The literal meaning of Pitra is ancestor and the literal meaning of dosh is defect. By combining these two terms; we can reach an idea that the name Pitra Dosh suggests some type of defect which has some kind of relationship with the ancestors.
Vedic astrology has been practiced in India since ancient times and the wise ancient astrologers as well as sages wrote the proper definitions for a number of good as well as bad yogas which might be formed in a horoscope. As the time passed and India was invaded by foreign forces again and again; things changed. Some of these invaders intended to destroy or corrupt the wisdom collected from the past in the form of Holy Scriptures.
Hence problems started rising. As most of the original copies of a number of such scriptures were destroyed, they had to be recreated by the astrologers or scholars of those times; depending on the types of scriptures. This is where the problem started. Some of these good and bad yogas were defined in their true forms whereas some others might have been misinterpreted by the astrologers or scholars of those times.
Though some astrologers or scholars might have made these mistakes innocently and without any malefic intentions; some others might have done so on purpose. These people might have believed that if the definitions and meanings of some good as well as bad yogas were changed in specific ways; especially the bad ones like Pitra Dosh; they could profit much more through the changed definitions.
Accordingly they might have made such changes and as a result; we lost the true meanings of some of the most important concepts of Vedic astrology. Among the bad yogas which were misinterpreted either by mistake or on purpose, Pitra Dosh lies at the top. Perhaps no other defect mentioned in Vedic astrology has been misinterpreted like Pitra Dosh, probably because it promised significant profits to a specific class of people.
Hence by mistake or by willing act of corruption; a different and inappropriate definition of Pitra Dosh was born. This definition stated that if Pitra Dosh was formed in a horoscope, it meant that the ancestors of such native were angry with him or to be precise; the ancestors were cursing him. This definition prevailed through tradition and even till the present times; a number of astrologers are following it. These astrologers believe that if Pitra Dosh is formed in a horoscope, the ancestors of such native are cursing him, primarily because the native has not conducted their after death rituals properly or he has not conducted them at all. Since the native has not conducted such rituals for his ancestors like for his deceased father or grandfather; Pitra Dosh has formed in his horoscope, and it is in the root of all his problems.
The father and grandfather of this native may have died after he reached a certain age, let’s say even when he was two years old. However, the horoscope of this native was made and fixed, right at the time of his birth. It means that any karma whether good or bad, whether done or not done; simply can’t reflect in his horoscope for this life. When everyone has a horoscope which is made and fixed at the time of his birth; how can Pitra Dosh be formed in that horoscope after 30 or 40 years of native’s life, on account of not doing something he should be doing? A horoscope reflects the karmas from past lives; more like from the recent 2 to 3 past lives. It has got nothing to do with karmas of this life since it is fixed before the native can engage in his first karma of this life.
Though the good as well as bad karmas done by us, and the essential duties performed or not performed by us do affect us in this life, more in the second half of our lives; they simply can’t reflect in our birth charts. Whatever good or bad is reflected in the birth chart; it has come from the past lives alone; and it has got nothing to do with the karmas of this life. It means Pitra Dosh is not a curse of the deceased father or grandfather since they died after the birth of one such native.
Considering another probability; the native may not have performed Shraadh karmas (after death rituals) for his ancestors during his past life and that is why Pitra Dosh may have formed in his horoscope. If that happens, another question arises. This native may have been born in a different family line during his past life. So how does performing Shraadh karmas for the deceased members of a different family line relieve him of Pitra Dosh?
Taking an example, suppose the native was born in a family line where the group of ancestors can be named as group A. The native did not perform Shraadh karmas for his ancestors in his past life and hence Pitra Dosh was formed in his horoscope for this life. It means that the group A of ancestors is cursing this native and that curse has appeared as Pitra Dosh in his horoscope. Therefore, if the native is born in a new family line with the group of ancestors named as B; the resolution or rectification of Pitra Dosh through this remedy does not seem logical. The native is advised to perform Shraadh rituals to get rid of Pitra Dosh so that the ancestors may stop cursing him.
