Dosha (serpent affliction)
Kaal Sarp Yoga
काल सर्प
Last reviewed against Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Phaladeepika, Saravali on 13 June 2026. Reviewed by VedicBirth editorial team. Chart positions computed via Lahiri ayanamsha and Swiss Ephemeris.
Formation
All seven planets (Sun through Saturn) hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. No planet should be outside the Rahu-Ketu axis.
Participating Planets
Rahu 18-year mahadasha
foreign, obsession, technology, illusion
Ketu 7-year mahadasha
moksha, detachment, spirituality, past-life karma
General Effects
Kaal Sarp Yoga creates a life of ups and downs, sudden gains and losses, and karmic debts manifesting. The native faces obstacles that seem disproportionate to their effort. However, perseverance through the challenges eventually leads to significant achievements. Many successful people have partial Kaal Sarp.
Activation Timing
Kaal Sarp Yoga produces visible results during the Rahu mahadasha (18 years) or Ketu mahadasha (7 years), and during the antardashas of these planets within other mahadashas. Transit support arrives when Jupiter or Saturn passes over the natal position of Rahu or Ketu, or over the moolatrikona sign of those planets.
Remedies
Kaal Sarp Dosha Nivaran Puja at Trimbakeshwar Temple, Nashik. Recite Rahu-Ketu mantras. Keep a silver snake idol in the puja room.
FAQ
What is Kaal Sarp Yoga in Vedic astrology?
Kaal Sarp Yoga (Kaal Sarp, काल सर्प) is a Dosha (serpent affliction). All seven planets (Sun through Saturn) hemmed between Rahu and Ketu. No planet should be outside the Rahu-Ketu axis. Kaal Sarp Yoga creates a life of ups and downs, sudden gains and losses, and karmic debts manifesting. The native faces obstacles that seem disproportionate to their effort. However, perseverance through the challenges eventually leads to significant achievements. Many successful people have partial Kaal Sarp.
Which planets form Kaal Sarp Yoga?
Kaal Sarp Yoga is formed by Rahu and Ketu. Rahu (foreign, obsession, technology, illusion); Ketu (moksha, detachment, spirituality, past-life karma).
Which lagna benefits most from Kaal Sarp Yoga?
Kaal Sarp Yoga produces the strongest results for lagnas where the participating planets rule kendra (1, 4, 7, 10) or trikona (5, 9) houses. See the per-lagna grid below for individual analysis.
When does Kaal Sarp Yoga activate?
Kaal Sarp Yoga activates during the mahadasha and antardasha periods of Rahu (18y) and Ketu (7y), and during transits of Jupiter or Saturn over the natal positions of those planets.
Are there cancellation conditions for Kaal Sarp Yoga?
Standard yoga bhanga conditions apply: combustion of any participating planet, debilitation, or affliction by malefic aspects can reduce the yoga's strength.
Kaal Sarp Yoga for Each Ascendant
Effects of Kaal Sarp Yoga differ materially across the 12 lagnas because the participating planets rule different houses for each ascendant. Click any lagna for the full lagna-specific analysis.