Navagrahas are the nine most important planets that play a very important role in every human’s life. Hindus strongly believe that all the good and bad that one faces during his lifetime is a result of the effects the Navagrahas on that individual. The position of the nine planets i.e. Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu and Ketu, the North and South Lunar Nodes respectively on the zodiac belt determines their effects on an individual. The seven planets except Rahu and Ketu have a particular day of the week dedicated to them.
Now, lets see the effects these nine planets have on us.
1) Surya (Sun): Sun God is considered to be the King or Chief of the planets. Sun is the ruling planet of the zodiac sign Leo. Sun is the ruling planet for Fathrs. Sun represents one's wisdom and power. Sun is considered to be the only form of God visible to the eyes. According to Shaivites of the Hindu community Sun is an avatar of Lord Shiva and according to Vaishnavite he is an avatar of Vishnu. If Sun is in a bad position then the effects would be, problems with the heart, tension, mental pressure and body aches. Chanting Gayatri Mantra and Aditya mantra will appease Surya Deva.
- The number Governed by Surya is 1.
- The gemstone for Surya Deva is Ruby.
- The day of the week is Sunday.
2) Chandra (Moon): The Moon represents beauty and mind. While Sun rules father, Moon rules Mother. Moon represents one’s mental strength and stability. Moon plays a vital role during festivals like Karva Chauth and Ganesh Chaturthi. Moon is the ruling planet of the zodiac sign Cancer. If Moon is in a bad position then the effects would be, urinary infections, abdominal problems, skin abnormalities to name a few.
- The number governed by Moon is 2.
- The gemstone for Chandra (Moon) is Pearl.
- The day of the week is Monday.
3) Mangal (Mars): Mars represents the physical strength of the body. Planets Mars rules the Karka or brothers. Mars is the ruling planet of the zodiac signs Aries and Scorpio. People having Mars as ruling planet are strong, independent and ambitious. Mangal is considered to be the son of Goddess Earth. If Mars is in a bad position then the effects would be, inflammation of skin , lungs, accidents, blood clots to name a few.
- The number governed by Mars is 9
- The gemstone for Mangal (Mars) is Coral
- The day of the week is Tuesday
4) Budh (Mercury): Mercury represents one’s communication and intelligence. Mercury rules the uncles or karakas. Mercury is the ruling planet of the zodiac signs Gemini and Virgo. People having Mercury as the ruling planet are intellectual, dualistic and indecisive. Budh controls the nervous system and bad effects of budh will cause asthma, paralysis, nasal disorders to name a few.
- The number governed by Mercury is 5
- The gemstone for Mercury (Budh) is Emerald
- The day of the week is Wednesday
5) Guru (Jupiter): Jupiter represents knowledge, intelligence, spirituality and justice. Planet Jupiter rules over children. Jupiter is the ruling planet of the zodiac signs Sagittarius and Pisces. People having Guru or Jupiter as the ruling planet are positive, cheerful, masculine and wise. Guru controls the kidney and liver. If Guru is in a bad position then the effects would be diabetes, liver malfunctions and tumors to name a few.
- The number governed by Jupiter is 3
- The gemstone for Mercury (Budh) is Yellow Sapphire
- The day of the week is Thursday
6) Shukra (Venus): Venus represents Love, beauty and passion. According to hindus Venus is an avatar of Goddesses Lakshmi, wife of Lord Vishnu. Venus is the ruling planet of the zodiac signs Taurus and Libra. People having Jupiter as the ruling planet are classy, sophisticated and material lovers. Shukra is considered to be one eyed and so he controls the eyes and vision. If Shukra is in a bad position then the effects would be problems with eyes, impotency and venereal diseases to name a few.
- The number governed by Venus is 6
- The gemstone for Venus (Shukra) is Diamond
- The day of the week is Friday
7) Shani (Saturn): Saturn is referred to as the dark planet. If Saturn is malefic then the person will endure misery, obstacles and problems in life. But if the same Saturn is in favour then that person will be a honest and trustworthy person. Saturn is the ruling planet of the zodiac signs Capricorn and Aquarius. If Saturn is in a bad position then the effects would be asthma, rheumatism and frequent illness.
- The number governed by Saturn is 8
- The gemstone for Saturn (Shani) is Blue Sapphire
- The day of the week is Saturday
8) Rahu: Rahu (Ascending Lunar Node) is considered to be a shadow planet and it a malefic. If one has the influence of Rahu then that person will suffer from failures and miseries. People who are ruled by Rahu have the characteristics of being dishonest, untruthful and tend to have bad habits like gambling, smoking etc. Rahu is one of the two planets which does not represent any day in the week. Planet Rahu causes eclipse by swallowing the Sun and Moon according to the Hindu mythology.
- The number governed by Rahu is 4
- The gemstone for Rahu is Gomedh
9) Ketu: Ketu (Descending Lunar Node) is also considered to be a shadow planet and represents one's Karmic collections, it may be good or bad. Ketu greatly influences one's spirituality and supernatural interests. People who have the influence of Ketu suffer from mental illness, problems with relations, disputes, failures to name a few. Like Rahu, Ketu also does not own any day or zodiac signs.
- The number governed by Ketu is 7
- The gemstone for Ketu is Cat’s eye