Mangal Dosh Puja: What Manglik Means, Remedies, Kumbh Vivah & Puja Cost Factors

Mangal Dosh — being "Manglik" — is an astrological condition in which Mars (Mangal) occupies certain houses of the birth chart, and it is considered mainly when matching horoscopes for marriage. It is traditionally believed to bring friction or delays in marriage. The remedies include the Mangal Shanti puja, Hanuman worship and, in some traditions, Kumbh Vivah before the wedding.

When is someone Manglik?

Mangal Dosh is said to occur when Mars is in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house — some traditions add the 2nd — counted from the ascendant (lagna), and in many traditions also from the Moon and Venus. Because the rules vary, the same chart can be called Manglik by one astrologer and not by another.

Common cancellations

Traditional matching recognises several situations in which Mangal Dosh is cancelled or weakened, for example:

• Both partners are Manglik.
• Mars is in its own sign (Aries, Scorpio) or exalted (Capricorn).
• Mars is aspected by or with Jupiter in certain placements.

Have both charts checked by an experienced astrologer before deciding on remedies.

Traditional remedies

Mangal Shanti puja

1. Sankalp with name, gotra and nakshatra
2. Ganesh, Kalash and Navagraha puja
3. Worship of Mangal Dev with red flowers, red sandalwood and red cloth
4. Mangal mantra jaap — Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah — often 10,000 times for a full jaap
5. Havan with khadira (khair) wood, the samidha of Mars
6. Daan of red masoor dal, jaggery, red cloth or copper

Kumbh Vivah and Ark Vivah

In Kumbh Vivah, the Manglik person is ritually married first to a clay pot, a peepal or banana tree, or an idol of Lord Vishnu (Vishnu Vivah) before the real wedding. For men, a similar ritual with the arka (madar) plant is called Ark Vivah. These are done privately by a pandit, usually shortly before the wedding.

Daily and weekly practices

• Recite the Hanuman Chalisa, and visit a Hanuman temple on Tuesdays.
• Chant the Mangal Stotra or the Mangal mantra on Tuesdays.
• Fast on Tuesdays (Mangalvar vrat), if health allows.
• Donate red lentils, jaggery or sweets on Tuesdays.

Mangal Dosh puja cost: what decides it

There is no single price, because the puja can be small or very elaborate. The cost depends on:

When comparing quotes, ask exactly what is included. Ask us for a quote with your requirements.

For marriage delays generally

Mangal Dosh is only one of the reasons astrologers give for marriage delays. Read our guide to which pooja to do for marriage delay and job success, and see the Solah Somvar vrat, which is traditionally kept for a good spouse.