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Procedure for Performing Navagraha Puja

1. Preparations:

   • The area is cleaned, and a sacred space or altar is set up.
   • The image or idols of the Navagrahas (usually placed in the form of nine separate images or a single representation) are arranged on the altar.
   • The Purohit arranges offerings such as fruits, flowers, incense, sandalwood paste, sesame seeds, rice, and turmeric.
   • A Kalash (sacred pot) with mango leaves and coconut on top is placed as a symbol of prosperity and blessings.

2. Invocation of Lord Ganesha:

   • The ritual begins by invoking Lord Ganesha, the remover of obstacles, to ensure the smooth performance of the puja.
   • Ganesha's blessings are sought to remove any hurdles before proceeding with the Navagraha Puja.

3. Purification (Achamana):

   • The participants and the offerings are purified using holy water (sacred water or Panchamrit) and sandalwood paste.
   • The priest may also sprinkle water around the altar and on participants for ritual purification.

4. Offering to Each Graha:

   • The priest begins by offering prayers to each of the nine planets, with a specific mantra and rituals dedicated to each planet.
     • Surya (Sun): The planet of health, leadership, and vitality.
     • Chandra (Moon): The planet of mind, emotions, and intuition.
     • Mangala (Mars): The planet of strength, courage, and action.
     • Budha (Mercury): The planet of intellect, communication, and learning.
     • Guru (Jupiter): The planet of wisdom, prosperity, and knowledge.
     • Shukra (Venus): The planet of love, relationships, and luxury.
     • Shani (Saturn): The planet of discipline, hard work, and karmic lessons.
     • Rahu: The shadow planet, representing materialism and illusion.
     • Ketu: The shadow planet, associated with spirituality and liberation.
   • The offerings typically include flowers, water, rice, and sweets dedicated to each Graha, as well as specific prayers or mantras to counteract any negative influence the planets may have on the individual.

5. Homa (Fire Ritual):

   • A small homa (fire ceremony) is usually performed where ghee, sesame seeds, and other sacred offerings are poured into the fire while chanting mantras to invoke the blessings of the planets and remove their malefic effects.
   • The homa is performed with specific fire rituals for each planet, and offerings are made to the fire, symbolizing the cleansing and pacification of the planets.

6. Recitation of Mantras:

   • Mantras such as the Navagraha Stotra, Navagraha Gayatri Mantra, and other planet-specific mantras are chanted during the puja.
   • The priest may also recite stories or hymns dedicated to each of the nine planets to bring harmony and remove malefic effects.

7. Aarti (Light Offering):

   • The puja concludes with the waving of camphor or an oil lamp (aarti), symbolizing the removal of darkness (ignorance) and the invitation of divine light.

8. Prasad Distribution:

   • The prasad, which is usually a mixture of fruits, sweets, and rice, is distributed among the devotees, symbolizing the blessings of the planets.

Benefits of Navagraha Puja

1. Removal of Negative Effects:

   • The puja is believed to alleviate any doshas (flaws) or malefic effects caused by the planets in one's horoscope, helping to reduce obstacles in life.

2. Enhancement of Personal Life:

   • By appeasing the planets, this puja can bring stability to relationships, improve marital harmony, and resolve family issues.

3. Wealth and Prosperity:

   • It is said to bring financial success, business growth, and overall prosperity by ensuring the positive influence of the planets, particularly Venus (Shukra) and Jupiter (Guru).

4. Improved Health:

   • The puja is thought to have a healing effect, addressing issues related to health and well-being, especially if planets like the Sun and Moon are causing challenges.

5. Spiritual Growth:

   • For those seeking spiritual enlightenment, the puja helps strengthen one's connection to the divine and clear obstacles on the spiritual path, especially by appeasing the shadow planets, Rahu and Ketu.

6. Success in Career and Education:

   • It is particularly beneficial for those facing obstacles in career or education, as the planets associated with intellect, communication, and education (Mercury and Jupiter) are addressed in the ritual.

7. Protection from Misfortune:

   • This puja protects individuals from misfortune, ill effects, or black magic, especially those caused by negative planetary positions in their birth charts.

8. Overall Peace and Harmony:

   • Navagraha Puja promotes balance, peace, and harmony in all aspects of life, helping individuals achieve their desires without unnecessary struggles.