The Navagrahas: Nine Planets of Vedic Astrology (Jyotish)
"The word 'Graha' in Sanskrit signifies an energetic entity that holds or attracts. The Navagrahas act as cosmic transmitters receiving divine solar and galactic frequencies and distributing them into human consciousness and destiny."
In Vedic Astrology (Jyotish), life on Earth is dynamically influenced by nine celestial bodies known as the Navagrahas. These include the two central luminaries (Surya / Sun and Chandra / Moon), three outer visible planets (Mangal / Mars, Guru / Jupiter, and Shani / Saturn), two inner planets (Budha / Mercury and Shukra / Venus), and two karmic lunar intersection nodes (Rahu / North Node and Ketu / South Node).
Overview of the Nine Celestial Rulers
| Planet | Sanskrit Name | Archetypal Role | Ruled Day | Primary Gemstone |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Surya (Aditya) | King, Soul (Atma), Father, Vitality | Sunday (Ravivar) | Ruby (Manikya) |
| Moon | Chandra (Soma) | Queen, Mind (Manas), Mother, Emotions | Monday (Somvar) | Pearl (Moti) |
| Mars | Mangal (Kuja) | Commander, Courage, Energy, Land | Tuesday (Mangalvar) | Red Coral (Moonga) |
| Mercury | Budha (Saumya) | Prince, Intellect, Speech, Commerce | Wednesday (Budhvar) | Emerald (Panna) |
| Jupiter | Guru (Brihaspati) | Minister, Wisdom, Dharma, Progeny | Thursday (Guruvar) | Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj) |
| Venus | Shukra (Bhargava) | Advisor, Love, Arts, Luxury, Marriage | Friday (Shukravar) | Diamond (Heera) |
| Saturn | Shani (Manda) | Servant, Karma, Discipline, Longevity | Saturday (Shanivar) | Blue Sapphire (Neelam) |
| Rahu | North Lunar Node | Outcaste, Ambition, Maya, Technology | Saturday / Night | Hessonite (Gomed) |
| Ketu | South Lunar Node | Ascetic, Moksha, Detachment, Intuition | Tuesday / Night | Cat's Eye (Lehsuniya) |
Planetary Classifications: Gunas, Tatvas & Functional Nature
Gunas (Qualities)
Sattva (Purity): Sun, Moon, Jupiter
Rajas (Activity): Mercury, Venus
Tamas (Inertia): Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu
Pancha Tatvas (Elements)
Space (Akasha): Jupiter
Air (Vayu): Saturn, Rahu
Fire (Agni): Sun, Mars, Ketu
Water (Jala): Moon, Venus
Earth (Prithvi): Mercury
Natural Prakriti
Natural Benefics: Jupiter, Venus, waxing Moon, unafflicted Mercury
Natural Malefics: Saturn, Mars, Rahu, Ketu, Sun, waning Moon