Delay in marriage

Marriage, being a part of many cultures' customs, is met with much anticipation and concern when it happens late. According to Vedic astrology, the birth chart or Kundali is viewed as most significant in understanding various fields of life, of which marriage happens to be one. Astrology claims that late marriage can be caused due to different planetary positions and their resultant effects on the native's Kundali. This paper discusses the astrological factors responsible for causing delays in marriage and sheds light on remedies that could reduce these planetary influences.

Role of Houses in Marriage

In Vedic astrology, houses mainly related with marriage are :

1. Seventh House: Marital life, partnerships, spouse. It indicates the nature and time of marriage.
2. Second House: Associated with family and wealth, this house also affects marriage since it mirrors family life after marriage.
3. Fourth House: Home and domestic comfort
4. Eighth House: Marital longevity and other related problems such as dowry and spousal support
5. Twelfth House: Bed comforts and marital intimacy.

Planetary Influences and Their Effects

1. Saturn (Shani): Since Saturn is a slow moving planet, its aspect on the seventh house or its lord causes late marriage. Its placement in the first, second, fifth, seventh, eighth, or twelfth houses also causes late marriages.
2. Rahu and Ketu: These shadow planets generally cause sudden delays. In case Rahu or Ketu are either placed in the seventh house or associated with the seventh house lord, this causes impediments or delays in finding a suitable match.
3. Mars (Mangal): The placement of Mars in the ascendant, fourth, seventh, eighth, or twelfth house forms Mangal Dosha, which delays marriage. Mars is responsible for disharmony typical of hesitation or postponement of marriage.
4. Sun (Surya): Sun in the seventh house may also burn out the prospects of marriage due to being of a fiery nature and thus cause delays.
5. Venus (Shukra): Even while Venus is the planet of love and marriage, its weakness in birth Charts may be the cause for delayed marriages. Its affliction by malefics can also cause postponements.
6. Mercury (Budh): Weak or retrograde Mercury in the seventh house can lead to indecision, affect communication, and thus delay marriage.

Doshas and Their Effects

• Manglik Dosha: This dosha also happens to be one of the most feared ones. The placement of Mars in certain houses in a horoscope forms this dosha. It is believed to be the cause for delay and disharmony in marriages. Manglik people may not find a compatible partner easily and end up marrying later in life than their peers.
• Sarp Dosh and Kaal Sarp Dosh: These occur due to the place of Rahu and Ketu. They are known to cause delays in marriage by many years and other serious issues in life. 
• Shani Dosha: The placement of Saturn in a malefic house may cause a delay in marriage due to its slow speed.

The Dasha, it is called the planetary period, and the Gochar, or transit. These two things can be very much responsible for when marriage happens to take place. At the same time, Saturn, Rahu, or Mars Dasha may be there, leading to delays in getting married. Similarly, their adverse transit may also delay marriage.

Yogas Favorable and Unfavourable for Marriage

• Vivah Saham: This is one such specific point in the Kundali calculated for marriage timing. This point, if analyzed with helpful Yogas, will help arrive at a more accurate prediction for marriage timing.
• Vishkanya Yoga: If any negative yoga afflicts the seventh house or its lord with malefic planets, it will delay marriage.

Astrological Remedies to Mitigate Delays

1. Manglik Dosha Remedies: There are some sure rituals like the Kumbh Vivah, visits to Mangal Temples, and Mangal Fasting on Tuesdays that can lighten a lot of the Manglik Dosha.
2. Saturn Remedies: These days, worship of Lord Shani, Saturday sesame oil lamps, and wearing blue sapphire under guidance are helping a lot in reducing the bad effects of Saturn.
3. Rahu and Ketu Remedies: As a remedial measure, practice RahuKetu Shanti Puja; chant mantras like "Om Rahave Namah" and "Om Ketave Namah"; and wear Hessonite or Cat's Eye gemstones.
4. General Remedies: Fasting: One can observe fasts on certain days related to the concerned planet responsible for the delay in marriage.

Charity: Items related to concerned affliction planets must be donated on their respective days.

Puja and Havan: Specific pujas and havens for the planets causing delay are performed.

Gemstones: Wearing of gemstones after proper consultation can balance out the influences of various planets.

5. Strengthening Venus: Wearing diamond or white sapphire, observing fast on Fridays, worshiping Goddess Lakshmi, etc, help in strengthening Venus.

Conclusion

Though planetary positions and doshas delay, they are not impossible to defeat. Coupled with proper remedies and a positive mindset, these influences can be reduced and better prospects of finding a match can be created.

Astrology gives valuable insights, while it needs to be approached with faith and patience. Sometimes, marital delays are not bad but give growing time and better preparation for the marital journey. Astrology will help one to overcome marriage related problems if used with proactive measures.