What is Kaal Sarp Dosh? A chart is said to have it when the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn all sit on one side of the line between Rahu and Ketu. It’s a later tradition, and astrologers differ on how much weight it carries.
What it is
Rahu and Ketu always sit opposite each other. When the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn all fall on one side of that line, the chart is said to have Kaal Sarp. The early classical texts don’t name it, so a careful astrologer reads it along with the rest of the chart.
The 12 types
They are named after serpents, by the house Rahu is in:
| Rahu in house | Type |
|---|---|
| 1 | Anant |
| 2 | Kulik |
| 3 | Vasuki |
| 4 | Shankhpal |
| 5 | Padma |
| 6 | Mahapadma |
| 7 | Takshak |
| 8 | Karkotak |
| 9 | Shankhachud |
| 10 | Ghatak |
| 11 | Vishdhar |
| 12 | Sheshnag |
What families do
The usual remedy is a Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja, best known at Trimbakeshwar near Nashik. Rudrabhishekam and worship on Nag Panchami are also common. Families who can’t travel have the puja done at home.
Have your chart read first
Sources
- Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, for Rahu, Ketu and the houses. It doesn’t name Kaal Sarp Dosh, which is a later tradition.
Pujas for Kaal Sarp Dosh
Questions devotees ask us
Is Kaal Sarp Dosh real?
Astrologers disagree. It isn’t named in the earliest texts, but it’s widely followed today. A pandit can tell you if it applies to your chart.
Where is the puja done?
Trimbakeshwar is the best known place, but it can also be done at home with a verified pandit.