Mahadasha vs Antardasha vs Transits: Which One Actually Controls Your Destiny?

While checking your horoscope predictions online or in the newspaper, you might have come across terms like mahadasha, antardasha, and transits. These terms might sound a bit confusing, but they play a significant role in influencing your major life events. Shani Mahadasha, for instance, brings substantial changes in your life. For lowering its effects, the blue sapphire stone is worn as an ultimate remedy. But which one actually controls your destiny? Let's explore this:   

What is Mahadasha?

Mahadasha is the main planetary period in Vedic astrology. Every person goes through a fixed sequence of Mahadashas in their lifetime. The Mahadasha term is fixed. For instance, the hardest Saturn Mahadasha lasts for 19 years. If Saturn in your birth chart is exalted, then it will give positive results. Read More: Shani Mahadasha Phases and Remedies  

On the contrary, if it is afflicted, then it will give negative results.  Mahadasha does not give daily events. It only shows what type of phase you are passing through. You can say Mahadasha decides the background of your destiny. Learn More: Which Mahadasha Is Best? Discover the Most Powerful Planetary Period for Success

Role of Antardasha

Antardasha is the sub-period inside Mahadasha. Antardasha periods are shorter and can last a few months or a few years. A good Antardasha can give relief even in a tough Mahadasha. If Antardasha is a good planet, then it will give good results.   

For instance, Shani Mahadasha Budh Antardasha lowers the adverse effects of Shani. This is because both Budh and Shani have planetary compatibility. Mahadasha of good (Shubh) planets like Jupiter has a sound impact on one’s life. Antardasha of Shani in Jupiter Mahadasha gives mixed results because both are neutral to each other. Read More in our blog: Jupiter Mahadasha Shani Antardasha Effects and Remedies

What Are Transits?

Transits are the current movement of planets in the universe. These are not fixed from birth like Mahadasha. Transits keep changing every month and year. Transits act like triggers. Even if your chart promises something, it may not happen until the right transit supports it. For example, Jupiter transit can give career growth, while Saturn transit over the Moon can cause mental pressure.    

A planet provides you with good results during transit only when it is exalted in your birth chart. Wearing the right gemstone for the transit offers you great benefits. One can wear a yellow sapphire stone for Jupiter transit if the planet is exalted in the birth chart. Read More: Jupiter Transit May 14, 2025: Effects and Remedies

Which One Actually Controls Destiny?

Mahadasha controls your life events. It plays a significant role in your life and gives both good and bad results. Jupiter Mahadasha makes you rich as it is the shubh planet (auspicious) amongst all the nine planets.   

It is to be noted that Mahadasha in its own Nakshatra gives the best results. For instance, Shani Mahadasha in its own Nakshatra, that is, Uttara Bhadrapada, gives unexpected results. This year, Shani Mahadasha is in its own Nakshatra, and this will be great for those who have exalted Shani in their birthchart. 

To conclude, Mahadasha, Antardasha, and Transit all have specific importance in an individual’s life. One can deal with these life events easily by wearing the associated gemstones. Going through any of these destiny drivers, consult Navratan for astrological advice and gemstone recommendations.