Divisional charts: the sixteen vargas
A Vedic birth chart is not just one chart. Classical Jyotish divides each sign into smaller and smaller parts to create a family of divisional charts, or vargas, each said to reveal one area of life in more detail. This guide introduces the sixteen vargas described by Parashara and explains how to use them sensibly.
The idea behind vargas
In a divisional chart, each 30° sign is split into a number of equal parts, and each part is mapped onto a sign of the zodiac according to a fixed rule. A planet’s position in a varga is the sign of the part it occupies. The birth chart (D1, the rashi chart) shows the overall picture; each varga “zooms in” on a particular theme, like a set of lenses focused at different depths.
The Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra lists sixteen such charts, the Shodashavarga. Other texts add more, but the sixteen are the standard set.
The sixteen vargas
| Chart | Name | Part of a sign | Traditionally read for |
|---|---|---|---|
| D1 | Rashi | 30° | The whole life; body and general outlook |
| D2 | Hora | 15° | Wealth and resources |
| D3 | Drekkana | 10° | Siblings, courage and initiative |
| D4 | Chaturthamsha | 7°30′ | Home, property and fortune |
| D7 | Saptamsha | 4°17′ | Children and creativity |
| D9 | Navamsha | 3°20′ | Partnership, dharma and the inner strength of planets |
| D10 | Dashamsha | 3° | Career, status and achievements |
| D12 | Dwadashamsha | 2°30′ | Parents and ancestry |
| D16 | Shodashamsha | 1°52′30″ | Comforts, vehicles and happiness |
| D20 | Vimshamsha | 1°30′ | Spiritual practice and devotion |
| D24 | Chaturvimshamsha | 1°15′ | Learning and education |
| D27 | Saptavimshamsha (Bhamsha) | 1°06′40″ | Strengths, weaknesses and stamina |
| D30 | Trimshamsha | unequal | Challenges and how they are met; character |
| D40 | Khavedamsha | 0°45′ | Maternal lineage and general auspiciousness |
| D45 | Akshavedamsha | 0°40′ | Paternal lineage and conduct |
| D60 | Shashtiamsha | 0°30′ | Past karma; a fine check on every matter |
How some vargas are calculated
Hora (D2)
In Parashara’s method, each sign is halved. In odd signs the first half belongs to the Sun (Leo) and the second to the Moon (Cancer); in even signs the order is reversed. So every planet lands in either Leo or Cancer in the D2. Some astrologers use a different, “parivritti” hora that cycles through all twelve signs.
Drekkana (D3)
Each sign is split into three 10° parts. The first goes to the same sign, the second to the 5th sign from it and the third to the 9th — the three signs of the same element. A planet at 15° Taurus falls in the second drekkana, which is Virgo.
Navamsha (D9)
Nine parts of 3°20′, starting from Aries for fire signs, Capricorn for earth signs, Libra for air signs and Cancer for water signs. Each navamsha equals one nakshatra pada. See our full guide to the Navamsa.
Dashamsha (D10)
Ten parts of 3°. In odd signs counting starts from the same sign; in even signs it starts from the 9th sign from it.
Trimshamsha (D30)
The D30 is unusual: its parts are unequal and ruled by the five non-luminary planets. In odd signs the divisions are Mars (5°), Saturn (5°), Jupiter (8°), Mercury (7°) and Venus (5°); in even signs the order is reversed. Each part maps to a sign owned by that planet.
Grouping the vargas and Vimshopaka strength
Classical texts group the charts into sets — the Shadvarga (six charts), Saptavarga (seven), Dashavarga (ten) and Shodashavarga (sixteen). A planet’s dignity across a set is combined into a score called Vimshopaka bala, out of 20. A planet that is in its own sign or exaltation in many vargas is considered well supported, even if it looks modest in the birth chart. The same idea underlies vargottama, where a planet occupies the same sign in D1 and D9.
Birth time sensitivity
The finer a division, the more an error in birth time matters. The ascendant moves through a sign in about two hours on average, so:
- the D9 ascendant changes roughly every 13 minutes;
- the D10 ascendant roughly every 12 minutes;
- the D60 ascendant roughly every 2 minutes.
Planets move more slowly — the Moon covers a D60 part in about an hour, the Sun in about half a day — but the varga ascendants and house positions are very time-sensitive. Unless your birth time is known to the minute, the high divisional charts (D16 and above) should be read lightly, if at all.
How astrologers use them
A common approach is to start with the D1 to see whether a theme is promised, then check the relevant varga for detail, and finally use dashas for timing. For career, for example, an astrologer might look at the 10th house of the D1, then the D10 ascendant, its lord and the planets in its 10th house. Many practitioners rely mainly on the D1, D9 and D10, and treat the others as supporting evidence.
Where opinions differ
- Calculation methods — several vargas, including the Hora, Drekkana and higher charts, have more than one published method.
- Whole charts or positions? — some astrologers read each varga as a full chart with its own houses; others use vargas only to judge the dignity of planets.
- Reliability — given birth-time uncertainty, many caution against detailed claims from the high vargas.
Our divisional charts calculator draws all sixteen vargas from your birth details, and the Navamsa calculator focuses on the D9. A wider overview is included in the kundli report.
Frequently asked questions
Which divisional chart is most important?
After the birth chart, the Navamsa (D9) is universally given the most weight, followed by the D10 for career.
Why does my D60 change when I adjust my birth time slightly?
Each D60 part is only half a degree wide, which the ascendant crosses in about two minutes. Small time changes therefore move the D60 ascendant.
Does KP astrology use vargas?
No. KP replaces divisional charts with the sub lord system. See KP sub lords.