Navagraha Shanti Puja: Settling the Nine Planets
In short
In the Navagraha Shanti the nine planets are invoked and a homa is performed with their seed mantras. The intent is not to remove a planet but to balance the energy it is expressing.
In Vedic astrology the nine planets, the Navagraha, are held to influence every area of life. When one of them is placed unfavourably in a chart, or is running an unfavourable period, the Navagraha Shanti puja is prescribed.
The nine are Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budh, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. Each governs particular areas of life and each responds to particular offerings.
In the ritual the nine planets are installed in a mandala and invoked in order. Their seed mantras are recited a prescribed number of times, and a homa is performed with the wood, grain and cloth associated with each planet. Where a specific planet is causing difficulty, additional recitation is done for that planet alone.
It is worth being clear about what this ritual is for. It does not remove a planet from a chart, and no ceremony can. What it aims to do is settle the way that energy expresses itself, and give the person the steadiness to work through a difficult period.
This puja is commonly performed at the start of a challenging mahadasha, during Sade Sati, before a major undertaking, and alongside ceremonies such as Griha Pravesh and marriage.
Families living abroad often have it performed remotely, using their name and gotra in the sankalpa. That practice is long established and entirely valid.
Frequently asked questions
When should this puja be performed?+
At the start of a difficult mahadasha or antardasha, during Sade Sati, and alongside major ceremonies such as Griha Pravesh or a wedding.
Are all nine planets worshipped together?+
Yes, all nine are installed together in the Navagraha mandala. Additional recitation is done for whichever planet is running an unfavourable period.
Can it be performed remotely?+
Yes. The ritual can be completed using the sponsor name and gotra in the sankalpa, with the family joining over video.
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