Navagraha Puja

Navagraha Puja is a Hindu ritual dedicated to the worship of the nine celestial bodies, known as the Navagrahas, which include the nine planets of the Vedic astrology system. These planets are believed to influence human life and destiny, and Navagraha Puja is performed to mitigate the malefic effects of these planetary influences and to seek blessings for success, prosperity, and well-being. Here's a detailed overview of Navagraha Puja: Purpose: Navagraha Puja is performed to appease the Navagrahas and seek their favorable blessings while mitigating the adverse effects of unfavorable planetary positions in an individual's horoscope or birth chart (kundali). Timing: Navagraha Puja is usually performed on specific days of the week associated with each planet or during auspicious planetary alignments, such as during Guru Pushya Yoga or Ravi Pushya Yoga. It can also be performed on Saturdays, which are considered auspicious for appeasing Lord Shani (Saturn), the planet associated with discipline and karma. Preparation: Before beginning the puja, devotees cleanse themselves by taking a bath and wear clean clothes. They then set up the puja altar or sacred space with idols or images of the Navagrahas arranged in a specific order, usually depicted in a circular or semi-circular pattern. Puja Items: The essential items required for Navagraha Puja include: Idols or pictures of the Navagrahas A brass or copper kalash (water vessel) filled with water Red or yellow flowers Chandan (sandalwood paste) or roli (vermilion) Akshata (rice grains) Dhoop (incense sticks) or agarbatti Deepak (oil lamp) or camphor Fruits, especially those associated with each planet Prasad (offerings), such as jaggery, sesame seeds, or sweets Invocation: The puja begins with the chanting of mantras and prayers to invoke the presence of the Navagrahas. Devotees may recite the Navagraha Mantra or specific mantras dedicated to each planet while offering water, flowers, and other items to each deity. Offerings: Devotees offer prayers, flowers, akshata, sandalwood paste, and other items to each of the Navagrahas, seeking their blessings and protection from malefic influences. Abhishekam: In some traditions, an abhishekam (ritualistic bath) may be performed for each Navagraha using water, milk, honey, yogurt, ghee, and other sacred liquids, while chanting mantras to purify and appease the planets. Homam (Fire Ritual): In more elaborate Navagraha Puja ceremonies, a homam or fire ritual may be conducted, where specific herbs, grains, and ghee are offered into the sacred fire while chanting Vedic mantras to appease the Navagrahas. Prayers and Meditation: Devotees engage in prayers, meditation, and recitation of hymns dedicated to the Navagrahas, seeking their blessings for protection, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Aarti: The puja concludes with the waving of aarti (lighted lamp) in front of the Navagrahas, accompanied by the singing of hymns and bhajans in praise of the celestial deities. Navagraha Puja is believed to bring harmony, balance, and auspiciousness into one's life by appeasing the planetary influences and seeking their blessings for success, prosperity, and well-being.