Introduction

Navagraha Puja is a ritual to worship the nine planets (Navagrahas) in Hindu astrology: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. This puja is done to reduce the negative effects of planets and increase their positive blessings. It helps bring peace, balance, and success in life.

Understanding the Navagraha

The Navagrahas are nine planets that affect our lives and decisions according to astrology.

1. Surya(Sun):

Gives energy, strength, and leadership skills.

2. Chandra(Moon):

Controls emotions, mind, and peace of heart.

3. Mangal(Mars):

Brings courage, confidence, and determination.

4. Budh(Mercury):

Helps with learning, speaking, and business.

5. Guru(Jupiter):

Offers wisdom, knowledge, and growth.

6. Shukra(Venus):

Improves love, beauty, and creativity.

7. Shani(Saturn):

Teaches patience, discipline, and hard work.

8. Rahu:

Affects desires, ambitions, and sudden changes.

9. Ketu:

Promotes spirituality, detachment, and inner peace.

History of Navagraha Puja

Navagraha Puja has been performed since ancient times to please the planets and reduce their negative effects. People believed that balancing the influence of the planets could improve their lives. This practice comes from Vedic astrology, where each planet is said to have a unique impact on a person’s health, relationships, and success.

Preparation for Navagraha Puja

1. Clean Your Space Clean the house, especially the puja area, to make it pure and peaceful.

2. Decorate Your Home Use flowers, lamps, and rangoli to create a positive atmosphere.

3. Prepare Yourself Take a bath and wear clean or new clothes before starting the puja.

4. Gather Puja Items (Samagri) Small idols or pictures of the nine planets. Kalash (a water pot) with mango leaves and coconut. Flowers, kumkum, turmeric, sandalwood, and betel leaves. Sweets, fruits, and other offerings. Diya (lamp) and incense sticks.

Steps to Perform Navagraha Puja

1. Set the Puja Platform Place a clean cloth on a table or raised platform. Arrange the idols or pictures of the Navagrahas in a row.

2. Invoke the Deities Light a diya and incense sticks. Offer kumkum, turmeric, and flowers to each planet. Close your eyes, pray sincerely, and chant their mantras.

3. Make Offerings Present sweets, fruits, and other items to the Navagrahas. Sprinkle rice and flowers to show respect.

4. Perform the Aarti Light a diya and wave it in front of the Navagrahas while singing aarti or mantras. Pray for their blessings with full faith.

Benefits of Navagraha Puja

1. Removes Negative Effects: Reduces the malefic impact of planets in your horoscope.

2. Brings Peace and Balance: Creates harmony and positivity in life.

3. Improves Health and Wealth: Helps overcome financial and health challenges.

4. Boosts Success: Enhances career, relationships, and overall growth.

Special Tips for Navagraha Puja

Perform the puja on an auspicious day as advised by an astrologer.

Keep your mind calm and focused during the ritual.

Chant mantras for each planet to increase their positive effects.

Prasad Distribution

After the puja, offer the prasad to the planets first. Then, share it with family and friends to spread the blessings.

Conclusion

Navagraha Puja is a powerful ritual to invite positivity and balance into your life. By performing it with devotion, you can reduce the negative effects of planets and enhance their blessings, ensuring peace, prosperity, and happiness in your journey.