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The detailed version of this article is featured in the book ‘Important Yogas in Vedic Astrology Part-2’.
Raj Lakshana Yoga
According to prevalent definition of Raj Lakshana Yoga in Vedic astrology; if in a horoscope, Jupiter, Venus, Moon and Mercury are all placed in Kendra houses (1st, 4th, 7th and 10th), Raj Lakshana Yoga is formed in the horoscope. This Yoga can bless the native with good results related to health, beauty, money, wealth, prosperity, luxuries, reputation, fame and many other things.
In real practice, Raj Lakshana Yoga is not seen producing such good results when only the aforementioned condition is met. Hence some other condition should be met in order for this yoga to be formed effectively in a horoscope. Looking at this condition, at least three of these four planets should be functionally benefic in the horoscope under consideration for this yoga. If two or more than two of off these planets are functionally malefic in the horoscope; this yoga may not be formed.
Taking an example, suppose benefic Jupiter is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Scorpio and Mercury is placed in the first house in Aquarius along with Moon and benefic Venus. Moon is malefic in this horoscope. In general, Mercury is partly benefic and partly malefic in horoscopes with Aquarius ascendant. In this case, Raj Lakshana Yoga may not be formed in the horoscope though the primary condition is met. This is because two out of four planets are duly or partly malefic. The concept of a planet being partly benefic and partly malefic has been explained in the book ‘Pitra Dosh – Ancestors are Calling (Revised Edition)’.
Taking another example, suppose benefic Jupiter is placed in the first house of a horoscope in Pisces and benefic Mercury is placed in the seventh house in Virgo. Benefic Moon is placed in the tenth house in Sagittarius and malefic Venus is placed in the fourth house in Gemini. In this case, Raj Lakshana Yoga may be formed since three out of these four planets are benefic.
Considering another example, suppose benefic Mercury is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Gemini along with benefic Venus; and benefic Jupiter is placed in the seventh house in Pisces along with benefic Moon. In this case, an even better version of Raj Lakshana Yoga may be formed since all four of these planets are benefic.
Once the formation of Raj Lakshana Yoga is confirmed in a horoscope, the next factor to check is its strength. The strength of this yoga is calculated through the placements of planets involved in its formation in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of other benefic and malefic planets on them. The overall theme of horoscope and running times (Mahadashas) also affect the strength of this Yoga.
Taking an example, suppose benefic Mercury is placed in the tenth house of a horoscope in Gemini, in Capricorn navamsha of Ardra nakshatra; along with benefic Venus in Taurus navamsha of Punarvasu nakshatra. Suppose benefic Jupiter is placed in the seventh house in Pisces, in Scorpio navamsha of Uttarabhadrapada nakshatra; along with benefic Moon in Cancer navamsha of Poorvabhadrapada nakshatra. In this case, all four planet are comfortable in their respective nakshatras and they are strong in navamshas. Hence strong Raj Lakshana Yoga may be formed.
Looking at the running times; when Mahadashas (planetary periods) of malefic planets are in effect; benefic effects of Raj Lakshana Yoga may reduce. When Mahadashas of benefic planets other than the ones involved in the formation of this yoga are in effect; benefic effects of this yoga may increase. When Mahadashas of the planets involved in the formation of Raj Lakshana Yoga are in effect; the native may witness maximum benefits through this yoga. For instance; in the recent example, the native may benefit the most during Mercury Mahadasha, Jupiter Mahadasha, Moon Mahadasha and Venus Mahadasha.
Himanshu Shangari