well,In Vedic literature as well as later literature, we have elaborate descriptions of the Navagrahas. A graha is that which holds, ie. something that protects and sometimes prohibits. By our prayers and our acts of devotion, we are able to minimize the malefactory aspects and maximize the beneficial aspects of the nine planets – that is the basic idea behind the worship of Navagrahas. It is a practical way to recognize how certain forces work in particular patterns and to equip ourselves with the proper attitude to cope with these forces. At the same time, our tradition clearly recognizes a greater force, the all-pervading spirit, whether we call it ˜iva or Vi¬ªu or Brahm¹, that over-rules the effect of the Navagrahas and takes care of everything. In short, Navagraha worship simultaneously recognizes three factors in human affairs: the limits of human capacity, the potential of humans to harmonize the forces that surround them, and the existence of an overriding, infinite force.
The famous 16th-century poet and composer Purandara D¹sa says in one of his compositions in Kannada: sakala graha bala n»ne sarasij¹k¬a, meaning “You are God, you are the only power, who is working through all the various Grahas.” If we keep this message in mind, we will have the proper attitude to deal with personal problems, community problems, and even world problems. This is also the purpose behind observing occasions such as National Prayer Day: to recognize the existence of diverse forces in our society and the need to harmonize them so that we can live in peace. Worshipping Navagrahas, like observing National Prayer Day, is a practical way in which we can practice our religion and effectively participate in family life, civic life, and national life.
lansingtemple.org/navag rahas.
Answered by Sunil Kumar
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10:37 AM on August 08, 2008