Navagraha Pujan has a lot of moving parts: nine planetary deities, their directions and colours, and a vidhi that has to be followed in order. A pandit knows the arrangement and the sequence, so you can focus on being present instead of checking a list.
Why it is done
Navagraha Pujan is the traditional worship of the nine grahas: Surya, Chandra, Mangal, Budh, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. Many families include it as part of larger ceremonies, and some hold it on its own on an occasion that matters to them. Whether it is relevant to a particular chart is a question for your astrologer.
Who it is for
Families beginning a new venture or life event who wish to include it; people whose astrologer has suggested it; families who hold it as an annual or occasional practice.
When to do it
Many families choose it on an auspicious date from the panchang, and some prefer a particular weekday for a particular graha. Your pandit can suggest muhurat options, and your astrologer can advise on chart-based timing. Your family's custom takes priority.
Choose your ceremony
About 3 hours for either ceremony
- Live video puja: A live video Navagraha Pujan works if the family is abroad or in another city: the pandit leads on video and you follow along at home. You arrange the samagri yourself, and a helper at home makes the ritual easier. Keep a helper at home for the arrangement and the havan.
- Standard: The standard ceremony: about 3 hours with one pandit and 14 vidhi steps. It covers sankalp, Ganesh and kalash worship, Navagraha worship, Shiva worship and a havan.
- Extended: The extended ceremony: about 3 hours with three pandits and 15 vidhi steps. With three pandits, mantra recitation and rituals can be shared, so the same time covers more. The pandit confirms what is included.
Choose the standard for a simple, single-pandit ceremony. Choose the extended if you want more pandits for fuller mantra recitation within the same time.
Choose 'With samagri' and the pandit brings the ritual items. Choose 'Own samagri' if you already have them or prefer to buy them yourself. Navagraha worship uses a set of grain, cloth and flower items, so the pandit's list is helpful if you are arranging your own. The Havan Pooja Kit can help with havan items, but check with the pandit what the ritual needs.
The sequence
- Earth worship and lamp lighting
- Ganesh and Gauri worship
- Kalash sthapana and punyaha vachana
- Prayers to the kuldevi and the family's deities
- Navagraha worship, one graha at a time
- Shiva pooja
- Havan with the family around the kund
- Aarti and pushpanjali
- Closing prayers and visarjan
How to prepare
- Keep a clean, level area where the pandit can arrange the nine graha spaces
- Confirm the date and muhurat with the pandit
- Keep a fire-safe spot with ventilation and a bucket of water nearby
- Decide who will sit for the main rituals, as per your family's custom
- Share any chart-based instructions from your astrologer
- Decide whether you will use the pandit's samagri or arrange items yourself
Who should attend
The person or household for whom the pooja is held, with close family. Guests can join for the aarti and prasad.
Your tradition
The arrangement, colours and the mantras for each graha vary across regions and traditions. Tell us your tradition at booking so we can match a pandit.
Safety
Havan and diyas involve an open flame. Use a stable heat-safe surface, keep the space ventilated, keep water nearby, and keep flames away from curtains, children and pets. Follow your building's rules on havan in common areas.
Questions
How long should I plan for? About 3 hours for either ceremony, plus setup time.
Does Navagraha Pujan change anything in my chart? We cannot promise any outcome. It is a traditional ritual; for chart-based questions please ask your astrologer.
Can it be done as part of another ceremony? Yes, many families include it in Griha Pravesh and other ceremonies. Mention it when booking.
Does the day of the week matter? Some families choose a weekday linked to a particular graha. The pandit can advise.
What if our family follows a different sequence? Share it at booking and the pandit will follow it where possible.