Kuja Dosha and its effects

A simple survey shows that as many as 90% of the people in the Universe will be under the influence of Kuja
Dosha. Every one of us, at one time or the other, will hear about Kuja. The word is more prominently heard
when horoscopes of the bride and bridegroom are studied before their marriage. Unfortunately, in almost all of
the cases, we tend to be very much worried about the presence of the Kuja dosha in the natal charts that we
begin to feel that certain things in life, such as marital life for instance, will get disturbed or worse they are
deprived of. Before we proceed further, it is important for us to be clear that Kuja is not a matter to be afraid of
and it is not the end of the world for them. Matters pertaining to the intensity of the Kuja Dosha and its
cancellation play major roles and we shall attempt to study about Kuja, Kuja dosha and various related aspects.

About Kuja
'Kuja' means 'burning coal' or 'a fair person'. Kuja is identified with Lord Kartikeya - the God of War. He is the
son of Lord Shiva. Kartikeya was born with six heads. He killed the invincible demon Taraka and released the
Devas from Taraka's oppression. These qualities of Kuja depict strength, courage and the protective quality of
Kuja. Thus, Kuja is known as the protector of dharma and the purpose in life, which each of us follow.
Another notion of Kuja is that 'Ku' stands for 'Earth' and 'Jha' means 'birth'. Hence, Kuja will mean 'the son of
Earth'. He is brought up by six Krutika stars resulting with six faces because he is fed by six star mothers. That
is reason why he is also called Shanmuka.

Kuja dosha in horoscope

One of the biggest misconceptions and fears in the Hindu society with respect to marriage is the presence of
Kuja Dosha in the natal horoscope. Kuja dosha occurs, when Kuja is placed in the ascendant, 4th, 7th, 8th or
12th house of the natal chart. However, majority of the astrologers include the 2nd house also in the Kuja dosha
list. People in whose natal chart Kuja is placed in the above positions are under the influence of Kuja.
Kuja is considered to be a commander-in-chief among all planets. It symbolizes immense courage, aggression,
vitality, confidence and warrior qualities. It drives the fire of independent spirit and sense of purpose among
individuals.

Notions about Kuja dosha:

Some of the most common misconceptions about the planet Kuja is that if a person is born on a Tuesday, he is
said to be dominated by Kuja. This, however is not true. Kuja in his own house or exaltation will considerably
reduce the ill effects of the Kuja Dosha. The most famous misconception about being a Kuja is that if he/she is
married to a non-Kuja, then the spouse is bound to die. The above can be seen in a few cases, where Kuja is
severely afflicted; overall strength of the horoscope also needs to be checked.

Common effects with respect of Kuja in the natal chart

Kuja in the first house - quarrelsome on even minor issues; combative and dominating in relationship.
Kuja in the 2nd house - harsh speech.
Kuja in the 4th house - aggressive emotional nature, which may effect the career-front, with frequent changes in
profession.
Kuja in the 7th house - a lot of energy; differences with family members.
Kuja in the 8th house - early death of the mate.
Kuja in the 12th - financial losses, many enemies and repressed anger.
According to Parasara's Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra, if Kuja is placed in the lagna, 4th, 7th ,8th and 12th
houses, without any aspect or conjunction of the benefit planets, then the husband of such a women certainly
have an early death. Hence it is understood that if Kuja has an aspect of a benefit or is conjunct with a benefit,
then there is no dosha.

An exception to this however exists. "If a woman with the widowhood yoga marries a man with a similar yoga of
loss of spouse, then such yoga will get cancelled." Hence the second exception given by him is that Kuja Dosha
is canceled, if both the girl and the boy have Kuja Dosha.

Exceptions to Kuja dosha

Kuja dosha gets canceled in some special conditions as defined below:
When Kuja is in its own sign Mesha, exalted Karkataka or in the houses owned by planets considered to be his
friends viz., Ravi, Guru and Chandra.
If Kuja is in the 2nd house, but in the signs of Mithuna or Kanya.
If Kuja is in the 4th house, but in Mesha
If Kuja is in the 7th house, but in Karkataka or Makara.
If Kuja is in the 8th house, but in Pisces.
If Kuja is in the 12th house, but in Vrushaba or Tula.
For Karkataka and Simha lagnas, Kuja is a yoga Karkataka and so no dosha wherever it is placed.
For Kumba lagna, if Mars is in the 4th or 8th house.
If benefic Guru or Sukra occupies the ascendant.
If Kuja is in conjunction or aspected by Guru or Chandra.
If Kuja is in conjunction or aspected by Ravi, Budha, Sani or Rahu.
Kuja Dosha is considerably reduced, if Sani aspects the houses owned by Kuja, but subject to the other
planetary positions in the natal chart. Remember that even if a person has severe Kuja Dosha, after the age of
28, the effects of Kuja Dosha are reduced.

