Graha (Sanskrit grha, "seizing, laying hold of, holding",[1] Kannada:

, navagraha,
Telugu:
, navagrahaalu, Tamil: , k) is a 'cosmic influencer' on the living beings
of mother Bhumidevi (Earth). In Hindu astrology, the Navagraha (Sanskrit: , "nine
seizers, nine influencers", Tamil: kmn, "imperial stars") are some of these major
influencers.
All the worlds of the navagraha have relative movement with respect to the background of fixed
stars in the zodiac. This includes the planets: Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn, the Sun,
the Moon, as well as positions in the sky, Rahu (north or ascending lunar node) and Ketu (south
or descending lunar node).
According to some, Grahas are the "markers of influence" that point out the karmic influence on
the behavior of living beings. They themselves are not causative elements[2] but can be compared
to traffic signs.
According to the astrological treatise Prasna Marga, there are many other spiritual entities called
grahas or spirits. All (except the navagrahas) are said to have been born of the anger of Lord
Shiva or Rudra. Most grahas are generally malefic in nature but there are a few that may be
good.[3] The book called The Puranic Encyclopedia, under the heading 'Graha Pinda', gives a list
of such grahas (spirits or spiritual entities, etc.), that are said to afflict children, etc. Also in the
same book in various places the names of spirits (grahas) are given, like 'Skhanda graha' that is
said to cause miscarriage(s).[4]

Contents

1 Astrology
2 The Navagraha
o

2.1 Surya

2.2 Chandra

2.3 Mangala

2.4 Budha

2.5 Guru

2.6 Shukra

2.7 Shani

2.8 Rahu

2.9 Ketu

3 Associated characters

4 Positioning in Hindu custom

5 Navagraha temples

6 Navagraha worship

7 See also

8 Notes

9 External links

Astrology
Astrologers claim that Grahas influence the auras (energy bodies) and minds of beings
connected to the Earth. Each Graha carries a specific energy quality, which is described in an
allegorical form through its scriptural and astrological references. The energies of the Grahas are
getting connected in a specific way to the individual auras of humans at the time they take their
first breath in a given nativity. These energy connections remain with the natives of Earth as long
as their current body lives.[5] "The nine planets are transmitters of universal, archetypal energy.
The qualities of each planet help to maintain the overall balance of polarities in both the
macrocosmic and the microcosmic universe - as above, so below..."[6]
Humans are also capable to tune themselves to the chosen energy of a specific Graha through
Samyama with that Graha or its presiding deity. The effects of worship of specific deities are
manifested accordingly to the layout of their relative energies in a given nativity of a worshiper
in question, in particular depending on the Bhavas occupied by the respective Grahas. "The
cosmic energy we always receive contains different energies coming from different celestial
bodies." "When we repeatedly utter a Mantra we are tuning to a particular frequency and this
frequency establishes a contact with the cosmic energy and drags it into our body and
surroundings."[7]
The idea of planets, stars and other celestial bodies being the living energy entities influencing
the other beings of the Universe has cross-references in many ancient cultures and had become
the background of numerous modern fiction works (like Solaris by Stanisaw Lem, see also the
movie with the same title).

The Navagraha

Navagraha, British Museum originally from Konark, Orissa. From left: Surya, Chandra,
Mangala, Budha, Brihaspati, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, Ketu

Surya

Surya in his chariot driven by seven horses.

Main article: Surya
Surya (Devanagari: , srya, Kannada:
, Telugu:
, Tamil: , yiru) is the
chief, the solar deity, one of the Adityas, son of Kasyapa and one of his wives Aditi,[8] of Indra,
or of Dyaus Pitar (depending by the versions). He has hair and arms of gold. His chariot is pulled
by seven horses, which represent the seven chakras. He presides as "Ravi" over "Ravi-vaara" or
Sunday.
In Hindu religious literature, Surya is notably mentioned as the visible form of God that one can
see every day. Furthermore, Shaivites and Vaishnavas often regard Surya as an aspect of Shiva
and Vishnu, respectively. For example, the sun is called Surya Narayana by Vaishnavas. In
Shaivite theology, Surya is said to be one of eight forms of Shiva, named the Astamurti.
He is said to be of Sattva Guna and represents the Soul, the King, highly placed persons or
fathers.

