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Difference between revisions of "Navagraha"

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Graha (from [[Sanskrit]] ग्रह gráha, —seizing, laying hold of, [[holding]]) (Tamil: கோள், kōḷ) is a '[[cosmic]] influencer' on the [[living beings]] of mother Bhumidevi ([[Earth]]). In {{Wiki|Hindu astrology}}, the [[Navagraha]] ([[Sanskrit]]: नवग्रह, nine seizers or nine influencers, Tamil: கோண்மீன், kōṉmīn, lit. Imperial stars) are some of these major influencers.
  
<poem>
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All the [[navagraha]] have [[relative]] movement with [[respect]] to the background of fixed stars in the {{Wiki|zodiac}}. This includes the {{Wiki|planets}}: {{Wiki|Mars}}, {{Wiki|Mercury}}, {{Wiki|Jupiter}}, {{Wiki|Venus}}, and {{Wiki|Saturn}}, the {{Wiki|Sun}}, the {{Wiki|Moon}}, as well as positions in the sky, [[Rahu]] ({{Wiki|north}} or ascending {{Wiki|lunar node}}) and [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] ({{Wiki|south}} or descending {{Wiki|lunar node}}).
The Navagraha
 
  
The Navagraha denotes the nine celestial bodies (and not the nine planets as it is frequently errouneously translated) which are central to astrological calculations (and beliefs). The Navagrahas are: the sun, the moon, mars, mercury, jupiter, venus, saturn, and the two shadow planets Rahu and Ketu.
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According to some, [[Grahas]] are the "markers of [[influence]]" that point out the [[karmic]] [[influence]] on the {{Wiki|behavior}} of [[living beings]]. They themselves are not {{Wiki|causative}} [[elements]] but can be compared to traffic signs.
  
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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]] {{Wiki|Shiva}} or [[Rudra]]. Most [[grahas]] are generally malefic in nature but there are a few that may be good. The [[book]] called The {{Wiki|Puranic}} {{Wiki|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).
  
Surya
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==[[Astrology]]==
Surya is the chief, the solar deity, one of the Adityas, son of Kasyapa and one of his wives Aditi, Indra or Dyaus Pitar (depending on the version). 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-var” 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 mythology, among the more renowned progenies of Surya are Shani (Saturn), Yama (God of Death) and Karna (Mahabharatha) 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.
 
  
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[[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 {{Wiki|allegorical}} [[form]] through its scriptural and [[astrological]] references. The energies of the [[Grahas]] are getting connected in a specific way to the {{Wiki|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]]. "The nine {{Wiki|planets}} are transmitters of [[universal]], {{Wiki|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..."
  
Chandra
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[[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."
Chandra 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. 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). He as Soma, presides over Somvar or Monday. He is of Sattva Guna and represents the Mind, the Queen or Mother.
 
  
Mangala
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The [[idea]] of {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|modern}} fiction works (like Solaris by Stanisław Lem, see also the movie with the same title).
Mangala is the god of Mars, the red planet. Mars is also called Angaraka (‘one who is red in colour’) or 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, four-armed, carrying a trident, club, lotus and a spear. His Vahana (mount) is a ram. He presides over ‘Mangal-var’ or Tuesday. There is a famous pilgrim place Mangalnath (in Ujjain,Madhya Pradesh, India). People who suffer from troubles related to Mangal Graha in their horoscope visit there on Tuesday. By worshiping & satisfying Mangal Graha, devotees get blessings & mercy of Mangal Devta. Only two temples of Mangal devata in India, of which one is in Amalner(Maharashtra) and another in Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Tamilnadu.
 
  
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==The Navagraha==
  
Budha
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The [[Navagraha]] denotes the nine [[celestial bodies]] (and not the nine {{Wiki|planets}} as it is frequently errouneously translated) which are central to [[astrological]] calculations (and [[beliefs]]). The Navagrahas are: the {{Wiki|sun}}, the {{Wiki|moon}}, {{Wiki|mars}}, {{Wiki|mercury}}, {{Wiki|jupiter}}, {{Wiki|venus}}, {{Wiki|saturn}}, and the two shadow {{Wiki|planets}} [[Rahu]] and [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]].
Budha 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.
 
Budha presides over ‘Budh-var’ or Wednesday. In modern Telugu Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada and Gujarati, Wednesday is called Budhvar; in Tamil and Malayalam it is Budhan.
 
