Rahu & Ketu in Maraka Houses
Nature of Rahu & Ketu: They are chāyā grahas (shadow planets) without intrinsic lordship. Their behaviour is highly dependent on:House placement
Planetary association (conjunction/aspect)
Sign dispositor (the planet ruling the sign they occupy)
In Maraka Houses (2nd & 7th):
These houses are traditionally considered maraka sthānas (death-inflicting houses).
Rahu/Ketu here adopt the destructive potential of the house.
If associated with maraka lords (2nd or 7th lord), they intensify maraka tendencies.
Example: Rahu in 7th with Venus (7th lord) → Rahu acts as a strong maraka, even if Venus is otherwise benefic.
Association Principle:
Rahu/Ketu magnify the qualities ofthe planets they join.
If joined with a maraka planet, they become maraka themselves.
If joined with benefics, they may act less harshly, but still carry maraka potential due to house placement.
Saturn as Maraka by Association
Saturn’s Functional Role:
By default, Saturn is a natural malefic.
Its functional role depends on house ownership.
Owning trishadaya houses (3rd, 6th, 11th) or the 8th makes Saturn a functional malefic.
When Saturn Associates with Maraka Lords:
Even if Saturn is not a maraka by ownership, conjunction/aspect with maraka lords (2nd or 7th) makes it act as a maraka.
Example: In a chart where Saturn owns 3rd & 4th, it is not inherently maraka. But if it conjoins the 2nd lord, it gains maraka potency.
Amplification through Dasha:
During Saturn’s dasha or antardasha, if it is associated with maraka lords, maraka results (illness, accidents, death) may manifest.
This is especially true if Saturn also influences the 8th house or its lord.
Key Principles to Remember
Maraka Houses: 2nd and 7th are primary maraka houses. Their lords are maraka planets.
Association Rule: Any planet (even benefics) associated with maraka lords or placed in maraka houses can act as maraka.
Rahu/Ketu: They are “chameleons” — they adopt the nature of the house and planet they are linked with.
Saturn: As a natural malefic, its association with maraka lords or ownership of trishadaya/8th makes it doubly dangerous.
Timing: Maraka effects are most visible during the dasha/bhukti of maraka planets or their associates.
Imagine a chart where:
Rahu is in the 2nd house with Mars (2nd lord).
Ketu is in the 8th house.
Saturn owns the 6th and is conjunct the 7th lord.
Here:
Rahu becomes a strong maraka due to placement + association.
Ketu in the 8th adds longevity challenges.
Saturn, though not a maraka by ownership, becomes maraka by association with the 7th lord.
In their dashas, these planets can trigger maraka events.
