Vishvavasu Ugadi

Radhika Kothuri 

Mar 2025

Vishvavasu Ugadi

Ugadi, also known as “Yugadi,” is derived from the Sanskrit words “yuga” (age) and “adi” (beginning), meaning "the beginning of a new age." It marks the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar and is celebrated in the southern states of India, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Karnataka. This New Year festival is observed under different names across India: Gudi Padwa in Maharashtra, Baisakhi by Punjabis, and Cheti Chand by Sindhis.

According to some texts, Lord Brahma began the creation of the universe on Chaitra Shukla Paksha Prathama, the first day of this lunar month. Other scriptures mention that Vishnu, in his Matsya Avatar (fish incarnation), retrieved the stolen Vedas from the demon Somaka and returned them to Brahma. This moment is considered the beginning of a new yuga (era).

Ugadi also marks the arrival of spring, symbolizing new beginnings, longer and brighter days, and renewed hope for prosperity. One of the festival’s key traditions is consuming Ugadi Pachadi, a mixture containing all six tastes—sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent, and spicy. This dish serves as a reminder that life is a blend of different experiences. Another significant aspect of Ugadi is the reading of the Panchanga (Hindu almanac), which provides predictions for the coming year.

Meaning of a Samvatsara

In the Hindu calendar, a cycle consists of 60 years, each named sequentially from Prabhava to Akshaya. The term Samvatsara is a Sanskrit word meaning "year." It specifically refers to one sidereal year, marked by the Sun's entry into the sign of Aries (Mesha). These 60 Samvatsaras repeat in a continuous cycle. Every 60 years, both Jupiter and Saturn align at 0 degrees in Mesha (Aries). The period during which Jupiter transits through a single zodiac sign (rashi) is also referred to as a Samvatsara or "year." Jupiter takes approximately 12 years to complete its transit through all 12 signs, while Saturn takes around 30 years.

By calculating the least common multiple of Jupiter's and Saturn's transit periods (12 and 30 years, respectively), we arrive at 60 years—the total number of Samvatsaras in the cycle. Because of this, Jupiter and Saturn have a significant influence on Samvatsaras, impacting them through their aspects, angular formations, and interactions with each other.

Ugadi Samvatsara: Vishvavasu

This year, the Ugadi Samvatsara is named “Vishvavasu,” which means "beneficent to the world" or "beneficent to the people." Vishvavasu is the 39th Samvatsara in the 60-year cycle. According to Brighu Samhita, the Vishvavasu Samvatsara brings prosperity and overall happiness to the world.

Panchanga - Navanayakas (Cabinet) for Vishvavasu Samvatsara

In this year’s Navanayaka system, the planetary rulers for various aspects of life are as follows:

  • Raju(King) : Sun
  • Mantri(Minister): Moon
  • Senadhipati( Commander-in-Chief): Sun
  • Meghadhipati(Lord of Clouds): Sun
  • Arghyadhipati (Lord of Water): Sun
  • Neerasadhipati(Lord of Disease): Mercury
  • Sasyadhipati(Lord of Agriculture): Jupiter
  • Dhanyadhipati (Lord of Grains): Mars
  • Rasadhipati(Lord of Beverages and Addictive Substances): Saturn

This year, the naturally malefic Sun holds four key portfolios, while Mars and Saturn hold one each. In contrast, the natural benefic planets hold only three portfolios.

Results of Navanayakas:

Sun – King, Senadhipati (Commander-in-chief), Meghadhipati(clouds) and Arghyadhipati (water)               

Politicians will strive to prove themselves and gain the upper hand over their rivals. They will employ various strategies to secure public support, often using religion, racism, and other divisive tactics for personal gain, keeping people engaged in political conflicts. A sudden change in leadership or administration may occur in one of the major countries.

Government leaders will make crucial decisions regarding border security, defense, and warfare, which could lead to public unrest. Tensions between nations will persist, and some past decisions made by leaders may backfire, potentially escalating into war-like situations. Inflation is also expected to rise.

The risk of fires and fire-related accidents will be higher. The summer of 2025 is predicted to be extremely hot, with rainfall lower than usual. Water-related natural disasters may cause significant disruption, particularly in South Asian countries. Additionally, waterborne diseases could pose a major health concern. Government administrations may struggle to effectively respond to and assist people during natural calamities.

 

Moon – Minister

International trade will improve.  There will be sufficient supply of herbs, spices, dairy products, and seafood. However, the prices of daily commodities will rise, causing significant inconvenience to the common people. Although oil and gas will be abundant, strained relationships between nations may disrupt the supply chain.

Guru – Sasyadhipati (Agriculture)

Farmers will earn better profits compared to previous years, and the prices of agricultural land will rise. However, due to unfavorable climatic conditions, certain grains like wheat and yellow lentils may spoil before reaching the market. Scientists will develop new cultivation techniques, and more land will be brought under agriculture. The supply of rice, spices, lentils, grains, and medicinal herbs will be abundant. The consumption of starchy, oily foods and sweets will increase, leading to growth in street-side eateries leading to ill health.

Mars – Dhanyadhipati (Grains)

Red-colored pulses, lentils, fruits, and spices will be in high demand. The prices of grains and agricultural produce will experience significant fluctuations. Import, export, and trade activities will improve; however, sudden decisions by the business community may impact both the market and the general public. Some of the businessmen may create fake commodity supply crunch, leading to less supply of grains, lentils and price hike.

Saturn – Rasadhipati (Beverages & Addictive Substances)

Materialism will become more prevalent, with people prioritizing wealth over other values. Alcohol and drug addiction will rise across all social classes, from the rich to the poor. The market will see an influx of new drugs and liquor, leading to an increase in substance abuse, including among women. Anti-social elements will gain control over the alcohol and drug trade.

Social media addiction among youth will escalate, leading to wasted time and a surge in online influencers and hate commenters. Issues such as insomnia, substance abuse, and extramarital affairs will rise. Additionally, arms and ammunition will become more accessible, further contributing to law and order concerns. A decline in responsibility and awareness among the younger generation is likely.

Mercury – Neerasadhipati (Diseases)

Lethargy and procrastination will be common among youth. The rise in food adulteration will lead to endemic stomach ailments. Stress levels will increase, causing frequent headaches and anxiety. Waterborne diseases will spread rapidly, resulting in widespread infections. The consumption of fast food and street food will also rise. Inflation will place significant financial pressure on individuals, contributing to higher rates of anxiety and depression.