Avastha is the Sanskrit word which means dignity or condition. Planets move around in the zodiac over different constellations. The mood of the planet changes over different points in the zodiac while transiting.

The knowledge of the avasthas is very important in determining the strength of the planet to deliver the result. The results of the corresponding avasthas are more prominent in the periods of Dasa and Bhukti of the said planet. There are five different categories to assess the state of the planet which helps in prediction. They are:

--> Baladi Avasthas - Based on the position in terms of degrees in a sign

--> Jagratadi Avasthas - Based on the alertness of the planet

--> Deeptadi Avastha - Based on the position in a chart

--> Lajjitadi Avasthas - Based on the association with other planets

--> Sayanadi Avasthas - Based on the position over the constellation

Baladi avasthas

These are based on the degree of the planets in a sign. Each sign will have 30 degrees. There are five avasthas in this category for every six degrees attained in a sign. The names have been chosen just like human progression. They are - Bal (infant), Kumar (youthful), Yuva (adolescent), Vriddha (old), and Mrit (dead). In odd signs, these states are arranged in ascending order at the rate of 6 degrees. So if a planet is within 6 degrees in a sign, then it is said to be in an infant state. From 6 to 12 degrees, it will be in a youthful state, and so on. In even signs, these states are reversed at the rate of 6° as shown in the below table

Jagratadi Avasthas

Jagratadi avasthas are related to alertness of the planets. These states are based on the position of the planets in a sign which depends upon the friendship and enmity between them. There are three different states under Jagratadi avasthas.

• Jagrata (Awakening) Avastha

  When a planet is in exaltation or in its own house then it is said to be in Jagratavastha. Such a planet will give full results. All the desires related to that planet will be fulfilled.

• Swapna (Dreaming) Avastha

  A planet is friendly or in neutral sign. Planet in swapna avastha can give only a 50%-70% result. The native will gain the karakatwas of the planet with much effort or he will only get 60% for the effort.

• Sushupti (Sleeping) Avastha

  Planet will be in debilitation sign or in enemy house. The result from such a planet will be ‘Nil’ or sometimes it will act negatively.

Also Read: Karakas or Planetary Significations in Vedic Astrology

Deepthadi Avasthas

Deepthadi avasthas are related to attitude of the planets.These are based on the position of a planet in a chart. There are 9 avasthas under this group. They are:

• Deepta or Padeepta (blazing) Avastha

  Planet in deep exaltation point or in exaltation house Result - 100% good results from the planet can be expected. The accomplishment of objective, fame, gain in all kinds, blessed with wealth, fortune, happiness, victory over enemies, etc.

• Sukhita (Happy) Avastha

  Planet in Moolatrikona house. Result - 80% good. Planet in sukhita avastha will give happiness, wealth, possession of the land, and vehicles

• Swastha (Healthy) Aastha

  Planet is in its own house Result - 75% good. Result in sound health, gain from government, education, fame.

• Mudita (delighted) Avastha

  When the planet is in friendly sign. Result - 60% good. Such a planet gives happiness from children, wealth, a calm mind, interested in religious matters, etc

• Shanta (Calm) Avastha

  It is also called as Ativeerya Avastha. When the planet is in benefic Vargas or in a temporary friend or in shubhakartari position. Result - 50% good. Honour, Promotion, Prosperity

• Shakta (capable) Avastha or Veeryavastha

  If a planet is in neutral sign or retrograde or arohi planet. Result - 40% good. Acquisition of vehicles, favors from friends

• Peedita or Prapeedita Avastha

  When the planet lies between malefics (Paapa kartari), in avarohi state. Result - Failures, separation from family, friends,, frequent changes, bad results

• Deena or Dukhita Avastha

  Planets posited in inimical houses Result - Fear, pain, mystery, company of bad people

• Vikala or Kupita Avastha

  Planet in combust (astangata) or in planetary war or posited in 22nd drekkana. Result - Enemies will take over, face obstacles, unclean

• Bheeta or Atibheeta (Fear) Avastha

  Planet in atichara or stambhana or occupying dustanas Result - Depression, Sorrow, death-like situation, fearful

• Khala or Rikta Avastha

  Planet occupying debilitation sign or deep debilitation point or in malefic Vargas. Result - Constant illness, miserable life, losses etc

Also Read: Planetary Characteristics in Astrology

Lajjitadi Avasthas

Lajjitadi avasthas are based on the position of the planets associated with other planets. There are six different avasthas under this group.

