Planets are celestial bodies that are believed to have a tremendous impact on our personalities, characteristics and lives on Earth. The traditional system of Vedic Astrology holds them to be 9 in number; hence, they are commonly referred to as Navagraha- Nava Graha, the 9 Planets.
Sacred texts regard these 9 Planets as the agents of our Karma that influence our lives and carry out our destiny based on our actions of previous births. When favorably placed, the planets can bestow beneficial blessings, but when otherwise, they may indicate afflictions and cause impediments or delays, denying us peace, joy, and prosperity in life.
These 9 Planets are- Surya, Atma Karaka, the Soul Planet Sun, the King of Planets and the most powerful living God, who can bestow good health and power; Chandra, Mano Karaka, the Moon, who rules the mind and emotions, and can give sensitivity and success; Mangala, Bhoomi Karaka, the Warrior Planet Mars, who can provide courage and agility; Budha, Buddhi Karaka, the Mercury signifying intellect, who can grant intelligence, communication abilities and soft skills; Brihaspati or Guru, Dhana Karaka and Putra Karaka, the Jupiter signifying wealth and children, who can bless with learning, affluence and wisdom; Shukra, Kalathra Karaka, the Venus, signifying relationship with the spouse or partner, who can bring in love and proficiency in fine arts; Shani, Jeevana Karaka, the Saturn, signifying occupation, who can help understand the significance of hard work and responsibilities; and the snake or shadow planets Rahu and Ketu, the lunar nodes without physical existence; of whom the Bhoga Karaka Rahu can provide material wealth, while Gnyana Karaka Ketu can grant spiritual inclination and asceticism.
When any of these planet or planets are placed in unfavorable positions in a horoscope, the person concerned may find the aspect that particular planet or planets signify, getting affected in his or her life.
The 9 Planet Poojas or Navagraha Pooja is the ceremonial worship performed to these 9 Planets, seeking their protection and grace.
Each of these planets is ruled by an archetype and has a Sacred energy associated with it, and hence, plays a profound role in impacting our lives. The type of authority the planets wield over a person will depend on their position in the celestial sphere at the time of birth of the individual, as reflected in his or her birth chart, and also their present placement of transit. Thus, the Navagrahas are greatly responsible for the successes and failures, and happiness and adversities that take place in a person's life, and hence, are regarded as nothing less than divinities and are worshipped as Gods themselves. So, it is no surprise that there are many temples and shrines in South India dedicated to the Navagraha, where devotees in large numbers offer prayers and seek the protection and blessings of the planetary lords.
The 9 Planet Poojas or Navagraha Pooja is performed to these Planetary Lords as the Presiding Deities, propitiating them for their blessings. However, it is generally the astrologers or spiritual guides who study the birth chart of an individual and the placement of planets therein, assess the condition, requirement, and urgency, and then decide about the Day, time, frequency, and in some cases, the Temple or the holy place where the 9 Planet Pooja or Navagraha Pooja has to be performed for optimum benefit.
Thus, the Pooja to the Navagraha can be regarded as much a worship as a potent remedial ritual.
Well-trained and experienced priests perform the Pooja in accordance with the procedures laid down in Sacred texts, chanting powerful Mantras dedicated to the Planets. This worship honors all the 9 planets, the Navagraha, and is capable of deriving immense benefits through their Divine blessings.
Propitiating the Navagraha through the 9 Planet Poojas or Navagraha Pooja can bestow the blessings of the highly influential planets, protect us from harm, remove negativities, and add positive vibrations in life. The tremendous spiritual energy from this Pooja can also help us overcome the difficulties of day-to-day life and help us live in peace and harmony.
Pacifying the 9 Planets and invoking their blessings through the 9 Planet Poojas or Navagraha Pooja can help you receive the benevolent blessings of the mighty Navagraha, the 9 Planets, remove obstacles, overcome sufferings and internal negativities like depression, prove your efficacy, and succeed in endeavors, excel in educational pursuits, advance in career, run profitable business operations, enjoy a blissful married life with your partner, benefit from the luck factor and lead a fruitful life, and receive Divine blessings for good health, longevity and prosperity.
Let us also seek the Navagraha blessings for leading a life of purpose and fulfillment.
