Sphutas Group A (longevity)
Vedic · Health
In Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, a set of special computed points called sphutas are derived from planetary longitudes and used as sensitivity zones. The six longevity sphutas of Group A reveal where the chart holds karmic signatures related to lifespan, disease, and bodily vulnerability.
What it is
Sphutas are arithmetic sensitive points — neither planets nor house cusps but computed coordinates derived from combinations of planetary positions. Parashara describes numerous sphutas for different life areas; those classified as Group A are specifically associated with longevity and bodily health.
Mrithyu Sphuta (death point) is derived from the 8th house and Saturn and acts as a sensitive zone for life-threatening events. Sookshma Sphuta (subtle point) relates to constitutional vitality. Vyadhi Sphuta (disease point) is specifically oriented toward illness and physical weakness. Chashishtha Sphuta relates to the cycle of time and aging. Yama Sphuta (the point of Yama, the death god) is another life-limiting sensitive coordinate. Indu Sphuta (Moon point) relates to lunar vitality and is used in longevity calculations.
These points are examined by house and sign placement and most importantly by whether malefic planets are transiting over them during a given period, which may indicate a time of heightened vulnerability.
How it is calculated
Each sphuta is calculated from a specific arithmetic formula involving planetary longitudes. For example, Mrithyu Sphuta = (longitude of 8th house cusp + longitude of Saturn) modulo 360. The exact formulas for all six Group A sphutas are prescribed in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra. Modern Jyotish software computes these automatically from the birth chart data.
What it reveals
Group A sphutas reveal constitutional health vulnerabilities, karmic life-span signatures, and the timing of health crises when activated by transit malefics or dasha lords. They are not read in isolation but as additional sensitive points that complement the main longevity analysis (Ayur calculations, 8th house, Maraka planets). Their primary use is in identifying periods of elevated health risk.
Frequently asked questions
Are sphutas used in all Jyotish traditions?
Sphutas are described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and used primarily within the Parashari school of Jyotish. Not all practitioners use them, but they form part of a comprehensive longevity analysis in the classical tradition.
Is Mrithyu Sphuta a literal death indicator?
Mrithyu Sphuta is a sensitivity point for life-threatening stress, not a literal death date predictor. Classical interpretation treats it as indicating periods of heightened vulnerability when activated by malefic transits, not as an absolute end-of-life marker.
How are sphutas different from Arabic Parts or Lots?
Both are arithmetic sensitive points, but Arabic Parts (Lots) come from the Hellenistic tradition and follow different formulas. Sphutas are described in Sanskrit Vedic texts and are specific to the Jyotish system. They are parallel concepts in different traditions, not interchangeable.
Classical sources
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra
- Phaladeepika
- Saravali
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