According to Hindu scriptures, among the more renowned progenies of Surya are Shani (Saturn),
Yama(God of Death) and Karna (Mahabharata fame).
Invoking Gayatri Mantra or Aditya Hrudaya Mantra (Adityahridayam) are known to please the
Sun God.
The grain associated with the Sun is whole wheat and the number associated to the Surya is 1.

Chandra

Chandra on his chariot of antelope. A 19th century watercolour painting.

Main article: Chandra
Chandra (Devanagari: , Kannada:
, Telugu:
,Tamil: , tingga) is a lunar
deity. Chandra (moon) is also known as Soma and identified with the Vedic Lunar deity Soma.
He is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and having in his hands a club and a lotus.[9]
He rides his chariot (the moon) across the sky every night, pulled by ten white horses or an
antelope. He is connected with dew, and as such, is one of the gods of fertility. He is also called
Nishadipati (Nisha=night; Adipathi=Lord) and Kshuparaka (one who illuminates the night).[10]
He as Soma, presides over Somavaaram or Monday. He is of Sattva Guna and represents the
Mind, the Queen or Mother.

Mangala

Main article: Mangala

Mangala (Devanagari: , Kannada: , Telugu : , Tamil: , cevvi) is
Bhauma ('son of Bhumi') in Sanskrit. He is the god of war and is celibate. He is considered the
son of Prithvi or Bhumi, the Earth Goddess. He is the owner of the Aries and Scorpio signs, and
a teacher of the occult sciences (Ruchaka Mahapurusha Yoga). He is of Tamas Guna in nature
and represents Energetic action, confidence and ego. He is painted red or flame colour, fourarmed, carrying a trident, club, lotus and a spear. His Vahana (mount) is a ram. He presides over
'Mangala-vaara' or Tuesday.[10] There is a famous pilgrim place Mangalanatha (in Ujjain,

Madhya Pradesh, India). People who suffer from troubles related to Mangala Graha in their
horoscope visit there on Tuesday. By worshiping & satisfying Mangal Graha, devotees get
blessings & mercy of Mangala Devata. Only two temples of Mangala devata in India, of which
one is in Amalner(Maharashtra) and another in Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Tamil Nadu.

Budha

Budha with Ila

Main article: Budha
Budha (Devanagari: , Kannada: , Telugu:
, Tamil: , putan) is the god of the
planet Mercury and the son of Chandra (the moon) with Tara (Taraka). He is also the god of
merchandise and protector of merchants. He is of Rajas Guna and represents Communication.
He is represented as being mild, eloquent and of greenish colour. He is represented holding a
scimitar, a club and a shield, riding a winged lion in Ramghur temple. In other illustrations, he
holds a sceptre and lotus and rides a carpet or an eagle or a chariot drawn by lions.[11]
Budha presides over 'Budha-vaaram' or Wednesday. In modern Telugu Hindi, Bengali, Marathi,
Kannada and Gujarati, Wednesday is called Budhavaara; in Tamil and Malayalam it is Budhan.

Guru

Main article: Brihaspati

Brihaspati (Devanagari: , Kannada: , Telugu : , Tamil: , viyzhan) is
the Guru of Devas, personification of piety and religion, the chief offerer of prayers and
sacrifices, represented as the Purohita of the gods with whom he intercedes for men. He is the
Lord of planet Jupiter. He is of Sattva Guna and represents knowledge and teaching. He is often
known simply as "Guru".

According to Hindu scriptures, he is the guru of the Devas and the nemesis of Shukracharya, the
guru of the Danavasa. He is also known Guru, the god of wisdom and eloquence, to whom
various works are ascribed, such as the "atheistic" Barhaspatya sutras. Guru is usually depicted
with an elephant or chariot drawn by eight horses as his vehicle. He is also depicted in a lotus
flower.
His Tattva or element is Akasha or ether, and his direction is north-east. He is described of
yellow or golden colour and holding a stick, a lotus and his beads. He presides over 'Guruvaaram', Brihaspativaara or Thursday.[11]

Shukra

Shukra sculpture placed in the British Museum, London.

