Manglik dosha

What is Manglik dosha?

Manglik (Mangal or Kuja) dosha is formed when Mars sits in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house of the birth chart. Mars is a fiery planet, and in these houses it is believed to affect marriage and married life.

It is very common: roughly half of all charts have Mars in one of these houses when counted from the Lagna, Moon or Venus, so having it is not unusual.

How is it checked?

Mars is checked from three points: the Lagna, the Moon and Venus. When Mars is in one of the six houses from the Lagna it is strongest; from the Moon or Venus it is milder. South Indian tradition usually counts the 2nd house; some North Indian traditions use only 1, 4, 7, 8 and 12.

Effects

Traditionally it is linked with delays in marriage, disagreements, a dominating temperament, or stress in married life. In practice its effect depends on Mars's sign, strength and aspects and on the whole chart.

When is it cancelled?

Classical texts give many cancellations: Mars in its own sign (Mesha, Vrishchika) or exalted (Makara); Mars in Karka or Simha for some houses; Jupiter or Venus in the Lagna or aspecting Mars; Mars conjunct the Moon or Jupiter; and when both partners are Manglik, the dosha balances.

Many astrologers also consider it weaker after the age of 28.

Remedies

Worship of Hanuman, reciting the Hanuman Chalisa and fasting on Tuesdays; chanting the Mangal mantra; donating red lentils (masoor) on Tuesdays; and, traditionally, marrying another Manglik or performing Kumbh Vivah before marriage.

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