The question is that when group A of ancestors is cursing this native and the native is performing rituals for group B of ancestors; how will the native be relieved of Pitra Dosh through this procedure? It means if you owe money to an institution called A and you pay money to an institution called B, your debt won’t be cleared since A has not received anything from you. Hence this alternate theory also invalidates the prevalent interpretation of Pitra Dosh. It means there is more to this defect called Pitra Dosh, than the prevalent interpretation or beliefs state. Let’s try to understand the working of Pitra Dosh and let’s also try to find out proper interpretation of this defect.
We all inherit a number of good as well as bad things from our family lines, in different percentages. In the same way, we inherit from our family lines, in different percentages, carry forward of their good or bad karmas performed in certain specific domains.
Suppose your grandfather married a woman say your grandmother; and he married her primarily for her money. He troubled her a lot so that her family may give your grandfather more and more money or wealth; and he succeeded in that. Whereas your grandmother kept suffering, most of the time during her marriage, your grandfather invested such money and wealth into his business. He made more and more money as well as wealth from thereon. As your father grew up; your grandfather gave him the same set of beliefs which said that your father should also marry a rich woman, trouble her family for money and become richer through this process. The same process continued and even your father made more money and wealth.
You are now born into this family and you enjoy this wealth, money and all the luxuries as well as comforts that this money can buy for you. However, all these comforts and luxuries have been bought with money; the root or the seed of which contains the sufferings of the women in your family line as well as the sufferings of their families. Since you are going to enjoy each and every good thing this money provides for you; isn’t it fair that an appropriate share of their karmic debt should also be forwarded to you. This karmic debt may appear in your horoscope as Pitra Dosh and to be precise; Pitra Dosh formed by Venus.
As a result; you may face many types of problems in your life due to such Pitra Dosh, depending on its strength, its field of impact and depending on your overall horoscope. However, one woman or another may be present behind the biggest problems caused by such Pitra Dosh since it has been formed by Venus. For example, you may fall in love with a girl and she may extract significant amount of money from you during such love affair. She may also introduce you to some unhealthy habits like excessive consumption of alcohol, drug addiction and other such habits. She may leave you heartbroken after doing all this to you; due to the malefic impact of such Pitra Dosh. It means you have faced various types of problems over a period of time and a woman had an important role to play in all this.
Considering another example, you may get married to an ill-natured and greedy woman. She may trouble you a lot in a number of ways and she may file a criminal case against you under false charges. You may have to suffer in many ways as well as pay a lot of money to your wife as part of divorce settlement; due to the malefic impact of such Pitra Dosh. It means that the money and prosperity which your ancestors created by torturing women is being destroyed or taken by women; and you are being tortured in the process. When you look at it like this; such Pitra Dosh and all the suffering starts making sense.
Similarly, there are eight other types of Pitra Dosh and nine in total; formed by each one of the nine planets or Navagraha.
If Pitra Dosh is formed in your horoscope, it does not mean that your Pitras are cursing you; it means that your Pitras are themselves cursed. A part of this curse or karmic debt has been forwarded to you through inheritance.
Therefore, if Pitra Dosh is formed in your horoscope, it means that your ancestors are under some type of karmic debt and you are also carrying a part of that karmic debt. It further means that your ancestors are not cursing you but they are themselves cursed due to their karmic debt.
This is why in Vedic cultures; good children are considered as the best blessings. A good son born in a family line may educate his children to be good, who may educate their children to be good and this chain may continue; earning more and more karmic rewards for the family line. Such karmic rewards may spell into good or very good yogas in the horoscopes of the members of this family line; and they may bless them with beautiful things.
