Planetary Conflicts (Yuddha)

Planetary conflicts (Yuddha) occur when two planets come into close conjunction or apparent contact in the sky. According to Vedic astrology, these conflicts have significant effects on kingdoms, peoples, and natural phenomena on Earth.

The planets move in orbits lying one over another, but due to great distance, they appear to move on one even surface. According to the degree of their apparent approach, there are four kinds of conflicts as described by the ancient sages.

Four Types of Planetary Conflicts

Bheda (Occultation)

One planet completely hides or occludes another

Effects: Rains will fail and discord will prevail among friends and powerful families

Ullekha (Grazing)

Planets graze or brush past each other

Effects: Danger from the sword, dissensions among royal councillors and dearth of food

Amsu-mardana (Clashing of Rays)

The rays of two planets clash against each other

Effects: War between kings and desolation by sword, disease and famine

Apasavya (Passing Southward)

One planet passes another moving southward

Effects: Hostile encounters between monarchs

Planetary Classifications in Conflict

Akranda (Ally Coming to Rescue)

Planets: Sun (when in meridian), Moon (always)

When hurt: destroys kings coming to rescue. When victorious: bestows victory

Paura (King Staying in Town)

Planets: Sun (when in east), Mercury, Jupiter, Saturn

When hurt: destroys kings staying in town. When victorious: bestows victory

Yayee (King Marching Off)

Planets: Sun (when in west), Mars, Ketu, Rahu, Venus

When hurt: destroys marching kings. When victorious: bestows victory

Indicators of Defeat and Victory

Signs of Defeat

  • Standing south
  • Rough appearance
  • Quivering motion
  • Retrograding without contact
  • Small size
  • Mounted upon (eclipsed)
  • Unnatural appearance
  • Without brilliance
  • Colorless

Signs of Victory

  • Large size
  • Glossy appearance
  • Brilliant rays
  • Radiant glow

Specific Conflict Effects

Victor PlanetDefeated PlanetEffects on Earth
JupiterMarsBahlikas, chieftains marching off and people living by fire will be destroyed
MercuryMarsSurasenas, Kalingas and Salwas will suffer
SaturnMarsKings staying in town will be victorious, but subjects will come to grief
VenusMarsGranaries, Mlechchas and Kshatriyas will suffer
MarsMercuryTrees, rivers, ascetics, Asmakas, kings, northerners, and persons performing sacrifices will suffer
JupiterMercuryBarbarians, Sudras, thieves, rich men, citizens, Trigarthas and Parvateeyas will suffer; earthquake will occur
SaturnMercurySailors, soldiers, aquatic products, rich men and pregnant women will suffer
VenusMercuryFires will break out and corn, clouds and marching kings will be ruined
VenusJupiterKulutas, Gandharas, Kaikayas, Madras, Salwas, Vatsas, Vangas, cows and corn will be destroyed
MarsJupiterMiddle country, kings and cows will suffer
SaturnJupiterArjunayanas, Vasathees, Yaudheyas, Sibis, and Brahmins will suffer
MercuryJupiterBarbarians, truthful men, swordsmen and the middle country will be ruined
JupiterVenusMarching chieftain will meet his end; discord between Brahmins and Kshatriyas; no rain; Kosalas, Kalingas, Vangas, Vatsas, Mathsyas, middle country people, eunuchs and Surasenas will suffer
MarsVenusCommandants of armies will be slain and kings will wage war
MercuryVenusParvateeyas will be lost; no milk-supply and rain will be scarce
SaturnVenusForemen of corporations, military men, Kshatriyas and aquatic animals will be afflicted
VenusSaturnPrices soar up; snakes, birds, and proud men suffer
MarsSaturnTangana, Andhra, Udra, Kasi and Bahleeka countries will come to grief
MercurySaturnAngas, merchants, birds, cattle and elephants suffer
JupiterSaturnCountries where women predominate, Mahishakas and Scythians will be afflicted

Important Principles

  • When two planets at conjunction are radiant, large and glossy, they are said to be in love with each other, and the same will be the case with the parties denoted by them.
  • In the contrary case (when they are not radiant), they destroy those who belong to their own party.
  • If it cannot be made out whether a conflict or conjunction is taking place due to indistinctness, the effects concerning the potentates on earth are said to be equally uncertain.
  • The more any planet is stricken, the more will it ruin all that belongs to its department.