Vedic Astrology and the Nine Planetary Deities

Through science, most of us have learned about the existence of the planets, the vast physical entities along with the earth in the cosmic sky. According to the wisdom of ancient Greece and Hinduism, these planets are also impersonal forces or Gods/Goddesses one with the nature of our individual lives on earth.

Karma or past life actions of an individual, a governing force of their future or destiny, are said to coincide with the Planetary configurations, at the time of their birth. ‘The planets are agents of your karma: they create your success or failure’ (Dr. Pillai, also known as Siva Baba).

The Hindu astrological system known as ‘Jyotish’ or Vedic astrology is, in essence, a study of planetary movements to guide people to transcend their effects (caused by one’s actions from past lives) in the present, to create A better future.

Hindu astrology refers to these planetary forces as ‘navagrahas’. ‘Nava’ in the Sanskrit language means ‘nine’. The Sanskrit term ‘Graha’ is used to indicate the magnetic or possessive nature, which is how the cosmic forces of the planets exert their influence on human lives. So the ‘navagrahas’ are the Planetary Lords of Hindu astrology.

Since the nine Planetary Lords are the macrocosm of our personal lives, they are adored and friends to benefit us on the path of our spiritual evolution while on earth.

The relationship that astrology establishes between the planets and human life has not been accepted by the field of science. In this context it is noted that astrology works irrefutably as the discipline that it is.

It is also applied for practical purposes such as achieving success or love relationships.

In Vedic astrology, the twelve (12) zodiac signs or ‘rashis’ are said to be ruled by planetary deities. Furthermore, the other elements such as the twelve (12) Houses, or ‘bhavas’ and the twenty-seven (27) Lunar mansions, or ‘nakshatras’ are also associated with Planetary governance/lordship.

The ‘navagrahas’ are worshiped along with the other supreme gods and goddesses of the Hindu pantheon: they include Ganesha, Maha Lakshmi, Shiva, Parvathi, Muruga, Hanuman and Vishnu.

It should be noted here that although a number of deities are mentioned in various forms in Hinduism, including planetary deities, they are all derived from the one Supreme Truth known as Brahman.

The Nine Planetary Deities who are worshiped as ‘navagrahas’ are as follows:

– Surya – the Sun God,

– Chandra – the god of the moon

– Anagaraka or Mangala – the God of Mars

– Buddha – the God Mercury

– Guru or Brihaspathia – the God Jupiter

– Sukra – the god Venus

– Sani or Sanischara – the God Saturn

– Rahu – the God of the North Node of the Moon (represented by the head of the Serpent)

– and Ketu – the God of the South Node of the Moon (represented by the Serpent’s tail).

Certain meanings are attributed to each of the Planetary lords.

The Sun God is assigned to signify primarily the soul. The Sun also represents the father. The Moon signifies the universal and individual mind, the Divine mother and the emotions. Mars means the energy of the warrior. The god Mercury means speech, communication and intelligence. Jupiter means wisdom and abundance. Lord Venus means reproduction and beauty. Lord Saturn signifies loss and learning of karmic lessons.

Worshiping Lord Rahu (North Node of the moon) opens the door to a positive future. “Ketu (South Node of the moon) is known as the ‘entry point’ for past life karmas.” (ref: http://www.livingskillfully.com/ketu.html

The ‘navagrahas’ in Hindu temples are commonly found along with other chambers of the High Gods such as Ganesha. There are nine statues placed in three rows. They represent the five planets – Mercury, Venus, Mars, Jupiter and Saturn – together with the Sun, the Moon and the two nodes of the moon – Rahu and Ketu. The ‘navagrahas’ are commonly worshiped by devotees circumambulating the chamber nine times.

In South India there are also unique places of worship dedicated exclusively to one of the planetary deities. Any defect found in the native’s astrological chart could be remedied by performing specific rituals in one or more of these temples. An astrologer is adept at recognizing the details of planetary imbalances in the individual’s horoscope and prescribing the necessary remedies (called ‘parihaaram’ in the Tamil language).

Human beings are uniquely endowed as a species with free will. Using astrological aids “a person who uses them in alignment with divine purpose can generate more energy than the strongest planet.” (ref: “How to Practice Vedic Astrology”, book by Andrew Bloomfield) The influences of the planets, although real, can only be that. They “don’t really control us.”