A dosha in Jyotish is a specific planetary pattern read as a weak point in the chart — for example Mars in certain houses (Mangal dosha) or all planets between Rahu and Ketu (Kaal Sarp). Most doshas have cancellations, and many charts carry one or two in mild form. Use the checklist below with your free kundli, then judge any dosha against the whole chart and the running dasha.
Birth-chart doshas
| Dosha | Quick test in your chart | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Mangal (Kuja) dosha | Mars in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th from the ascendant (also from Moon and Venus) | Mangal dosha |
| Kaal Sarp dosha | All seven planets between Rahu and Ketu | Kaal Sarp dosha |
| Chandra grahan dosha | Moon in the same sign as Rahu or Ketu | Chandra grahan dosha |
| Guru Chandal dosha | Jupiter in the same sign as Rahu | Guru Chandal dosha |
| Shrapit dosha | Saturn in the same sign as Rahu | Shrapit dosha |
| Kemadruma | No planet (except Sun, Rahu, Ketu) in the 2nd or 12th from the Moon | Kemadruma dosha |
| Punarphoo dosha | Moon–Saturn conjunction, opposition, aspect or exchange | Punarphoo dosha |
| Gandmool | Moon in Ashwini, Ashlesha, Magha, Jyeshtha, Mula or Revati | Gandmool dosh |
| Pitra dosha | Afflicted Sun, 9th house or 9th lord — rules vary | Pitra dosha |
| Kendradhipati dosha | Jupiter, Venus or Mercury ruling kendras but no trikona | Kendradhipati dosha |
Doshas checked in marriage matching
| Dosha | Rule | Read more |
|---|---|---|
| Nadi dosha | Same Nadi by birth nakshatra (0 of 8) | Nadi dosha |
| Bhakoot dosha | Moon signs 2/12, 5/9 or 6/8 apart (0 of 7) | Bhakoot dosha |
| Eka nakshatra | Both partners born in the same nakshatra | Eka nakshatra dosha |
| Rajju dosham | Birth stars in the same rajju group | Rajju dosham |
How to judge a dosha
- Cancellations first: own or exaltation sign, Jupiter’s aspect and strong kendra lords cancel or soften many doshas.
- Degrees: conjunction doshas count most when the planets are close.
- Timing: results come mostly in the dasha of the planets involved.
- Whole chart: a strong ascendant lord and Moon carry a chart through most doshas.
A note on terms
Vata, pitta and kapha are Ayurvedic doshas of the body; they are a different subject from the planetary doshas of Jyotish. Many names seen online — and some “doshas” with no classical rule behind them — should be treated with caution.
Check your own chart
Open your free kundli to see your planets by house, then go through the checklist. For a reading of the whole chart, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if I have a dosha?
Check your kundli against the one-line tests for each dosha, then look for cancellations.
Are doshas permanent?
The pattern is fixed at birth, but its effects come mainly in certain dasha periods and are often softened by the rest of the chart.
Which doshas matter for marriage?
Mangal dosha in each chart, and Nadi, Bhakoot, eka nakshatra and Rajju in matching.
Are sattva, rajas and tamas the three Jyotish doshas?
No. Those are gunas; Jyotish doshas are specific planetary patterns.
Part of our guide: Doshas & Remedies →
Want to know how this applies to your own chart? A personal reading checks the whole kundli and the dasha first.
Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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