21 great evils / Ekavimsati Mahadoshas / 21 koota in Marriage Muhurta

According to the Rishi Narada, there are twenty-one great evils that should be avoided in the election of a fortunate time for starting anything important that involves profit, progress or pleasure.

The basic rule to select an auspicious time for any event is that
Any Muhurta shall be free of Ekavimshati (21) Mahadoshas.

As name suggests, any muhurta possesses any of these doshas is strictly prohibited.
Kalidasa explains that a Muhurta sullied with any of these 21 Mahadoshas shall be rejected as it is fatal even if good placements of planets in Vargottama, exalted, or own house etc.

तल्लग्नम च शुभैस्त्रिभिर्युतमपि स्वोच्च स्थितैस्स्वालय 

स्वांशस्थैर्यदि मित्र गैर्गुण सतैर्लग्नं च पञ्चैषटिकम |

क्रूरेषु त्रिभावरिगेषु यदि वा वर्गोत्तमांशानवितं 

लग्नं दोषविदुषितं यदि तदा मृत्युप्रदम स्यात्तयो: ||

8th house from any Lagna is the place of obstacles and hence this place must be free from any malefic association.

It is strongly suggested by the classics that 8th house must be free from occupation of any planet (malefic or benefic) for any auspicious ceremonies.

Benefic planets in 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 11th is recommended. But Moon in Ascendant

is strictly prohibited for any auspicious occasion. Natural malefic planets in 3rd, 6th and 11th

increase the strength of Muhurta. 7th house also needs to be free from placement of any planet

1. Panchanga Suddhi Rahita- Deprivation of Panchanga Purity Panchanga means five limbs and refers to the five components of time that are formed by the Sun and Moon, the Tithi, Karana, Vara, Nakshatra and Yoga. These five are the most important Muhurta components and priority should be made to assure that they are all favorable for the event, and that their lords are well-disposed.

Exception: The Sun or the Moon in the 11th house sanctifies all Tithis, Karanas, Varas, Nakshatras and Yogas, thereby making an unfavorable Tithi, Karana, Vara, etc. acceptable. The Sun or the Moon in the 11th will not, however, compensate for the lords of these being poorly disposed.

2. Udayaastah Suddhi Hina- Deficient Purity of the Rising and Setting Points The Lagna and 7th house should not be adversely affected. These are the two points on the horizon through which the planetary energies most significantly enter. If malefics are in the Lagna or 7th, the planetary energies become obstructed, so both of these should be

free from malefic association. It is even better if they are also free from malefic aspects.

The Lagna lord or Navamsa Lagna lord in or aspecting the Lagna or Navamsa Lagna strengthens the Lagna. Similarly the 7th lord or Navamsa 7th lord in or aspecting the 7th or Navamsa 7th strengthens the 7th.

Exception: The aspect of a malefic to the Lagna or the 7th is not able to cause harm if the Lagna is Vargottama.

3. Surya Sankranti- The Sun’s entry into a sign

The time of the Sun’s passage into the different Saura months is known as Sankranti. The three Saura days (three degrees) before and after the Sankranti into the Saura months of Capricorn and Cancer are to be avoided; these are the Saura months at which the two Ayanas begin. 

For the other months, 16 Nadis before and after Sankranti should be avoided. Sixteen Nadis translates into 16 minutes of the Saura day, since each Saura day is one degree, or 60 minutes of the Sun’s tropical motion.

Those things begun under Sankranti have only a transitional influence and do not reach the expected conclusion. Sankranti is, therefore, particularly unfavorable for events of long-term significance.

Three Saura days before and after the Sankranti into the Saura months of Capricorn and Cancer, One Saura day before and after the Sankranti into the Saura month of Aries and Libra, and 30 Nadis (half a Saura day or 30 minutes of arc) before and after the other Sankrantis. 

4. Papashadvarga- Malefic Shadvarga

The Lagna should not be in the Shadvargas of the malefics. The Shadvargas are the Rasi, Hora, Drikkana, Navamsa, Dvadasamsa and Trimsamsa. In the Shadvargas, the Lagna should not be in more Rasis of malefics than it is in the Rasis of benefics. Ideally, the Lagna should be in more Rasis of benefics than of malefics or, if it is in an equal amount of benefic and malefic Rasis, the Navamsa Lagna should be in a benefic’s Rasi.

For those events for which it is desirable to have the Lagna in the Navamsa of some malefic, it is acceptable to have the Lagna in that Rasi in the other Vargas as well.

