Vargas and Vedic Cosmology: Linking Divisional Charts to the Concept of “Loka” (Planes of Existence)
by Katya Faris, MA, MA
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Introduction
In Vedic astrology (Jyotish), the concept of Vargas (divisional charts) provides a profound framework for understanding the multidimensional aspects of human life. These divisions are not merely mathematical constructs but are deeply connected to Vedic cosmology, particularly the concept of Lokas—planes of existence that span the material, subtle, and causal realms.
This article explores the relationship between Vargas and Lokas, demonstrating how each divisional chart corresponds to a specific plane of existence and influences different dimensions of life.
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Understanding Vargas (Divisional Charts)
Vargas are sub-charts derived by dividing the zodiac signs into precise segments. The most commonly used Vargas include:
- Rasi (D-1) – The natal chart representing the physical body and material life.
- Hora (D-2) – Wealth and sustenance.
- Drekkana (D-3) – Siblings, courage, and innate talents.
- Chaturthamsha (D-4) – Happiness, property, and fortune.
- Saptamsha (D-7) – Progeny and creativity.
- Navamsha (D-9) – Marriage, dharma, and spiritual evolution.
- Dasamsha (D-10) – Career, power, and social status.
- Dwadasamsha (D-12) – Parents and ancestral karma.
- Shodasamsha (D-16) – Vehicles, comforts, and hidden fortunes.
- Vimshamsha (D-20) – Spiritual practices and divine grace.
- Chaturvimshamsha (D-24) – Higher education and learning.
- Saptavimshamsha (D-27) – Strengths and weaknesses in health.
- Trimsamsha (D-30) – Misfortunes and karmic struggles.
- Khavedamsha (D-40) – Past life influences.
- Akshavedamsha (D-45) – General well-being.
- Shashtyamsha (D-60) – Overall karmic refinement.
Each Vargas represents a specific layer of existence, aligning with the cosmic planes (Lokas) described in Vedic scriptures.
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Vedic Cosmology: The Concept of Lokas
According to Vedic cosmology, the universe is structured into 14 Lokas (7 higher and 7 lower), representing different planes of consciousness and existence. These Lokas are:
Higher Lokas (Urdhva Lokas) – Spiritual Planes
- Satya Loka – Realm of ultimate truth (Brahma).
- Tapah Loka – Realm of penance (ascetics and sages).
- Jana Loka – Realm of divine beings and enlightened souls.
- Mahar Loka – Realm of great sages (immortality).
- Svarga Loka – Heaven (Indra’s realm, temporary paradise).
- Bhuvar Loka – Astral plane (Pitris and subtle beings).
- Bhur Loka – Earthly plane (physical existence).
Lower Lokas (Adho Lokas) – Subterranean Realms
- Atala Loka – Realm of materialism and deception.
- Vitala Loka – Realm of ghosts and dark forces.
- Sutala Loka – Realm of great wealth but suffering.
- Talatala Loka – Realm of demonic beings.
- Mahatala Loka – Realm of serpents and lower entities.
- Rasatala Loka – Realm of oppression and fear.
- Patala Loka – Netherworld (deepest darkness).
Each Loka corresponds to a level of consciousness, from the gross (Bhur Loka) to the divine (Satya Loka).
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Linking Vargas to Lokas
The divisional charts (Vargas) reflect these planes of existence, mapping different aspects of life to their corresponding Lokas. Below is the alignment:
| Varga (Divisional Chart) | Corresponding Loka | Significance |
| Rasi (D-1) | Bhur Loka | Physical body, material life, and earthly experiences. |
| Hora (D-2) | Bhuvar Loka | Wealth, sustenance, and subtle financial energies. |
| Drekkana (D-3) | Svarga Loka | Courage, siblings, and divine blessings. |
| Chaturthamsha (D-4) | Mahar Loka | Happiness, property, and higher comforts. |
| Saptamsha (D-7) | Jana Loka | Children, creativity, and lineage. |
| Navamsha (D-9) | Tapah Loka | Dharma, marriage, and spiritual growth. |
| Dasamsha (D-10) | Satya Loka | Career, authority, and soul mission. |
| Dwadasamsha (D-12) | Pitri Loka (Ancestral plane) | Parents, past karma, and ancestral blessings. |
| Shodasamsha (D-16) | Atala Loka | Vehicles, luxuries, and material illusions. |
| Vimshamsha (D-20) | Tapah Loka (Higher) | Spiritual practices and divine grace. |
| Chaturvimshamsha (D-24) | Jana Loka | Higher learning and wisdom. |
| Saptavimshamsha (D-27) | Mahar Loka | Strengths, weaknesses, and karmic health. |
| Trimsamsha (D-30) | Rasatala Loka | Misfortunes, hidden enemies, and suffering. |
| Khavedamsha (D-40) | Patala Loka | Deep karmic debts and past life influences. |
| Akshavedamsha (D-45) | Bhuvar Loka (Balanced) | General well-being and subtle harmony. |
| Shashtyamsha (D-60) | Satya Loka | Ultimate karmic refinement and liberation. |
Key Insights:
- The higher divisional charts (D-9, D-20, D-24, D-60) correspond to higher Lokas, indicating spiritual evolution.
- The lower divisional charts (D-30, D-40) relate to lower Lokas, revealing karmic struggles and obstacles.
- The middle Vargas (D-1 to D-16) govern material and social life, aligning with Bhur to Svarga Lokas.
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Practical Applications in Jyotish
By studying Vargas in relation to Lokas, an astrologer can:
- Assess spiritual progress (Navamsha, Vimshamsha).
- Identify karmic blockages (Trimsamsha, Khavedamsha).
- Understand material success (Dasamsha, Hora).
- Evaluate health and longevity (Saptavimshamsha).
- Determine past life influences (Khavedamsha, Shashtyamsha).
Example:
- A strong Navamsha (D-9) indicates alignment with Tapah Loka, suggesting spiritual discipline.
- Afflictions in Trimsamsha (D-30) may indicate suffering linked to Rasatala Loka, requiring remedies.
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Conclusion: The Cosmic Blueprint
The Vargas are microcosmic reflections of the Lokas, providing a holistic map of existence—from material life to spiritual liberation. By understanding this connection, Jyotish becomes not just a predictive tool but a guide for soul evolution, helping individuals navigate their journey through the cosmic planes.
Thus, Vedic astrology and cosmology are inseparable, revealing the divine order encoded in the birth chart.