  
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==={{Wiki|Surya}}===
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[[File:Surya graha.JPG|thumb|250px|Surya in his chariot driven by seven horses.]]
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{{Wiki|Surya}} is the chief, the solar [[deity]], one of the Adityas, son of [[Kasyapa]] and one of his wives Aditi, [[Indra]] or [[Dyaus]] Pitar (depending on the version). He has [[hair]] and arms of {{Wiki|gold}}. His chariot is pulled by seven horses, which represent the seven [[chakras]]. He presides as “Ravi” over “Ravi-var” or Sunday.
  
Brihaspati
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In [[Hindu]] [[religious]] {{Wiki|literature}}, {{Wiki|Surya}} is notably mentioned as the [[visible]] [[form]] of [[God]] that one can see every day. Furthermore, {{Wiki|Shaivites}} and Vaishnavas often regard {{Wiki|Surya}} as an aspect of {{Wiki|Shiva}} and [[Vishnu]], respectively. For example, the {{Wiki|sun}} is called {{Wiki|Surya}} [[Narayana]] by Vaishnavas. In [[Wikipedia:Shaivism|Shaivite]] {{Wiki|theology}}, {{Wiki|Surya}} is said to be one of eight [[forms]] of {{Wiki|Shiva}}, named the {{Wiki|Astamurti}}.
Brihaspati 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 arch-nemesis of Shukracharya, the guru of the Danavas. He is also known Guru, the god of wisdom and eloquence, to whom various works are ascribed, such as the “atheistic” Barhaspatya sutras.
 
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 ‘Guru-var’, Brihaspativar or Thursday.
 
  
Shukra
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He is said to be of [[Sattva]] [[Guna]] and represents the [[Soul]], the [[King]], highly placed persons or fathers. According to [[Hindu]] [[mythology]], among the more renowned progenies of {{Wiki|Surya}} are Shani ({{Wiki|Saturn}}), [[Yama]] ([[God]] of [[Death]]) and Karna ({{Wiki|Mahabharatha}}) [[fame]]. Invoking [[Gayatri]] [[Mantra]] or [[Aditya]] Hrudaya [[Mantra]] (Adityahridayam) are known to please the {{Wiki|Sun}} [[God]]. The grain associated with the {{Wiki|Sun}} is whole wheat and the number associated to the {{Wiki|Surya}} is {{Verse|verse|1.}}
Shukra, 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 (Shukracharya). He presides over ‘Shukra-var’ or Friday. He is Rajas in nature and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.
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{{clear}}
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.
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==={{Wiki|Chandra}}===
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.
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[[File:Chandra on chariot.jpg|thumb|250px|Chandra on his chariot of antelope. A 19th century watercolour painting.]]
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Chandra is a lunar [[deity]]. Chandra ({{Wiki|moon}}) is also known as [[Soma]] and identified with the {{Wiki|Vedic}} Lunar [[deity]] [[Soma]]. He is described as young, [[beautiful]], fair; two-armed and having in his hands a club and a [[lotus]]. He rides his chariot (the {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|fertility}}. He is also called Nishadipati (Nisha=night; Adipathi=[[Lord]]) and Kshuparaka (one who illuminates the night). He as [[Soma]], presides over Somvar or Monday. He is of [[Sattva]] [[Guna]] and represents the [[Mind]], the {{Wiki|Queen}} or Mother.
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{{clear}}
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==={{Wiki|Mangala}}===
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[[File:Angraka graha.JPG|thumb|250px]]
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{{Wiki|Mangala}} is the [[god]] of {{Wiki|Mars}}, the red planet. {{Wiki|Mars}} is also called Angaraka (‘one who is red in {{Wiki|colour}}’) or 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]] {{Wiki|sciences}} (Ruchaka Mahapurusha [[Yoga]]). He is of [[Tamas]] [[Guna]] in nature and represents Energetic [[action]], [[confidence]] and [[ego]]. He is painted red or flame {{Wiki|colour}}, four-armed, carrying a trident, club, [[lotus]] and a spear. His [[Vahana]] (mount) is a ram. He presides over ‘Mangal-var’ or Tuesday. There is a famous [[pilgrim]] place Mangalnath (in Ujjain,Madhya Pradesh, [[India]]). [[People]] who [[suffer]] from troubles related to Mangal Graha in their [[horoscope]] visit there on Tuesday. By worshiping & satisfying Mangal Graha, devotees get [[blessings]] & [[mercy]] of Mangal Devta. Only two [[temples]] of Mangal [[devata]] in [[India]], of which one is in Amalner(Maharashtra) and another in Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Tamilnadu.
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{{clear}}
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==={{Wiki|Budha}}===
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[[File:Budhadeva.jpg|thumb|250px|Budha with Ila]]
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{{Wiki|Budha}} is the [[god]] of the planet {{Wiki|Mercury}} and the son of Chandra (the {{Wiki|moon}}) with [[Tara]] (Taraka). He is also the [[god]] of merchandise and protector of merchants. He is of [[Rajas]] [[Guna]] and represents {{Wiki|Communication}}.
  