Taking an example from Indian mythology; in ancient times; there was a great king called Sagar. He had hundred sons who attacked sage Kapil while he was worshipping. The sage got angry and he burned all of them with the flames of fire originating from his eyes. King’s grandson Angshuman saw this, he went back to the king and he told him everything. King Sagar feared that the karmic debt formed by this misconduct will eliminate his family line altogether. Sages were given great respect during those times and attacking a sage was considered among some of the worst karmas possible. As a sage is represented by Jupiter; Pitra Dosh formed by Jupiter could eliminate the entire family line; according to king Sagar’s fears. So he went to the sage, he asked for forgiveness and he prayed to the sage. The sage was moved by his humility and he told him the way to get rid of the problem.
The sage told Sagar that members of his family line should worship Lord Brahma, the creator among trinity; and request him to send the holy river Ganga to earth. Once the remains of the dead sons were offered to Ganga; the karmic debt would get cleared. King Sagar acted upon the advice and he asked his grandson Angshuman to engage in worship of Lord Brahma in order to bring Ganga to earth. Ganga was believed to flow in heavens during those times.
He also told Angshuman that in case the worship did not bring desired result during his life time; he should forward this task to his son and his son to his son; until the job was accomplished. Angshuman worshipped Lord Brahma for his entire life but the desired result was not obtained. Hence he forwarded this job to his son Dilip who worshipped throughout his life and then failing to obtain the desired result; he forwarded the same task to his son Bhagirath.
King Bhagirath also worshipped Lord Brahma, he was able to accomplish the task; Lord Brahma appeared and he granted his wish. After this, Bhagirath asked Lord Brahma as to why didn’t he grant this wish to his father and grandfather who devoted their entire lives worshipping the Lord. Hearing this, Lord Brahma replied that attacking an exalted sage like Kapil built a huge karmic debt on Bhagirath’s family line. The positive energy earned by previous two generations of his family line was spent in balancing out the negative energy raised by the karmic debt. After that, Bhagirath’s worship earned fresh karmic rewards to the extent which was sufficient to get his wish fulfilled and accordingly; the wish was granted. Lord Brahma further added that had Bhagirath’s father and grandfather not engaged in worship and gathered so much positive energy; he would not have been able to have his wish granted; even if he worshipped the Lord for his entire life.
This reference tells us how the concept of karmic transfers in the same family line works; and how a defect like Pitra Dosh can be formed. This is the same family line which later on witnessed the birth of Lord Rama in it. This means that if three generations of a family line can spend their entire lives in worship; the rewards can be as good as being blessed by the birth of the Lord himself; in the same family line. It also means that had such worship not been practiced; Lord Rama might not have been born in this family line since the family line might have been troubled a lot or even terminated due to the formation of Pitra Dosh by Jupiter.
The fact that Lord Rama spent 14 years of his life in forests when he was all set to be a king; in order to honour the word of his dead father; indicates that Lord Rama knew that dishonouring the word of his dead father would negatively affect the entire family line; including the ancestors and generations to come. It is mentioned that when Lord Rama completed this task; his father appeared from heavens. He blessed Lord Rama and told him that due to the extremely good deeds done by Lord Rama during those fourteen years; the entire ancestral line of the family had been blessed by the gods.
Now that we have attained clarity about Pitra Dosh and its relevance in our lives; let’s see how Pitra Dosh is formed in a horoscope.
If in a horoscope; the Sun, the ninth house or the lord of the ninth house is afflicted by one or more than one malefic planet; Pitra Dosh is formed in such horoscope. For example, if Aries is the ascendant rising and Sun is placed in the fourth house in Cancer along with malefic Mercury; Pitra Dosh is formed in the horoscope; since Sun has been afflicted by Mercury. Looking at another variation; if Aries is the ascendant rising in a horoscope; Jupiter being the lord of the ninth house is placed in the fifth house in Leo along with malefic Rahu; Pitra Dosh is formed by Rahu.
Once the formation of Pitra Dosh in a horoscope is confirmed, the next step is to calculate its strength. The strength of Pitra Dosh is calculated through the placements of the planets involved in the formation of this defect; in various houses, signs, nakshatras and navamshas; as well as through the influences of benefic and malefic planets on Pitra Dosh. Let’s look at these factors in order to understand this concept in a better manner.
