When human being is born, so also is born the effect of his/her past karmas to be experienced throughout the life. These consist of good as well as bad effects of karmas and are said to be influenced by nine planets or rather by their planetary positions at the time of birth of an individual. These nine planets are collectively known as Navagrahas, (Nava = Nine, Grahas = Planets).
Of these nine planets seven planets (Ravi - Sun, Chandra - Moon, Mangala - Mars, Budha - Mercury, Brihaspati/Guru - Jupiter, Shani - Saturn) are celestial bodies whereas the last two (Rahu and Ketu) are ascending and descending nodes of Chandra. They are imaginary points of intersections of paths of Ravi and Chandra in the celestial sphere.
From astronomical perspective these planets are celestial bodies but from human experience perspective they are considered as nine potencies or nine ideas that influence the good and bad experiences of human life. Per Indian belief, each of these planets (potencies) manifests as a deity and it is believed that worshiping these deities can help to palliate ill effects of karmas and reduce suffering caused by it. Though it is not possible to completely get rid of suffering, it is believed that intensity of suffering can be reduced to large extent with sincere devotion, particularly if the worship is done per scriptures or per instructions of one's own Guru.
As mentioned in Navagraha Sthalams in South India, in south India there is a dedicated temple for each of these nine planets (graha). In upcoming articles we will post information about each place with details such as - name of place and temple, deities worshiped there, how to reach the place, shloka to be chanted to worship the graha etc
Of these nine planets seven planets (Ravi - Sun, Chandra - Moon, Mangala - Mars, Budha - Mercury, Brihaspati/Guru - Jupiter, Shani - Saturn) are celestial bodies whereas the last two (Rahu and Ketu) are ascending and descending nodes of Chandra. They are imaginary points of intersections of paths of Ravi and Chandra in the celestial sphere.
From astronomical perspective these planets are celestial bodies but from human experience perspective they are considered as nine potencies or nine ideas that influence the good and bad experiences of human life. Per Indian belief, each of these planets (potencies) manifests as a deity and it is believed that worshiping these deities can help to palliate ill effects of karmas and reduce suffering caused by it. Though it is not possible to completely get rid of suffering, it is believed that intensity of suffering can be reduced to large extent with sincere devotion, particularly if the worship is done per scriptures or per instructions of one's own Guru.
As mentioned in Navagraha Sthalams in South India, in south India there is a dedicated temple for each of these nine planets (graha). In upcoming articles we will post information about each place with details such as - name of place and temple, deities worshiped there, how to reach the place, shloka to be chanted to worship the graha etc