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He is represented as [[being]] mild, eloquent and of greenish {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|eagle}} or a chariot drawn by [[lions]].
  
Shani
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Budha presides over ‘Budh-var’ or Wednesday. In {{Wiki|modern}} Telugu {{Wiki|Hindi}}, {{Wiki|Bengali}}, Marathi, Kannada and Gujarati, Wednesday is called Budhvar; in Tamil and Malayalam it is Budhan.
Shani is embodied in the planet Saturn, and is the Lord of Saturday. The origin of word Shani (शनि) comes from the following: Shanaye Kramati Sa: (शनये क्रमति सः) i.e. the one who moves slowly. Saturn takes about 30 years to revolve around the Sun, thus it moves slowly compared to other planets, thus the Sanskrit name शनि. 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).
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{{clear}}
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. 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.
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==={{Wiki|Brihaspati}}===
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[[File:Brihaspati graha.JPG|thumb|250px]]
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Brihaspati 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 {{Wiki|Jupiter}}. He is of [[Sattva]] [[Guna]] and represents [[knowledge]] and [[teaching]]. He is often known simply as “[[Guru]]”.
  
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According to [[Hindu]] [[scriptures]], he is the [[guru]] of the [[Devas]] and the arch-nemesis of Shukracharya, the [[guru]] of the Danavas. He is also known [[Guru]], the [[god]] of [[wisdom]] and [[eloquence]], to whom various works are ascribed, such as the “{{Wiki|atheistic}}” [[Barhaspatya sutras]].
  
Rahu
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His [[Tattva]] or [[element]] is [[Akasha]] or {{Wiki|ether}}, and his [[direction]] is north-east. He is described of yellow or golden {{Wiki|colour}} and [[holding]] a stick, a [[lotus]] and his beads. He presides over ‘Guru-var’, Brihaspativar or Thursday.
Rahu 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.
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{{clear}}
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.
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==={{Wiki|Shukra}}===
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[[File:Shukra cropped.jpg|thumb|250px|Shukra sculpture placed in the British Museum, London.]]
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Shukra, [[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 {{Wiki|Venus}} (Shukracharya). He presides over ‘Shukra-var’ or Friday. He is [[Rajas]] in nature and represents [[wealth]], [[pleasure]] and reproduction.
  
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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.
  
Ketu
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In [[Astrology]], there is a dasha or {{Wiki|planetary}} period known as Shukra Dasha which {{Wiki|remains}} active in a person’s [[horoscope]] for 20 years. This dasha is believed to give more [[wealth]], [[fortune]] and {{Wiki|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.
Ketu is the Lord of Descending/South lunar node. Ketu is generally referred to as a “shadow” planet. 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.
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{{clear}}
Astronomically, Ketu and Rahu denote the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they move on the celestial sphere. Therefore, Rahu and Ketu are respectively called the north and the south lunar nodes. The fact that eclipses occur when the Sun and the Moon are at one of these points, gives rise to the story of the swallowing of the Sun and the Moon.
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==={{Wiki|Shani}}===
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[[File:Shani.jpg|thumb|250px|Shani on his mount crow.]]
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Shani is [[embodied]] in the planet {{Wiki|Saturn}}, and is the [[Lord]] of Saturday. The origin of [[word]] Shani (शनि) comes from the following: Shanaye Kramati Sa: (शनये क्रमति सः) i.e. the one who moves slowly. {{Wiki|Saturn}} takes about 30 years to revolve around the {{Wiki|Sun}}, thus it moves slowly compared to other {{Wiki|planets}}, thus the [[Sanskrit]] [[name]] शनि. Shani is actually a demi-[[god]] and is a son of {{Wiki|Surya}} (the [[Hindu]] {{Wiki|Sun}} [[God]]) and {{Wiki|surya}}’s wife Chhaya. It is said that when he opened his [[eyes]] as a baby for the very first [[time]], the {{Wiki|sun}} went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on [[astrological]] charts (horoscope).
  
