Divisional Charts (Vargas)
Unlocking the Layers of the Soul’s Journey
In the sacred tradition of Sanatana Dharma, the soul’s journey is not linear—it is layered, cyclical, and deeply karmic. The Jyotisha Shastra, one of the six Vedangas, offers a divine lens to perceive these layers through the Varga system, or Divisional Charts. These charts are not mere mathematical constructs; they are spiritual maps that decode the subtle vibrations of karma, dharma, and moksha.
The Varga System: A Cosmic Microscope
The Rishi Parashara, in his magnum opus Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, introduces the concept of Shodasha Vargas—16 divisional charts that dissect the soul’s journey across various domains of life.
Vargāṇām ṣoḍaśaṁ proktaṁ jñeyaṁ tattva-vivecane
The sixteen Vargas are to be known for the discernment of truth.
Each Varga reveals a dimension of existence—from physical vitality (D1 Rāśi) to wealth (D2 Hora), courage (D3 Drekkana), marriage (D9 Navāmsha), and spiritual liberation (D20 Vimshāmsha). These charts are not separate; they are interwoven threads of the same cosmic tapestry.
Sanatana Dharma and the Soul’s Blueprint
In Sanatana Dharma, the soul (Ātman) is eternal, and its journey is governed by karma and dharma. The Krishna Yajurveda, in its mystical hymns, speaks of the layers of existence:
Yajñena yajñam ayajanta devāḥ
By sacrifice, the gods performed sacrifice.
This recursive idea of sacrifice reflects the multi-layered nature of reality, much like the Vargas. Each divisional chart is a sacrificial lens, offering a deeper understanding of the soul’s offerings and debts across lifetimes.
Navāmsha: The Chart of Dharma and Destiny
Among all Vargas, the Navāmsha (D9) holds a revered place. It is the chart of dharma, marriage, and spiritual merit. A planet well-placed in Navāmsha reflects inner strength, even if weak in the Rāśi chart.
Navāmśe balavān grahaḥ rāśi-daurbalyam apahanti
A planet strong in Navāmsha overcomes weakness in the Rāśi chart.
This principle is a testament to the soul’s resilience—that inner dharma can triumph over outer adversity.
Vimshāmsha: The Chart of Spiritual Evolution
The D20 Vimshāmsha chart is the gateway to moksha. It reveals the soul’s spiritual inclinations, past-life sādhanā, and divine grace. In the Krishna Yajurveda, the journey toward moksha is described as:
Sa yaś chāyām ātmānam veda
He who knows the shadow of the Self...
The Vimshāmsha chart is that shadow—subtle, elusive, yet profoundly revealing.
Jyotisha as a Sādhanā
For Sri Sharath Chandra Sharma, whose work at Sri Veda Gayathri Jyothishalayam is rooted in devotion and dharmic service, the study of Vargas is not just technical—it is spiritual sādhanā. Each chart is a mantra, each planet a devata, and each interpretation a dialogue with the cosmos.
Jyotiṣām ayanaṁ śāstraṁ dharmasya cakṣuḥ smṛtam
Jyotisha is the eye of dharma, the guiding scripture.
Conclusion: Reading the Soul’s Palimpsest
The Divisional Charts are like layers of a palimpsest—each revealing a deeper truth beneath the surface. Through the lens of Sanatana Dharma, Krishna Yajurveda, and Jyotisha Shastra, these charts become tools of awakening, helping seekers like Sri Sharath Chandra Sharma guide others toward clarity, purpose, and liberation.