Looking at the signs, the formation of Pitra Dosh in different signs may change the quantum of results; depending on which planets are forming Pitra Dosh. Let’s consider the formation of Pitra Dosh when Sun is afflicted. If Sun is placed in Aries; it may be well capable of fighting the afflictions given by any planet among navagraha, except Mars. This is because Mars is also strong in Aries and it may cause significant damage to Sun. Since Sun is exalted in Aries, it may be able to fight the afflictions from the remaining planets among navagraha; in an effective manner.
When Sun is placed in Leo, it may be well capable of fighting the afflictions given by almost any planet among navagraha. No planet is as strong in Leo as Sun. When it comes to the placement of Sun in Sagittarius; such Sun may be able to handle all malefic planets except Jupiter and Ketu. Both these planets are stronger than Sun in Sagittarius. Hence they may cause significant damage to Sun. The placement of Sun in the remaining nine signs may give mixed results since Sun is not strong in any of these signs. In this case, the relative strength of Sun and the planet afflicting it holds the key.
For example, Sun is not strong in Taurus and Virgo though it may do well in these signs. If malefic Ketu afflicts Sun in one of these two signs; such Pitra Dosh may not have much strength. This is because Ketu is debilitated in these signs. Hence it may not be capable of causing much damage to Sun. On the other hand, Rahu is exalted in both these signs. It means if Rahu forms Pitra Dosh by afflicting Sun in one of these signs; such Pitra Dosh may be strong or very strong; depending on the finer factors. The term ‘finer factors’ in this context means the placements of Sun and Rahu in various nakshatras and navamshas.
If Sun is placed in Taurus; malefic Moon, Venus and Saturn may also cause significant damage to Sun; since all these planets are strong in Taurus. In case of Virgo; malefic exalted Mercury may cause significant damage to Sun, apart from Rahu. Likewise, the formation of Pitra Dosh due to affliction to Sun from a malefic planet may have different strengths; depending on the sign of placement as well as the planet afflicting Sun. The worst probability may be witnessed in case such Pitra Dosh is formed in Libra. Sun is debilitated in Libra and all other planets are stronger than Sun in this sign. Hence the placement of any malefic planet with debilitated Sun in Libra may form strong Pitra Dosh. In case such Pitra Dosh is formed by malefic Venus or Saturn; it may become very strong, since both these planets are strong in Libra.
When it comes to the formation of Pitra Dosh by affliction to the ninth house; similar factors are considered. It means the sign falling in the ninth house and the strength of the malefic planet placed in the ninth house in such sign is the primary measure for assessing the strength of such Pitra Dosh. For example, if malefic debilitated Ketu forms Pitra Dosh in the ninth house of a horoscope in Taurus or Virgo; such Pitra Dosh may not hold much strength. Ketu is debilitated in these signs and hence it may not cause much damage. On the other hand, Rahu is exalted in these signs. Hence if Rahu forms Pitra Dosh in the ninth house in Taurus or Virgo; such defect may be strong.
Looking at some other examples, Pitra Dosh formed by malefic debilitated Jupiter in the ninth house in Capricorn may not be strong. On the other hand, Pitra Dosh formed by malefic exalted Mars in the ninth house in Capricorn may be strong or very strong. Considering another angle, Pitra Dosh formed by malefic debilitated Mercury in the ninth house in Pisces may not be strong. On the other hand, Pitra Dosh formed by malefic exalted Mercury in the ninth house in Virgo may be strong.
Likewise, Pitra Dosh formed by malefic debilitated Saturn in the ninth house in Aries may not be strong. However, Pitra Dosh formed by malefic exalted Saturn in the ninth house in Libra may be strong. In this way, the strength of Pitra Dosh formed due to placements of malefic planets in the ninth house may vary; depending on the strengths of various planets in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas.
