position of the stars at the time of a person’s birth are very important and crucial for the fate and progress of the concerned individual later in his/her life. The position of the planets in ones horoscope at the time of their birth determines the good and bad effects of one’s life and the time of their effect too. In every horoscope, whether based on solar or lunar calendar, some planets are well placed and some are badly placed. Hence, we go through successes and failures during our life. Happiness and sorrows in various aspects of life are also hence a part of our life. Certain planetary conflagrations give rise to strong negative effects popularly called as ‘Doshas’. The Vedic scriptures and the religious astrologic scriptures prescribe various Poojas to ward off the negative influence of the planets on the people and also to improve the positive effects on the people.
Sun
Those who aspire for sound health, prosperity, good eyesight, strength and courage, success, cure of chronic diseases like leprosy, heart ailment, nervous weakness, asthma etc. should worship the Sun
Moon
For concentration, mental peace, pleasing personality, control of emotions and to get rid of mental depression one should worship the Moon god.
Mars
If you are having bad results, then you need to think about propitiating the Mars god. It is one of those planets that give very visible positive or negative results.
Mercury
Those who are weak at studies, lack concentration and suffer from blood pressure and sugar problem etc. should worship Budha or Mercury.
Venus
The planet Venus (Shukra) is the most benevolent of all the planets. To have a happy married life, one should worship this planet.
Jupiter
It is widely reputed as father of every living thing. The worship of Jupiter grants pure, aesthetic life and good health & wealth.
Saturn
Saturn or Shani the sun of Surya and Chhaya is also known as 'eeshwara' (The Supreme). It can make a person a king or a beggar according to the native's karmas.
Rahu
Rahu and Ketu are shadow planets and have the powers of Saturn and mars respectively. The proper worship of both the planets blesses all those who suffer from sudden illness, loss of money and delay in marriage.
Navgrah Shanti Pooja: Significance, Process, Samagri, and Mantras
Significance of Navgrah Shanti Pooja
Navgrah Shanti Pooja is a Vedic ritual performed to pacify the nine planetary deities (Navgrahas) in Hindu astrology. These planets are believed to have a profound impact on human lives, influencing various aspects such as health, wealth, career, and relationships. Performing Navgrah Shanti Pooja helps mitigate the negative effects of planetary doshas (imbalances) and enhances the positive energies of the planets, leading to overall well-being and prosperity.
Brief Introduction
The nine planets in Hindu astrology are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budh (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, and Ketu. Navgrah Shanti Pooja involves worshipping these planets to seek their blessings and reduce the malefic effects caused by their unfavorable positions in one's horoscope. This pooja is especially recommended during astrological transitions like Sade Sati, planetary conjunctions, or when experiencing significant life challenges.
Pooja Process
The Navgrah Shanti Pooja process is elaborate and involves several ritualistic steps to honor and appease the planetary deities:
- Purification (Achamana and Sankalpa): The pooja begins with self-purification and purification of the surroundings. Devotees take a ceremonial sip of water (Achamana) and make a vow (Sankalpa) to perform the pooja with pure intentions.
- Invocation (Avahana): The nine planetary deities are invoked through specific mantras, welcoming their divine presence.
- Offering of Seats (Asana): The deities are offered symbolic seats, often made of rice or flowers, inviting them to take their place in the worship area.
- Offering Water (Padyam, Arghyam, and Achamanam): Water is offered to wash the feet, hands, and face of the deities, signifying purification.
- Bathing the Deities (Abhishekam): The idols or symbols of the planets are ceremonially bathed with substances like milk, curd, honey, ghee, and water, symbolizing sanctification and purity.
- Dressing the Deities (Vastra and Alankara): The idols are adorned with new clothes and decorations, including beautiful ornaments and garlands, showing respect and devotion.
- Offering Fragrances and Flowers (Gandha and Pushpa): Fragrant items like sandalwood paste and flowers are offered to please the deities.
- Offering Food (Naivedya): Various food items, including fruits and sweets, are offered to the deities.
- Aarti and Prayers: The pooja concludes with the Aarti, a devotional song, and the distribution of Prasad (blessed food) among the devotees. This is followed by the chanting of Vedic hymns and mantras to invoke divine blessings.
Pooja Samagri (Items Required for the Pooja)
For a successful Navgrah Shanti Pooja, the following items are essential:
- Navgrah idols or symbols
- Turmeric powder (Haldi)
- Vermilion (Kumkum)
- Sandalwood paste (Chandan)
- Incense sticks (Agarbatti)
- Camphor (Kapoor)
- Betel leaves and nuts
- Fresh flowers and garlands
- Fruits and sweets
- Coconuts
- Rice grains
- Lamps (Diyas) and ghee
- Holy water (preferably from the Ganges)
- New clothes and ornaments for the deities
- Panchamrit (a mixture of milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar)
Mantras for Navgrah Shanti Pooja
Reciting mantras is a crucial aspect of Navgrah Shanti Pooja, invoking the blessings of the planetary deities. Key mantras include:
- Surya Mantra (Sun):
Om Hram Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Surya.
- Chandra Mantra (Moon):
Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Chandra.
- Mangal Mantra (Mars):
Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Mangal.
- Budh Mantra (Mercury):
Om Braam Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Budh.
- Guru Mantra (Jupiter):
Om Graam Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Guru.
- Shukra Mantra (Venus):
Om Draam Dreem Draum Sah Shukraya Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Shukra.
- Shani Mantra (Saturn):
Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaye Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Shani.
- Rahu Mantra:
Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Rahu.
- Ketu Mantra:
Om Straam Streem Straum Sah Ketave Namah
Translation: Salutations to Lord Ketu.
By following these steps, utilizing the specified materials, and chanting the mantras with devotion, devotees can perform Navgrah Shanti Pooja with reverence, inviting the blessings of the nine planetary deities into their lives for harmony, prosperity, and the mitigation of negative influences.
