Doshas: Chart Afflictions (缺陷)
In Vedic astrology, a Dosha is a specific planetary configuration that indicates potential difficulties or karmic patterns in a native's life. Understanding Doshas is critical for marriage compatibility (Kundali matching), remedial prescription, and life-path counseling. Unlike Western 'aspects', Doshas carry specific formation rules and well-documented cancellation (Nivarthi) conditions.
Major Doshas
- Chevvai Dosham / Manglik Dosha (செவ்வாய் தோஷம்): Mars placed in houses 2, 4, 7, 8, or 12 from Lagna, Moon, or Venus. Affects marital harmony. Cancellation rules: Mars in own sign (Aries/Scorpio), Mars in Gemini or Virgo for 2nd house, Jupiter's aspect on Mars, both partners being Manglik.
- Kala Sarpa Dosha (கால சர்ப்ப தோஷம்): All seven planets hemmed between Rahu and Ketu with no planet conjoining either node. Creates 12 types (Anant to Sheshnag) based on Rahu's house position. Indicates karmic debt from past lives, often manifesting as sudden reversals and delayed success.
- Pitru Dosha (பித்ரு தோஷம்): Sun afflicted by Rahu/Ketu or Saturn, or 9th house/lord afflicted. Indicates ancestral karmic debt requiring Pitru Tarpana (ancestor propitiation) rituals.
- Nadi Dosha (நாடி தோஷம்): Both partners sharing the same Nadi (Adi/Madhya/Antya) in marriage compatibility. Traditionally considered the most severe compatibility defect (8 points out of 36 in Ashtakoot matching).
- Grahan Dosha (கிரகண தோஷம்): Sun or Moon conjoined Rahu or Ketu. Solar Grahan (Sun-Rahu) affects father, authority, career. Lunar Grahan (Moon-Ketu/Rahu) affects mother, mind, emotional stability.
Dosha Assessment Methodology
Proper Dosha analysis requires checking from multiple reference points (Lagna, Moon, Venus for Manglik), considering sign lordship and aspects for cancellation, and evaluating the overall chart strength before prescribing remedies. A Dosha in isolation does not determine outcomes — its interaction with Dasha timing, transit triggers, and compensating Yogas must all be weighed.
Remedial Framework
Traditional remedies include gemstone prescription (Ratna), mantra recitation (Japa), charitable acts (Daana), temple worship (Archana), and Homa/Yagna (fire rituals). The specific remedy depends on the Dosha type, the afflicting planet, and the native's overall chart configuration.