Mars, the 4th Planet from the Sun in the Solar System, is named after Mars who is the Roman God of War. Because of its reddish appearance it is also referred to as the ‘Red Planet' or Mangal. Mars plays a very vital role in our Horoscopes.

The influence of Mars on the positive side gives us energy, strong will, independence and self confidence. A negative influence can mean violence, disaster, conflicts or injury. It also indicates premature death; as with loss of partner, when Mars is afflicted by "Kujadosha". This affliction of Mars in the 1st, 4th, 7th, 8th, 12th house of a natal chart makes the horoscope to be known as a Manglik horoscope. This affliction of "Kujadosha" is reduced when Mars in 1st House is in Aries or 4th House is in Scorpio or 7th House is in Capricorn or Pisces or 8th House is in Cancer or 12th House is in Sagittarius. In Vedic Astrology, the positions of the Sun and Saturn in a horoscope along with Mars have to be considered to determine if the horoscope is Manglik in nature. A person having the "Manglik Dosh" in his or her horoscope can only get married with a person having the same Dosh or in other words a Manglik should only marry a Manglik. Reciting ‘Hanuman Chalisa' or offering sindoor to Lord Hanuman is said to be effective for reducing the effect of "Kuja Dosha".

Some other ways to reduce the ill effects of Mars Planet and increase the good effects are

• Donation of a piece of Red cloth on any Tuesday is an ideal proposition.
• Wearing of coral gem stone ring made of Gold or Copper on the Index or Ring finger on any Tuesday and continuing to wear it thereafter is likely to appease Mars.
• Wearing Gold or Copper ring is also recommended to bring effective beneficial results.
• Fasting on Tuesday is said to be very effective effort to get the grace of Mangal.

Also see my Hub Coral - Gemstone of Mars.