The classical position
Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, or 12th house from the ascendant is said to form Mangal Dosha. Different schools include or exclude the 2nd house.
What to check
- Cancellations: Mars in its own or exalted sign often cancels the dosha.
- Both charts: matched against another Mangal-Dosha chart, the effect cancels.
- Ashtakavarga strength: Mars's bindus matter more than the dosha label.
Bottom line
A labelled Manglik chart is the start of a conversation, not the end of one.