Category: navagraha

The navagraha are nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth according to Hinduism and Hindu astrology. The term is derived from nava and graha. The nine parts of the navagraha are the Sun, Moon, planets Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn, and the two nodes of the Moon.

Mangala (Mars) – Navagrahas (9 Planets)

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Suryascandro mangalasca budhascapi brahaspati
Sukrahsaniscaro rahuh ketusceti navagrahah ||

Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Sun, Moon, Mars (Mangala), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter, Sukra (Venus), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu are the nine planets.

When you are in a remote village and look at the sky at night without the light pollution of the cities, you become aware of the shining stars (and may even recognize the zodiac formations) in the Milky Way overhead. At certain times of the year, you become very aware of certain glowing bodies and feel that they are reaching out to you.

Navagraha - Celestial influencers
Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Our ancients counted five of these that were very visible to even the naked eye along with the sun and moon and the two shadow planets, rahu and ketu, as the nava grahas or nine planets. The planetary positions at the time of a child’s birth are believed to influence the child’s destiny.

Thus, the Navagrahas may be considered celestial influencers. It was believed that living beings pass through the periods and positions of these nine and hence, the hardships in life were linked to the position of the grahas. Remedial measures or pariharas to overcome any adverse effects due to the planets were also suggested.

It is not surprising therefore that the worship of these nine celestials has prevailed through the ages with stories about them appearing in various Puranas.

Why! Even the seven days of the week are named after them! Thus we have

  1. Ravivaram (Ravi = Sun),
  2. Somavaram (Soma=Moon),
  3. Mangalvaram (Mangal=Mars),
  4. Budhavaram (Budha=Mercury),
  5. Brihaspativaram or Guruvaram (Brihaspati/ Guru= Jupiter),
  6. Sukravaram (Sukra=Venus) and
  7. Shanivaram (Shani=Saturn).

Worship of the navagrahas is pan-Indian though the way of worship may be different. In many places, they are carved on the roof of many temples. Temples dedicated to Navagrahas are few. Around Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam, there are nine temples, each dedicated to one of the nine grahas, and hence they are collectively known as the Navagraha temples.

On the other hand, in many Shiva temples in south India, especially in Tamil Nadu, there is a shrine exclusively dedicated to the navagraha, usually to the northeast of the sanctum. The nine celestial influencers are usually placed on a square pedestal, about three feet off the ground. Surya, the sun, takes the central position, facing east, and the other eight deities are placed around Surya with no two facing each other.

Each graha faces one of the four directions, the specific direction being defined by the pratishta (e.g. Agama or Vaidika) followed by the temple. In general, the navagrahas are to be worshipped after worshipping the main deity.

No wonder Purandaradasa sang ‘Sakala Graha Bala Neene Sarasijaaksha’- O lotus-eyed, you wield power over all the planets You pervade the universe as its protector You are the sun, moon, mercury; you are Rahu, ketu You are Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

Navagraha Homam

is performed to strengthen beneficial grahas and pacify maleficent grahas for the removal of obstacles from one’s personal or even professional life. The nine planets are invoked by chanting the navagraha stotram and shanti mantras and offering nine types of grain, vastra, and naivedya.

Mangala - Mars - Navagraha

Mangala – Mars

Angaraka means the red-hued in Sanskrit and refers to the planet Mars. We call the day Mangalavaaram (Tuesday), after Mangala, the auspicious one, which is another name for Mars.

In Indian mythology, Mangala is portrayed as red in colour and war-like as can be seen by the mace and spear he holds. He is also depicted showing the abhaya mudra and the varada mudra.

The origin of Mars varies depending on the different mythological texts – some say he is the son of Bhoomi devi and Lord Vishnu, when he brought her up from the depths of the ocean in Varahaavatara. Others say he was born when a drop of sweat from Lord Shiva’s brow fell on the earth.

Either way, he is the son of Bhoomi, hence also known as Bhauma. Mangal’s vahana is a ram. This deity is believed to have an astrological influence on skills of hands, handling of equipment; even anger and strength: the way one uses energy at different levels, including mentally, to analyse situations.

Muthuswami Dikshitar’s kriti in Suruti ragam extols Angaraka – I take refuge in Angaraka, the Mandara tree for humble devotees.

Vaitheeswarankoil Temple

The presiding deity of Tuesday and the son of earth, Bhumikumara. Dikshitar says that he is friendly with the sun, moon and Jupiter; he also promotes brotherhood (bhratrukarakam). And, deenarakshaka pujitam vaidyanatha kshetram, this deity is worshipped in ‘Vaitheeswarankoil‘.

