In Vedic astrology, an Upagraha (also known as an Aprakashaka Graha) is a secondary, shadow planet that possesses no physical mass, visible body, or light. The word is derived from Sanskrit, where Up means secondary or subsidiary, and Graha means planet or grasper.
While we can physically see planets like Mars or Saturn in the night sky, Upagrahas are purely mathematical and astronomical points in space. Because they are invisible to the human eye and do not emit light, classical astrological texts call them Aprakashaka (luminous-less or dark). Despite being completely invisible, they exert a powerful, subtle karmic influence over your birth chart, acting as micro-triggers for major life events, sudden obstacles, or unexpected blessings.
How Are Upagrahas Formed?
Upagrahas are not formed by cosmic dust or planetary collisions. Instead, they are born out of precise mathematical divisions of time and solar calculations. Ancient sages like Parashara mapped their positions using two completely different methods, dividing them into two distinct groups:
1: Sun-Based Shadow Planets
The first five Upagrahas—Dhuma, Vyatipada, Parivesha, Indrachapa, and Upaketu—are calculated directly by adding specific mathematical degrees to the position of the Sun at the exact moment of your birth.
Because they are derived mathematically from the Sun (the source of all life and light), they represent the hidden “shadows” cast by your soul’s ego. The formula to calculate them flows sequentially from one to the next:
| Upagraha | Formula / Method | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Dhuma Spashta | Sun Position + 4 Rashi 13° 20′ | Sun 01R 00° 00′ + 4R 13° 20′ = 05R 13° 20′ |
| Vyatipada Spashta | 12 Rashi – Dhuma Spashta | 12R 00° 00′ – 05R 13° 20′ = 06R 16° 40′ |
| Parivesha Spashta | Vyatipada Spashta + 6 Rashi | 06R 16° 40′ + 06R 00° 00′ = 12R 16° 40′ (or 00R 16° 40′) |
| Indrachapa Spashta | 12 Rashi – Parivesha Spashta | 12R 00° 00′ – 00R 16° 40′ = 11R 13° 20′ |
| Upaketu Spashta | Indrachapa Spashta + 0 Rashi 16° 40′ | 11R 13° 20′ + 00R 16° 40′ = 12R 00° 00′ (or 00R 00° 00′) |
| Surya Spashta | Upaketu Spashta + 1 Rashi | 00R 00° 00′ + 1R 00° 00′ = 01R 00° 00′ (Original Sun) |
2. Time-Based (Gulika)
- Most Crucial Shadow Planet: Among the time-based Upagrahas, Sage Parashara gives primary importance to Gulika.
- The Cruelest Malefic: The text states that among all malefic planets (Paapgrahas), Gulika (along with Mandi, the son of Saturn) is considered the cruelest and a great sinner (Kruratam aur Mahapaapi).
- Key Role in Life Events: It holds immense significance when analyzing death or fatal periods (Marak Vichar). However, its placement can also deeply impact or modify the combinations for wealth and power (Rajyoga).
How Gulika’s Formed
- The 8-Part Rule: The total duration of the day (Dinman – from sunrise to sunset) or the night (Ratriman – from sunset to sunrise) is divided into 8 equal parts. Each part is called an Ashtamansh.
- Daytime Calculation Rule: The parts are counted sequentially starting with the ruling planet of that specific weekday.
- Nighttime Calculation Rule: The counting starts from the 5th weekday lord relative to the birth day (e.g., if born on a Wednesday night, you start counting from Sunday’s lord).
- The Precise Moment of Gulika: Gulika rises at the exact moment Saturn’s part (Shani Khanda) begins within those 8 divided blocks of time.
Let’s assume a child is born on a Sunday during a perfect 12-hour day.
- Sunrise: 6:00 AM
- Sunset: 6:00 PM
- Total Day Duration: 12 Hours (or 720 minutes)
Step 1: Divide the day into 8 equal parts
We divide the 12 hours of daytime by 8:
- 12 Hours ÷ 8 = 1.5 Hours (1 Hour and 30 Minutes) for each part.
Step 2: Assign the parts to the planets
Since the birth happened on a Sunday, the first part starts with the Sun, and we follow the natural order of the days of the week. Remember, the 8th part is always blank.
Part 1 (Sun): 6:00 AM to 7:30 AM
Part 2 (Moon): 7:30 AM to 9:00 AM
Part 3 (Mars): 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM
Part 4 (Mercury): 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM
Part 5 (Jupiter): 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM
Part 6 (Venus): 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM
Part 7 (Saturn): 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Part 8 (Blank): 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (The 8th part has no ruler because there are only 7 weekdays)
Step 3: Find the time of Gulika
Gulika is the “son of Saturn,” so it rises at the exact moment Saturn’s part begins.
Looking at our list, Saturn’s part starts at exactly 3:00 PM. Therefore, Gulika rises at 3:00 PM on this day. An astrologer would then look at which zodiac sign was rising on the eastern horizon at 3:00 PM to mark the exact position of Gulika in the birth chart.
