Navagraha Shanti
ॐ ब्रह्मामुरारि त्रिपुरान्तकारी भानु: शशि भूमिसुतो बुध च।
गुरु च शुक्र: शनि राहु केतव: सर्वेग्रहा: शान्ति करा: भवन्तु।।
Obstacles in life are always there. A Navagraha Shanti is a ritual performed to appease the nine celestial planets (Navagrahas) and remove all obstacles. This puja not only helps in overcoming hurdles but also attain “Ayur, Arogya and Saukhyam”, i.e, longevity, health and happiness.
Benifits of Navagraha Shanti
Neutralizing Planetary Doshas
Alleviates the negative effects of malefic planets (doshas) in the birth chart.
Enhancing Favorable Influences
Boosts the positive effects of benefic planets.
Improving Life Aspects
Brings balance and success in health, relationships, career, and personal growth.
Spiritual and Emotional Harmony
Promotes mental peace and spiritual progress by aligning with cosmic energies.
Preventing Obstacles
Reduces challenges caused by planetary transits or unfavorable alignments.
Identifying Doshas and Auspicious Time for the Puja
Before preparing for the Navagraha Shanti Puja, consult an astrologer to identify planetary doshas. You also need to choose an auspicious day based on the planetary position to perform the puja.
Preparation of Navagraha Shanti Puja
The first thing involved in the day of the Navagraha Shanti Puja is thoroughly cleaning the area. The sanctity of the puja area is of utmost importance and must not be taken lightly. After the cleaning, the puja altar is placed in the northeast corner as it is considered auspicious. The altar must also be decorated with flowers, incense, oil lamps, and other sacred items.
Invocation of Sheshnag and Other Deities
A Navagraha Shanti Puja begins with the invocation of Sheshnag, the King of Snakes and one of the mounts of Lord Vishnu. A betel nut and a coin are also placed into an urn to symbolize devotion to Goddess Lakshmi and invoke her blessings.
Offerings for the Navagrahas and Mantras
Each planet or Navagraha has specific offerings. Procure the following items and offer them to the Navagrahas: Sun (Surya): Red flowers, jaggery, wheat. Moon (Chandra): White flowers, rice, milk. Mars (Mangal): Red sandalwood, red cloth, lentils. Mercury (Budh): Green cloth, green gram, camphor. Jupiter (Guru): Yellow flowers, turmeric, yellow cloth. Venus (Shukra): White cloth, sugar, curd. Saturn (Shani): Black sesame seeds, mustard oil, black cloth. Rahu: Blue flowers, coconut, black gram. Ketu: Multi-colored items, flag, bananas. Devotees must also chant specific mantras for each Navagraha to receive their blessings. Here are mantras for each planet: Om Surya Namaha (Sun) Om Chandraya Namaha (Moon) Om Mangalaya Namaha (Mars) Om Budhaya Namaha (Mercury) Om Guruve Namaha (Jupiter) Om Shukraya Namaha (Venus) Om Shanaischaraya Namaha (Saturn) Om Rahave Namaha (Rahu) Om Ketave Namaha (Ketu).
Performing Havan
A Havan is a sacred fire ritual where various substances are offered to the fire to invoke blessings and purify the surrounding air. Procure ghee, herbs, and other sacred items and offer them to the sacred fire while chanting the Navagraha mantras.
Ending the Navagraha Shanti Puja with Aarti and Prasad
Perform aarti for the Navagrahas and distribute prasadam to all attending participants.
When to Perform Navagraha Shanti
During Navratri or Amavasya/Purnima for general blessings. Before starting a new venture, ensure success and harmony. To mitigate doshas such as Shani dosha, Rahu-Ketu dosha, or Manglik dosha. During significant planetary transits or unfavorable dasha periods in the horoscope.
Other poojas