• Lajjita Avastha

  If a planet is placed in a 5th house and in conjunction with Rahu, Ketu, Sun, Saturn, or Mars.

• Garvita Avastha

  If a planet is in exaltation or Moolatrikona house then it is said to be in Garvitavastha.

• Kshudhit Avastha

  Planet will be in enemy sign or conjunct with an enemy, or aspected by an enemy, or if it is in conjunction with Saturn.

• Trushit Avastha

  Here planet will be posited in a watery sign and is aspected by a malefic planet without any aspect from a benefic.

• Mudit Avastha

  If a planet is in a friendly sign or conjunction/aspected by a benefic planet or is in conjunction with Jupiter then it will be termed as in Muditavastha.

• Kshobhit Avastha

  Planet is in conjunction with Sun and is either aspected by or in conjunction with an inimical planet.

The result of bhava or house in which a planet is in Kshudhit or Kshobhit avastha is destroyed.

Sayanadi Avasthas

Sayanadi avasthas are based on the position of the planets on various nakshatras or constellations.

Method of finding avasthas under this group:

--> Note the number of the star occupied by a planet for which the avastha has to be calculated. If it is Aswini -1, Bharani - 2, Kritika - 3, and so on.

--> Multiply that number by the number denoted by the planet (1 for Sun, 2 for Moon, 3 for Mars, 4 for Mercury, 5 for Jupiter, 6 for Venus 7 for Saturn)

--> The resulting number should again be multiplied by the number of navamsas, where the planet is positioned.

--> Add the number of the birth star (nakshatra in which Moon is posited) to the above figure (1 for Aswini, 2 for Bharani, etc)

--> Add the number of ghatis of birth

--> Add the number of the sign occupied by the Ascendant (1 for Aries 2 for Taurus 3 for Gemini etc)

--> The resulting number should be divided by 12. The remainder of the calculation will indicate the corresponding avastha of the planet.

If the remainder is

1 - Sayana - resting or lying down 2 - Upavesana - Fasting 3 - Netrapani - Tears 4 - Prakasana - Shining 5 - Gamana - Going or departure 6 - Aagamana - Arrival or appearance 7 - Sabha - Assembly 8 - Agama - To go or Appearance 9 - Bhojana - Eating 10 - Nrityalipsa - Dancing 11 - Kautuka - Curious 12 - Nidra - Sleeping

Further, the sub-state of the said avastha can be found out in the following way.

Multiply the above number denoted by the avastha (1 for Sayana 2 for Upavesana etc) by itself and increase it by the figure denoted by the Anka value for the first syllable of the native’s personal name. Divide this product by 12. The resulting remainder should be further increased by constant additives of the planet. The resulting product should be divided by 3. If the remainder is 1, it is called as Drishti, if it is 2 then Chesht and if 0 then it is Vichesht.

Anka Values - 1 for a, ka, cha, ḍa, dha, bha and va, 2 for i, kha, ja, ḍha, na, ma and sha, 3 for u, ga, jha, ta, pa, ya and śa, 4 for e, gha, ṭ a, tha, pha, ra and sa, 5 for o, ca, ṭha, da, ba, la and ha.

Constant Additives of planets: Sun - 5, Moon - 2, Mars - 2, Mercury - 3, Jupiter - 5, Venus - 3, Saturn - 3 and Rahu/Ketu - 4