Navagraha Puja (Nine Planets Worship)

Navagraha Puja is a Hindu ritual practice dedicated to the nine celestial bodies (grahas) that influence human destiny.

Overview

Navagraha Puja is performed to propitiate the nine planetary deities—Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node), and Ketu (South Lunar Node). In Hindu astrology (Jyotish), these grahas are believed to govern different aspects of life and their positions at birth determine one’s destiny.

Method/Content

The puja is typically performed at a Navagraha shrine, where nine small statues or stones represent the planets. Each graha is worshipped individually with specific mantras, colors, flowers, and offerings corresponding to their attributes. Surya receives red flowers and water; Chandra receives white flowers and milk; Mangala receives red cloth and red lentils. The worship proceeds in a specific order, beginning with Surya and concluding with Ketu. Each planet receives a circumambulation (pradakshina) after worship.

Purpose/Benefits

Navagraha Puja is performed to mitigate the adverse effects of planetary positions in one’s horoscope and to enhance the beneficial influences. It is believed to bring relief from planetary afflictions (graha doshas), improve health, wealth, and relationships, and remove obstacles caused by unfavorable planetary transits.

Verification Notes

• Commonly performed at Navagraha temples, particularly the Navagraha Temple in Tamil Nadu
• Often prescribed by Jyotish astrologers as remedial measures
• Performed during specific planetary hours and days for maximum efficacy