One of the navagraha temples, Vaitheeswarankoil is about 110 km from Thanjavur and 50km from Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Here, Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran, the God of Healing, who cured Angaraka of his affliction.

Mangalnath temple

Another famous temple associated with Mangal is the Mangalnath temple overlooking the Kshipra River in Ujjain. According to the Matsya Purana, this is believed to be the birthplace of Mars.

Let us pray to the Mangala graha to keep us success

Dharanigarbha sambhutam
vidyutkaanti samaprabham
kumaram saktihastam
tammangalam pranamaamyaham

Born of earth, with lightning-like brilliance Young man spear in hand, auspicious one, I pray to thee.

Click here to learn more about Mangala (Wikipedia)

Data Source – Article posted by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi in Sapthagiri Magazine.

Sukra (Venus) - Navagrahas (9 Planets)

Sukra (Venus) – Navagrahas (9 Planets)

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Suryascandro mangalasca budhascapi brahaspati
Sukrahsaniscaro rahuh ketusceti navagrahah ||

Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury (Budha), Jupiter, Sukra (Venus), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu are the nine planets.

When you are in a remote village and look at the sky at night without the light pollution of the cities, you become aware of the shining stars (and may even recognize the zodiac formations) in the Milky Way overhead. At certain times of the year, you become very aware of certain glowing bodies and feel that they are reaching out to you.

Navagraha - Celestial influencers
Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Our ancients counted five of these that were very visible to even the naked eye along with the sun and moon and the two shadow planets, rahu and ketu, as the nava grahas or nine planets. The planetary positions at the time of a child’s birth are believed to influence the child’s destiny.

Thus, the Navagrahas may be considered celestial influencers. It was believed that living beings pass through the periods and positions of these nine and hence, the hardships in life were linked to the position of the grahas. Remedial measures or pariharas to overcome any adverse effects due to the planets were also suggested.

It is not surprising therefore that the worship of these nine celestials has prevailed through the ages with stories about them appearing in various Puranas.

Why! Even the seven days of the week are named after them! Thus we have

  1. Ravivaram (Ravi = Sun),
  2. Somavaram (Soma=Moon),
  3. Mangalvaram (Mangal=Mars),
  4. Budhavaram (Budha=Mercury),
  5. Brihaspativaram or Guruvaram (Brihaspati/ Guru= Jupiter),
  6. Sukravaram (Sukra=Venus) and
  7. Shanivaram (Shani=Saturn).

Worship of the navagrahas is pan-Indian though the way of worship may be different. In many places, they are carved on the roof of many temples. Temples dedicated to Navagrahas are few. Around Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam, there are nine temples, each dedicated to one of the nine grahas, and hence they are collectively known as the Navagraha temples.

On the other hand, in many Shiva temples in south India, especially in Tamil Nadu, there is a shrine exclusively dedicated to the navagraha, usually to the northeast of the sanctum. The nine celestial influencers are usually placed on a square pedestal, about three feet off the ground. Surya, the sun, takes the central position, facing east, and the other eight deities are placed around Surya with no two facing each other.

Each graha faces one of the four directions, the specific direction being defined by the pratishta (e.g. Agama or Vaidika) followed by the temple. In general, the navagrahas are to be worshipped after worshipping the main deity.

No wonder Purandaradasa sang ‘Sakala Graha Bala Neene Sarasijaaksha’- O lotus-eyed, you wield power over all the planets You pervade the universe as its protector You are the sun, moon, mercury; you are Rahu, ketu You are Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

Navagraha Homam

is performed to strengthen beneficial grahas and pacify maleficent grahas for the removal of obstacles from one’s personal or even professional life. The nine planets are invoked by chanting the navagraha stotram and shanti mantras and offering nine types of grain, vastra, and naivedya.

Sukra – Sukravaaram – Venus

Sukra is considered an auspicious deity among the grahas, very interested in doing good to the world and ensuring people’s happiness. He never goes far away from Surya, the sun. After all, Sukra is Venus personified and Venus is the second planet from the Sun.

The sixth day of the week (Friday) is named after Sukra, ‘sukravaaram’. It may be noted that Friday is also the day when we pray to Mother Goddess, as well as to Sukra.

Sukra - Venus

An Ardent devotee of Lord Shiva

In Indian mythology, Sukra is considered the son of Sage Bhrigu and the preceptor of the Asuras. Holding a staff, a Japa mala, a pot, and a lotus, he is seen seated, riding a big chariot drawn by horses from the earth. An ardent devotee of Lord Shiva, he received the Mrita Sanjeevani Vidya that allowed him to revive the dead.