Exception: Jupiter or Venus well placed and in the Lagna, or aspecting it, subdues the ill effects of the Lagna being in the Shadvargas of a malefic planet.

5. Bhrigu Shataka- Venus in the 6th

As mentioned in a previous chapter, Venus is a very important planet in Muhurta and should not be in the 6th Bhava. In the 6th Bhava Venus’s desires become unrequited, so the event is unable to fulfill the performer. Venus in the 6th also makes it difficult to make sound decisions regarding the event, resulting in the event getting into trouble and difficulties.

6. Kuja Ashtaka- Mars in the 8th

Mars must not be in the 8th Bhava. Mars in the 8th destroys the event before it even fully matures and disrupts the goals and focus of the event. Even if Mars is in own or exaltation Rasi, his placement in the 8th should be avoided.

7. Gandaanta- Ending Joint

The end and beginning of certain Nakshatras, Tithis and Rasis are transitional in nature and do not support the fruition or well-being of any event:

Nakshatra Gandaanta: According to the Surya Siddhanta, the Moon should not be in the last Pada of Aslesha, Jyeshtha and Revati, or in the first Pada of Asvini, Magha and Mula.

Tithi Gandaanta: The last 2 Nadis of Purna Tithis, and the first 2 Nadis of Nanda Tithis are Gandaanta. Two Nadis of Tithi translates into 24 minutes of Sun/Moon separation. 

The following table gives the degrees of Sun Moon separation which are Gandaanta:

15th (Purna) & 1st (Nanda)	5th (Purna) & 6th (Nanda)	10th (Purna) & 11th (Nanda)
359º 36’– 00º 24’	59º 36’– 60º 24’	119º 36’– 120º 24’
179º 36’– 180º 24’	239º 36’– 240º 24’	299º 36’– 300º 24’

Rasi Gandaanta: The Lagna should not be in the 

last half  Nadi of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces, 

and 

the first half Nadi of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius, which are Gandaanta. 

One half Nadi of the Lagna’s movement translates into 3 degrees, therefore, avoid the last 3 degrees of Cancer, Scorpio and Pisces and the first 3 degrees of Aries, Leo, and Sagittarius.

Exception: Gandaanta is nullified if the Moon is in a friendly Rasi or better, in her own Varga, and aspected by benefics. 

Exception: Some sources consider Nakshatra Gandaanta to last for 4 Nadis instead of one Pada, while others consider only 2 Nadis. Four Nadis of the Moon in a Nakshatra translates into 53 minutes and 20 seconds of arc, while two Nadis translates into 26 minutes and 40 seconds. In cases where no better Muhurta is available one may, therefore, consider only these shorter Gandaanta periods.

8. Kartari- Scissors

Malefics in the 2nd and 12th from either the Lagna or 7th form Papakartari Yoga, which significantly harms the event started. If the malefic in the 2nd is retrograde and the malefic in the 12th is moving

forward it is especially troublesome. Also, the same amount of planets, whether benefics or malefics, in the 2nd and 12th, 3rd and 11th, 4th and 10th, 5th and 9th, or 6th and 8th should be avoided, as these obstruct the progress of the event.

9. Riphashadashtendu- the Moon in the 12th, 6th or 8th

The Moon should not be in the 6th, 8th or 12th in the Muhurta chart, all of which disrupt the growth of the event. The 6th more delays growth than it does disrupt it and is not as unfavorable as the

8th or 12th. The 8th is disruptive to the point of destruction and should definitely be avoided.

10. Indu Sagraha- the Moon with a Planet

The Moon should be alone; its conjunction with any planet indicates a source that prevents the proper growth of the event. Malefics are, of course, much more unfavorable.

11. Dampatyor Ashtama Lagna- Lagna of the Husband’s or Wife’s 8th

The Lagna should not be the 8th Rasi from the natal Lagna or Moon of either the individual or their spouse.

Exception: If the lords of the natal Rasi and its 8th are the same, friendly, or one friendly and the other neutral, then the ill effects of the Lagna being of the 8th are removed.

12. Rasir Vishanadi Bhavah- Poison Periods of the Rasi and Bhava

Rasis also have a Vishanadi portion that should be avoided. The Lagna and the Bhava pertinent to the event should not fall in the Vishanadi portion:

Bhujanga: The 1st Navamsa of Aries, Taurus, Virgo and Sagittarius are Bhujanga (serpentine).

