Also known as: The Nine Planetary Deities
The nine celestial bodies of Hindu astrology β Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu β worshipped together to balance their combined influence on one's life and destiny.
The Navagrahas are nine planetary deities whose positions at the time of one's birth are believed to shape personality, fortune, and life events according to Hindu astrology (Jyotisha). Rather than being worshipped only individually, they are often approached together, since their influences are understood to interact β a difficult placement of one graha can sometimes be eased by strengthening another. Tamil Nadu's cluster of temples near Kumbakonam, each dedicated to one specific graha, is the most complete expression of this tradition anywhere in India, with worshippers traditionally visiting all nine in sequence.
In Sanskrit, Graha means "that which seizes or influences."
The Grahas are believed to influence earthly events according to one's accumulated karma. Hindu philosophy teaches that while planetary influences may shape circumstances, sincere devotion, righteous conduct, self-effort, and divine grace remain central to spiritual progress.
References to the Grahas appear in:
The science of Jyotisha (Vedic astrology) developed these teachings into a detailed system for understanding planetary influences.
According to the Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana, and Mahabharata, during the Samudra Manthana (Churning of the Ocean of Milk), the nectar of immortality (Amrita) emerged.
A powerful Asura named Svarbhanu disguised himself as a Deva and drank the nectar.
Before it passed completely through his body, Lord Vishnu, in the form of Mohini, severed his head with the Sudarshana Chakra.
Because the nectar had already touched him:
Rahu and Ketu are therefore regarded as shadow planets associated with eclipses and karmic transformation.
The Navagrahas are worshipped to:
Many Hindu temples include dedicated Navagraha shrines, where devotees offer prayers before or after worshipping the main deity.
Graha | Represents | Weekday | Color | Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Surya | Vitality, authority, soul | Sunday | Red/Orange | Seven-horse chariot |
Chandra | Mind, emotions, mother | Monday | White | Chariot with antelopes/horses |
Mangala | Courage, strength, energy | Tuesday | Red | Ram |
Budha | Intelligence, communication | Wednesday | Green | Lion or chariot |
Brihaspati (Guru) | Wisdom, knowledge, teachers | Thursday | Yellow | Elephant or chariot |
Shukra | Prosperity, relationships, arts | Friday | White | Horse or chariot |
Shani | Discipline, justice, karma | Saturday | Black/Blue | Crow or vulture |
Rahu | Ambition, worldly desires, transformation | β | Smoky Blue | Lion |
Ketu | Spirituality, detachment, liberation | β | Multi-colored/Grey | Vulture |
A traditional Navagraha Puja may include:
Traditional offerings vary by Graha:
Graha | Common Offerings |
|---|---|
Surya | Red flowers, wheat, jaggery, water offered at sunrise |
Chandra | White rice, milk, white flowers |
Mangala | Red lentils, red flowers |
Budha | Green gram, tulsi (where appropriate), green fruits |
Guru | Chickpeas, turmeric, yellow flowers |
Shukra | White sweets, rice, fragrant flowers |
Shani | Sesame oil, black sesame, black cloth |
Rahu | Black gram, blue flowers (regional traditions vary) |
Ketu | Horse gram, multi-colored flowers (regional traditions vary) |
Om Adityaya Cha Somaya
Mangalaya Budhaya Cha
Guru Shukra Shanibhyashcha
Rahave Ketave Namah
Meaning: Salutations to Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, and Ketu.
The nine grahas are each associated with a specific color, day of the week, and area of life β from Surya's vitality and leadership to Ketu's detachment and spiritual insight. Together, their symbolism represents the idea that no single force governs destiny alone; balance across all nine is the goal.
Unlike many deities, the Navagrahas are primarily honored through observances associated with individual Grahas rather than a single collective festival.
Graha | Best Day |
|---|---|
Surya | Sunday |
Chandra | Monday |
Mangala | Tuesday |
Budha | Wednesday |
Guru (Brihaspati) | Thursday |
Shukra | Friday |
Shani | Saturday |
Rahu | Saturday or during Rahu-related remedial worship (as guided by tradition) |
Ketu | Tuesday or during Ketu-related remedial worship (as guided by tradition) |
According to Hindu tradition, sincere Navagraha worship may help devotees cultivate harmony with cosmic influences and strengthen positive qualities.
Texts such as the Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra and various Puranas describe the Navagrahas as divine administrators of karma rather than independent controllers of destiny. Their influences are understood to reflect the fruits of past actions, while sincere worship, righteous conduct, charity, self-discipline, and devotion are believed to help devotees navigate life's challenges with greater strength and wisdom.
The central teaching of Navagraha worship is that while planetary influences may shape circumstances, Dharma (righteous living), Bhakti (devotion), Karma (right action), and Divine Grace remain the highest means of attaining peace, prosperity, and ultimately Moksha (liberation).