A scholar, he is associated with the color white, and rice, camphor, and curd are among the offerings that please him. Prayers are offered to Sukra to bless devotees with wealth, luxuries, and happiness.

Sri Muthuswami Dikshitar has composed the song

“Sri Sukra bhagavantam cintayami santatam sakala tattvagjnam”,

“I meditate on Lord Sukra, the knower of all truths”, in the raga “Paraz’.

Dhavalagataram

This song is embellished with various jyotisha terms. Dikshitar also refers to him as ‘Dhavalagataram’, or brilliantly white complexioned. Interestingly, Venus the planet also appears white to us because of its thick atmosphere.

Dikshitar has described the various qualities of Sukra including that he was a repository of Vedic knowledge. He also refers to the incident where Sukra lost one eye when Lord Vishnu in his Vamanavatara pushed Mahabali to Patala and Sukra tried to obstruct.

Sukransthalam – Lord Agniswara

The Kanjanur temple dedicated to Lord Agniswara is also known as the ‘Sukransthalam’ where Lord Sukra is believed to be in the stomach of Lord Shiva. Kanjanur is located about 18 km northeast of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.

Among the Nava-Tirupathis, the Makara Nedunkuzhaikathar temple in the Thoothukudi district of Tamil Nadu is referred to as Sukransthalam. It is also a Divya-desam.

Sukra stotram

Many hymns have been written extolling Sukra. There is a Sukra stotram in Skanda Puranam while Sukra Kavacham which appears in the Brahmanda Purana begins thus:

Mrnala kundendu payoja suprabham
pitambaram prasrtamaksamalinam
samasta sastrartha vidhim mahantamdhyayetka
vimvanchitamartha siddhaye

Bright like a white lotus in the morning, attired in Pitambara, wearing a garland Knower of all sacred precepts, poet, fulfiller of desires, I meditate on thee, great one.

Data Source – Article posted by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi in Sapthagiri Magazine.

Shani (Saturn) - Navagrahas (9 Planets)

Shani (Saturn) – Navagrahas (9 Planets)

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Suryascandro mangalasca budhascapi brahaspati
Sukrahsaniscaro rahuh ketusceti navagrahah ||

Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury (Budha), Jupiter Venus, Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu are the nine planets.

When you are in a remote village and look at the sky at night without the light pollution of the cities, you become aware of the shining stars (and may even recognize the zodiac formations) in the Milky Way overhead. At certain times of the year, you become very aware of certain glowing bodies and feel that they are reaching out to you.

Navagraha - Celestial influencers
Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Our ancients counted five of these that were very visible to even the naked eye along with the sun and moon and the two shadow planets, rahu and ketu, as the nava grahas or nine planets. The planetary positions at the time of a child’s birth are believed to influence the child’s destiny.

Thus, the Navagrahas may be considered celestial influencers. It was believed that living beings pass through the periods and positions of these nine and hence, the hardships in life were linked to the position of the grahas. Remedial measures or pariharas to overcome any adverse effects due to the planets were also suggested.

It is not surprising therefore that the worship of these nine celestials has prevailed through the ages with stories about them appearing in various Puranas.

Why! Even the seven days of the week are named after them! Thus we have

  1. Ravivaram (Ravi = Sun),
  2. Somavaram (Soma=Moon),
  3. Mangalvaram (Mangal=Mars),
  4. Budhavaram (Budha=Mercury),
  5. Brihaspativaram or Guruvaram (Brihaspati/ Guru= Jupiter),
  6. Sukravaram (Sukra=Venus) and
  7. Shanivaram (Shani=Saturn).

Worship of the navagrahas is pan-Indian though the way of worship may be different. In many places, they are carved on the roof of many temples. Temples dedicated to Navagrahas are few. Around Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam, there are nine temples, each dedicated to one of the nine grahas and hence they are collectively known as the Navagraha temples.

On the other hand, in many Shiva temples in south India, especially in Tamil Nadu, there is a shrine exclusively dedicated to the navagraha, usually to the northeast of the sanctum. The nine celestial influencers are usually placed on a square pedestal, about three feet off the ground. Surya, the sun, takes the central position, facing east, and the other eight deities are placed around Surya with no two facing each other.

Each graha faces one of the four directions, the specific direction being defined by the pratishta (e.g. Agama or Vaidika) followed by the temple. In general, the navagrahas are to be worshipped after worshipping the main deity.

