Curses and Childlessness in Vedic Astrology: Teachings of Sage Parāśara

Introduction

Childlessness or the repeated loss of progeny is one of the most painful karmic conditions described in Vedic astrology. According to Sage Parāśara, these afflictions are not random misfortunes but the results of śrāpa (curses) carried forward from previous births. These karmic debts manifest as planetary yogas in the horoscope.

In the Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, Lord Śiva reveals to Goddess Pārvatī the causes, yogas, and remedies for progeny-related issues. Let us explore these types of curses, their astrological indicators, and the practical remedies prescribed by the sages.

1. Serpent Curse (Sarpa Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
राहुयुक्ते च पञ्चमे पुत्रनाशः प्रजायते।
(BPHS 13.24)

Meaning: If Rāhu is in the 5th house, it indicates destruction of progeny due to a serpent curse.

• Seen through Rāhu’s affliction to the 5th house or pañcameśa.

• Eight yogas are described.

• Remedy: Sarpa Shanti, worship of Lord Subrahmaṇya.

2. Paternal Curse (Pitṛ Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
सूर्येण पञ्चमं पीड्यते तदा पितृशापजो दोषः।
(BPHS 13.31)

Meaning: When the Sun afflicts the 5th house or its lord, absence of progeny arises from a father’s curse.

• Eleven yogas are given.

• Involves Sun, Mars, and Rāhu.

• Remedy: Pitṛ tarpaṇa, śrāddha, and Surya worship.

3. Maternal Curse (Mātṛ Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
चन्द्रेण वा पीडिते पंचमे वा च पंचमे।
मातृशापात् सुतो नाशं याति वा न प्रजायते॥
(BPHS 13.37)

Meaning: Affliction of the Moon or the 5th lord indicates denial of children due to the mother’s curse.

• Thirteen yogas are described.

• Mars, Saturn, and Rāhu contribute.

• Remedy: Serving one’s mother, Moon mantra japa.

4. Brother’s Curse (Bhrātṛ Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
कुजो राहुश्च पंचमे भ्रातृशापं प्रदर्शयेत्।
(BPHS 13.43)

Meaning: If Mars and Rāhu afflict the 5th house, it shows denial of progeny due to a brother’s curse.

• Thirteen yogas.

• Remedy: Worship of Kartikeya; recitation of Hanuman Chalisa.

5. Maternal Uncle’s Curse (Mātula Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
बुधगुरु-कुज-राहुभिः पंचमे, शनिना सह लग्ने।
मातुलशापजो दोषः संतानहानिकारकः॥
(BPHS 13.48)

Meaning: If Mercury, Jupiter, Mars, and Rāhu are in the 5th and Saturn in Lagna, it causes denial of progeny due to the maternal uncle’s curse.

• Special link between Saturn and Mercury.

• Remedy: Worship Lord Ganesha and Vishnu Sahasranama.

6. Brahmin’s Curse (Brahma Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
नवमे राहु-गुरुभ्यां पीडिते ब्रह्मशापजः।
(BPHS 13.52)

Meaning: If the 9th house is afflicted by Rāhu and Jupiter, the curse of a Brāhmaṇa results in childlessness.

• Seven yogas are mentioned.

• Remedy: Guru mantra, feeding Brahmins, Guruvar vrata.

7. Wife’s Curse (Patnī Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
सप्तमे पापदृष्टे वा पत्न्याः शापः प्रजायते।
(BPHS 13.56)

Meaning: If the 7th house is afflicted by malefics, the wife’s curse denies progeny.

• Eleven yogas.

• Remedy: Worship of Goddess Durga, Shiva-Parvati puja.

8. Spirit Curse (Preta Śrāpa)

श्रीशिव उवाच
श्राद्धहीनः प्रजाहीनो जायते शापकर्मणा।
(BPHS 13.61)

Meaning: Neglect of śrāddha rituals in past births leads to denial of progeny in this life.

• Nine yogas.

• Remedy: Regular śrāddha, feeding the poor in the ancestor’s name.

9. Planetary Afflictions (Graha Doṣa) and Remedies

श्रीशिव उवाच (BPHS 13.70–74)

• Budha–Śukra affliction → Worship Lord Śiva.

• Guru–Chandra affliction → Recite Santān Gopāl mantra.

• Rāhu affliction → Perform kanyā-dāna.

• Sūrya affliction → Worship Lord Viṣṇu.

• Maṅgala–Śani affliction → Perform Ṣaḍaṅga Śatarudriya Japa.

Moon Sign / Ascendant–wise Indications

Conclusion

Sage Parāśara’s teachings remind us that astrology is not just predictive but corrective. The absence or destruction of progeny arises from karmic debts, seen as specific yogas of curses. But through devotion, remedies, and dharmic conduct—Śiva, Viṣṇu, Guru, and ancestors’ blessings—these obstacles can be overcome.

Ultimately, the gift of children lies in the hands of the Supreme Lord, who alone governs karma and grace.

✨ This blog blends the authority of śāstra with practical remedies and modern insights, making it a guide for seekers and astrologers alike.