Kaalasarpa (Kaal Sarp) dosha is said to form when all seven planets — Sun to Saturn — lie on one side of the Rahu–Ketu axis, between Rahu and Ketu. It has 12 named types, one for each house Rahu can occupy, from Anant (Rahu in the 1st) to Sheshnaag (Rahu in the 12th). It is a later, popular rule rather than one from Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra.
The 12 types
| Rahu in house | Ketu in house | Name | Area most read for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 7 | Anant | Self, health, marriage |
| 2 | 8 | Kulik | Money, speech, family |
| 3 | 9 | Vasuki | Siblings, courage, luck |
| 4 | 10 | Shankhpal | Home, mother, career |
| 5 | 11 | Padma | Children, studies, gains |
| 6 | 12 | Mahapadma | Debts, disputes, expenses |
| 7 | 1 | Takshak | Marriage, partnerships |
| 8 | 2 | Karkotak | Sudden events, family wealth |
| 9 | 3 | Shankhachood | Father, fortune, beliefs |
| 10 | 4 | Ghatak | Career, domestic peace |
| 11 | 5 | Vishdhar | Gains, children, friends |
| 12 | 6 | Sheshnaag | Expenses, foreign travel, enemies |
Full and partial forms
- Full: every planet strictly between Rahu and Ketu.
- Partial: one planet outside the axis, or a planet conjunct Rahu or Ketu — many astrologers treat this as weak or not present.
- Direction matters to some: planets moving from Rahu toward Ketu (in sign order) versus the reverse are read differently in some traditions.
How to judge it
Look first at the house axis Rahu and Ketu occupy, their sign lords and the running dasha. Results show mostly in Rahu or Ketu mahadasha and antardasha. Strong benefics in kendras, a strong ascendant lord or Jupiter’s aspect on the axis reduce its weight considerably. The full guide to causes is on our Kaal Sarp dosha causes and remedies page.
Remedies
- Shiva worship and the Mahamrityunjaya mantra, especially on Mondays.
- Rahu mantra Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah and Ketu mantra Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah, 108 times.
- Prayers on Nag Panchami; a Kaal Sarp shanti puja if the chart supports it.
Check your own chart
A free kundli shows your Moon nakshatra, planets and dasha. For a full reading of how this applies to you, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kaalasarpa dosha?
All seven planets lying between Rahu and Ketu on one side of the axis.
How many types of Kaal Sarp dosha are there?
Twelve, named by the house Rahu occupies — Anant, Kulik, Vasuki, Shankhpal, Padma, Mahapadma, Takshak, Karkotak, Shankhachood, Ghatak, Vishdhar and Sheshnaag.
Is Kaal Sarp dosha in BPHS?
No. It is a later, popular rule, so it should be weighed with the whole chart.
When are its effects felt?
Mostly during Rahu and Ketu dasha periods.
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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