General remedies to Kuja dosha

People who are afflicted with severe Kuja Dosha should marry a person having the same quantum of Dosha. Also
such people should worship Lord Hanuman daily, by reciting Hanuman Chalisa. They should visit the temple of
Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays. Another remedy is to keep an idol of Kesariya Ganapati in the pooja room and
worship Him everyday.

Hanuman Chalisa
Shri Guru Charan Saroj Raj
Nij mane mukure sudhar
Varnao Raghuvar Vimal Jasu
Jo dayaku phal char
Budhi Hin Tanu Janike
Sumirau Pavan Kumar
Bal budhi Vidya dehu mohe
Harahu Kalesa Vikar
Jai Hanuman gyan gun sagar
Jai Kapis tihun lok ujagar
Ram doot atulit bal dhama
Anjani-putra Pavan sut nama
Mahavir Vikram Bajrangi
Kumati nivar sumati Ke sangi

Kanchan varan viraj subesa

Kanan Kundal Kunchit Kesa
Hath Vajra Aur Dhuvaje Viraje
Kandhe moonj janehu sajai
Sankar suvan kesri Nandan
Tej pratap maha jag vandan
Vidyavan guni ati chatur
Ram kaj karibe ko aatur
Prabu charitra sunibe ko rasiya
Ram Lakhan Sita man Basiya
Sukshma roop dhari Siyahi dikhava
Vikat roop dhari lanka jarava
Bhima roop dhari asur sanghare
Ramachandra ke kaj sanvare
Laye Sanjivan Lakhan Jiyaye
Shri Raghuvir Harashi ur laye
Raghupati Kinhi bahut badai
Tum mam priye Bharat-hi sam bhai
Sahas badan tumharo yash gaave
Us kahi Shripati kanth lagaave
Sankadik Brahmadi Muneesa
Narad Sarad sahit Aheesa
Yam Kuber Digpal Jahan te
Kavi kovid kahi sake kahan te
Tum upkar Sugreevahin keenha
Ram milaye rajpad deenha
Tumharo mantra Vibheeshan mana
Lankeshwar Bhaye Sub jag jana
Yug sahastra jojan par Bhanu
Leelyo tahi madhur phal janu
Prabhu mudrika meli mukh mahee
Jaladhi langhi gaye achraj nahee
Durgaam kaj jagat ke jete
Sugam anugraha tumhre tete
Ram dware tum rakhvare,
Hoat na agya binu paisare
Sub sukh lahai tumhari sarna
Tum rakshak kahu ko dar na
Aapan tej samharo aapai
Teenhon lok hank te kanpai
Bhoot pisach Nikat nahin aavai
Mahavir jab naam sunavai
Nase rog harai sab peera
Japat nirantar Hanumant beera
Sankat se Hanuman chudavai
Man Karam Vachan dyan jo lavai
Sub par Ram tapasvee raja
Tin ke kaj sakal Tum saja

Aur manorath jo koi lavai

Sohi amit jeevan phal pavai
Charon Yug partap tumhara
Hai persidh jagat ujiyara
Sadhu Sant ke tum Rakhware
Asur nikandan Ram dulhare
Ashta sidhi nav nidhi ke dhata
Us var deen Janki mata
Ram rasayan tumhare pasa
Sada raho Raghupati ke dasa
Tumhare bhajan Ram ko pavai
Janam janam ke dukh bisravai
Anth kaal Raghuvir pur jayee
Jahan janam Hari-Bakht Kahayee
Aur Devta Chit na dharehi
Hanumanth se hi sarve sukh karehi
Sankat kate mite sab peera
Jo sumirai Hanumat Balbeera
Jai Jai Jai Hanuman Gosahin
Kripa Karahu Gurudev ki nyahin
Jo sat bar path kare kohi
Chutehi bandhi maha sukh hohi
Jo yah padhe Hanuman Chalisa
Hoye siddhi sakhi Gaureesa
Tulsidas sada hari chera
Keejai Das Hrdaye mein dera
Pavantnai sankat haran,
Mangal murti roop.
Ram Lakhan Sita sahit,
Hrdaye basahu sur bhoop.

Are you a Manglik?