Associated characters
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His [[Tattva]] or [[element]] is [[air]], and his [[direction]] is {{Wiki|west}}. He is [[Tamas]] in nature and represents {{Wiki|learning}} the hard way, Career and Longevity. He is depicted dark in {{Wiki|colour}}, clothed in black; [[holding]] a sword, arrows and two daggers and variously mounted on a black [[crow]] or a {{Wiki|raven}}. He presides over ‘Shani-var’ or Saturday.
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{{clear}}
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===[[Rahu]]===
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[[File:Rahu graha.JPG|thumb|250px]]
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[[Rahu]] is [[God]] of the Ascending / {{Wiki|North}} {{Wiki|lunar node}}. [[Rahu]] is the {{Wiki|head}} of the [[demonic]] [[snake]] that swallows the {{Wiki|sun}} or the {{Wiki|moon}} causing {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|chaos}}. The [[rahu]] [[kala]] is considered inauspicious.
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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 {{Wiki|female}} [[avatar]] of [[Vishnu]]) cut off his {{Wiki|head}}. The {{Wiki|head}}, however, remained [[immortal]] and is called [[Rahu]], while the rest of the [[body]] became [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]. It is believed that this [[immortal]] {{Wiki|head}} occasionally swallows the {{Wiki|sun}} or the {{Wiki|moon}}, causing {{Wiki|eclipses}}. Then, the {{Wiki|sun}} or {{Wiki|moon}} passes through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse.
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{{clear}}
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===[[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]]===
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[[File:Ketu graha.JPG|thumb|250px]]
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[[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] is the [[Lord]] of Descending/South {{Wiki|lunar node}}. [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] is generally referred to as a “shadow” planet. 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.
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Astronomically, [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] and [[Rahu]] denote the points of intersection of the [[paths]] of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and the {{Wiki|Moon}} as they move on the [[celestial sphere]]. Therefore, [[Rahu]] and [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] are respectively called the {{Wiki|north}} and the {{Wiki|south}} lunar nodes. The fact that {{Wiki|eclipses}} occur when the {{Wiki|Sun}} and the {{Wiki|Moon}} are at one of these points, gives rise to the story of the swallowing of the {{Wiki|Sun}} and the {{Wiki|Moon}}.
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===Associated characters===
  
 
Each of the graha has associations with various characters, such as colors, metals, etc. The following table gives the most important associations:
 
Each of the graha has associations with various characters, such as colors, metals, etc. The following table gives the most important associations:
Character Surya Dev (sun) Chandra (Moon) Mangala (Mars) Budha (Mercury)
 
Consort Suvarna & Chaaya Rohini Shaktidevi Ila
 
Color Yellow White Red Green
 
Gender Associated Male Male Male Neutral
 
Element Fire Water Fire Earth
 
God Agni Varuna Subramanya Vishnu
 
Pratyadi Devataa Rudra Gowri Murugan Vishnu
 
Metal Copper Silver Brass Zinc
 
Gemstone Ruby Pearl/Moonstone Red Coral Emerald
 
Body Part Bone Blood Marrow Skin
 
Taste Pungent Salt Acid Mixed
 
Food Wheat Rice Pigeon pea Mung bean
 
Season Summer Winter Summer Autumn
 
Direction East North West South North
 
Day Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday
 
Character Guru (Jupiter) Shukra (Venus) Shani (Saturn) Rahu (north node) Ketu (south node)
 
