Kaal Sarp dosha

What is Kaal Sarp dosha?

Kaal Sarp dosha (or yoga) is formed when all seven planets, from the Sun to Saturn, lie on one side of the Rahu–Ketu axis. Rahu is the head of the serpent and Ketu the tail, and the planets are said to be held between them.

How is it checked?

The positions of all planets are compared with Rahu and Ketu. If every planet falls within the arc from Rahu to Ketu (or Ketu to Rahu), the yoga is present. If even one planet is outside, it is partial or absent.

There are 12 named types according to the house of Rahu: Anant, Kulik, Vasuki, Shankhpal, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Karkotak, Shankhachud, Ghatak, Vishdhar and Sheshnag.

Effects

It is associated with struggle, delays and sudden ups and downs, especially in the dashas of Rahu and Ketu. It is not mentioned in the oldest classical texts, and many famous, successful people have it; its effect depends on the rest of the chart.

When is it weaker?

It is considered weak or cancelled when a planet is conjunct Rahu or Ketu in the same degree range, when strong benefics are in kendras, or when Rahu is in a favourable house such as the 3rd, 6th or 11th.

Remedies

Kaal Sarp puja at Trimbakeshwar or Ujjain; worship of Lord Shiva and offering milk on Mondays and Nag Panchami; chanting the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra; and chanting the Rahu and Ketu mantras.

A single placement is never read alone: sign, aspects, conjunctions, dasha and the whole chart change the outcome.