The Nine Planets (Navagraha)

In Vedic astrology, nine celestial bodies—the Navagraha—govern different aspects of human life. Each graha carries unique energy and influences specific areas of existence, from personality and relationships to career and spirituality.

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Surya

Sun

Nature: Malefic
Day: Sunday
Gemstone: Ruby (Manikya)
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Chandra

Moon

Nature: Benefic
Day: Monday
Gemstone: Pearl (Moti)
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♂

Mangal / Kuja

Mars

Nature: Malefic
Day: Tuesday
Gemstone: Red Coral (Moonga)
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Budha

Mercury

Nature: Neutral (takes nature of associated planets)
Day: Wednesday
Gemstone: Emerald (Panna)
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Guru / Brihaspati

Jupiter

Nature: Benefic (Greatest benefic)
Day: Thursday
Gemstone: Yellow Sapphire (Pukhraj)
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Shukra

Venus

Nature: Benefic
Day: Friday
Gemstone: Diamond (Heera)
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Shani

Saturn

Nature: Malefic (Greatest malefic)
Day: Saturday
Gemstone: Blue Sapphire (Neelam)
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Rahu

Rahu

Nature: Malefic (Shadow planet)
Day: Saturday (or Wednesday)
Gemstone: Hessonite Garnet (Gomed)
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Ketu

Ketu

Nature: Malefic (Shadow planet)
Day: Tuesday (or Thursday)
Gemstone: Cat's Eye (Lehsunia)
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Planet Classifications

Benefic Planets (Shubha)

These planets generally bestow positive results, fortune, and growth.

  • Guru (Jupiter) - Greatest benefic, wisdom and fortune
  • Shukra (Venus) - Love, beauty, and prosperity
  • Chandra (Moon) - Mind, emotions (when waxing)
  • Budha (Mercury) - When associated with benefics

Malefic Planets (Papa)

These planets bring challenges that ultimately lead to growth and transformation.

  • Shani (Saturn) - Karma, discipline, delays
  • Mangala (Mars) - Energy, aggression, action
  • Surya (Sun) - Ego, authority (mild malefic)
  • Rahu & Ketu - Shadow planets, karmic nodes

Understanding the Grahas

Luminaries

Sun and Moon are called luminaries. Sun represents the soul (Atma), while Moon represents the mind (Manas). Together they form the core of one's personality.

True Planets

Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn are the five visible planets, each governing specific aspects of life and corresponding to days of the week.

Shadow Planets

Rahu and Ketu are mathematical points (lunar nodes) representing karmic patterns. They have no physical form but exert powerful influence on destiny.