The Role of Maraka Planets in Life

Maraka planets are crucial in Vedic astrology, often misunderstood. They are not inherently death-dealing but signify death-like suffering. This article explores their identification, impact, and remedies.

Understanding Maraka Planets

Maraka planets signify severe challenges that feel close to death but dont necessarily cause it. For example, someone critically ill might recover despite the severity. If the Dasha (planetary period) of the 8th house lord (Asthamesh) is running, actual death might occur. Maraka planets typically signify intense suffering rather than death.

Identifying Maraka Planets

In Vedic astrology, the 2nd and 7th houses are considered Maraka Sthanas (death-inflicting houses). The reasoning behind this stems from the concept of Bhavat Bhavam, which translates to house from the house. The 7th house is the 12th (loss) from the 8th house (longevity), indicating a depletion of life force. Similarly, the 2nd house is the 8th from the 7th house, suggesting the expense of life.

What is a Maraka Planet?

A maraka planet is one that governs the 2nd and 7th houses in a horoscope. These planets are responsible for causing significant challenges and hardships, leading to periods of intense suffering. They are often misunderstood as death-dealing but mainly represent phases where life feels extraordinarily difficult.

How to Find Maraka Planet

To find maraka planets in your horoscope, identify the rulers of the 2nd and 7th houses from your ascendant. These house lords are considered the maraka planets and can influence periods of intense struggle when their Dasha or transit occurs.

Exceptions and Clarifications

An essential rule to remember is Dwi Marak Na Marak, meaning if a single planet rules both Maraka houses (2nd and 7th), it loses its Maraka power. For example, in Aries Ascendant (Mesha Lagna), Venus rules both the 2nd house (Taurus) and the 7th house (Libra), thus it is not considered a Maraka. This principle also applies to Libra Ascendant (Tula Lagna), where Mars rules both the 2nd (Scorpio) and 7th (Aries) houses.

Can a Maraka Planet be Amatyakaraka?

In Jaimini astrology, Amatyakaraka is the planet with the second-highest degrees in the birth chart, responsible for career and ambitions. A maraka planet can indeed be an Amatyakaraka, blending its influence on life challenges with career-related matters.

Can a Maraka Planet Make Panchamahapurusha Yoga in Kundli?

Panchamahapurusha Yoga is formed by five specific planets (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn) when they are in their own sign or exalted in a Kendra (1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th house). A maraka planet can form Panchamahapurusha Yoga if it fulfills these conditions, bringing significant positive potential despite its maraka nature.

Determining the Severity of Maraka Influence

The intensity of a Maraka planets impact depends on its nature and position. For instance, for Taurus Ascendant (Vrishabha Lagna), Mercury (ruler of the 2nd house) is a benefic planet and thus a less potent Maraka. Conversely, Mars (ruler of the 7th house) is a malefic planet, making it a stronger Maraka. The severity also depends on the planets strength and aspects in the chart.

How to Find Maraka and Badhaka Planets in Horoscope

To find Maraka and Badhaka planets in your horoscope:

Maraka Planets: Identify the rulers of the 2nd and 7th houses from your ascendant.

Badhaka Planets: Determine the Badhaka house based on your ascendant (11th house for movable signs, 9th for fixed signs, and 7th for dual signs) and identify its ruler.

Maraka Dasha and Its Effects

When the Dasha of a Maraka planet runs, it brings significant challenges. These can manifest as health issues, accidents, or severe financial troubles. Its a period marked by suffering and hardships that can feel death-like. For instance, if the Dasha of the 2nd house lord or the 7th house lord begins, the individual may face substantial distress. Moreover, the presence of malefic planets like Saturn (Shani) and Rahu in these houses during their transit (Gochar) can exacerbate these effects.

Marak Grah and Fire Accident Astrology

Marak grah can be significant in predicting accidents, including fire accidents. If a maraka planet is influenced by fiery elements (Mars, Sun, Ketu) and positioned in critical houses, it could indicate susceptibility to fire-related incidents. Astrologers often examine these configurations to provide preventive guidance.