Considering the third probability, the strength of Pitra Dosh formed due to conjunction of the lord of the ninth house with a malefic planet depends on the strengths of such planets in various signs, nakshatras and navamshas. For example, if a combination of benefic Mars and malefic Moon forms Pitra Dosh in the fourth house of a horoscope in Scorpio; such Pitra Dosh may not be strong. Mars rules the ninth house in this case. Mars is strong in Scorpio whereas Moon is debilitated in this sign. Likewise, if a combination of benefic Mars and debilitated Saturn is placed in the second house in Aries, Pitra Dosh so formed may not be strong. Mars represents the ninth house and it is strong in Aries. However, Saturn is debilitated in Aries.
Looking at this equation from the opposite angle; suppose a combination of benefic Mars and malefic exalted Saturn forms Pitra Dosh in the third house of a horoscope in Libra. Mars rules the ninth house in this case. Mars is not strong in Libra. However, Saturn is exalted in Libra. Hence Pitra Dosh so formed may be strong. Looking at an even more troublesome combination, suppose benefic debilitated Venus and malefic exalted Mercury form Pitra Dosh in the eighth house of a horoscope in Virgo. Venus represents the ninth house in this case. Such Pitra Dosh may be very strong and it is formed in the eighth house which is a difficult to handle house. Hence the native may face a number of serious problems in his life; depending on his overall horoscope. In the same way, the influences of various signs on Pitra Dosh formed due to conjunction of the lord of the ninth house and a malefic planet may be assessed.
Looking at nakshatras, suppose a combination of benefic Sun and malefic Ketu forms Pitra Dosh in the first house of a horoscope in Sagittarius. Sun represents the ninth house in this case. It means Sun is the general as well as specific signifier of ancestors in this case. Hence such Pitra Dosh holds much importance in this horoscope. Sun as well as Ketu is strong in Sagittarius. If both Sun and Ketu are placed in Uttarashada nakshatra; such Pitra Dosh may not cause significant problems. Sun rules Uttarashada and it is stronger than Ketu in the Sagittarius part of this nakshatra. When Sun and Ketu are both placed in Poorvashada nakshatra; such Pitra Dosh may gain significant strength. Both these planets may do equally well in Poorvashada. Hence the problems may be significant but not serious.
Looking the worst combination; if Sun and Ketu are placed in Moola nakshatra; such Pitra Dosh may become serious. Ketu rules Moola nakshatra and this nakshatra is known for causing destruction. It means Ketu is stronger than Sun and at the same time; this placement is troublesome due to Moola nakshatra. Such Pitra Dosh may prove troublesome or very troublesome for the native; depending on his overall horoscope. Among other things, such Pitra Dosh may indicate serious damage to the father of this native. In extreme cases of this type when the overall horoscope is also not supportive; the native may lose his father early in his life. His father may die or the native may live with his mother after the divorce of his parents; depending on native’s horoscope as well as on his father’s horoscope. The overall horoscope holds great importance when it comes to the affairs related to the father of this native.
Looking at the positive side, if benefic Mercury is placed in the first house in Sagittarius and benefic Jupiter is placed in the ninth house in Leo; the damage may be contained. Benefic Mercury may provide extra strength to Sun. Hence the overall combination in the first house may become a mixed one; bent more towards positivity. At the same time; benefic Jupiter adds strength to the ninth house; thereby reducing the malefic impact of Pitra Dosh. As a result; the native may not face major issues related to his father. On the contrary; the two of them may share a special bond and the father of this native may prove one of the most valuable persons in his life.
Let’s look at this equation from the opposite angle. Suppose malefic Mars is placed in the ninth house of this horoscope in Leo and malefic Moon is placed in the first house in Sagittarius along with Sun and Ketu. Malefic Mars forms Pitra Dosh in the ninth house and malefic Moon also forms Pitra Dosh in the first house. In this case, the native is very likely to lose his father at a young age; no matter how strong the rest of the horoscope may be. Even if benefic Mercury is placed in the first house and benefic Jupiter is placed in the ninth house of this horoscope; the native may lose his father. In such case, this native’s father may not die and native’s parent’s may get divorced. The native may live with his mother. However due to benefic influences of Jupiter and Mercury; the native may stay in touch with his father also.
