SARPA-DOSHA - Astrological significance & Remedies

Sarpa Dosha also known as Naga dosha has acquired lot of significance in Hindu Astrology as it is said to be caused due to Sarpa Saapa or curse of the Serpents.  Some of the major reasons that are attributed for Sarpa Saapa are said and believed to be due to the killing of snakes or its off-springs, or its eggs, abusing snakes (Sarpa dooshana or Sarpa helana), digging or dismantling of a snake bill etc… either in current or previous births that gets manifested in the form of a curse.

Affliction is caused mainly from Rahu the malefic planet who is known as Sarpa Graha. Astrologically several interpretations are given for Sarpa Dosha; they are as follows…

 Placement of Rahu in Lagna, 2nd, 5th, 7th, or 8th house;

Placement of malefic planets (Rahu; Kethu; Mars; Saturn; Sun) in three Kendra Sthanas (1, 4, 7 & 10^th house) called Sarpa Yoga; but,

Specifically, more significantly Sarpa dosha is caused due to affliction to the 5th house (Puthra Bhaava/Poorva Punya Sthaana) when,

5^th house is occupied by Rahu and associated with/aspected by Mars (Kuja) (or)

5^th house being a sign of Mars (Aries/Scorpio) and occupied by Rahu (or)

5^th lord in conjunction with Rahu and Saturn in 5^th house aspected by or associated with Moon (or)

Jupiter the Puthra Kaaraka in association with Mars and Rahu in Lagna and 5^th lord is in a dusthana (6, 8 & 12^th house) and Jupiter is weakly placed in the birth chart (or)

5^th house being a sign of Mars conjoined by Rahu and aspected by or associated with Mercury;

Association of Rahu/Kethu with 5^th house (Puthra bhaava) as said above is more significant in matters related to progeny. It is referred as Sarpa Dosha by way of curse (Sarpa-saapa) from Serpents manifested from previous births (Puthra Vighna; Janmaanthare Sarpa Saapaparah). This should not be confused with Kaala Sarpa Dosha/Yoga which is different by placement of all the planets including lagna within the axis of Rahu and Kethu.

Implications of Sarpa dosha are like, lack of or loss of progeny; delay and or aberrations/obstacles in progeny front; aberrations and obstacles in marital front; lack of prosperity and progress in life; chronic ill health; skin diseases; accidents; highly emotional temperament etc…

Suggested remedies

Time tested remedy for Sarpa Dosha (Naaga Dosha) is performance of Sarpa Shanti viz. Sarpa Samskaara + Aslesha Bali + Naaga Devatha Pratishta at Kukke Subramanya Kshethra in South Kanara District of Karnataka state.

Nagadevatha Pratishta can also be performed at any of the sacred Naaga/Subramanya Kshethras like…

Ghaati Subramanya Kshethra (near Doddaballapura in Karnataka State) where Lord Subramanya is in Sarpa Roopa and where He received abhaya (assurance) from Lord Naarasimha;

Kudupu (near Mangalore) Sri Anantha Padmanabha Swamy temple a very ancient temple believed to be in existence since Krutha Yuga days.

Thiruttani, Palani, Tiruchendur, Tirupparakundram, Swami Malai, Pazamudhircholai, Thirunageswaram, Nagerkoil in Tamilnadu;

Mantralayam, Sri Raaghavendra Swamy Sannidhi;

Other suggested remedies

Sarpa Shanti at Trayambakeshwar (Naasik) temple;

Rahu-Kethu pooja along with Rudraabhishekam to Lord Shiva at Sri Kaalahasthi temple;

Rudraabhishekam/Sarpadosha nivaarana pooja at Kapila Theertham temple on the way to Tirumala Hills;

Complete Kuja-Rahu-Kethu Shanti + Ganapathi Homa;

Mahanyaasa Poorvaka Ekaadasavaara Rudraabhishekam with Sarpa Sooktham;

Observe austerities like; Naaga Chaturthi; Garuda Panchami Vratha during Sraavana Maasam; Anantha Padmanaabha Vratha (Anantha Chaturdasi) during Bhaadrapada Maasam; Skandha Shasti during Maargasira maasam.

Worshipping Naaga Devatha (a cost effective remedy)

Those who can not afford to perform Sarpa Shanti as said above due to economic reasons can resort to a cost effective remedy. Worship Nagadevatha by performing abhishekam with milk on Naga Devatha idol installed under the shade of Aswatta Vruksha (Banyan/Peepal Tree) at any temple for a period of Mandala (41 days) without break and perform seven rounds pradakshina (circumambulations) around the Naga idol and the Banyan tree reciting Sri Subramanya/Naaga Devatha slokas. This should be performed in the morning as early as possible. A portion of the milk should also be poured at the roots of the tree. When once this remedy is started it should not be stopped in the middle except in case of women during their period of natural inconvenience for four days. Commencement of this austerity should be made preferably on a Tuesday or a Sunday. On completion, visit any Lord Subramanya temple; perform Ksheeraabhishekam and donate pair of silver Naga Prathima (Silver) to a Brahmin along with 1¼ kg Black Urad (whole grain) and Horse Gram along with Dakshina. While performing this austerity one should take only Saattvik food and observe celibacy. Remedies should not be performed during the periods of asoucha.

Regular worship and reciting stothras related to Lord Sri Krishna; Lord Lakshmi Narasimha; Lord Hanuman; Lord Garuda; Lord Subramanya; Sri Raaghavendra Swamy (Mantralayam) are considered as effective remedy for Sarpadosha.

Any remedy can become effective only when it is performed with full faith; sincerity; true devotion and total surrender. Whatever may be the myth and beliefs; experience of people suffering and results derived from remedies performed stands as testimony to the significance of Sarpa dosha.

Sri Krishnaarpanamasthu

Related posts with links…

Naga Chaturthi - Garuda Panchami (Significance of Snake Worship)

Naaga Chaturthi - Garuda Panchami (Divine Slokas)