No wonder Purandaradasa sang ‘Sakala Graha Bala Neene Sarasijaaksha’- O lotus-eyed, you wield power over all the planets You pervade the universe as its protector You are the sun, moon, mercury; you are Rahu, ketu You are Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

Navagraha Homam

is performed to strengthen beneficial grahas and pacify maleficent grahas for the removal of obstacles from one’s personal or even professional life. The nine planets are invoked by chanting the navagraha stotram and shanti mantras and offering nine types of grain, vastra, and naivedya.

Shanivaram (Shani = Saturn)

The word ‘Shani’ has the power of putting fear into anyone. It is believed that he is the god of justice keeping a record of a person’s deeds and passing judgements even during their lifetime, unlike his brother Yama who only does so after one passes away. The son of Lord Surya and Chaya Devi, Shani Bhagavan is dark-complexioned, prefers black garments, and rides a black crow.

Shani - Saturn - Shanivaram - Navagraha

Shanivar is the seventh day of the week, and Shani is the overlord of the day. It corresponds to Saturn’s day or Saturday. Astronomically, Saturn is the second largest planet in the solar system, a gas giant with a spectacular ring system.

Shanaischara

The sixth from the sun, it moves slowly taking 29 Earth years to make one orbit around the sun. Interestingly, Shani Bhagavan is referred to as ‘Shanaischara’, the slow mover, as he moves with a limp. Saturn’s transit from one Zodiac sign to another is observed as ‘Sani peyarchi’ festival and is held once in two and- a half years.

When we think of Shani Bhagawan, we always think of his maleficent or evil aspect but Muthuswami Dikshitar points out that Shani Bhagavan has twin aspects.

He is bold and fearless bringing all types of people under his control, but he does not necessarily trouble and frighten everyone for no reason.

The kirtana in Yadukulakamboji raga begins as follows:

“Divakara tanujam shanaishca ramdhirataram santatam cintayeham” –

I meditate on the slow-moving Shani, the son of Surya, and the courageous one. Dikshitar describes him as dayasudha sagaram, the ocean of compassion who loves lamps lit with sesame (til) oil and rice with sesame seeds tilathaila misritha anna deepapriyam.

These, along with black clothes are offered to Shani Bhagavan on Saturdays.

Sri Dharbaranyeshwara Swamy – Tirunallar

Tirunallar in Karaikal district of Puducherry is well-known as Sri Saniswara Bhagavan sthalam. The presiding deity is Sri Dharbaranyeshwara Swamy. It is said that King Nala was freed from the clutches of Shani when he bathed in the theertham and worshipped there.

Google Maps Location of SHRI DHARBARANYESWARASWAMY DEVASTHANAM (Shri Saneeswarabagavaan SthalamThirunallar)

Hence the belief bathing at the Nalatheertam and worshipping at this temple gives relief to those afflicted by the influence of Saturn.

In Andhra Pradesh,

  • the Mandeswara (Saneeswara) Swamy temple in Mandapalli,
  • East Godavari district is well-known and so is Shingnapur in Maharashtra.

Shani Sthalam

Among the Nava Tirupatis, the Srinivasa Perumal temple (also known as Sri Mayakoothar temple) located in Perungulam along the Tirunelveli- Tiruchendur route is known as Shani sthalam.

Hanuman

In Chengalpattu near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, there is a shrine to Lord Hanuman in the Kodanda Rama temple. Here Hanuman is seen with his feet on Shani Bhagavan. The legend is that Shani was sitting on Hanuman’s head and was getting crushed by rocks that Hanuman was carrying; he let go to grab Hanuman’s feet and got caught under them.

Another legend is that Hanuman released Shani from Ravana’s captivity.

Whatever the reason, it is believed that devotees of Hanuman are protected from Saturn.

Navagrahastotra

There are several mantras and slokas praising Lord Shani like

  • Shani Kavach,
  • Shani Gayatri Mantra,
  • Shani Moola Mantra,
  • Shani Sloka, and
  • Shani Beeja Mantra.

Let us recite the navagrahastotra dedicated to Shani Bhagavan

Nilamjana samaabhaasam
raviputram yamaagrajam |
Chaaya maartanda sambhutam
tam namaami sanaischaram ||

Midnight-blue-hued, son of Sun and elder brother of Yama. Born of Chaya and Sun, I pray to thee, of slow gait.

Data Source – Article posted by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi in Sapthagiri Magazine.

Budha (Mercury) - Navagrahas (9 Planets)

Budha (Mercury) – Navagrahas (9 Planets)

Posted on by

Suryascandro mangalasca budhascapi brahaspati
Sukrahsaniscaro rahuh ketusceti navagrahah ||

Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury (Budha), Jupiter Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu are the nine planets.