Looking at navamshas, let’s consider the present example. Suppose benefic Sun and malefic Ketu form Pitra Dosh in the first house of a horoscope in Sagittarius. The sign of Sagittarius features nine navamshas. The first four navamshas from Aries to Cancer belong to Moola nakshatra. The next four navamshas from Leo to Scorpio belong to Poorvashada nakshatra. The ninth navamsha Sagittarius belongs to Uttarashada nakshatra. There are 81 probable combinations of Sun and Ketu within these nine navamshas. Let’s discuss some of these combinations.
If both Sun and Ketu are placed in Leo or Virgo navamsha; such Pitra Dosh may not cause much damage. If Sun is placed in Leo or Virgo navamsha and Ketu is placed in Aries or Sagittarius navamsha; the damage may become significant. If both Sun and Ketu are placed in Aries navamsha, the damage may become serious. Though Sun is exalted in Aries navamsha; Moola nakshatra is a difficult place. Hence Ketu may cause serious damage here; since Ketu is strong in Moola as well as in Aries navamsha. One of the most troublesome types of Pitra Dosh may be formed when Ketu is placed in Aries navamsha and Sun is placed in Cancer navamsha of Moola. Sun is not strong in Cancer navamsha and Ketu is strong in Aries navamsha of Moola nakshatra. Hence such Pitra Dosh may cause a number of serious problems for the native; depending on the rest of his horoscope.
Moving on to the next factor, the influences of benefic and malefic planets on Pitra Dosh in a horoscope should also be checked properly, before predicting the results of this defect. This is a major factor and it can change the results; significantly or completely. Let’s take an example to understand this concept in a better manner. Suppose a combination of benefic Sun and malefic Ketu forms Pitra Dosh in the tenth house of a horoscope in Scorpio.
Looking at some facts; Sun represents the seventh house in this horoscope and this combination is placed in the tenth house. Sun also represents the father. Sun does well in Scorpio and Ketu is exalted in Scorpio. Combining these factors, such Pitra Dosh may cause significant or serious problems related to father, profession and marriage of this native; among other problems.
Suppose malefic Mercury is also placed in the tenth house in Scorpio. In this case, Sun may get afflicted by Mercury also. Hence double Pitra Dosh may be formed in the horoscope. Accordingly, the problems related to the relevant spheres of this native’s life may increase in number as well as in quantum. If another malefic planet like Moon or Saturn joins this combination in the tenth house; the problems may become very serious. In such case, the native may lose his father, he may have miserable profession throughout his life or he may never settle in a marriage; depending on his overall horoscope.
Let’s look at this equation from the opposite angle. Suppose a combination of benefic Sun and malefic Ketu forms Pitra Dosh in the tenth house of a horoscope in Scorpio. Suppose benefic Mars is also placed in the tenth house of this horoscope in Scorpio. Benefic Mars forms Ruchaka Yoga in the tenth house in this case. Such Ruchaka Yoga may reduce the malefic impact of Pitra Dosh. Hence the native may witness relief; especially in the field of profession. If benefic Venus is also placed in the tenth house; the equation may become even better. The strength of such Pitra Dosh may reduce further and the overall combination may turn benefic. As a result; the native may witness very good results related to profession; and good results related to marriage and father.
The next factor to check is the field of impact of Pitra Dosh. To calculate the field of impact, the house of placement of this defect as well as the influences of benefic and malefic planets on this defect should be checked. The formation of Pitra Dosh in various houses of a horoscope may trouble the native with different types of malefic results; though the problems related to father may remain present in each case. Taking an example, the formation of Pitra Dosh in the first house of a horoscope may cause problems related to father, health, lifespan, personality and profession of the native. On the other hand, the formation of Pitra Dosh in the seventh house of a horoscope may primarily cause problems related to father and marriage of the native.
