Arishta Yoga (malefic scissors)
Papa Kartari Yoga for Karka (Cancer) Ascendant
पाप कर्तरी योग
Papa Kartari Yoga (पाप कर्तरी योग) is a Arishta Yoga (malefic scissors) that forms when natural malefic planets (saturn, mars, sun, rahu, or ketu) occupy both the house immediately before and the house immediately after a given house, hemming it in with difficult energy. For Cancer lagna, this yoga requires attention and remedial measures in the areas governed by the participating planets.
Last updated: 24 April 2026 · Source: BPHS, Phaladeepika, Saravali
Formation
Natural malefic planets (Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu, or Ketu) occupy both the house immediately before and the house immediately after a given house, hemming it in with difficult energy.
General Effects
Papa Kartari Yoga afflicts the sandwiched house and suppresses its natural significations. Planets placed there struggle to express their positive qualities, and the life areas that house governs face chronic obstacles, delays, or deprivation. The more malefics involved and the closer their degrees, the stronger the affliction.
For Cancer Ascendant
For Karka (Cancer) lagna, Papa Kartari Yoga manifests through the lens of Moon as lagna lord. The water element of Cancer and Moon's natural significations combine with the yoga's effects. The specific houses that Papa lords influence for Cancer lagna determine which life areas benefit most.
Remedies
Perform Navagraha Shanti puja focusing on the malefics causing the kartari. Recite Hanuman Chalisa on Saturdays (for Saturn) and Mangal Stotram on Tuesdays (for Mars). Donating red lentils and sesame oil on respective days also helps.
FAQ
Q.How does Papa Kartari Yoga form in Cancer chart?
Natural malefic planets (Saturn, Mars, Sun, Rahu, or Ketu) occupy both the house immediately before and the house immediately after a given house, hemming it in with difficult energy. For Cancer lagna specifically, check whether the planets involved are functional benefics or malefics. A yoga formed by functional benefics for your lagna is stronger than one formed by functional malefics.
Q.Is Papa Kartari Yoga good for Cancer?
This is a challenging yoga. For Cancer lagna, the specific effects depend on which houses the participating planets lord. Remedies can reduce negative effects.
Q.What are the remedies for Papa Kartari Yoga?
Perform Navagraha Shanti puja focusing on the malefics causing the kartari. Recite Hanuman Chalisa on Saturdays (for Saturn) and Mangal Stotram on Tuesdays (for Mars). Donating red lentils and sesame oil on respective days also helps.
Q.When does Papa Kartari Yoga give results?
Yogas give their strongest results during the mahadasha or antardasha of the participating planets. For Papa Kartari Yoga, watch for the dasha periods of the planets involved. Transit support (Jupiter or Saturn transiting over the yoga-forming planets) also activates results.