Design Resource
Iconography in Hinduism
Decoding the pictorial script
by
Navagraha
Navagrahas: The Nine Planets
The Navagrahas or the nine planets form an important part of Hindu Mythology. Believed to influence over the lives of people, these planets are worshipped together or individually in temples. As per the traditional list Ravi or Surya (sun), Soma or Chandra (moon), Mangala or Kuja (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu. The seven days of the week are derived from the names of the first five planets. Rahu and Ketu are not planets but ascending and descending nodes of the moon.
Interesting facts about Navagrahas
The Navagrahas are found in every Shiva temple in South India.
In North India, they are depicted on the lintels of doors, to protect the temple and all those who enter it.
They may be also housed in a separate Mandapa (pavilion) where the nice Grahas are installed in such a way that no two of them will face each other.
Resources
Harshananda, S. (1982). Hindu Gods and Goddesses. Chennai: Sri Ramakrishna Math.
Wilkins, W. (1882). Hindu Mythology. New Delhi: Rupa. co.
www.crowl.org