deities and the divine
Who are the Navagrahas and how do they influence Hindu religious practice?
The nine planetary deities
The word Navagraha means nine grahas, or planetary bodies that are believed to grasp and influence life. The nine are Surya the sun, Chandra the moon, Mangala Mars, Budha Mercury, Brihaspati Jupiter, Shukra Venus, Shani Saturn, and two shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu. These last two are not visible planets but the points where the moon's path crosses the sun's path. In Hindu astrology, all nine are treated as divine beings with personalities, powers, and moods of their own. Each one governs certain parts of life, such as health, wealth, relationships, or wisdom.
Where the tradition comes from
The Navagrahas appear in ancient astrological and astronomical texts that form part of the broader Vedic tradition. Their influence on human life is laid out in texts on Jyotisha, the traditional system of Hindu astrology. Over centuries, this system became deeply woven into temple practice, life-cycle rituals, and everyday devotion. Temples were built specifically for the Navagrahas, and their images were placed in the mandapa, the pillared hall, of many Hindu temples so that worshippers could honour them as part of a regular visit.
What each graha represents
Each graha carries a set of meanings. Surya stands for the soul, authority, and health. Chandra is linked to the mind, emotions, and the mother. Mangala is associated with energy, courage, and conflict. Budha governs speech and intelligence. Brihaspati is the teacher planet, connected to wisdom and good fortune. Shukra rules beauty, pleasure, and relationships. Shani is the most discussed of the nine. He is seen as a strict, slow-moving force that brings discipline, hardship, and eventually justice. Rahu and Ketu are treated as shadowy, unpredictable forces tied to karma across lifetimes. Their positions in a birth chart are watched very closely.
Worship and ritual
Each graha has a day of the week, a colour, a gemstone, and a grain associated with it. Shani rules Saturday, which is why Saturday is the most common day for Shani worship. Devotees visit Shani temples, offer sesame oil, and light lamps. Shani Shingnapur in Maharashtra is one of the most visited Shani shrines. In Tamil Nadu, the Suryanar Kovil temple complex is dedicated to all nine Navagrahas together and draws pilgrims from across South India. When a graha is believed to be in a difficult position in a person's birth chart, priests may suggest rituals called upayas, which can include chanting, fasting, charitable giving, or wearing a specific gemstone. These are meant to soften the graha's effect. Navagraha puja is also performed at key life events like weddings and the birth of a child.
Today
Navagraha worship is very much alive, both in India and in diaspora communities. Many Hindus check their birth chart, called a kundali, at important moments in life. Concern about Shani in particular remains widespread. Some people follow the associated rituals closely, others treat them loosely as a cultural habit, and some do not follow them at all. Practice varies a great deal by region, family, and personal belief. In South India the tradition tends to be more elaborate, with dedicated temples and specific rituals. In other parts of India and abroad, Navagraha worship may be simpler or folded into general temple visits.