Bhava · Dusthana · Natural karaka: Mars / Saturn
6th House — Ripu Bhava / Shatru Bhava
Also known as: Ripu Bhava, House of enemies, Shatru sthana, Roga sthana.
Quick answer
The 6th House (Ripu Bhava / Shatru Bhava) is the dusthana bhava of a Vedic kundali — dusthana (difficult) but also upachaya — malefics thrive here. It primarily signifies enemies, debts, disease, service, daily work. Its natural karaka (significator) is Mars / Saturn, which means a well-placed Mars / Saturn can strengthen this bhava even when its own lord is weak. The body parts ruled are lower abdomen, intestines, kidneys (partially). Planets that usually thrive here include Saturn, Mars, Rahu (for success over enemies); classical texts warn against Moon (illness) or Jupiter (weakens beneficence) placing here without strong mitigation. When the 6th House lord is dignified and unafflicted, the native experiences victory over enemies and litigation.
House #
6
Category
Dusthana
Natural karaka
Mars / Saturn
Body parts
Lower abdomen
What the 6th House signifies
Classical Jyotish assigns multiple karakatva (significations) to each bhava. The 6th House rules:
Strong 6th House lord
- ✦Victory over enemies and litigation
- ✦Hard-working, disciplined routine
- ✦Medical, legal, or service career
- ✦Gains through competition
Weak 6th House lord
- ✦Chronic illness, hospital visits
- ✦Debts, lawsuits, workplace conflict
- ✦Betrayal by close contacts
- ✦Accidents or injuries
Planets in the 6th House
Usually good here
Saturn, Mars, Rahu (for success over enemies)
Handle with care
Moon (illness), Jupiter (weakens beneficence), Venus (loss of comforts)
Related yogas
- ✦Vipareeta Raja Yoga (6th lord in 8th/12th gives wealth)
- ✦Sarpa Yoga
FAQ
- What does the 6th House (Ripu Bhava / Shatru Bhava) signify in Vedic astrology?
- The battlefield. The 6th house rules enemies, debts, disease — and the discipline to overcome them. Primary significations include enemies, debts, disease, service, maternal uncle. This is a Dusthana — Dusthana (difficult) but also Upachaya — malefics thrive here. The natural karaka is Mars / Saturn.
- What does a strong 6th House lord give?
- When the lord of the 6th House is well-placed (in own sign, exalted, in a kendra or trikona, aspected by benefics) the native typically receives: Victory over enemies and litigation; Hard-working, disciplined routine; Medical, legal, or service career; Gains through competition.
- What happens if the 6th House lord is weak?
- A debilitated or combust 6th House lord, or one placed in dusthana (6/8/12), can produce: Chronic illness, hospital visits; Debts, lawsuits, workplace conflict; Betrayal by close contacts; Accidents or injuries. Severity depends on the lord's dignity, aspects and running dasha.
- Which planets do well in the 6th House?
- Good placements in the 6th House (Ripu Bhava / Shatru Bhava): Saturn, Mars, Rahu (for success over enemies). Avoid or carefully analyse: Moon (illness), Jupiter (weakens beneficence), Venus (loss of comforts).
- Which yogas are formed from the 6th House?
- Classical yogas involving the 6th House: Vipareeta Raja Yoga (6th lord in 8th/12th gives wealth); Sarpa Yoga. These combinations amplify or counteract the house's natural indications.
- Which body parts does the 6th House rule?
- Lower abdomen, Intestines, Kidneys (partially). Afflictions to the 6th House or its lord can manifest as ailments in these areas, especially during the lord's mahadasha or antardasha.
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