There is nothing wrong in being a Manglik. Mangliks are normal people. Most importantly,
Mangliks should realize that being a Manglik is not a matter to be afraid of; it is not the end
of the world for them. Matters pertaining to the intensity of the Manglik Dosha and its
cancellation play major roles and these are to be studied deeply.
By Gaurav Sharma
One of the biggest misconceptions and fears in the Hindu society with respect to marriage is the
presence of Mars Dosha or Kuja Dosha in the horoscope. Mars dosha occurs, when Mars is placed in the
ascendant, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house of the natal chart. However, majority of the astrologers include
the 2nd house also in the Mangal dosha list. People in whose natal chart Mars is placed in the above
positions are called Mangliks.
Planet Mars in Vedic Astrology
Planet Mars is considered to be a commander-in-chief among all the other planets. It symbolizes
immense courage, aggression, vitality, confidence and warrior qualities. It drives the fire of
independent spirit and sense of purpose among individuals. Mars is also known as Angaraka and Kuja,
meaning the burning coal and the fair one respectively. He rules over the two sidereal signs of Aries

and Scorpio. He is exalted in Capricorn and fallen in the opposite sign of Cancer.
Mars is identified with Lord Kartikeya, the god of war. He is the son of Lord Shiva. Kartikeya was born
with six heads and he killed the invincible demon Taraka, releasing the Devas from Taraka's
oppression. The above depict the valour, strength, courage and the protective quality of Mars. Thus,
Mars is known as the protector of dharma and the purpose in life, which each of us follow.
Misconceptions about Manglik Dosha
Some of the most common misconceptions about the planet Mars is that if a person is born on a
Tuesday, then he is said to be a Manglik or Mars-dominated native. But it is not true. Another
misconception is "double Manglik Dosha" , which is a term being used by many astrologers. There is no
such term as "Double Manglik Dosha" , which refers to Mars being in any of the above mentioned
houses and also in its own sign or in exaltation. On the contrary, Mars in own house or exaltation will
considerably reduce the ill effects of the Manglik Dosha. The most famous misconception about being a
Manglik is that if he/she is married to a non-Manglik, then the spouse is bound to die. The above can
be seen in a few cases, where Mars is severely afflicted; overall strength of the horoscope also needs to
be checked.
Marriage and Manglik Dosha
Manglik Dosha is primarily considered at the time of marriage. Many people consider Manglik Dosha as
a bad yoga and are reluctant to marry the persons, who have the dosha, even if the dosha is cancelled
in the birth chart. The nature of the troubles in marriage absolutely depends on the nature of Mars in
the natal Chart and the Navamsa Chart (D-9). Also the birth chart's overall strength should be
assessed, especially regarding aspects from any benefic planets on the 7th house and 7th lord.
Another factor influencing the Manglik Dosha is the age of the person at the time of marriage. Mars is
said to have a maturity age of 28. For a Manglik person, the malefic effects of Mars reduce after the
age of 28.
Common effects attributed to Mars with respect to its position in the natal chart:

Mars in the first house - quarrelsome on even minor issues; combative and dominating in
relationship.
Mars in the 2nd house - harsh speech.
Mars in the 4th house - aggressive emotional nature, which may effect the career-front, with
frequent changes in profession.
Mars in the 7th house - a lot of energy; differences with family members.
Mars in the 8th house - early death of the mate.
Mars in the 12th - financial losses, many enemies and repressed anger.

Sage Parasara's Explanation:

Parasara's Brihat Parasara Hora Shastra, chapter 81, verse 47 quotes the following:
"If Mars is placed in the lagna, 12th, 4th, 7th and 8th houses, without any aspect or conjunction of the
benefic planets, then the husband of such a woman will certainly have an early death."
Hence it is understood that if Mars has an aspect of a benefic or is conjuct with a benefic, then there is
no dosha. In verse 48, he has given the other important exception as follows:
"If a woman with the widowhood yoga marries a man with a similar yoga of loss of spouse, then such
yoga will get cancelled."
Hence the second exception given by him is that Mangal Dosha is cancelled, if both the girl and the boy
have Mangal Dosha.

Exceptions to Mangal Dosha

Mangal Dosha gets cancelled in some special conditions as defined below:

When Mars is in its own sign (Aries, Scorpio) , exalted (Capricorn) or in the houses owned by
planets considered to be his friends (Sun, Jupiter, Moon).
If Mars is in the 2nd house, but in the signs of Gemini or Virgo.
If Mars is in the 4th house, but in Aries or Scorpio.
If Mars is in the 7th house, but in Cancer or Capricorn.
If Mars is in the 8th house, but in Sagittarius or Pisces.
If Mars is in the 12th house, but in Taurus or Libra.
For Cancer and Leo ascendants, Mars is a yoga karaka and so no dosha wherever it is placed.
For Aquarius ascendant, if Mars is in the 4th or 8th house.
If benefic Jupiter or Venus occupies the ascendant.
If Mars is in conjunction or aspected by Jupiter or Moon.
If Mars is in conjunction or aspected by Sun, Mercury, Saturn or Rahu.