Main article: Shukra
Shukra, Kannada:
, Telugu:
, Tamil: , vei the Sanskrit for "clear, pure" or
"brightness, clearness", is the name the son of Bhrigu and Ushana, and preceptor of the Daityas,
and the guru of the Asuras, identified with the planet Venus (with honorific,
Shukracharya). He presides over 'Shukra-vaara' or Friday. He is Rajas in nature and represents
wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
He is of white complexion, middle-aged and of agreeable countenance. He is described variously
mounted, on a camel or a horse or a crocodile. He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes
a bow and arrow.[12]
In Astrology, there is a dasha or planetary period known as Shukra Dasha which remains active
in a person's horoscope for 20 years. This dasha is believed to give more wealth, fortune and
luxury to one's living if a person has Shukra positioned well in his horoscope as well as Shukra
being an important benefic planet in his/her horoscope.

Shani

Shani on his mount crow.

Main article: Shani
Shani (Devanagari: , ani, Kannada:
, Telugu :
,Tamil: , cani) is one of the nine
primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology (that is, Vedic astrology). Shani is embodied in the
planet Saturn. Shani is the son of Surya. His Tattva or element is air, and his direction is west. He
is Tamas in nature and represents learning the hard way, Career and Longevity.
The origin of word Shani() comes from the following: Shanaye Kramati Sa: (
) i.e. the one who moves slowly. Shani is actually a demi-god and is a son of Surya (the Hindu
Sun God) and surya's wife Chhaya. It is said that when he opened his eyes as a baby for the very
first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological
charts (horoscope).
He is depicted dark in colour, clothed in black; holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and
variously mounted on a black crow or a raven. He presides over 'Shani-var' or Saturday.[12]

Rahu

Main article: Rahu

Rahu (Devanagari: , Kannada: , Telugu :
,Tamil: , Irku) is God of the
Ascending / North lunar node. Rahu is the head of the demonic snake that swallows the sun or
the moon causing eclipses, according to Hindu scriptures. He is depicted in art as a dragon with
no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses. He is a Tamas Asura who does his best to
plunge any area of one's life he controls into chaos. The rahu kala is considered inauspicious.
According to legend, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine
nectar. But before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu) cut off
his head. The head, however, remained immortal and is called Rahu, while the rest of the body
became Ketu. It is believed that this immortal head occasionally swallows the sun or the moon,
causing eclipses. Then, the sun or moon passes through the opening at the neck, ending the
eclipse.

Ketu

Main article: Ketu (mythology)

Ketu (Devanagari: , Kannada: , Telugu :
, Tamil: , ktu) is the Lord of
Descending. He is considered as Tail of the Demon Snake. It is believed to have a tremendous
impact on human lives and also the whole creation. In some special circumstances it helps
someone achieve the zenith of fame. He is Tamas in nature and represents supernatural
influences.

Associated characters
Each of the graha has associations with various characters, such as colors, metals, etc. The
following table gives the most important associations:
Character
Surya Deva (sun) Chandra (Moon) Mangala (Mars) Budha (Mercury)
Consort
Saranyu & Chhaya Rohini
Shaktidevi
Ila
Color
Gold
Silver
Red
Green
Gender Associated Male
Male
Male
Male
Element
Fire
Water
Fire
Earth
God
Agni
Varuna
Subramanya
Vishnu
Pratyadi Devataa Rudra
Gowri
Murugan
Vishnu
Metal
Gold
Silver
Copper
Zinc
Gemstone
Ruby
Pearl/Moonstone Red Coral
Emerald
Body Part
Bone
Blood
Marrow
Skin
Taste
Pungent
Salt
astringent
salt
Food
Wheat
Rice
Pigeon pea
Mung bean
Season
Summer
Winter
Summer
Autumn
Direction
East
North West
South
North
Day
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Tone (Svara)
Ga
Ma
Re
Sa
Guru
Rahu (north Ketu (south
Character
Shukra (Venus) Shani (Saturn)
(Jupiter)
node)
node)
Sukirthi &
Consort
Tara
Neeladevi(Jestadevi) Simhi
Chitralekha
Urjaswathi
Color
Yellow
White/Yellow
Black/Blue
Dark Blue
Smoky Grey
Gender
Male
Female
Neutral
Male
Neutral

