Essentially, vargottama refers to planets occupying the same sign in Rashi chart as well as the Navmasha chart. This planet is said to give double the results during its Mahadasha, whether that is auspicious or challenging depends on what the planet signifies in your chart.
The terms “vargottama” includes two sanskrit words, “Varga” and “Uttama”. This refers to the Varga, in other words Divisional charts, that represent specific areas of life, Navamsha being the 9th division, also connected to your prosperity and married life. The second word “Uttama” means the Best. When used in vedic astrological context, is therefore the best disposition of a planet in a divisional chart.
However, in practice, this term “Vargottama” is primarily used in reference to one specific divisional (or varga) chart, known as Navamsha Division (D-9). And, it is applicable only when the planet concerned is occupying the same zodiac sign/rashi in Rashi Chart (D-1) as well as Navamsha (D-9) Chart.
For example, if the Sun is occupying Aries zodiac sign between 0 to 3:20 degrees; its disposition in Navamsha will also fall into Aries. Therefore, it will be considered as a Vargottama planet. Because the daily average movement of the Sun is around one degree, this position – Sun being Vargottama – will remain operational for around two days.
So the question is, do Vargottama planets have more power to deliver results? This depends on two factors, the dignity of the planet, i.e. if it is debilitated then it may not have that power. And second, the operating dasha of the planet, if you don’t experience this dasha, or you experience the dasha at a time when the favourable results will be irrelevant to you, then it is again an issue. For instance, you have a Vargottama Venus, and Venus rules your tenth house, but you are only getting the dasha for Venus after the age of 80. Well, perhaps by then career, image and status, are not a priority for you anymore.
Another issue is does this Vargottama planet play a supportive factor in your chart? The Vargottama disposition of a planet does make it stronger to some extent; however, this does not mean that such additional strength acquired by the respective planet, due to its Vargottama disposition, will necessarily be acting in your favour. So for instance, if you are a Cancer rising, and you have a Saturn that is Vargottama, this may harm more than protect, as Satiurn is not friendly for Cancer rising, being the planet that rules their malefic 8th house. Saturn may use the additional strength – achieved due to its Vargottama disposition – to cause more harm than it would have done without being Vargottama.
Thus, in practical terms, Vargottama means having additional potency to influence the birthchart. But, this will also depend on the other planetary influences taking place in the horoscope; and, the nature of the planet becoming Vargottama is also required to be taken into consideration.
Generally, if it is a benefic or friendly to the rising sign, then the Vargottama planet will be strong and help you with its own qualities. Or as a person, you may be displaying the qualities of your Vargottama planet. Your evident qualities will be the same qualities of your Vargottama planets. Different planet indicates different qualities. So, the nature of the Vargottama planet will change according to which planet is your power planet – your Vargottama planet. Here are some of the significators (regardless of what the planet represents to your rising) you can expect to shine with the following planets gaining vargottama status:
SUN: The Sun indicates the soul, authority, will power, ego and self-esteem. So, if your Sun is Vargottama, then you will have a lot of will power. Sun should not be in its debilitation sign Libra. Then the results can vary.
MOON: The Moon indicates the emotions, pleasure, nourishment, motherly love and happiness. When the Moon is the Vargottama planet, the qualities indicated by the Moon will be more evident in you. The Moon should not be in Scorpio, which is its debilitation.
MERCURY: Mercury indicates communication, technology, media and intelligence. If your Mercury is well placed, then you will display a sharp intellect. Debilitation can be a problem and Mercury in Pisces generally means intellect is used for wrong deeds.
VENUS: Venus indicates love, luxury, comfort, money, strength, and relationships. The Venusian qualities will be bright, if Venus is well placed. If Venus is debilitated in Virgo, then that sensuousness of Venus will be hidden or unavailable.
MARS: Mars indicates resistance, fighting spirit, valor, and vigor. Martian qualities are good when Mars is Vargottama. If it is in Cancer, then the Martian qualities will need a lot of training to be under control. The wrong use of any skill can damage your social relations.
JUPITER: Jupiter indicates wisdom, higher knowledge, higher studies, and spirituality. Jupiterian qualities will be strong and evident in your life. Jupiter, a great benefic, should not be in the sign of Capricorn.
SATURN: Saturn indicates delays, obstacles and stability. Your mind may be blocked when you find Saturn as your Vargottama. On the other hand, it means you have good stability and resistance to go through any bad event.
RAHU: Rahu indicates rebelliousness, aggression, passion and mental disposition.
KETU: Ketu indicates isolation, detachment, spirituality.
Finally, it is important to see not only the dignity and strength of the planet to give results, but also its placement in the Rashi (D-1) chart. If it is placed in the 6th, 8th, and 12th houses, there can be variations in the results. These houses are known as negative houses or dusthana houses. So, the qualities indicated by the planets can be at a different level and you have to really control that energy. This Vargottama planet should also receive good aspects to give positive results.
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