Kaal Sarp (Kalsarpa) yoga forms when all seven planets lie on one side of the Rahu–Ketu axis. It has 12 types, not five, named by the house Rahu occupies: Anant (1st), Kulik (2nd), Vasuki (3rd), Shankhpal (4th), Padma (5th), Mahapadma (6th), Takshak (7th), Karkotak (8th), Shankhachud (9th), Ghatak (10th), Vishdhar (11th) and Sheshnag (12th). It is a later addition to astrology, not found in the oldest classical texts, and its effect varies widely.
How the yoga forms
All of the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn lie within the half of the chart running from Rahu to Ketu (or Ketu to Rahu). If even one planet falls outside, it is not a full Kaal Sarp; some astrologers then call it partial.
| Rahu in | Ketu in | Type | Axis of life emphasised |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st | 7th | Anant | Self, health, confidence |
| 2nd | 8th | Kulik | Family, money, speech |
| 3rd | 9th | Vasuki | Siblings, courage, luck |
| 4th | 10th | Shankhpal | Home, mother, career |
| 5th | 11th | Padma | Children, education, gains |
| 6th | 12th | Mahapadma | Enemies, health, expenses |
| 7th | 1st | Takshak | Marriage, partnerships |
| 8th | 2nd | Karkotak | Sudden events, inheritance |
| 9th | 3rd | Shankhachud | Fortune, father, faith |
| 10th | 4th | Ghatak | Career, authority |
| 11th | 5th | Vishdhar | Gains, networks, children |
| 12th | 6th | Sheshnag | Expenses, foreign lands, sleep |
Caveats
- Kaal Sarp is not described in Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra or other early texts; it became popular in later centuries.
- Many astrologers distinguish the direction: planets hemmed from Ketu to Rahu are called Kaal Amrit and read as milder or even helpful (conventions on which direction is which vary).
- Strong planets, good yogas and a strong lagna lord outweigh it.
- It is felt mainly in Rahu and Ketu dashas.
Effects and remedies
Typical themes: effort that seems to meet sudden obstacles, then breakthroughs; restlessness in the houses on the Rahu–Ketu axis. Common remedies: Shiva worship and Rudrabhishek on Mondays or Nag Panchami, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, Rahu and Ketu mantras, and charity. Expensive rituals sold out of fear are not required.
Check it in your own chart
Yogas are read together with planetary strength, the houses ruled for your lagna and the running dasha. A free kundli shows these placements; the yoga finder lists common yogas. For a full reading, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How many types of Kaal Sarp yoga are there?
Twelve, named by the house Rahu occupies — Anant (1st) to Sheshnag (12th).
Is Kaal Sarp yoga in classical texts?
It is not in the earliest classical texts; it became popular later.
Is Kaal Sarp yoga always bad?
No. Its effect depends on the rest of the chart and is often outweighed by strong planets and yogas.
What is partial Kaal Sarp?
When one planet lies outside the Rahu–Ketu half; it is read as weaker or not counted.
What are the remedies for Kaal Sarp yoga?
Shiva worship, the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, Rahu–Ketu mantras and charity.
Part of our guide: Career, Education & Life →
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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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Classical yogas in the kundli: more in this series
Trigrahi Yoga in Aquarius · Trilochana Yoga in Vedic Astrology · Tripushkar Yoga · Panch Mahapurush Yogas Explained · Ubhayachari Yoga in Vedic Astrology · Vajra Yoga in Vedic Astrology · Vasarpati Yoga: Auspicious Planetary Blessings · Vasi Yoga in Vedic Astrology · Check which yogas your chart holds