Yogas & Doshas

Kaal Sarp Dosha

काल सर्प दोष • Kala Sarpa Dosha

Kaal Sarp Dosha forms when all seven planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu, creating a pattern of struggle, delays, and eventual transformation.

What is Kaal Sarp Dosha?

Kaal Sarp Dosha (Kala Sarpa Dosha, काल सर्प दोष) — Kaal Sarp Dosha forms when all seven planets are hemmed between Rahu and Ketu, creating a pattern of struggle, delays, and eventual transformation.

Kaal Sarp Dosha (or Kaal Sarp Yoga) occurs when all seven visible planets (Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn) are positioned on one side of the Rahu-Ketu axis in the birth chart. This creates a 'serpent's grip' pattern where life may involve recurring obstacles, delays in success, sudden ups and downs, and intense karmic lessons. There are 12 types of Kaal Sarp Dosha named after different serpents (Anant, Kulik, Vasuki, etc.), depending on which house Rahu occupies. Notably, some astrologers view this as a Yoga (positive formation) rather than a Dosha, as it can also produce extraordinary success after initial struggles — many famous leaders and achievers have this pattern.

Examples

Anant Kaal Sarp Dosha — Rahu in 1st house, Ketu in 7th — affects self and partnerships.
Many successful politicians and leaders had Kaal Sarp Dosha, achieving greatness after early struggles.
The Dosha is considered active only during Rahu or Ketu's Mahadasha or Antardasha periods.

Practical Application

If Kaal Sarp Dosha is present, the native should be patient with delays and persistent through obstacles. Remedies include Kaal Sarp Puja at Trimbakeshwar, Rahu-Ketu mantras, and donating items associated with Rahu.

Common Misconceptions

Kaal Sarp Dosha is debated — some authorities don't recognize it as a classical Dosha since it's not mentioned in ancient texts.
It doesn't mean a life of only suffering — many celebrities and successful people have this formation.
If even one planet is outside the Rahu-Ketu axis, the full Dosha doesn't form.

Related Terms

Doshaदोष
Grahaग्रह

More Yogas & Doshas Terms

YogaयोगDoshaदोषMangal Doshaमंगल दोषRaj Yogaराज योगGajakesari Yogaगजकेसरी योग

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Kaal Sarp Dosha?

Kaal Sarp Dosha forms when all 7 planets are on one side of the Rahu-Ketu axis. It indicates karmic challenges, delays, and eventual transformation. There are 12 types depending on Rahu's house position.

Is Kaal Sarp Dosha very bad?

It's challenging but not devastating. It typically brings delays and struggles in early life, followed by significant success later. Many prominent leaders and achievers had this formation in their charts.

How to check for Kaal Sarp Dosha?

In your birth chart, check if all 7 planets (excluding Rahu and Ketu) fall between Rahu and Ketu on one side. If even one planet is on the other side, the full Dosha doesn't form.

What are the remedies for Kaal Sarp Dosha?

Primary remedies include the Kaal Sarp Puja (especially at Trimbakeshwar), chanting Rahu and Ketu mantras, donating to serpent temples, wearing Gomed after consultation, and performing Nag Panchami rituals.