We often get to hear that if one marries a mangalik his/her spouse will die. After hearing such stories I wonder, are Mangaliks some kind of spouse-eating cannibals or abnormal, poisonous humans? Who is a Mangalik? Is Mangal Dosh relevant only to marriage and to no other aspect of life? Or is it superstition handed down the generations? It seems to me that Mangaliks exist only in India. I wonder how the rest of the world carries on with their marriages? The Mangal stigma is one of the most misunderstood aspects of Vedic astrology. A majority of astrologers are well educated, intuitive, rational and scientific and know the Mangal effect well. But still we have an army of half baked punditjis who have created a negative hype around this word. Mangaliks are normal humans who lead normal lives, and to be a Mangalik is neither a fault nor a problem. Superstition and incompetent guidance by astrologers with lesser knowledge have created negative hype about their marriage prospects.

Who are Mangaliks?

Each planet, rashi and nakshatra has a meaning in Vedic astrology. Mangaliks are strong and powerful individuals and have strong and powerful vibrations. The vibrations of their thought and energy patterns can be overwhelming and powerful for a meek person. To live a lifetime with someone whose mind and body emanates subtle but strong vibes which are in tune with another partner can make life a pleasure to live, and that is the entire purpose of astrological matchmaking. But if they are not in tune, it is likely to manifest as mental and psychological blocks, and in extreme cases, even as physical ailments.

What is the solution?

Like all horoscopes, a Mangalik s horoscope should also be analyzed thoroughly by a competent astrologer. There are so many ways with which mangalik dosha can be warded off. A mangalik can definitely marry a non mangalik. A proper understanding of Mangal Dosh can help avoid post-marital problems. But solving the problem by marrying a Peepal tree or a vessel or an animal is neither graceful nor correct: who would want a tree or a goat as a spouse? That is being superstitious!