Nav Graha shanti pooja

Navagraha Shanti Pooja

Navagraha Shanti Pooja is a Hindu ritual performed to appease the nine planetary deities (Navagrahas) and to mitigate the negative effects of the planets in one's horoscope. The Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budh (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Node), and Ketu (South Node). This pooja is particularly beneficial for those experiencing difficulties due to unfavorable planetary positions.

Steps and Procedure for Navagraha Shanti Pooja

Preparation:
- Choosing an Auspicious Date: Consult an astrologer to select an auspicious date for the pooja.
- Cleansing and Decoration: Clean the house and pooja area, decorate with flowers and rangoli, and set up a sacred space.
- Gathering Materials: Collect items such as flowers, fruits, nine types of grains, nine colored cloths, betel leaves, betel nuts, sandalwood paste, turmeric, incense sticks, ghee, and specific offerings for each planet.
Setting up the Altar:
- Placing the Navagraha Idols or Symbols: Arrange idols or symbolic representations of the nine planets on a clean altar.
- Arranging Pooja Items: Place all pooja items neatly around the altar.
Invocation (Avahanam):
- Ganesh Pooja: Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
- Kalash Sthapana: Place a kalash (pot filled with water) with a coconut on top, symbolizing the presence of the deities.
Sankalp (Resolution):
- Taking the Sankalp: The main person performing the pooja takes a vow (sankalp) stating the purpose of the pooja and seeking blessings.
Navagraha Invocation:
- Chanting Mantras: Chant mantras to invoke each of the Navagrahas. These mantras are specific to each planet.
- Offering Items: Offer flowers, fruits, grains, and specific items related to each planet while chanting the mantras.
Main Pooja:
- Navagraha Mantras: Recite the specific mantras for each of the Navagrahas:
  - Surya (Sun): "Om Hraam Hreem Hraum Sah Suryaya Namah"
  - Chandra (Moon): "Om Shraam Shreem Shraum Sah Chandraya Namah"
  - Mangal (Mars): "Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah"
  - Budh (Mercury): "Om Braam Breem Braum Sah Budhaya Namah"
  - Guru (Jupiter): "Om Graam Greem Graum Sah Gurave Namah"
  - Shukra (Venus): "Om Draam Dreem Draum Sah Shukraya Namah"
  - Shani (Saturn): "Om Praam Preem Praum Sah Shanaye Namah"
  - Rahu (North Node): "Om Bhraam Bhreem Bhraum Sah Rahave Namah"
  - Ketu (South Node): "Om Sraam Sreem Sraum Sah Ketave Namah"
Havan (Fire Ritual):
- Setting up the Havan Kund: Prepare the havan kund and light the fire.
- Offering Ahuti: Offer ghee, grains, and specific herbs into the fire while chanting the Navagraha mantras.
Arati (Waving of Lamps):
- Performing Arati: Light the lamp and perform arati by waving it in front of the Navagrahas in a circular motion while singing devotional songs.
Prasad Distribution:
- Offering Food: Offer cooked food, fruits, and sweets to the Navagrahas.
- Distributing Prasad: After the pooja, distribute the prasad among the family members and guests.
Concluding Prayers (Mangalam):
- Thanksgiving: Thank the Navagrahas and seek their blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life.
- Prostration: Perform a full-body prostration (sashtanga namaskar) as a gesture of complete surrender and gratitude.

Benefits of Navagraha Shanti Pooja

Mitigation of Negative Effects: The pooja helps in reducing the malefic effects of unfavorable planetary positions in the horoscope.
Health and Well-being: It is believed to promote physical and mental well-being.
Prosperity and Success: The blessings of the Navagrahas can lead to success in personal and professional life.
Harmony and Peace: Performing the pooja brings peace and harmony to the household.
Spiritual Growth: Regular practice enhances spiritual growth and devotion.

Navagraha Shanti Pooja is a powerful ritual that helps in balancing the planetary influences in one’s life. By performing this pooja with devotion and proper procedure, devotees seek to align themselves with the cosmic energies for a more harmonious and prosperous life.