When you are in a remote village and look at the sky at night without the light pollution of the cities, you become aware of the shining stars (and may even recognize the zodiac formations) in the Milky Way overhead. At certain times of the year, you become very aware of certain glowing bodies and feel that they are reaching out to you.

Navagraha - Celestial influencers
Navagraha – Celestial influencers

Our ancients counted five of these that were very visible to even the naked eye along with the sun and moon and the two shadow planets, rahu and ketu, as the nava grahas or nine planets. The planetary positions at the time of a child’s birth are believed to influence the child’s destiny.

Thus, the Navagrahas may be considered celestial influencers. It was believed that living beings pass through the periods and positions of these nine and hence, the hardships in life were linked to the position of the grahas. Remedial measures or pariharas to overcome any adverse effects due to the planets were also suggested. It is not surprising therefore that the worship of these nine celestials has prevailed through the ages with stories about them appearing in various Puranas.

Why! Even the seven days of the week are named after them! Thus we have

  1. Ravivaram (Ravi = Sun),
  2. Somavaram (Soma=Moon),
  3. Mangalvaram (Mangal=Mars),
  4. Budhavaram (Budha=Mercury),
  5. Brihaspativaram or Guruvaram (Brihaspati/ Guru= Jupiter),
  6. Sukravaram (Sukra=Venus) and
  7. Shanivaram (Shani=Saturn).

Worship of the navagrahas is pan-Indian though the way of worship may be different. In many places, they are carved on the roof of many temples. Temples dedicated to Navagrahas are few. Around Tamil Nadu’s Kumbakonam, there are nine temples, each dedicated to one of the nine grahas and hence they are collectively known as the Navagraha temples.

On the other hand, in many Shiva temples in south India, especially in Tamil Nadu, there is a shrine exclusively dedicated to the navagraha, usually to the northeast of the sanctum. The nine celestial influencers are usually placed on a square pedestal, about three feet off the ground. Surya, the sun, takes the central position, facing east, and the other eight deities are placed around Surya with no two facing each other.

Each graha faces one of the four directions, the specific direction being defined by the pratishta (e.g. Agama or Vaidika) followed by the temple. In general, the navagrahas are to be worshipped after worshipping the main deity.

No wonder Purandaradasa sang ‘Sakala Graha Bala Neene Sarasijaaksha’- O lotus-eyed, you wield power over all the planets You pervade the universe as its protector You are the sun, moon, mercury; you are Rahu, ketu You are Venus, Jupiter, Saturn, and Mars.

Navagraha Homam

is performed to strengthen beneficial grahas and pacify maleficent grahas for the removal of obstacles from one’s personal or even professional life. The nine planets are invoked by chanting the navagraha stotram and shanti mantras and offering nine types of grain, vastra, and naivedya.

Budhavaram (Budha=Mercury)

Closest to the sun, the smallest in the solar system, Mercury is a little larger than Earth’s moon and travels around the sun in 88 Earth days. It has a very thin atmosphere and has no moons or rings. Described as the son of Tara (wife of Brihaspati) and Chandra, this celestial body appears in many ancient texts such as Agni Purana and Mahabharata.

As part of the navagrahas, Budha lends his name to Budhavaram in Telugu, in English Wednesday.

Budha - Mercury - Navagraha

In English, the name comes from Woden’s day, transformed from the Latin “Day of Mercury”, Mercurii dies. Inherently auspicious, he has three paces, slow, quick, and medium. He is described as riding a lion or a yaali, or a chariot made of wind and fire, golden in color, drawn by eight horses having the speed of the wind.

Not surprising then that Mercury moves fast, traveling through space at nearly 170 km per hour!

Budha holds three weapons – the mace, sword, and shield – while the fourth hand shows the varada mudra. Green-skinned, he is believed to be mild and eloquent, influencing intellect, communication, humor, and reasoning, Intelligent, worshipped for acumen, son of Soma, of a calm mind, bestowing brilliance.

Budho budharcitah saumyah saumyacittah subhapradah

Navagraha Kshetram

A glimpse of Kirtana

Let us learn Muthuswami Dikshitar’s kirtana in Natakurunji ragam, Jhampatalam, which is a prayer to Budha: ‘Budhamashrayaami satatam…’.

May we receive blessings for health from the Sun, and for fame from the Moon. Be blessed by Mars for wealth, knowledge by Mercury, and honor by Jupiter. Blessings for clear speech from Venus, for happiness from Saturn; and be blessed with a sound body by Rahu and family well-being by Ketu.

Data Source – Article posted by Smt. D.K. Ahana Lakshmi in Sapthagiri Magazine.