 1st house is considered the ultimate protector, said to cancel thousands of afflictions. Strong Venus or Mercury also help.

If the Ascendant Lord is strong, in a Kendra, and aspected by benefics, it creates a powerful shield for the child.

Benefics in the 6th, 7th, and 8th houses from the Lagna or Moon form a protective yoga that counters evils and promotes longevity.

Mathematical Calculation Methods

Beyond qualitative assessment, Jyotish employs several intricate mathematical systems to calculate a more specific lifespan. The choice of method depends on which is strongest: the Lagna (Amsayu), the Sun (Pindayu), or the Moon (Nisargayu). The Jaimini system offers a unique alternative.

Interactive Jaimini Ayurdaya Tool

This popular method determines the Ayu Khanda based on whether key factors fall in Movable (Char), Fixed (Sthir), or Dual (Dwiswabhava) signs. Configure the pairs below to see the result. At least two pairs must agree for a firm conclusion.

Pair 1: Lagna Lord & 8th Lord

Pair 2: Lagna & Moon

Pair 3: Lagna & Hora Lagna

Pindayu Method (Sun is Strongest)

Pindayu is a detailed accounting method where each planet contributes a number of years based on its distance from its exaltation point. The total is then subject to several reductions (*Harans*) for weakness. Nisargayu is similar but uses different base years.

Amsayu Method (Lagna is Strongest)

Considered highly accurate, Amsayu derives its base years from the Navamsa (D-9) position of planets. It uniquely applies additions (*Bharan Sanskar*) for planetary strength *before* applying reductions, rewarding dignity more heavily.

Calculate Initial Years

Convert planet's longitude to minutes and divide by 200 to get Navamsa-based years.

Apply Additions (Bharan)

Multiply years by 3 for exalted/retrograde planets, or by 2 for Vargottama/own sign planets.

Apply Reductions (Haran)

Apply deductions for combustion, being in an enemy sign, and placement in the western hemisphere of the chart.

In the case study of Indira Gandhi, this method gave the most accurate result: 67 years, 9 months.

The Final Journey: Marakas, Badhaks & Timing

The end of life is determined by a confluence of events, involving planets with killing potential (*Maraka*), obstructing potential (*Badhak*), activated by planetary periods (*Dasha*), and finally triggered by transits (*Gochar*).

Identifying Key Planets by Ascendant

Select an ascendant (Lagna) to see its specific Maraka (death-inflicting) and Badhak (obstructing) planets.

The Dasha-Gochar Synthesis

Death occurs when three conditions align:

Longevity Exhausted

The native reaches the end of their calculated Ayu Khanda (Short, Medium, or Long).

Maraka/Badhak Dasha Active

The planetary period of a Maraka or Badhak planet is running. This is the "loaded gun."

Fatal Transit Occurs

A key malefic (esp. Saturn) transits a sensitive point in the natal chart. This is the "trigger."