Also Manglik Dosha is considerably reduced, if Saturn aspects the houses owned by Mars, but subject
to the other planetary positions in the natal chart. Remember that even if a person has severe Kuja
Dosha, after the age of 28, the effects of Mangal Dosha are reduced.
Case Study 1: -Cancellation of Manglik Dosha

Sun, Mercury (exalted) ,Venus (debilitated) and Jupiter in the lagna.

Moon in the 2nd house.
Mars in the 4th house (sign Sagittarius).
Rahu in the 6th house.
Saturn (debilitated and retrograde) in the 8th house.
Ketu in the 12th house.

The native has a Virgo lagna with the lagna lord and the 10th lord Mercury (exalted) conjunct with the
12th lord Sun (forming Budha Aditya Yoga), Venus (debilitated but forming a Neecha Bhanga Raja
Yoga) and Jupiter (7th lord). Saturn, the 6th lord in the 8th house, is debilitated but retrograde,
thereby reducing any bad effects. Saturn's 3rd aspect falls on the 10th house, causing a delay in the
career.
Analysis of Mars in the natal Chart
Mars being present in the 4th house should have made the native Manglik, but Mars is present in a
friendly sign (Sagittarius), thereby becoming a typical case of cancellation of Manglik Dosha. But this
doesn't qualify Mars as a benefic. Mars is the lord of the 3rd and the 8th house, making it act as a
malefic. Its 4th aspect falls directly on the 7th house, thereby delaying the marriage of the native and
also creating obstacles. An interesting thing to note is that although Manglik dosha gets cancelled to a
major extent, Mars' malefic nature resulted in delay of marriage. Mars also aspects the 10th house
along with Saturn's 3rd house aspect. This resulted in a substantial delay in the native's career.
In the Navamsa chart, Mars is not present in a friendly sign (Libra) and rules the 6th and the 11th
houses, making it a malefic in the Navamsa chart also.
The native is unmarried as of now and although the reason for the delay can be attributed to malefic
Mars, it is not definitely due to Manglik Dosha. The lagna lord Mercury is strong being exalted, but it is
not able to reduce the malefic effects of Mars on the 7th house, as it is present with the 12th lord Sun.
The native in such a case need not necessarily marry a Manglik, for cancellation of the Manglik Dosha.
Case Study 2: Reduction of Manglik Dosha Effects

The native has Kala Sarpa Yoga (all the planets are hemmed in-between Ketu and Rahu), but the
yoga's effect is reduced due to Moon being present in the 7th house. The lagna lord is Venus, posited in
the 9th house conjunct with Jupiter, which is beneficial for the native. Also the lagna is aspected by
Jupiter by its 5th aspect and also by Moon from the 7th house.

Analysis of Mars in the Rasi Chart

Mars happens to be the 7th lord, also present in the 8th house. This is a case of Manglik Dosha, but a
case where the Mars' malefic effects are reduced to a certain extent. Saturn conjunct with Sun in the
10 house aspects the 7th house by its 10th aspect. (7th house is Aries ruled by Mars). This also delays
the marriage to a certain extent; such delay is also beneficial to the person, as the possibility of
marriage for the person is after 28, years which is the maturity age for Mars. Although Manglik Dosha
is not completely neutralized, malefic effects of Mars will be considerably reduced after 28 years.
Mars being the lord of the 7th house (Kendra or a Quadrant) also loses some of its malefic power.
Another aspect which needs to be studied is the strength of the lagna and lagna lord Venus. The lagna
is being aspected by Jupiter through its 5th aspect and the lagna lord is in a Trine (9th house). Hence,
there is a reduction of malefic effects of Mars, especially regarding the marital life.
Remedies for Manglik Dosha
People who are afflicted with severe Manglik Dosha should marry a person having the same quantum of
Dosha. Also such people should worship Lord Hanuman daily, by reciting Hanuman Chalisa. They
should visit the temple of Lord Hanuman on Tuesdays. Another remedy is to keep an idol of Kesariya
Ganapati (Orange-coloured Ganesha) in the pooja room and worship Him everyday.
There is nothing wrong in being a Manglik and Mangliks are normal people. Most importantly, Mangliks
should realize that being a Manglik is not a matter to be afraid of; it is not the end of the world for
them. Before marriage, it is essential to match horoscopes for the same quantum of Kuja Dosha. It is
important that the astrologer analyzing the charts for marriage for a possible Manglik Dosha should be
well-conversant with the intensity of the Manglik Dosha and its cancellation. He should see the overall
strength of the birth chart, rather than just seeing the position of Mars and predicting that the person is
having a severe Manglik Dosha.