What is Paya in astrology?

By transit, all planets keep moving; when a planet changes its nakshatra or changes its sign, at that time, by studying the position of the transit Moon, a study is conducted to determine which 'paya' (foundation/footing) the changing planet is in.

There are four types of paya: Suvarna (Gold) paya, Raupya (Silver) paya, Tamra (Copper) paya, and Loha (Iron) paya; according to the significator of actions (karma karaka) of each planet, different predictions of the paya can be observed. Paya is a primary source of energy; complete predictions cannot be seen solely based on the paya. Paya is considered just an astrological indicator because the planetary combinations (graha yoga), aspectual combinations (drishti yoga), and Mahadasha-Antardasha of the entire horoscope can change the results.