Consort Tara Sukirthi & Urjaswathi Neeladevi Simhi Chitralekha
 
Color Gold White/Yellow Black/Blue Smoky Smoky
 
Gender Associated Male Female Neutral Female Neutral
 
Element Ether Water Air Air Earth
 
God Indra Indrani Brahma Nirriti Ganesha
 
Pratyadi Devataa Brahma Indra Yama Durga Chitragupta
 
Metal Gold Silver Iron Lead Mercury
 
Gemstone Yellow Sapphire Diamond Blue Sapphire Hessonite Cat’s Eye
 
Body Part Brain Semen Muscles Head Skin
 
Taste Sweet Sour Astringent - -
 
Food Chickpea kidney beans Sesame Urad (bean) Horse gram
 
Season Winter Spring All Seasons - -
 
Direction North East South East West South West -
 
Day Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday -Tuesday
 
  
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
 +
![[Character]]
 +
!{{Wiki|Surya}} Dev ({{Wiki|sun}})
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!{{Wiki|Chandra}} ({{Wiki|Moon}})
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!{{Wiki|Mangala}} ({{Wiki|Mars}})
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!{{Wiki|Budha}} ({{Wiki|Mercury}})
 +
|-
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Consort]]'''
 +
|Sangya & Chaaya
 +
|[[Wikipedia:Rohini (nakshatra)|Rohini]]
 +
|Shaktidevi
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|[[Wikipedia:Ila (Hinduism)|Ila]]
 +
|-
 +
|'''Color'''
 +
|Gold
 +
|Silver
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|Red
 +
|Green
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Gender]] Associated'''
 +
|Male
 +
|Male
 +
|Male
 +
|Male
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Element]]'''
 +
|[[Fire]]
 +
|[[Water]]
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|[[Fire]]
 +
|[[Earth]]
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[God]]'''
 +
|{{Wiki|Agni}}
 +
|{{Wiki|Varuna}}
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|[[Wikipedia:Murugan|Subramanya]]
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|[[Vishnu]]
 +
|-
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|'''Pratyadi Devataa'''
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|{{Wiki|Rudra}}
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|{{Wiki|Gowri}}
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|{{Wiki|Murugan}}
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|[[Vishnu]]
 +
|-
 +
|'''Metal'''
 +
|Gold
 +
|Silver
 +
|Copper
 +
|Zinc
 +
|-
 +
|'''Gemstone'''
 +
|Ruby
 +
|Pearl/Moonstone
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|Red Coral
 +
|Emerald
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Body]] Part'''
 +
|Bone
 +
|Blood
 +
|Marrow
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|{{Wiki|Skin}}
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|-
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|'''{{Wiki|Taste}}'''
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|[[Pungent]]
 +
|[[Salt]]
 +
|Acid
 +
|Mixed
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|-
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|'''[[Food]]'''
 +
|{{Wiki|Wheat}}
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|{{Wiki|Rice}}
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|{{Wiki|Pigeon pea}}
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|{{Wiki|Mung bean}}
 +
|-
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|'''Season'''
 +
|Summer
 +
|Winter
 +
|Summer
 +
|Autumn
 +
|-
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|'''[[Direction]]'''
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|East
 +
|North West
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|South
 +
|North
 +
|-
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|'''Day'''
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|Sunday
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|Monday
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|Tuesday
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|Wednesday
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|-
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|'''Tone ({{Wiki|Svara}})'''
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|Ga
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|Ma
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|Re
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|Sa
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|}
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{| class="wikitable"
 +
|-
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![[Character]]
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![[Guru]] ({{Wiki|Jupiter}})
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!{{Wiki|Shukra}} ({{Wiki|Venus}})
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!{{Wiki|Shani}} ({{Wiki|Saturn}})
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![[Rahu]] ({{Wiki|north}} node)
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![[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]] ({{Wiki|south}} node)
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|-
 +
|-
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|'''[[Consort]]'''
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|[[Wikipedia:Taraka|Tara]]
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|Sukirthi & Urjaswathi
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|Neeladevi
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|Simhi
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|[[Wikipedia:Chitralekha (deity)|Chitralekha]]
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|-
 +
|-
 +
|'''Color'''
 +
|Yellow
 +
|White/Yellow
 +
|Black/Blue
 +
|Dark Blue
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|Smoky Grey
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Gender]] Associated'''
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|Male
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|{{Wiki|Female}}
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|[[Neutral]]
 +
|Male
 +
|[[Neutral]]