Remedies for Maraka Planets

To mitigate the negative effects of Maraka planets, several remedies are recommended. These include:

Charity and Donations: Giving away items related to the Maraka planets can help. For instance, donating wheat or copper (associated with the Sun) if the Sun is a Maraka.

Mantra Recitation: Regularly chanting mantras related to the Maraka planet can reduce its adverse effects.

Avoiding Strengthening Maraka Planets: Wearing gemstones or performing rituals to strengthen Maraka planets should be avoided, as it can increase their negative influence.

Maraka Planets for Each Lagna

Aries (Mesha Lagna)

For Aries Ascendant, Venus rules both the 2nd house (Taurus) and the 7th house (Libra), making it an exception as per the Dwi Marak Na Marak rule. Hence, Venus is not a Maraka.

Taurus (Vrishabha Lagna)

For Taurus Ascendant, Mercury (ruler of the 2nd house) is a benefic planet and thus a less potent Maraka. Mars (ruler of the 7th house) is a malefic planet, making it a stronger Maraka.

Gemini (Mithuna Lagna)

For Gemini Ascendant, the 2nd house is ruled by the Moon, and the 7th house is ruled by Jupiter. Since both are benefic planets, their Maraka influence is less severe.

Cancer (Karka Lagna)

For Cancer Ascendant, the Sun (ruler of the 2nd house) is a mild Maraka, and Saturn (ruler of the 7th house) is a strong Maraka.

Leo (Simha Lagna)

For Leo Ascendant, Mercury (ruler of the 2nd house) is a mild Maraka, and Saturn (ruler of the 7th house) is a strong Maraka.

Virgo (Kanya Lagna)

For Virgo Ascendant, Venus (ruler of the 2nd house) is a mild Maraka, and Jupiter (ruler of the 7th house) is a mild Maraka.

Libra (Tula Lagna)

For Libra Ascendant, Mars rules both the 2nd house (Scorpio) and the 7th house (Aries), making it an exception due to the Dwi Marak Na Marak rule.

Scorpio (Vrishchika Lagna)

For Scorpio Ascendant, Jupiter (ruler of the 2nd house) and Venus (ruler of the 7th house) are mild Marakas.

Sagittarius (Dhanu Lagna)

For Sagittarius Ascendant, Saturn (ruler of the 2nd house) is a strong Maraka, and Mercury (ruler of the 7th house) is a mild Maraka.

Capricorn (Makar Lagna)

For Capricorn Ascendant, Saturn (ruler of the 2nd house) is a mild Maraka, and the Moon (ruler of the 7th house) is a mild Maraka.

Aquarius (Kumbha Lagna)

For Aquarius Ascendant, Jupiter (ruler of the 2nd house) is a mild Maraka, and the Sun (ruler of the 7th house) is a mild Maraka.

Pisces (Meena Lagna)

For Pisces Ascendant, Mars (ruler of the 2nd house) is a strong Maraka, and Venus (ruler of the 7th house) is a mild Maraka.

Death House in Astrology

The 8th house in astrology is often referred to as the death house. It signifies transformation, death, and rebirth. The influence of maraka planets can be significant when they aspect or transit through the 8th house, intensifying their impact on life events.

Practical Considerations

When facing the Dasha of a Maraka planet, one should be extra cautious and take preventive measures. Regular health check-ups, prudent financial planning, and maintaining harmonious relationships can help navigate this challenging period. Engaging in spiritual practices like meditation and mantra chanting can also provide mental strength and resilience.

Conclusion

Maraka planets play a crucial role in Vedic astrology by highlighting periods of intense suffering and challenges. Understanding their influence, identifying them in the natal chart, and knowing the appropriate remedies can help mitigate their negative impact. By gaining a deeper insight into Maraka planets, individuals can better prepare for and navigate these challenging phases, transforming potential adversities into opportunities for growth and resilience.