Arishta Yoga (snake configuration)
Sarpa Yoga
सर्प
Last reviewed against Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra, Phaladeepika, Saravali on 30 April 2026. Reviewed by VedicBirth editorial team. Chart positions computed via Lahiri ayanamsha and Swiss Ephemeris.
Formation
All four kendras (1, 4, 7, 10) occupied by malefics (Mars, Saturn, Sun, Rahu) without benefic aspect. The configuration encircles the chart in a snake-like restriction pattern.
General Effects
Sarpa Yoga indicates poverty, hardship, family separation, and cyclical misfortune. The native struggles with material progress despite effort. The yoga reflects a karmic load best addressed through service-oriented life and remedy. Severity reduces if any benefic aspects the kendras.
Activation Timing
Sarpa Yoga activates during the dasha periods of whichever planets satisfy the formation rule in the specific chart. Identify those planets first, then track their mahadasha and antardasha cycles.
Remedies
Recite Naga Stotra on Naga Panchami, donate milk and silver on Mondays, and perform Rudrabhishek for Lord Shiva quarterly to mitigate Sarpa Yoga over a 7-year remediation cycle.
FAQ
What is Sarpa Yoga in Vedic astrology?
Sarpa Yoga (Sarpa, सर्प) is a Arishta Yoga (snake configuration). All four kendras (1, 4, 7, 10) occupied by malefics (Mars, Saturn, Sun, Rahu) without benefic aspect. The configuration encircles the chart in a snake-like restriction pattern. Sarpa Yoga indicates poverty, hardship, family separation, and cyclical misfortune. The native struggles with material progress despite effort. The yoga reflects a karmic load best addressed through service-oriented life and remedy. Severity reduces if any benefic aspects the kendras.
Which planets form Sarpa Yoga?
Sarpa Yoga is a structural-class yoga that depends on the planets satisfying its formation rule rather than a fixed planetary pair. Read the formation rule above to identify the participating planets in any given chart.
Which lagna benefits most from Sarpa Yoga?
Sarpa 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 Sarpa Yoga activate?
Activation depends on the dasha periods of whichever planets satisfy the yoga rule in the native's chart.
Are there cancellation conditions for Sarpa Yoga?
Standard yoga bhanga conditions apply: combustion of any participating planet, debilitation, or affliction by malefic aspects can reduce the yoga's strength.
Sarpa Yoga for Each Ascendant
Effects of Sarpa 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.