Vedic astrology · graha · a malefic
Mangala (Mars)
Energy, courage, brothers, land and conflict.
At a glance
- Signifies
- energy, courage, brothers, land and conflict
- Nature
- a malefic
- Exalted
- Capricorn, deepest at 28°
- Debilitated
- Cancer, deepest at 28°
- Own signs
- Aries, Scorpio
- Moolatrikona
- Aries 0° to 12°
- Friends
- Sun, Moon, Jupiter
- Enemies
- Mercury
- Neutral
- Venus, Saturn
- Day
- Tuesday
- Gemstone
- Red coral
Mangala mahadasha: 7 years
Seven years of energy and action: property, courage, siblings, sport, conflict and quick decisions.
In the Vimshottari order it follows the Moon dasha and is followed by Rahu. Your first dasha is set by the nakshatra of your Moon at birth: anyone born with the Moon in Mrigashira, Chitra or Dhanishta starts life in the Mars dasha.
The nakshatras of Mangala
Mangala as Atmakaraka and Darakaraka
In Jaimini astrology the graha furthest through its sign is the Atmakaraka and the least advanced is the Darakaraka.
- Atmakaraka (the soul)
- The soul wants to fight for what is right. The test is courage without violence.
- Darakaraka (the spouse)
- The spouse is energetic, brave, sporty or technical: quick to anger and quick to protect.
Mangala in the 7th and the 10th
- In the 7th house
- A passionate, forceful, competitive partner, and sparks both ways. Desire and arguments run hot, so the two of you need a shared fight to win (in Jyotish, a Manglik factor).
- In the 10th house
- Mars in the 10th is a fighter at work: ambitious, competitive, made for command, sport, the army or surgery.
Yogas of Mangala
- Chandra-Mangala yoga
- Moon and Mars together or opposite: earning power and drive to make money.
- Ruchaka yoga
- Mars strong in a kendra: courage, command and physical strength (a Pancha Mahapurusha yoga).
- Manglik (Kuja dosha)
- Mars in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house: fiery energy in marriage. Traditionally a Manglik marries a Manglik.
The nine grahas
Questions and answers
What does Mangala signify in Vedic astrology?
Energy, courage, brothers, land and conflict. It is a malefic.
How long is the Mars mahadasha?
7 years. Seven years of energy and action: property, courage, siblings, sport, conflict and quick decisions.
Where is Mars exalted and debilitated?
Exalted in Capricorn (deepest at 28°), debilitated in Cancer.
Who are Mars's friends and enemies?
Friends: Sun, Moon, Jupiter. Enemies: Mercury.
What is the gemstone of Mars?
Red coral, by tradition. Astrologers advise wearing it only after the whole chart has been read.