What Are Combust Planets (Asta Grah)?

The Sun is considered the king of all planets and the most powerful among them because of its intense brilliance. Vedic astrology provides many important rules, and one of them explains the concept of combust planets (Asta Grah).

When any planet moves so close to the Sun that it loses its own influence due to the Sun’s radiance, that planet is called a combust planet. It is believed that such planets stop giving favorable results. These planets are considered afflicted and bring weak or inauspicious outcomes during their planetary periods (Dasha or Antardasha). Every planet except the Sun can become combust.

When Does a Planet Become Combust?

A planet becomes combust when it comes within a certain angular distance from the Sun:

Moon: within 12 degrees
Mars: within 7 degrees
Mercury: within 13 degrees (some consider 3 degrees because it stays close to the Sun)
Jupiter: within 11 degrees
Venus: within 9 degrees
Saturn: within 15 degrees

For example, if Venus is at 8° and the Sun is at 14° in the same sign, the difference is only 6°, meaning Venus is combust. Such a planet cannot express its natural auspicious effects.
If a planet stays more than 15° away from the Sun, it is fully risen (Udita);
if the distance is around 8°, it is moderately combust;
and if less than 7° (except Mercury), it becomes fully combust.

Effects of Combust Planets

Moon: Combust Moon occurs only during Amavasya (New Moon). It brings emotional instability, lack of maternal comfort, and delays in acquiring property.
Mars: A combust Mars weakens courage, causes losses in property matters, and brings financial difficulties in business or profession.
Mercury: Though Mercury doesn’t usually suffer from combustion, it may still reduce intellect, cause skin issues, and lead to loss of reputation.
Jupiter: A combust Jupiter causes defamation or moral accusations. The native keeps trying to prove themselves right but doesn’t get recognition or high positions despite their wisdom.
Venus: A combust Venus creates obstacles in fulfilling desires, reduces marital happiness, and may cause sexual disorders or infidelity.
Saturn: A combust Saturn leads to government-related hurdles, financial instability, and lack of respect or recognition.

Can Combust Planets Give Beneficial Results?

Yes! Research in astrology suggests that if the lord of the 6th, 8th, or 12th house becomes combust, it can actually produce positive effects.
In such cases, the planet loses its ability to give the negative results of those inauspicious houses.

For example, if Jupiter rules a good house and becomes combust, it can harm prosperity or relationships. But if Jupiter rules a bad house (like the 6th, 8th, or 12th) and becomes combust, it stops giving the negative outcomes of that house. This condition creates a result similar to Vipreet Raj Yoga, bringing unexpected success and relief.