Exception: On Varas other than that of Mercury and Saturn, Bhujanga does not prevail.

Gridhra: The 5th Navamsa of Gemini, Leo, Libra and Aquarius are Gridhra (vulturous, greedily desirous).

Exception: On Varas other than that of the Moon and Venus, Gridhra does not prevail.

Varaha: The 9th Navamsa of Cancer, Scorpio, Capricorn and Pisces are Varaha (piggish).

Exception: On Varas other than that of Mars, Jupiter and the Sun, Varaha does not prevail.

Exception: Lagna Vishanadi is not inauspicious if the Moon is well dignified.

Exception: Lagna Vishanadi is not inauspicious if Jupiter is in an angle.

Exception: A benefic in or aspecting the Lagna overcomes Lagna Vishanadi.

Exception: Jupiter in exaltation Rasi and own Navamsa remedies the ill effects of Lagna Vishanadi.

Exception: The Moon in the 9th or 10th aspected by Jupiter overcomes Vishanadi.

Exception: The waxing Moon in exaltation, own Navamsa, in the Lagna, or in Simhasanamsa removes the ill effects of Vishanadi.

13. Dur Muhurta- Difficult Muhurta

In addition to the unfavorable Tithyamsas (Muhurtas) (namely Rudra, Ahi, Pitri, Puruhuta, Vahni, Nirriti, Bhaga, Girisa, Ajapada, Yama and Agni) the following combinations of Muhurta and Vara

should be avoided:

Sun’s Vara and the 14th Muhurta (Aryaman).

Moon’s Vara and the 12th (Nirriti) or 9th (Vidhata) Muhurta.

Mars’s Vara and the 4th (Pitri) or 11th (Vahni) Muhurta.

Mercury’s Vara and the 8th (Abhijit) Muhurta.

Jupiter’s Vara and the 6th (Ambu) or 12th (Nirriti) Muhurta.

Venus’s Vara and the 4th (Pitri) or 9th (Vidhata) Muhurta.

Saturn’s Vara and the 1st (Rudra) or 2nd (Ahi) Muhurta.

Exception: Jupiter in a friendly Rasi or better in an angle overcomes the ill effects of Dur Muhurta.

Exception: The Moon in the 11th removes the ill effects of Dur Muhurta.

14. Varadosha- Detrimental Day

The Vara forming an unfavorable Vara/Tithi/Nakshatra Yoga in combination with the Tithi, Nakshatra or Tithi and Nakshatra is blemished beyond repair and must absolutely be avoided.

15. Ekargala- One Bolt

Ekargala may be in effect when one of the unfavorable Yogas (Vishkambha, Atiganda, Sula, Ganda, Vyaghata, Vajra, Vyatipata, Parigha or Vaidhriti) is running. From the Nakshatra corresponding

to the Yoga that is running, note the Nakshatras that are the same distance in both the forward and reverse directions. If the Sun is in one of these Nakshatras and the Moon in the other, Ekargala is

present.

Exception: Ekargala only prevails during the day and can be ignored during the night.

Exception: Asvini, Mrigasira, Punarvasu, Pushya, Hasta, Chitra, Dhanishtha and Revati are not affected by Ekargala, so if the Moon is in one of these Nakshatras, Ekargala is not in effect.

Exception: Benefics in angles and trines and malefics in the 3rd, 6th and 11th destroy the ill effects of Ekargala.

For example, if the Yoga prevailing is Vishkambha, the corresponding Nakshatra is Pushya. If the Moon is in Magha, counting inclusively forwards from Pushya to Magha there are three Nakshatras; counting three backwards from Pushya is Ardra. If the Sun is in Ardra, Ekargala is present.

16. Grahanotpaatabham- Seizing Portent (eclipse) Nakshatra

The Nakshatra in which there is a full eclipse should be avoided for six months, for three months if it is a half eclipse, and for one month if it is a quarter eclipse.

Also, the day of the eclipse should be avoided as well as the three days before and the seven days after, though some sources consider three days instead of seven days after an eclipse to be the unfavorable period. If the Sun or Moon sets while being eclipsed, then the three days before the eclipse are particularly unfavorable. 

If the Sun or Moon rises while being eclipsed, then the three days after the eclipse are particularly unfavorable. The eclipse of the Sun is more severe than is the eclipse of the Moon.

