In Sanskrit, Nava means nine and Graha means “one who seizes or holds.” The Navagrahas are nine celestial bodies — planets, luminaries, and lunar nodes — that Vedic tradition recognises as powerful cosmic forces presiding over human destiny. According to ancient scripture, Vishnu himself incarnated as the Navagrahas to dispense the fruits of karma, sustain the divine order, and uphold Dharma.
They are not simply astronomical objects. Each Graha is a deity, a field of subtle spiritual energy, and a mirror of the soul’s accumulated karma — expressing itself from the very moment of birth.
The Nine Grahas
The nine Grahas span the visible planets of our solar system, the two luminaries, and the lunar nodes — each governing a distinct domain of life:
| Graha | Celestial Body | Domain | Colour |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surya | The Sun | Atma (soul), vitality, authority | Red |
| Chandra | The Moon | Mind, emotions, nurturing | White |
| Mangala | Mars | Energy, courage, action | Crimson Red |
| Budha | Mercury | Intellect, communication, learning | Cream |
| Brihaspati | Jupiter | Wisdom, grace, expansion | Yellow |
| Shukra | Venus | Beauty, abundance, devotion | White |
| Shani | Saturn | Karma, discipline, liberation | Black |
| Rahu | North Lunar Node | Worldly desire, ambition | Ultra Violet / Blue |
| Kethu | South Lunar Node | Detachment, spiritual liberation | Panchavarna (Five Colours) |
Each Graha’s colour is reflected in the cloth coverings used for the Navagraha idols during temple worship — a beautiful visual reminder of the distinct energy each planet carries.
The Navagrahas and Your Birth Star
Vedic astrology teaches that at the very moment of a child’s birth, the positions of the nine Grahas are recorded and a birth-chart (janam kundali) is prepared. This chart becomes the map of the soul’s journey — revealing periods of joy, challenge, illness, prosperity, and pivotal crossroads throughout life.
Each of the 27 Nakshatras (birth stars) is governed by one of the Grahas, and that Graha’s planetary period (dasha) casts its influence over significant stretches of a person’s life. For example, those born under Aswathy, Makam, or Moolam begin under Kethu’s seven-year dasha, while those born under Pooyam, Anizham, or Uthrittathy experience Shani’s long nineteen-year period at some point in their lives.
“The planets, besides their physical mass, are tremendous fields of subtle and spiritual energies. It is at that level that we must understand their effects.”
This is why an experienced astrologer (jyotishi) studies a birth-chart before major life decisions — marriage, career, griha pravesha (housewarming), or times of uncertainty. The chart does not bind a person’s fate; it illuminates it, and points toward paths of remedy and grace.
Navagraha Positions in the Temple
In traditional Agama Prathishta, the Navagrahas are installed in a precise sacred arrangement — not arbitrarily, but reflecting the cosmic geometry through which these nine energies interact and balance one another:
- Surya (Sun) — Centre
- Chandra (Moon) — South-East
- Mangala (Mars) — South
- Budha (Mercury) — North-East
- Brihaspati (Jupiter) — North
- Shukra (Venus) — East
- Shani (Saturn) — West
- Rahu — South-West
- Kethu — North-West
Circumambulating the Navagrahas in a temple is itself a form of moving meditation — a physical journey through the planetary forces that govern our lives.
How to Perform Pradakshina (Circumambulation)
There are important protocols to observe when going around the Navagrahas:
- Circumambulate once on any day other than Saturday
- Rahu and Kethu are always circumambulated in the anti-clockwise direction
- Never stand directly opposite Lord Shani while worshipping him
- Do not fold your hands while walking around the Navagrahas — hands remain open and relaxed at the sides
Navagraha Pooja at Shree Ayyappa Temple, Jaipur
Our temple is home to the first Navagraha installation in Rajasthan, and Navagraha Pooja is performed here according to authentic Kerala Agama tradition. The Poojari (Thirumeni) is well-versed in prescribing the right form of pooja based on each devotee’s birth star and current planetary period.
Devotees may request a Navagraha Pooja for their birth star, for a specific Graha causing difficulty in their horoscope, or as a general offering for the wellbeing of the family. If you are unable to visit the temple in person, simply contact the Poojari or temple management — share your name, birth star, and date of birth, and the prasadam will be sent to you by post.
Phone: +91 94603 26886
Email: contactus@jaipurayyappa.org