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Navagraha


Nabagraha in Odisha Temple
In Odisha, the worship of Navagrahas, the nine celestial bodies or planets, is an integral part of Hindu temple architecture and rituals. Each of the Navagrahas is associated with a specific celestial body, and their worship is believed to have an impact on an individual's life and destiny. The Navagrahas are typically represented as deities and are often depicted in temples with specific iconographic details.

Iconographic Details:

Surya (Sun):
Depicted with a golden crown, riding a chariot drawn by seven horses. Surya is often shown holding lotus flowers in both hands.






Figure: 1, Surya

Chandra (Moon):
Portrayed with a crescent moon on his head, holding a club and a lotus. Chandra is depicted riding a chariot drawn by ten white horses or an antelope.







Figure: 2, Chandra

Mangala (Mars):
Shown with a red complexion and wearing red clothes, Mangala holds a mace and a lotus. He rides a ram or a goat.






Figure: 3, Mangala

Budha (Mercury):
Depicted with four hands, holding a mace, a club, a lotus, and a conch. Budha rides a chariot drawn by lions.







Figure: 4, Budha

Guru (Jupiter):
Guru is often depicted as a portly figure with a golden complexion. He holds a mace and a lotus and rides an elephant.







Figure: 5, Guru

Shukra (Venus):
Shukra is shown with four hands, holding a staff, a drum, a lotus, and a rosary. He rides a chariot drawn by eight horses.







Figure: 6, Shukra

Shani (Saturn):
Shani is depicted with a dark complexion and riding a chariot drawn by crows or vultures. He holds a sword and a plough.







Figure: 7, Shani

Rahu:
Represented as a serpent's head without a body. Rahu is often associated with the lunar eclipse and is considered a malevolent influence.






Figure: 8, Rahu

Ketu:
Like Rahu, Ketu is represented as a serpent's body without a head. Ketu is considered a shadow planet and is also associated with eclipses.







Figure: 9, Ketu

The worship of Navagrahas is rooted in Vedic astrology. According to Hindu mythology, the Navagrahas play a crucial role in shaping an individual's destiny, and propitiating them is believed to mitigate the adverse effects of planetary influences.






Image: 1, 

The Navagrahas are worshipped to seek their blessings for good health, prosperity, and overall well-being. Devotees believe that by performing specific rituals and prayers dedicated to each Navagraha, they can alleviate the negative influences of the planets in their birth charts. 






Image: 2, 

Temples dedicated to Navagrahas are common in Odisha, and people often visit these temples to seek astrological guidance and blessings for a harmonious and prosperous life.