Graha Shula: The seven Nakshatras prior to the Nakshatra in which the Moon is placed during an eclipse and the seven Nakshatras after are Graha Shula, which should be avoided. (According to this view, approximately seven days before and after an eclipse should be avoided.)

Though there are some differences of opinion about just how many days are unfavorable before and after an eclipse, experience has shown that only the three days before and after really need to be

avoided, so if no better Muhurta is available, it is acceptable to perform an event in the 4th through 7th days following an eclipse and the 1st through 3rd days of the week before an eclipse. Eclipses are

only destructive if the Sun and Moon are afflicted, else they simply cause events to be different from what was hoped for or expected.

Maha Shula: The Nakshatra opposite the one in which an eclipse occurs is Maha Shula (great spike) and should be avoided following an eclipse.

17. Kruravidvarksa- Evil Portent

Evil portents are many. The Nakshatra in which there is a planetary war, the Nakshatra whose star is crossed by some planet, and the Nakshatra in which there is a comet, meteor, etc. should be avoided for six months. Seven days after such a portent should also be avoided.

Additionally, days of storms, wind, fog, dust storms, and earthquakes and out of season rainfall should be avoided. The times that there is a halo around the Sun or Moon are also unfavorable.

Exception: Jupiter in a friendly Rasi or better in an angle overcomes the ill effects of storms, etc.

18. Kruura Samyuta- Joined with a Cruel/Hurt Planet

The pertinent planets should not be joined with a malefic or a planet debilitated in the Rasi or Navamsa. As mentioned in previous chapters, there are many pertinent planets in the Muhurta chart.

Avoid malefic or debilitated conjunctions with as many of them as possible, especially the Moon, and the lords of the Nakshatra, Lagna, Karana, Tithi, Yoga and Vara.

19. Kunavamsa- Deficient Navamsa

Planets should not be in debilitation Navamsa or inimical Navamsa, no matter their dignity in the Rasi. Planets in debilitation Navamsa or inimical Navamsa are always harmful to those things they themselves indicate as well as to those things that they influence.

The Panchanga lords and other important planets should not be in their debilitation Navamsa or inimical Navamsa or influenced by planets that are in debilitation Navamsa or inimical Navamsa,

whether they are influenced by these planets in the Rasi or the Navamsa. The only time that planets in debilitation Navamsa or inimical Navamsa are not harmful is when they are in Vargottama, in which case they are actually of some benefit. On the other hand, planets in own or exaltation Navamsa are particularly supportive.

20 & 21. Vyatipata- Calamity & Vaidhriti- Separator 
(Clik here to know more about Vyatipata and Vaidhriti)

Vyatipata and Vaidhriti are two of the most unfavorable blemishes, with Vyatipata being somewhat more unfavorable than Vaidhriti. According to the Surya Siddhanta:

“Owing to the mingling of the nets of their equal rays, the fire arising from the wrathfulness of their gaze, being driven by the Pravaya, is originated unto the calamity of mortals. Since a fall at this time often causes the destruction of mortals it is known as Vyatipata, or by a difference of title as Vaidhriti. Being black, of frightful shape, bloody eyed, big bellied, the source of misfortune to all, it is produced again and again.”

When the Sun and Moon are in different Ayanas, but upon the same side of the equator, with their minutes of declination the same, and the sum of their longitude is 180 degrees, Vyatipata is present.

This is a different Vyatipata then the Yoga of the same name, and is also known as Mahapata “Great Fall.” The following diagram illustrates Vyatipata:

The Sun’s and Moon are in different Ayanas, but upon the same side of the equator. Their minutes of declination from the equator are the same, both being north of the equator. 

The Sun’s tropical longitude is 15º Virgo (f), or 155º, 

the Moon’s 15º Aries (a), or 15º. 

The sums of their longitudes, 155º + 15º is 180º, Vyatipata is, therefore, present.

When the Sun and Moon are in the same Ayana, but upon different sides of the equator, one south and the other north, with their minutes of declination the same, and the sum of their longitude is 360 degrees, Vaidhriti is present. This is a different Vaidhriti then the Yoga of the same name. The following diagram illustrates Vaidhriti:

Vaidhriti

The Sun and Moon are in the same Ayana, namely Dakshinayana. Their minutes of declination from the equator are the same, the Moon being south and the Sun north. The Sun’s tropical longitude is

15º Leo (e), or 135º, the Moon’s 15º Scorpio (h), or 225º. The sums of their longitudes, 135º + 225º is 360º, Vaidhriti is, therefore, present.