Navagraha Puja

Navagraha Puja is the propitiation of the nine planets that form the foundation of Vedic astrology. Each of the nine — Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, and Ketu — has a presiding deity, mantra, gemstone, grain, and offering. The puja invokes all nine simultaneously or focuses on a specific malefic planet whose dasha is creating challenges in the native's life. A homa is typically performed with grain offerings specific to each planet — wheat for Surya, rice for Chandra, red lentils for Mangala, etc.

The nine planets in Vedic astrology represent the nine fundamental forces shaping a life. Their positions at birth (the natal chart) and their movements thereafter (transits and dashas) are believed to correlate with periods of opportunity and challenge. Navagraha Puja is the ritual layer of remediation — alongside gemstones, mantras, and charitable practices, it is one of the four classical remedies for adverse planetary periods. The puja is accessible at most major temples, especially the dedicated Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu (Suryanaar Koil, Thingalur, Chennai's Vaitheeswaran Koil are anchor sites).

For the strengthening of a specific planet, the puja is best performed on that planet's ruling day: Surya — Sunday, Chandra — Monday, Mangala — Tuesday, Budha — Wednesday, Brihaspati — Thursday, Shukra — Friday, Shani — Saturday. Rahu and Ketu pujas are typically performed on Saturday or during eclipse periods. For comprehensive Navagraha Puja, Sunday's Amrita Choghadiya is universally favoured.