In Vedic astrology, planetary combinations form Yogas and Doshas in a person’s horoscope. While Yogas are favorable, Doshas are unfavorable and weaken the promise and potential of the benefic planets. This can have some negative effects on the native’s life. Some Doshas even cause fear and panic. But when you understand what the Dosha is all about and why it occurs, the fear may reduce.
Malefic planets in the Kundli can have unexpected and harmful impacts on one’s life. Kundli, or birth chart, shows how the planets were positioned when you were born. If the place and time of birth are known, one can identify the Yogas Doshas in the Kundli. Many Doshas cause difficulties and blockages in your life. They often bring other challenges as well. But there are remedies to reduce their negative effects and improve your life.
This article explores some of the major Doshas in Vedic astrology and their effects on your life.
Mangal Dosha
Cause: Placement of Mangal/planet Mars in certain houses
It is a very common Dosha and causes many problems. It is also called Kuja Dosha or Chevvai Dosham. It occurs when Mars is in an unfavorable position.
If Mars is found in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house in a birth chart, it causes Mangal Dosha. Some South Indian astrologers feel that Mars in the 2nd house also causes this Dosha.
It affects the native’s married life mainly. There may be frequent fights and arguments between the couple.
Kaal Sarp Dosha
Cause: Placement of all the planets between Rahu and Ketu
This is a notorious Dosha in Vedic astrology and one of the most feared. It makes a person’s life very difficult. As all the other planets are hemmed in by the malefic planets, Rahu and Ketu, the promise of the good planets, too, may not be experienced by the native. It often brings many setbacks and bad luck.
Nadi Dosha
Cause: Difference in the Nadi in the Kundlis of a potential couple
Nadi is one of the 8 factors matched by astrologers in the Ashtakoota method during Kundli Milan (horoscope matching for marriage). Aadi, Madhya, and Antya are the 3 Nadi subtypes. Nadi carries the maximum points of 8 Gunas, so it is the most important.
Nadi Dosha occurs when the Nadis of the potential couple are incompatible. It causes complications with children and many marital problems.
Pitru Dosha
Cause: Placement of the Sun/Moon concerning Rahu/Ketu
The placement of Saturn and Rahu in the birth chart, along with the Sun or Moon, forms Pitru Dosha. It indicates the karmic obligations of one’s ancestors. This Dosha occurs due to the ancestor’s bad deeds and unsatisfied souls that cannot find peace.
This Dosha causes pain and suffering to the native. Its effects will manifest in their personal life, family dynamics, and their interactions with people. The conjunction or aspect of the Sun or Moon to Rahu or Ketu in the natal chart leads to Pitru Dosha. If this conjunction happens in the 1st, 5th, 8th, or 9th house, it is very dangerous.
Guru Chandal Dosha
Cause: Placement of Jupiter with Rahu/Ketu
Guru (Jupiter) is a wise planet and the most powerful, but its combination with Rahu and Ketu is not good. It can bring many problems if it conjoins with Rahu or Ketu. Jupiter and Rahu's combination is the most problematic.
With Sun and Mars, Rahu also forms Surya Chandal Dosha and Mangal Chandal Dosha. But the Guru Chandal Dosha brings great instability. The conjunction of Jupiter and Rahu/Ketu can overshadow the positive effects of Jupiter. But it can affect the wealth, education, and optimism of the native.
Grahan Dosha
Cause: Eclipses and Placement of Sun/Moon
Grahan Dosha occurs when one is born at the time of a solar eclipse or lunar eclipse. In this case, the Sun or the Moon in the Kundli will be in conjunction with either Rahu or Ketu.
Grahan Dosha is a powerful Dosha. It impacts your life in many ways. It can hinder progress and make you frustrated with your life. There may be some family issues and problems related to children and childbirth.
Shani Dosha
Cause: Placement of Saturn in the birth chart
Though many fear Shani Dosha, Saturn does not always bring bad effects.
Shani Dosha manifests in 3 different forms - Sade Saati, Shani Dhaiya, and Mahadasha of Shani. This Dosha causes problems only if Saturn is malefic in your chart.
The placement of Shani, known as Yoga Karak, in a chart and its exaltation decrease the chances of the native suffering the adverse effects of Shani Dosha. However, the native may encounter many problems if a malefic Saturn moves over the first, second, or twelfth houses during its transit.