Summary Table for Sunday Birth (Daytime)
| Part | Ruling Planet | Start Time | End Time | Gulika Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sun | 06:00 AM | 07:30 AM | |
| 2 | Moon | 07:30 AM | 09:00 AM | |
| 3 | Mars | 09:00 AM | 10:30 AM | |
| 4 | Mercury | 10:30 AM | 12:00 PM | |
| 5 | Jupiter | 12:00 PM | 01:30 PM | |
| 6 | Venus | 01:30 PM | 03:00 PM | |
| 7 | Saturn | 03:00 PM | 04:30 PM | Gulika Rises at 03:00 PM |
| 8 | None (Blank) | 04:30 PM | 06:00 PM |
Upagraha House Placement Effects
| House | Gulika | Dhoom | Paat / Vyatipaat | Parivesh | Indrachap | Upaketu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sickly, Lustful, Troubled | Brave, Clear – visioned, Stubborn, Cruel, Angry | Sorrowful, Cruel, Cunning | Learned, Truth – loving, Fortunate | Faultless, Wealthy, Respected | Skillful in work, Happy |
| 2 | Sorrowful, Shameless, Addictive, Poor | Sickly, Wealthy, Govt. worries, Impotent | Sufferer of bile / phlegm diseases, Liar, Wicked | Detached, Happy, Religious | Educated & Humble, Wealthy | Eloquent Speaker, Poet, Happy |
| 3 | Beautiful, Detached, Popular, Respected | Brave, Wise, Sweet – spoken, Wealthy | Popular, Wealthy, Fearless, Firm Opinions, Rajyog | Beautiful, Loving, Respectful | Miserly, Artist / Art – lover, Selfish | Sickly, Loss of wealth, Narrow – minded |
| 4 | Sickly, Lacks happiness, Wind / Bile disorders | Family breakdown, Sorrowful, Master of scriptures | Disease, Grief, Misfortune, Worries about children | Humble, Few enemies, Music lover | Respected, Wealthy, Free from disease | Virtuous, Happy, Pure (Satvik) |
| 5 | Troubles through spouse, Poor, Prone to accidents | Few children & less wealth, Arrogant, Characterless | Sickly, Harsh, Good – looking, Poor, Mindful of social shame | Wealthy, Loved by all, Principled | Farsighted, Success everywhere | Enjoys comforts, Talented, Artist / Art – lover |
| 6 | Enthusiastic, Free from enemies, Healthy | Healthy, Strong, Famous, Radiant | Strong, Lover of scriptures, Peaceful, Skillful | Altruistic / Charitable, Fortunate | Prosperous, Successful, Destroyer of enemies | Sharp – minded, Harm from mother’s side (Maternal) |
| 7 | Dependent on spouse, Selfish | Lustful, Poor, Lacks radiance, Attracted to other’s spouse | Sufferer through spouse, Untrustworthy, Abandoned | Few children, Diseased, Cruel | Virtuous, High Authority, Loved by all | Fond of beautiful women, Speculator / Gambler |
| 8 | Greedy, Sorrowful, Angry, Poor | Supporter of truth, Disagreeable / Unpleasant, Enthusiastic | Eye defects, Blood disorders, Harsh – spoken | Peaceful, Healthy, Patient | Miserable / Distressed, Servant, Lustful | Family breakdown, Defeated |
| 9 | Many hardships, Weak body, Looks gentle from outside | Wealthy, Respected, Blessed with complete family | Famous, Businessman, Has good friends, Sweet – spoken | Learned, Happy, Affectionate, Wealthy | Famous, Learned, Ascetic / Spiritual | Altruistic / Charitable, Religious appearance |
| 10 | Has sons, Happy, Believer in God (Theist), Hardworking | Complete family, Supporter of truth, Religious | Prosperous, Peaceful, Wise, Learned | Artist / Art – lover, Happy, Jealous | Famous, Wealthy, Happy | Happy, Fortunate, Fond of women |
| 11 | Rajyog, Altruistic / Public – welfare worker, Prestigious | Humble, Artist / Art – lover, Attractive, Fond of music | Wealthy, Fond of luxuries, Truthful, Keeps their word | Virtuous, Wise, Prone to digestive issues | Knowledge of mantras & scriptures, Short – tempered | Wealthy, Continuous income, Skillful |
| 12 | Lazy, Physically disabled, Bad company | Merciless, Cunning, Slave to habits | Angry, Sudden financial losses, Secret conflicts | Heavy expenses, Wandering nature, Insomnia | Wandering tendencies, Wasteful habits, Restless | Isolated, Chronic restlessness, Hidden deeds |
The Rule of Interpretation (Golden Rule)
The Maharishi (Great Sage) has stated that the results of these Aprakashaka Grahas (invisible shadow planets) are bound to be experienced by a person.
If benefic (auspicious) planets are placed together with them, or if benefic planets cast an aspect (Drishti) on them, the negative or inauspicious results mentioned in the charts are reduced. It is clear that the presence or aspect of positive planets enhances their auspicious results.
The actual results experienced by a person depend on the specific house placement (Bhav Sthiti) of these Aprakashaka Grahas, combined with a careful assessment of the strength and weakness (Balabal) of the planets that aspect them or form a conjunction with them.