“Grah Vakri” (ग्रह वक्री) is a term used in Vedic astrology (Jyotish Shastra).
Grah (ग्रह) → Planet
Vakri (वक्री) → Retrograde or moving backward
Meaning:
When a planet appears to move backwards in the sky (from Earth’s perspective), it is called Vakri. This is an optical illusion due to the difference in speed between Earth and other planets in their orbits, but astrologically it has great significance.
Planets that can become Vakri:
❀ Mercury (Budh)
❀ Venus (Shukra)
❀ Mars (Mangal)
❀ Jupiter (Guru)
❀ Saturn (Shani)
As per Bhakti Bharat Sun and Moon never become Vakri in astrology. Rahu and Ketu are always considered retrograde by default.
Astrological Belief:
❀ A Vakri planet is said to have more intense energy than in direct motion.
❀ It can delay, complicate, or deepen the results related to that planet.
Example:
Vakri Mercury → delays in communication, misunderstandings, rethinking.
Vakri Saturn → karmic lessons, delays in success, inner struggles.
In short, Grah Vakri means a planet is retrograde, and astrologically it indicates a strong but sometimes delayed or reversed effect in one’s life.