COMBUSTION (ASTANGATA, DAGDHA, MOUDYA) & ITS IMPLICATIONS

It is said in the classics that a planet would be more powerful when

they are radiant. If you look at the zodiac, the point rising in the
horizon is called ascendant (the first house) and the point at mid
heaven is called the 10th house. The belt of zodiac from ascendant
to descendant across the 10th house is called visible half of the
zodiac. 10th is regarded as most powerful kendra. Similarly, a
special muhurta when sun transits in the mid heavens is called
Abhijit. The results of Abhijit muhurta is beyond the scope of this
article. When a planet is opposite to Sun, it would be visible when
the sun sets and also when the sun rises. A planet in such a
condition is said to be auspicious. When a planet comes closer to sun, it would set and
rise along with sun and hence are lusterless. Such a position is called combustion.
Combustion is caused due to certain longitudinal distances from Sun and it is necessary
that both Sun and the combust planet be in the same sign. Combustion is deemed to be
bad at it would rob away the effects of the planet. The combustion distance varies from
planet to planet. Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn come at distance of 17, 14 (12
when retrograde), 11, 10 (8 when retrograde) and 15on either side of Sun, they are
subjected to combustion. On the other hand, when the planets come close to Moon, it is
called Samagama. In Prashna chart, association of Moon with the significator implies
quick and pleasing results. Nodes do not have combustion as they are not radiating
planets but merely mathematical points. Generally speaking, combustion is a phenomena
most talked about in muhurtas (election astrology) than natal horoscopy - as if the
combust planets hit at the person for selecting a combust muhurta and spare the man
born in combust circumstances! Uttara Kalamrita says, " (Natural) Benefic planets if
combust, lose their potency, while (natural) malefics become more mischievous".
If you look into your Panchanga (Indian conventional Ephemeris), you will find that
suitable muhurtas for inauguration of house, business expansion, marriage etc., would not
available during the period of combustion. Combustion goes by several names - asta or
moudya, astangata and dagdha. Moudya means foolishness. Astangata and dagdha mean
'burnt up'. That means the combust planet would behave like a fool during this period as
so the name.
Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra says," If ascendant lord is in debilitation, combustion or in
enemy sign, there will be diseases. (Sloka 1-2, "Effects on Tanu Bhava). This stanza
highlights the importance of combustion in natal horoscopy. There are two only
moudhyas which have been given importance of Venus and Jupiter. When Jupiter is
combust, Upanayana (reborn-ceremony) is not conducted. Unfortunately the other planets
do not enjoy such respect! On the similar argument, when Mercury is combust, you
panchanga should have mentioned that certain days as not good for education, journalism
and court dealings. When Saturn is combust, it should have told you not to take up a
labour contract!
A combust Venus is supposed to cause losses in business. This means when you go to
buy a pair of shoes you will meet loss, the shop keeper also incurs losses. Losses and
losses everywhere. Since Mercury and Venus move close to Sun, the phenomenon
happens frequently, say every year. In that case, it is wise to examine the trading activities
during that time. In my humble experience, such period of combustion marked in the
Panchanga has not brought about slacking trade activities, divorces etc., It is possible
that you will not loose any amount nor the shop keeper gains - as the shops could closed
due to various natural or national causes. Such a situation, as viewed from the national
fiscal point, is not good at all! Yes, when combustion is going on, it is possible we get
across such a time. However, the distance of combustion should be taken as 3 20' or less

on either side of Sun. It is wise not to do any business transaction, conduct marriages,
house warming ceremonies during that time.
"If the planets forfeit their strength as a result of combustion the native will enter the holy
order, that is, he will become a saint" (sloka 5 "Ascetism Yogas" Brihat Parasara Hora
Shastra). Well, not all is bad with combustion! Suppose you have a strong Venus in the
chart, the effect of combustion is less. By combustion, the planet looses his strength to
Sun. In the event Sun is a benefic like 5th lord, 9th lord, 10th or 11th lord etc., then how
can such a combustion effect you? You will make good tidings through the significances
of Venus and the matters represented by Sun will flourish. Despite this, the natural
signficances (beauty, artistic nature, refinement of the native) would suffer due to
combustion. Other attributes should also be considered. "If 11th Lord is exalted, though
in combustion there will be many gains". (sloka 2, "Effects of Labha Bhava" -Brihat
Parasara Hora Shastra).
You need not panic that you were born when Venus was combust nor that you should not
conduct your beloved daughter's marriage during the entire period shown in your
panchanga as sukra moudhya. It is suffice to avoid the muhurtas during the time when
Venus comes close to Sun by 320' or less. Generally, in panchangas only the combustion
of only Jupiter and Venus are published. It is understandable that combustion of Mercury
is not given much importance by panchanga makers, it happens quite often! I suggest to
avoid combustion period of other planets, Mars, Mercury and Saturn for the muhurta for
the events signfiifed by these planets. In these cases also, 3 20' or less on either side of
Sun is suggested. It is prudent to view the possible results of combustion based on the
functional role of the combust planets, in addition to natural significances.