Navagraha Pooja
Navagraha Pooja is a significant Hindu ritual dedicated to the worship of the nine celestial
bodies (Navagrahas) that are believed to have a profound influence on human lives according
to Vedic astrology. These nine planets are considered deities and are worshipped to mitigate
the adverse effects of their positions in one's horoscope, enhance positive influences, and bring
overall well-being and prosperity.
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Purpose : The primary purpose of Navagraha Pooja is to seek the blessings of the nine
planets to balance their influences, reduce the malefic effects, enhance the beneficial
effects, and ensure overall harmony in life.
- Deities Invoked: The nine planets worshipped in Navagraha Pooja are:
- Surya (Sun): Represents the soul, vitality, and health.
- Chandra (Moon): Governs the mind, emotions, and motherhood.
- Mangala (Mars): Influences courage, strength, and siblings.
- Budha (Mercury): Controls intellect, communication, and business.
- Brihaspati (Jupiter): Represents wisdom, wealth, and spirituality.
- Shukra (Venus): Governs love, beauty, and creativity.
- Shani (Saturn): Represents discipline, obstacles, and longevity.
- Rahu (North Node of the Moon): Associated with worldly desires and confusion.
- Ketu (South Node of the Moon): Linked to spirituality and detachment.
- Preparations:The pooja area is purified and decorated with flowers, lamps, and other
auspicious items. Nine idols or symbols representing each of the Navagrahas are placed
on a clean altar.
- Sankalpa (Intention): : The priest or the main participant takes a vow (sankalpa) stating
the purpose of the pooja and seeks the blessings of the Navagrahas.
- Invocation: The ritual begins with the invocation of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles,
followed by the invocation of the nine planets through the chanting of specific mantras
and hymns dedicated to each planet
- Offering :: Various offerings such as flowers, fruits, sweets, milk, honey, ghee,
turmeric, kumkum (vermilion), and water are made to the deities. Each planet has
specific offerings and items associated with it.
- Abhishekam :A ritual bathing (abhishekam) of the Navagraha idols or symbols is
performed using holy substances like milk, yogurt, honey, ghee, and water to purify
and energize them.
- Aarti:The pooja concludes with the waving of camphor or lamps (aarti) in front of the
deities while singing devotional hymns. This signifies the acceptance of the offerings
and prayers by the deities.
- Prasad:The consecrated food (prasad) is distributed among the devotees, symbolizing
the sharing of divine blessings.
- Duration : The duration of Navagraha Pooja can vary, typically lasting between one to
three hours, depending on the specific traditions and the scale of the ritual.
- Participation: : Devotees participate by chanting mantras, offering prayers, and making
offerings to the deities. The collective energy and devotion enhance the efficacy of the pooja.
- Mitigation of Malefic Effects: The pooja helps in reducing the malefic effects of the
planets in one’s horoscope, leading to relief from various doshas (flaws) and challenges.
- Enhancement of Beneficial Effects : Worshipping the Navagrahas enhances their
positive influences, leading to prosperity, success, and well-being.
- Health and Longevity: The blessings of the Navagrahas promote good health and
longevity, protecting devotees from illnesses and accidents.
- Wealth and Prosperity: The pooja attracts wealth, financial stability, and prosperity,
helping to overcome financial obstacles and ensuring stability.
- Career and Professional Growth :The ritual supports career advancement, professional
success, and recognition, mitigating any negative planetary influences affecting one’s
job or business.
- Peace and Harmony : The positive vibrations generated during the pooja foster peace,
harmony, and happiness in personal and professional life.
- Mental Clarity and Emotional Stability: The balanced energies of the Navagrahas bring
mental clarity, focus, and emotional stability, reducing stress and anxiety.
- Spiritual Growth: The pooja enhances spiritual growth and enlightenment, helping
devotees connect with their higher selves and attain inner peace.
- Protection from Negative Energies: The ritual creates a protective shield around the
devotees, guarding against negative influences, evil forces, and adversities.
- Fulfillment of Desires:Sincere participation in Navagraha Pooja can lead to the
fulfillment of heartfelt desires and wishes, as the planets are believed to grant boons
and blessings.
Navagraha Pooja is a powerful and transformative ritual that offers numerous benefits, ranging
from mitigating the malefic effects of planets to enhancing their beneficial influences. By invoking the blessings of the Navagrahas, devotees can achieve harmony, prosperity, and wellbeing in their lives. This sacred pooja is a potent tool for aligning with cosmic energies and manifesting positive outcomes in various aspects of life.
