aniṣṭa graha

 “Aniṣṭa Graha” (अनिष्टग्रह) in Sanskrit refers to an “evil or malignant planet”, derived from the combination of “aniṣṭa” (undesired, harmful, or unlucky) and “graha” (planet)

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Etymology

The term Aniṣṭagraha is a tatpuruṣa compound in Sanskrit:

• Aniṣṭa (अनिष्ट): generally means undesired, unpleasant, harmful,
• evil, unlucky, or ominous

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   . It appears in classical texts 
• including the Natyashastra, Manusmṛti, and Puranas, where it 
• denotes bad omens, unfavourable results, misfortune, or harmful 
• consequences

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   . In Ayurveda and other classical works, it can
• also refer to what is considered undesirable or damaging in a 
• particular context, such as in diet, treatment, or behavior.
• Graha (ग्रह): in Vedic and Hindu astrology, “graha” literally means
• planet; it is one of the nine major heavenly bodies (Navagraha)
• that influence human life and cosmic events 

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Combined Meaning

• Aniṣṭagraha (अनिष्टग्रह) literally translates to “planet causing harm
• or misfortune”.
• In astrology, it is used to describe a planet whose placement or
• influence is considered malignant or inauspicious, potentially
• bringing obstacles, calamities, or unfavorable outcomes 

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• The term distinguishes such a planet from “suṣṭa-graha” or benefic
• planets, which are considered favorable to human life.
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Contextual Significance

• In Vedic astrology (Jyotiṣa), identifying aniṣṭagraha helps 
• astrologers predict difficult periods or obstacles in a person’s 
• life based on planetary positions 

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• While “aniṣṭa” alone can refer broadly to any undesirable outcome, 
• when combined with “graha”, it specifically focuses on cosmic 
• or planetary sources of misfortune 

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In summary, Aniṣṭa Graha is a Sanskrit term used for an inauspicious 

planet, one that brings bad luck, unfavorable effects, or misfortune

in astrology or classical literature, formed from the words aniṣṭa 

(undesired/evil) and graha (planet) 

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