If Pitra Dosh is formed in the fifth house of a horoscope, the native may face problems related to love affairs, children, father, spiritual growth and some other problems. The formation of Pitra Dosh in the sixth house may trouble the native with various types of diseases or the native may become a criminal. If Pitra Dosh is formed in the eighth house; the native may face problems related to his lifespan, health, father and other problems. This type of Pitra Dosh may reduce the lifespan of the native; significantly or seriously; depending on his overall horoscope. For example, if a malefic combination of Sun, Moon, Mars and Ketu forms Pitra Dosh in the tenth house of a horoscope in Pisces; the native may die young. Since Mars is the lord of the ninth house; double Pitra Dosh is formed in this case. Hence the lifespan of the native as well as that of his father may be in trouble.
The next factor to check is the time of activation of Pitra Dosh. Even when actually formed in a horoscope, any good or bad Yoga may not be activated from the time of birth of the native and the activation may vary from person to person. It means that Pitra Dosh present in different horoscopes may have different times of activation. Accordingly, different natives may start facing problems due to it during different ages.
Above all, the overall theme of the horoscope having Pitra Dosh should be analyzed carefully as this is what matters the most. The overall theme of a horoscope is the most important factor in it and it can change everything. Let’s take an example to understand this concept in a better manner. Suppose a combination of benefic Moon and malefic Ketu forms Pitra Dosh in the tenth house of a horoscope in Leo. Moon represents mother, father, spiritual growth and luck factor among other things in this horoscope.
Pitra Dosh is formed in the tenth house and Ketu is stronger than Moon in Leo. Hence such Pitra Dosh may cause problems related to mother, father and profession of the native; among other problems. Now we need to check all these spheres in the horoscope. Whichever sphere gains strength from the rest of the horoscope; the native may not face serious problems related to such sphere. On the other hand, if a sphere suffers from other malefic influences in the same horoscope; the native may face serious problems related to that sphere.
Let’s start with mother and let’s check the fourth house. If the fourth house is free of malefic planets and Saturn is strong and clean; the native may not face serious problems related to his mother. If the fourth house or Saturn is troubled; the native may face serious issues related to his mother. For example, if malefic Mercury is placed in the fourth house in Aquarius and debilitated Saturn is placed in the sixth house in Aries; the native may lose his mother at a young age. On the other hand, if benefic Saturn is placed in the fourth house in Aquarius; the equation may change. The native may face issues related to his mother but such issues may not be serious.
Looking at father, if Sun is strong and the ninth house is clean; the native may not face serious issues related to his father. However, if Sun is weak or afflicted and the ninth house is also afflicted; the native may face serious issues related to his father. For example, if a malefic combination of debilitated Sun and Mercury is placed in the twelfth house in Libra; the native may lose his father at a young age. On the other hand, if benefic Sun is placed in the second house of this horoscope in Sagittarius and benefic exalted Jupiter is placed in the ninth house in Cancer; the equation may change. In such case; the native may not face many issues related to his father. On the contrary; his father may prove very beneficial for him and the two of them may share a very special bond.
Looking at profession; if Sun, Saturn and Mars are well placed in this horoscope; the native may not face serious issues related to his profession. However, if these planets are weak or afflicted; the native may face serious problems related to his profession. For example, if Saturn is placed in the eighth house in Gemini, Sun is placed in the fourth house in Aquarius with malefic Mercury; and Mars is placed in the fifth house in Pisces with malefic exalted Venus; the native may face serious issues related to his profession. Such native may not witness significant professional success till late in his life or throughout his life; depending on his overall horoscope.
