How to count Bhakoot
Count from the bride's Moon sign to the groom's, including both, and then the other way round. The two numbers always form one of six pairs:
| Relationship | Name | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1/1 (same sign) | — | 7 |
| 3/11 | — | 7 |
| 4/10 | — | 7 |
| 7/7 (opposite signs) | Sama-saptak | 7 |
| 2/12 | Dvirdvadash | 0 — dosh |
| 5/9 | Navapancham | 0 — dosh |
| 6/8 | Shadashtak | 0 — dosh |
Example: bride's Moon in Aries, groom's in Virgo. Aries → Virgo is 6 (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo); Virgo → Aries is 8. That is 6/8, Shadashtak — Bhakoot dosh.
What each is said to affect
- Shadashtak (6/8) — the most feared: the 6th is disputes and illness, the 8th sudden troubles. Traditionally linked to conflict and health problems.
- Navapancham (5/9) — linked to matters of children. Some traditions treat it as mild, since the 5th and 9th are otherwise auspicious houses.
- Dvirdvadash (2/12) — linked to finances and expenses: the 2nd is wealth, the 12th loss.
When Bhakoot dosh is cancelled
The most widely accepted cancellation is when both Moon signs share the same lord, or their lords are friends. Some common examples:
- Aries and Scorpio — a 6/8 pair, but both ruled by Mars, so the dosh is cancelled.
- Taurus and Libra — 6/8, both ruled by Venus.
- Capricorn and Aquarius — 2/12, both ruled by Saturn.
Other cancellations cited in different texts include a high total score (for example above 26–28), good Nadi and Graha Maitri, or a common navamsha lord. As with all exceptions, which ones a priest uses varies by tradition.
Remedies
- Worship of the deity linked to the afflicted sign lords — commonly Shiva and Parvati together for marital harmony, or Navagraha shanti.
- The Mahamrityunjaya Mantra for Shadashtak, which is linked to health.
- Charity and a shanti puja before the wedding, as advised by the family priest.
Perspective
Bhakoot looks at only one thing — the distance between two Moon signs. It is useful as a prompt to look closer at how two people handle conflict, children and money, which are exactly the things a couple should talk about before marrying. Read alongside Nadi, Mangal dosh and the full charts, it is one input, not the decision.