Gita-God-Hinduism

  Beyond the Nine Planets: The Vedic Architecture of Navagraha Worship Most people encounter Navagraha worship through astrology. The nine grahas are often viewed as celestial influences that affect human life.  While this is true at one level, the Vedic tradition presents a much deeper and more profound vision. First of all - “what Are Grahas?” One of the most common misunderstandings about Navagraha worship is the assumption that the word graha simply means “planet.” In the Vedic tradition, this is not entirely accurate. A graha is not merely a planet. The word graha comes from the Sanskrit root grah — “to grasp,” “to seize,” or “to influence.” A graha is therefore a celestial force that exerts a direct or indirect influence upon life. Some of these influences are obvious. Without Surya (the Sun), life on Earth would not exist. Without Chandra (the Moon), many natural rhythms that govern life would be profoundly altered. The ancient Ṛṣis carefully observed that celestia...