Navagraha

Navagraha are nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth according to Hinduism and Hindu astrology.[1] The term is derived from nava (Sanskrit: नव "nine") and graha (Sanskrit: ग्रह "planet, seizing, laying hold of, holding"). Note that the Earth, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not included in the Navagraha.[2] However, Sun is part of the Navagraha. The seven days of the week in the Hindu calendar also correspond with the Navagraha, and are named accordingly in various languages of the Indian subcontinent. Most temples in India have a designated place dedicated for Navagraha worship.

Navagraha, a Raja Ravi Varma painting (sun at the center)

Planets, celestial bodies and lunar nodes
Navagrahas:[1]
No. Image Name Western equivalent Day
1. Surya, Ravi Sun Sunday, Ravivār
2. Chandra, Soma Moon Monday, Somavār
3. Mangala, Angaraka Mars Tuesday, Mangalavār
4. Budha, Soumya Mercury Wednesday, Budhavār
5. Bṛhaspati, Guru Jupiter Thursday, Guruvār
6. Shukra, Shukracharya Venus Friday, Shukravār
7. Shani, Sanaischara, Shaneshwara Saturn Saturday, Shanivār
8. Rahu Ascending node of the Moon
9. Ketu Descending node of the Moon

Carnatic Music

Muthuswami Dikshitar, a Carnatic music composer from southern India composed the Navagraha Kritis in praise of the nine grahas.[3] Each song is a prayer to one of the nine planets. The sahitya (lyrics) of the songs reflect a profound knowledge of the mantra and jyotisha sastras.

See also

Notes
  1. Roshen Dalal (2010). Hinduism: An Alphabetical Guide. Penguin Books. p. 280. ISBN 978-0-14-341421-6.
  2. Sanskrit-English Dictionary by Monier-Williams, 1899
  3. "Dikshitar: Navagraha". www.medieval.org. Retrieved 2020-06-12.


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