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|-
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|'''[[Element]]'''
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|Ether
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|[[Water]]
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|[[Air]]
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|[[Air]]
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|[[Earth]]
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|-
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|'''[[God]]'''
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|[[Indra]]
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|[[Wikipedia:Sachi|Indrani]]
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|[[Brahma]]
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|{{Wiki|Nirriti}}
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|[[Ganesha]]
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|-
 +
|'''Pratyadi Devataa'''
 +
|[[Brahma]]
 +
|[[Indra]]
 +
|[[Yama]]
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|{{Wiki|Durga}}
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|{{Wiki|Chitragupta}}
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|-
 +
|'''Metal'''
 +
|Gold
 +
|Silver
 +
|Iron
 +
|Lead
 +
|{{Wiki|Mercury}}
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|-
 +
|'''Gemstone'''
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|Yellow Sapphire
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|[[Diamond]]
 +
|Blue Sapphire
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|Hessonite
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|Cat's [[Eye]]
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|-
 +
|'''[[Body]] Part'''
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|{{Wiki|Brain}}
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|Semen
 +
|Muscles
 +
|Head
 +
|{{Wiki|Skin}}
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|-
 +
|'''{{Wiki|Taste}}'''
 +
|[[Sweet]]
 +
|[[Sour]]
 +
|[[Astringent]]
 +
| -
 +
| -
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Food]]'''
 +
|{{Wiki|Chickpea}}
 +
|{{Wiki|kidney beans}}
 +
|{{Wiki|Sesame}}
 +
|{{Wiki|Urad (bean)}}
 +
|{{Wiki|Horse gram}}
 +
|-
 +
|'''Season'''
 +
|Winter
 +
|Spring
 +
|All Seasons
 +
| -
 +
| -
 +
|-
 +
|'''[[Direction]]'''
 +
|North East
 +
|South East
 +
|West
 +
|South West
 +
| -
 +
|-
 +
|'''Day'''
 +
|Thursday
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|Friday
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|Saturday
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| Saturday
 +
| -Tuesday
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|-
 +
|'''Tone ({{Wiki|Svara}})'''
 +
|Dha
 +
|Ni
 +
|Pa
 +
| -
 +
| -
 +
|}
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 +
===Positioning in [[Hindu]] custom===
 +
 +
As per [[Hindu]] customs, the [[Navagraha]] are typically placed in a single square with the {{Wiki|Sun}} ({{Wiki|Surya}}) in the center and the other [[deities]] surrounding {{Wiki|Surya}}; no two of them are made to face each other. In {{Wiki|South India}}, their images are generally found in all important {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|planets}} when arranged in this fashion, known as [[Agama]] Prathishta and Vaidika Prathishta.
 +
 +
In [[Agama]] Prathishta, {{Wiki|Surya}} occupies the central place, {{Wiki|Chandra}} on Surya’s {{Wiki|east}}, {{Wiki|Budha}} on his {{Wiki|south}}, {{Wiki|Brihaspati}} on his {{Wiki|west}}, {{Wiki|Shukra}} on his {{Wiki|north}}, {{Wiki|Mangala}} on his south-east, Shani on his south-west, [[Rahu]] on north-west and Ketu in the north-east. [[Temples]] such as [[Wikipedia:Suryanar Kovil|Suryanar temple]], Tiruvidadaimarudur, Tiruvaiyaru and Tirucchirappalli follow this system.
 +
 +
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; 24: 95%;"
 +
|+ '''''[[Agama]] Prathishta'''''
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| [[File:Rahu symbol.png|50px]]<br>[[Rahu]] || [[File:Shukra symbol.png|50px]]<br>Shukra || [[File:Ketu symbol.png|50px]]<br>Ketu
 +
|-
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| [[File:Guru symbol.png|50px]]<br>Brihaspati || [[File:Surya symbol.png|50px]]<br>[[Surya]] || [[File:Chandra symbol.png|50px]]<br>Chandra
 +
|-
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| [[File:Shani symbol.png|50px]]<br>Shani || [[File:Budha symbol.png|50px]]<br>Budha || [[File:Mangal symbol.png|50px]]<br>Mangal
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|}
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 +
 +
In Vaidika Pradishta, {{Wiki|Surya}} is still in the centre, but {{Wiki|Shukra}} is in the {{Wiki|east}}, {{Wiki|Mangala}} in the {{Wiki|south}}, Shani in the {{Wiki|west}}, {{Wiki|Brihaspati}} in the {{Wiki|north}}, {{Wiki|Chandra}} in the south-east, [[Rahu]] in the south-west, Ketu in the north-west and {{Wiki|Budha}} in the north-east.
 +
 +
{| border="2" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="margin: 1em 1em 1em 0; background: #f9f9f9; border: 1px #aaa solid; border-collapse: collapse; 24: 95%;"
 +
|+ '''''Vaidika Pradishta'''''
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| [[File:Ketu symbol.png|50px]]<br>Ketu || [[File:Guru symbol.png|50px]]<br>Brihaspati || [[File:Budha symbol.png|50px]]<br>Budha
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|-
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| [[File:Shani symbol.png|50px]]<br>Shani || [[File:Surya symbol.png|50px]]<br>[[Surya]] || [[File:Shukra symbol.png|50px]]<br>Shukra
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|-
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| [[File:Rahu symbol.png|50px]]<br>[[Rahu]] || [[File:Mangal symbol.png|50px]]<br>Mangal || [[File:Chandra symbol.png|50px]]<br>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 {{Wiki|planets}} stand in a straight line. In Thirupanjali [[temple]], they are represented by nine holes in a stone.
  
