Roughly 40-50% of people are manglik by at least one method of checking - so a rule that "manglik must marry manglik" affects almost half of all matches. Here's how it actually works.
The rule
A person is manglik (kuja dosha in the South) when Mars sits in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 7th, 8th or 12th house of the birth chart. North Indian practice checks this from the lagna, and often also from the Moon and Venus. Some traditions leave out the 2nd house; others give the 7th and 8th the most weight.
Six of twelve houses qualify, so about half of all charts are manglik from any one reference point.
Birth time matters
The lagna changes about every two hours, so manglik status from the lagna needs an accurate birth time. Manglik from the Moon is reliable without it.
When the dosha is considered matched or cancelled
- Both manglik: the most widely accepted cancellation.
- Mars in its own sign (Mesha, Vrishchika) or exalted (Makara).
- Mars in particular houses in particular signs (for example, Mars in the 2nd in Mithuna or Kanya, in the 4th in Mesha or Vrishchika) - lists vary by text.
- Jupiter or Venus strongly placed or aspecting.
- Many astrologers consider the effect reduced after age 28.
Remedies families use
When it isn't cancelled: Kumbh vivah (symbolic marriage to a pot or a peepal/vishnu idol before the wedding) or Mangal shanti puja, as a matter of family faith. Both are simple and inexpensive. Be wary of anyone who uses manglik status to sell costly rituals or gemstones.
Check both charts together
The free calculator shows manglik status from the lagna and the Moon for both people; the full report checks whether it matches out or is cancelled.