Understanding Navagraha and Planetary Influences
Temple Priest
Astrology
1. Surya (The Sun)
Rupa: Golden-complexioned with two hands holding lotuses. He rides a chariot pulled by seven horses, representing the seven colors of light.
Purana: The son of Sage Kashyapa and Aditi. He is the king of the planets and the soul of the cosmos.
Offering: Red flowers, wheat, jaggery, and water (Arghya) at sunrise.
Grace: Bestows Leadership, vitality, eyesight, and high social status.
Summary: The King and the Soul; governs health and authority.
2. Chandra (The Moon)
Rupa: Radiant white complexion, holding a lotus and a mace. He rides a chariot pulled by ten white horses or an antelope.
Purana: Emerged from the Samudra Manthan (Ocean of Milk). He is the husband of the 27 Nakshatras.
Offering: White flowers, rice, milk, pearls, and silver.
Grace: Bestows Mental Peace, emotional balance, intuition, and maternal blessings.
Summary: The Queen and the Mind; governs emotions and fertility.
3. Mangala (Mars)
Rupa: Red-complexioned, muscular, holding a trident and mace. He rides a Ram (male goat).
Purana: Born from the sweat of Lord Shiva falling on Earth. He is known as Bhauma (Son of Bhumi/Earth).
Offering: Red lentils (Masoor Dal), red flowers, and jaggery on Tuesdays.
Grace: Bestows Courage, technical skill, victory over debts/enemies, and property success.
Summary: The Warrior; governs strength, brothers, and action.
4. Budha (Mercury)
Rupa: Green-complexioned, youthful, holding a sword and shield. He rides a Lion or a Yali.
Purana: The son of Chandra and Tara. He represents the union of intuition and intellect.
Offering: Green gram (Moong Dal), green cloth, and Tulsi leaves.
Grace: Bestows Business success, sharp memory, humor, and mathematical ability.
Summary: The Prince and the Intellectual; governs speech and trade.
5. Brihaspati (Jupiter)
Rupa: Golden-yellow complexion, holding a rosary and scriptures. He rides an Elephant.
Purana: The son of Sage Angirasa. He is the Guru (teacher) of the Devas.
Offering: Chickpeas (Chana Dal), yellow flowers, turmeric, and bananas.
Grace: Bestows Prosperity, spiritual growth, noble children, and good fortune.
Summary: The Guru; governs wisdom, wealth, and expansion.
6. Shukra (Venus)
Rupa: Fair, radiant, holding a staff and water pot. He rides a White Horse.
Purana: The son of Sage Bhrigu. He is the Guru of the Asuras and master of the Sanjivani Vidya (secret of life).
Offering: White beans (Rajma/Lima), white silk, curd, and white lotuses.
Grace: Bestows Luxury, artistic talent, marital bliss, and sensual comforts.
Summary: The Poet and Lover; governs beauty, spouse, and vehicles.
7. Shani (Saturn)
Rupa: Dark-complexioned, dressed in blue/black, holding a bow and arrow. He rides a Crow.
Purana: The son of Surya and Chhaya. He is the brother of Yama (Death).
Offering: Black sesame seeds, mustard oil lamps, and black cloth on Saturdays.
Grace: Bestows Longevity, patience, humility, and protection from sudden loss.
Summary: The Judge; governs time, labor, and justice through delay.
8. Rahu (North Node)
Rupa: A terrifying severed head with no body, often dark or smoke-colored. He rides a black lion.
Purana: The head of the demon Svarbhanu, decapitated by Vishnu after drinking the Amrita.
Offering: Black gram (Urad Dal), mustard seeds, and old blankets to the poor.
Grace: Bestows Sudden wealth, political power, fame, and foreign opportunities.
Summary: The Shadow; governs obsession, innovation, and outcasts.
9. Ketu (South Node)
Rupa: A headless body with a serpent's tail, holding a flag. He rides a Vulture.
Purana: The torso of Svarbhanu. He was given a serpent's head by Brahma to achieve immortality.
Offering: Horse gram (Kulti), multi-colored cloth, and incense.
Grace: Bestows Moksha, healing, intuition, and spiritual mastery.
Summary: The Saint; governs liberation, isolation, and spiritual depth.