On the other hand, if Saturn is placed in the third house in Capricorn, Mars is placed in the second house in Sagittarius and Sun is placed in the first house in Scorpio; the equation may change. The native may not face serious issues related to his profession. On the contrary, he may witness good professional growth. If Mercury is placed in the twelfth house in Libra, Venus is placed in the second house in Sagittarius with Mars; and benefic Jupiter is placed in the first house in Scorpio with Sun; the horoscope may perform even better for profession. In the same way, the overall horoscope should be checked for other problems indicated by such Pitra Dosh. These problems may be related to the overall wellbeing of the native, spiritual growth, luck factor and other problems.
After this, the impact of running times should also be checked. The term ‘running times’ in this context means planetary periods, commonly known as Mahadashas. Running times are most important when it comes to check; when may the native suffer the most due to Pitra Dosh. Any type of good or bad yoga becomes duly effective, if one of the planets ‘actively involved’ in its formation rules the running time. Therefore, the native may witness the strongest malefic results of Pitra Dosh when he is hit by the planetary period of the afflicting planet. This simple looking fact may significantly change the quantum of troubles faced by a native under strong influence of Pitra Dosh.
The term ‘actively involved’ in this context means the planet which actually contributes towards the formation of a defect. In case of Pitra Dosh; Sun or the lord of the ninth house is passive as long as it is benefic. This is because benefic Sun or lord of ninth house may not cause problems but it may try to reduce them. Since Pitra Dosh is supposed to be malefic; such benefic Sun or lord of ninth house should not be considered as an active planet for its formation. Hence the planetary period of the afflicting planet only may intensify Pitra Dosh.
However, if Sun or lord of ninth house is also malefic in a horoscope featuring Pitra Dosh; it should also be considered as an active planet. This is because Sun or lord of ninth house may also try to intensify the problems by afflicting the other malefic planet. Hence the planetary period of Sun or lord of ninth house may also prove troublesome in this case. Let’s look at an example to understand the relevance of running times.
Suppose a combination of benefic Sun and malefic Venus forms Pitra Dosh in the first house of a horoscope in Scorpio. Sun rules the tenth house in this case and Sun is stronger than Venus in Scorpio though the difference in strength may not be much. Such Pitra Dosh may cause problems related to native’s health, lifespan, profession and father; among other problems. Based on the planetary periods; the intensity of these problems may be divided into four categories. Let’s look at these four categories.
If the planetary period of Sun is in effect, the impact of Pitra Dosh may be reduced as much as it can be; provided the overall horoscope is supportive. Hence the native may not witness significant problems due to Pitra Dosh, during this period. If the planetary period of a benefic planet other than Sun is in effect; the native may face significant but manageable problems due to such Pitra Dosh. When a malefic planet other than Venus rules the planetary period; the native may face serious problems due to such Pitra Dosh. The type and quantum of these problems depend on the overall horoscope of the native.
During the planetary period of Venus; the native may face maximum impact of Pitra Dosh. Hence the native may suffer from serious problems in all the spheres hit by such Pitra Dosh. In extreme cases when such Pitra Dosh is supported by other malefic planets and the overall horoscope is also not supportive; the native may die during Venus period.
In cases where Sun or lord of ninth house is benefic and the afflicting planet is malefic; Pitra Dosh may be relatively less troublesome. When Sun or lord of ninth house and the afflicting planet are both malefic in a horoscope; Pitra Dosh may cause problems of higher quantum. Taking an example, suppose malefic Sun and malefic Rahu form Pitra Dosh in the first house of a horoscope in Pisces. In this case, Pitra Dosh may prove more troublesome and the native may suffer from various types of problems; depending on his overall horoscope. Since this defect is formed in the first house; the overall health and lifespan of the native may get affected by it. If the overall horoscope is strong and benefic; such problems may reduce in quantum. However, if the overall horoscope is malefic; the native may suffer more.
You see, the definition of Pitra Dosh looks very simple. However, the actual process of calculating the malefic results indicated by Pitra Dosh in a horoscope is complex. Therefore, each and every relevant factor in a horoscope should be checked properly; before concluding the formation of Pitra Dosh in a horoscope or before predicting the type and quantum of malefic results indicated by it.
Himanshu Shangari