Associated
Element
God
Pratyadi
Devataa
Metal

Ether
Indra

Water
Indrani

Air
Brahma

Air
Nirriti

Earth
Ganesha

Brahma

Indra

Yama

Durga

Chitragupta

Silver

Iron

Lead

Mercury

Diamond

Blue Sapphire

Hessonite

Cat's Eye

Semen
Sour
kidney beans
Spring
South East
Friday
Ni

Muscles
sweet
Sesame
All Seasons
West
Saturday
Pa

Head
Urad (bean)
South West
Saturday
-

Skin
Horse gram
-Tuesday
-

Gold
Yellow
Gemstone
Sapphire
Body Part
Brain
Taste
Sweet
Food
Chickpea
Season
Winter
Direction
North East
Day
Thursday
Tone (Svara) Dha

Positioning in Hindu custom

As per Hindu customs, the Navagraha are typically placed in a single square with the Sun
(Surya) in the center and the other deities surrounding Surya; no two of them are positioned to
face each other. In South India, their images are generally found in all important Saiva temples.
They are invariably placed in a separate hall, on a pedestal of about three feet in height, usually
to the north-east of the sanctum sanctorum.
There are 2 kinds of installation of the planets when arranged in this fashion, known as Agama
Prathishta and Vaidika Prathishta.
In Agama Prathishta, Surya occupies the central place, Chandra on Surya's east, Budha on his
south, Brihaspati on his west, Shukra on his north, Mangala on his south-east, Shani on his
south-west, Rahu on north-west and Ketu in the north-east. Temples such as Suryanar temple,
Tiruvidadaimarudur, Tiruvaiyaru and Tirucchirappalli follow this system.

The traditional arrangement of the Navagraha

Agama Prathishta

Rahu

Shukra Ketu

Brihaspati Surya

Chandra

Shani

Mangal

Budha

In Vaidika Pradishta, Surya is still in the centre, but Shukra is in the east, Mangala in the south,
Shani in the west, Brihaspati in the north, Chandra in the south-east, Rahu in the south-west,
Ketu in the north-west and Budha in the north-east.
Vaidika Pradishta

Ketu

Brihaspati Budha

Shani

Surya

Shukra

Rahu

Mangal

Chandra

Other temples install the Navagrahas in other arrangements.

In Ramanathapuram district, in a place called Navapashana, nine stone slabs are worshipped as
the Navagraha. In temples like Tirukuvalai and Tiruvarur, the nine planets stand in a straight line.
In Thirupanjali temple, they are represented by nine holes in a stone.
The Gangaikonda Cholapuram temple boasts a unique structure wherein the nine grahas are
installed in a single stone. Surya is prominently displayed in this structure with seven horses in a
chariot with two wheels and a charioteer. The other eight grahas are placed in eight directions
with the sun in the centre.
At Agasthiyar Temple Chennai Pondy Bazaar a totally different form of position is done with
Sun at the elevated centre and the remaining planets in an octagonal structure. This is called
Agasthiyar Kattu (the form promoted by Sage Agasthiya (Agastya).

Navagraha temples

Navagraha in Sri Lankan Murugan temple, Roermond, Netherlands

In Indian Astrology movement of the Navagrahas is considered to have a major role in
influencing the fortunes of any individual. In order to mitigate the negative effects of a planet
which is debilated in the birth chart or to provide more potency to a planet that is in an exalted
state, believers undertake pilgrimage to designated Navagraha temples.
See Swayumbhu Navagraha temple of Hedavde Mahalaxmi in Mumbai Maharashtra

Navagraha worship
Traditional Hindu astrologers castes in India are known to be major experts of Navagraha, many
people would approach a Hindu astrologer when they have problems and ask them on how to
overcome them by performing certain rituals which involve worship of Navagraha to overcome
ill effects. People of the Kaniyar (Ganaka) caste of south India, particularly in Kerala state and
the Graha Bipra, Acharya or Ganak Brahmins in the north eastern states of India have custom of

high preference for worshiping planets and sun. They are believed to be the descendants of
Sakaldwipiya Brahmins, who were once sun worshipers by nature.