Positioning in Hindu custom
+
The {{Wiki|Gangaikonda Cholapuram}} [[temple]] boasts a unique structure wherein the nine [[grahas]] are installed in a single stone. {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|sun}} in the centre.
  
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 made 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.
+
At Agasthiyar [[Temple]] Chennai Pondy Bazaar a totally different [[form]] of position is done with {{Wiki|Sun}} at the elevated centre and the remaining {{Wiki|planets}} in an octogonal structure. This is called Agasthiyar Kattu (the [[form]] promoted by [[Sage]] {{Wiki|Agasthiya}}).
  
There are 2 kinds of installation of the planets when arranged in this fashion, known as Agama Prathishta and Vaidika Prathishta.
+
=={{Wiki|Navagraha temples}}==
  
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.
+
In {{Wiki|Indian Astrology}} movement of the Navagrahas is considered to have a major role in influencing the fortunes of any {{Wiki|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 {{Wiki|Navagraha temples}}.
 
Agama Prathishta Rahu symbol.png
 
Rahu Shukra symbol.png
 
Shukra Ketu symbol.png
 
Ketu
 
Guru symbol.png
 
Brihaspati Surya symbol.png
 
Surya Chandra symbol.png
 
Chandra
 
Shani symbol.png
 
Shani Budha symbol.png
 
Budha Mangal symbol.png
 
Mangal
 
  
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.
+
==[[Navagraha]] worship==
Vaidika Pradishta Ketu symbol.png
 
Ketu Guru symbol.png
 
Brihaspati Budha symbol.png
 
Budha
 
Shani symbol.png
 
Shani Surya symbol.png
 
Surya Shukra symbol.png
 
Shukra
 
Rahu symbol.png
 
Rahu Mangal symbol.png
 
Mangal Chandra symbol.png
 
Chandra
 
  
Other temples install the Navagrahas in other arrangements.
+
[[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 {{Wiki|Kaniyar}} ({{Wiki|Ganaka}}) [[caste]] of {{Wiki|south}} [[India]], particularly in {{Wiki|Kerala}} state and the Graha Bipra, [[Acharya]] or {{Wiki|Ganak}} [[Brahmins]] in the {{Wiki|north}} eastern states of [[India]] have custom of high preference for worshiping {{Wiki|planets}} and {{Wiki|sun}}. They are believed to be the descendants of Sakaldwipiya [[Brahmins]], who were once {{Wiki|sun}} worshipers by nature.
  
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.
+
{{W}}
  
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 octogonal structure. This is called Agasthiyar Kattu (the form promoted by Sage Agasthiya).
 
</poem>
 
{{R}}
 
[http://thesevenworlds.wordpress.com/2013/05/24/navagraha-deities/ thesevenworlds.wordpress.com]
 
 
[[Category:Astrology]]
 
[[Category:Astrology]]

Latest revision as of 15:43, 16 September 2013

Graha (from Sanskrit ग्रह gráha, —seizing, laying hold of, holding) (Tamil: கோள், kōḷ) is a 'cosmic influencer' on the living beings of mother Bhumidevi (Earth). In Hindu astrology, the Navagraha (Sanskrit: नवग्रह, nine seizers or nine influencers, Tamil: கோண்மீன், kōṉmīn, lit. Imperial stars) are some of these major influencers.

All 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 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. 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).

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. "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..."

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."

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 Stanisław Lem, see also the movie with the same title).

The Navagraha

The Navagraha denotes the nine celestial bodies (and not the nine planets as it is frequently errouneously translated) which are central to astrological calculations (and beliefs). The Navagrahas are: the sun, the moon, mars, mercury, jupiter, venus, saturn, and the two shadow planets Rahu and Ketu.

Surya

Surya in his chariot driven by seven horses.

Surya is the chief, the solar deity, one of the Adityas, son of Kasyapa and one of his wives Aditi, Indra or Dyaus Pitar (depending on the version). 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-var” 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 mythology, among the more renowned progenies of Surya are Shani (Saturn), Yama (God of Death) and Karna (Mahabharatha) 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.

Chandra 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. 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). He as Soma, presides over Somvar or Monday. He is of Sattva Guna and represents the Mind, the Queen or Mother.

