What is Shadbala?
Shadbala (षड्बल) means "Sixfold Strength" in Sanskrit. It is a sophisticated system in Vedic Astrology to measure the functional power of planets in a birth chart.
Even if a planet is exalted, it may be weak in Shadbala — and vice versa. A planet with high Shadbala delivers strong results, while low Shadbala weakens its influence.
The 6 Types of Shadbala
The method used to calculate the total shadbala seems simple but is difficult in its own way. First of all, the astrologer would analyse the six balas or factors of all the planets and would obtain a score called ‘virupa’. Now, the total score or virupa would be divided by 60. The result obtained would be known as the ‘Rupa’. Here are the minimum requirements for a planet to be considered a ‘strong’ planet in someone’s kundali.
| Type | Sanskrit | Meaning | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Sthana Bala | स्थान बल | Positional Strength | Exaltation, Debilitation, Mooltrikona, Own Sign, Vargottama |
| 2. Dig Bala | दिक् बल | Directional Strength | Sun/Jupiter in 10th, Moon/Mars in 4th, etc. |
| 3. Kala Bala | काल बल | Temporal Strength | Day/Night, Paksha Bala, Tribhaga Bala |
| 4. Chesta Bala | चेष्टा बल | Motional Strength | Retrograde = High, Combust = Low |
| 5. Naisargika Bala | नैसर्गिक बल | Natural Strength | Sun > Moon > Venus > Jupiter > Mercury > Mars > Saturn |
| 6. Drik Bala | दृक् बल | Aspect Strength | Benefic aspects (+), Malefic aspects (-) |
Example: Sun in Aries (10th House)
- Sthana Bala: Exalted → High
- Dig Bala: 10th House → Full 60 Rupas
- Chesta Bala: Direct motion → Moderate
- Total Shadbala: ~480 Rupas → Very Strong
Result: Native becomes a powerful leader, government official, or celebrity.
Case Study: Amitabh Bachchan
DOB: 11 Oct 1942, 15:00, Allahabad
Moon in Libra (Debilitated) but Shadbala = 420 Rupas due to:
- Strong Dig Bala in 4th house
- Benefic aspects from Jupiter & Venus
- High Chesta Bala (near Sun)
Despite debilitation, Moon gave massive fame, emotional depth, and public love.
Test Your Knowledge: Shadbala MCQ
1. Which planet gets full Dig Bala in the 10th house?
2. Which Bala is based on day/night birth?
Conclusion
Shadbala is the backbone of accurate prediction in Vedic Astrology. Always check planetary strength before judging results.A "good" Shadbala score is any score that meets or exceeds the minimum requirements for a planet to be considered strong. These minimums are 390 Virupas for the Sun, 360 for the Moon, 300 for Mars, 420 for Mercury, 390 for Jupiter, 330 for Venus, and 300 for Saturn. A score higher than the minimum indicates a "very strong" planet.