Kaal Sarp Dosh Puja: Meaning, 12 Types, Remedies & How the Puja Is Done

Kaal Sarp Dosh is an astrological combination in which all seven planets from the Sun to Saturn sit on one side of the axis formed by Rahu and Ketu — as if caught between the serpent's head (Rahu) and tail (Ketu). It is popularly linked with delays, obstacles and sudden ups and downs. The traditional remedy is the Kaal Sarp Dosh Shanti puja, which worships Rahu, Ketu and the Naga devatas along with Lord Shiva.

An honest note on Kaal Sarp Dosh

Kaal Sarp yoga is not described in the classical text Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra; it developed in later astrological practice. Many experienced astrologers say its effects depend on the whole chart — the strength of the other planets, the running dasha and whether the yoga is complete or partial. Before booking an expensive puja, have your chart read by someone you trust.

The 12 types of Kaal Sarp Dosh

The type depends on the house in which Rahu is placed:

Why Trimbakeshwar and Ujjain

Trimbakeshwar near Nashik, a Jyotirlinga at the source of the Godavari, and Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain are the most famous places for Kaal Sarp Shanti, and many families travel there for it. The puja itself, however, is a Vedic ritual that qualified pandits can perform at any Shiva temple, at home or on your behalf — which is how most families abroad have it done.

How the Kaal Sarp Dosh puja is performed

1. Sankalp with your name, gotra, nakshatra and the purpose of the puja.
2. Ganesh puja, Kalash sthapana and Navagraha puja.
3. Rahu and Ketu puja — the two grahas are invoked and worshipped with their mantras.
4. Naga puja — small silver or copper images of serpents (Naga-Nagin) are worshipped, and in many traditions later immersed in flowing water.
5. Rudrabhishek — abhishek of the Shivalinga while the Rudram is chanted. See our Rudrabhishek guide.
6. Mantra jaap and havan — Rahu and Ketu mantras, and often the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra, followed by a havan with durva (for Rahu) and kusha (for Ketu).
7. Purnahuti, aarti and daan.

The puja usually takes three to four hours.

Best days for the puja

• Nag Panchami (Shravan Shukla Panchami)
• Amavasya, especially when it falls on a Monday (Somvati Amavasya)
• Mahashivratri and Mondays of Shravan

Simple remedies at home

• Chant Om Namah Shivaya and the Maha Mrityunjaya mantra daily.
• Offer water and milk to a Shivalinga on Mondays.
• Worship the serpent deities on Nag Panchami.
• Chant the Rahu mantra Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah and the Ketu mantra Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah.

Kaal Sarp Dosh puja from abroad

If you cannot travel to India, our pandits can perform the Kaal Sarp Dosh Shanti puja with your sankalp and you can join by video. It is often combined with a Navagraha Shanti puja. Ask us for a quote, or see online puja for NRIs.