Mangala

Angraka graha.JPG

Mangala is the god of Mars, the red planet. Mars is also called Angaraka (‘one who is red in colour’) or 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, four-armed, carrying a trident, club, lotus and a spear. His Vahana (mount) is a ram. He presides over ‘Mangal-var’ or Tuesday. There is a famous pilgrim place Mangalnath (in Ujjain,Madhya Pradesh, India). People who suffer from troubles related to Mangal Graha in their horoscope visit there on Tuesday. By worshiping & satisfying Mangal Graha, devotees get blessings & mercy of Mangal Devta. Only two temples of Mangal devata in India, of which one is in Amalner(Maharashtra) and another in Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Tamilnadu.

Budha

Budha with Ila

Budha 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.

Budha presides over ‘Budh-var’ or Wednesday. In modern Telugu Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Kannada and Gujarati, Wednesday is called Budhvar; in Tamil and Malayalam it is Budhan.

Brihaspati

Brihaspati graha.JPG

Brihaspati 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 arch-nemesis of Shukracharya, the guru of the Danavas. He is also known Guru, the god of wisdom and eloquence, to whom various works are ascribed, such as the “atheisticBarhaspatya sutras.

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 ‘Guru-var’, Brihaspativar or Thursday.

Shukra

Shukra sculpture placed in the British Museum, London.

Shukra, 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 (Shukracharya). He presides over ‘Shukra-var’ 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.

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.

Shani is embodied in the planet Saturn, and is the Lord of Saturday. The origin of word Shani (शनि) comes from the following: Shanaye Kramati Sa: (शनये क्रमति सः) i.e. the one who moves slowly. Saturn takes about 30 years to revolve around the Sun, thus it moves slowly compared to other planets, thus the Sanskrit name शनि. 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).

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. 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.

Rahu

Rahu graha.JPG

Rahu 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 [[Wikipedia:Ketu (mythology)|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

Ketu graha.JPG

Ketu is the Lord of Descending/South lunar node. Ketu is generally referred to as a “shadow” planet. 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.

Astronomically, Ketu and Rahu denote the points of intersection of the paths of the Sun and the Moon as they move on the celestial sphere. Therefore, Rahu and Ketu are respectively called the north and the south lunar nodes. The fact that eclipses occur when the Sun and the Moon are at one of these points, gives rise to the story of the swallowing of the Sun and the Moon.

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 Dev (sun) Chandra (Moon) Mangala (Mars) Budha (Mercury)
Consort Sangya & Chaaya 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 Acid Mixed
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
Character Guru (Jupiter) Shukra (Venus) Shani (Saturn) Rahu (north node) Ketu (south node)
Consort Tara Sukirthi & Urjaswathi Neeladevi Simhi Chitralekha
Color Yellow White/Yellow Black/Blue Dark Blue Smoky Grey
Gender Associated Male Female Neutral Male Neutral
Element Ether Water Air Air Earth
God Indra Indrani Brahma Nirriti Ganesha
Pratyadi Devataa Brahma Indra Yama Durga Chitragupta
Metal Gold Silver Iron Lead Mercury
Gemstone Yellow Sapphire Diamond Blue Sapphire Hessonite Cat's Eye
Body Part Brain Semen Muscles Head Skin
Taste Sweet Sour Astringent - -
Food Chickpea kidney beans Sesame Urad (bean) Horse gram
Season Winter Spring All Seasons - -
Direction North East South East West South West -
Day Thursday Friday Saturday Saturday -Tuesday
Tone (Svara) Dha Ni Pa - -

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 made 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.

Agama Prathishta
Rahu symbol.png
Rahu
Shukra symbol.png
Shukra
Ketu symbol.png
Ketu
Guru symbol.png
Brihaspati
Surya symbol.png
Surya
Chandra symbol.png
Chandra
Shani symbol.png
Shani
Budha symbol.png
Budha
Mangal symbol.png
Mangal


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 symbol.png
Ketu
Guru symbol.png
Brihaspati
Budha symbol.png
Budha
Shani symbol.png
Shani
Surya symbol.png
Surya
Shukra symbol.png
Shukra
Rahu symbol.png
Rahu
Mangal symbol.png
Mangal
Chandra symbol.png
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 octogonal structure. This is called Agasthiyar Kattu (the form promoted by Sage Agasthiya).

Navagraha temples

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.

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.


Source

Wikipedia:Navagraha