Navagrahas, or Navagrahas, are the nine heavenly bodies that have the power to influence upon life on the earth. Nav means ‘nine’ and Graha means ‘the one that grasps you or in whose influence you are possessed.’ It must be noted that Graha does not mean a planet in the modern sense. But the term planet is widely used to describe the Nava Grahas. In strict sense, Navagrahas are the nine influences over the life of human beings.
The Navagrahas are Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra or Soma), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budh), Jupiter (Brihaspati or Guru), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu and Ketu.
Navagrahas are installed in Hindu temples as subsidiary deities and there are also temples dedicated exclusively to Navagrahas.
Spiritual Significance Of Navagrahas In Hinduism
In Hinduism, the Navagrahas, or the nine celestial bodies,
hold significant spiritual importance. Each Navagraha is associated with a
specific planet in the solar system and is believed to influence various
aspects of human life. Here's a brief overview of their spiritual significance:
Surya (Sun): Surya represents the Sun and is associated with
vitality, energy, courage, and intelligence. Worshiping Surya is believed to
enhance one's health, willpower, and leadership abilities.
Chandra (Moon): Chandra symbolizes the Moon and governs
emotions, mind, and intuition. Devotion to Chandra is thought to bring mental
clarity, peace, and emotional stability.
Mangala (Mars): Mangala represents Mars and is linked to
courage, strength, and determination. Worshiping Mangala is believed to
mitigate the effects of Mars-related afflictions and promote assertiveness and
vigor.
Budha (Mercury): Budha symbolizes Mercury and governs
intellect, communication, and commerce. Devotion to Budha is thought to enhance
one's intellectual abilities, communication skills, and financial prosperity.
Guru (Jupiter): Guru represents Jupiter and is associated
with wisdom, knowledge, and spirituality. Worshiping Guru is believed to bring
blessings, good fortune, and spiritual growth.
Shukra (Venus): Shukra symbolizes Venus and governs love,
relationships, beauty, and art. Devotion to Shukra is thought to enhance one's
romantic life, creativity, and aesthetic appreciation.
Shani (Saturn): Shani represents Saturn and is associated
with discipline, karma, and perseverance. Worshiping Shani is believed to
mitigate the effects of Saturn-related challenges and promote inner strength
and resilience.
Rahu (Ascending Lunar Node): Rahu is a shadow planet
associated with worldly desires, ambition, and materialism. Devotion to Rahu is
believed to help overcome obstacles and achieve worldly success.
Ketu (Descending Lunar Node): Ketu is another shadow planet
associated with spirituality, liberation, and detachment. Worshiping Ketu is
believed to facilitate spiritual growth, inner peace, and detachment from
worldly attachments.
Devotees often perform rituals, prayers, and offerings to
appease the Navagrahas and seek their blessings for various aspects of life,
including health, prosperity, success, and spiritual evolution. By
understanding and respecting the influence of these celestial bodies, Hindus
seek to harmonize their lives with the cosmic energies they represent.