Navagraha, aka: Navan-graha, Navagrahā, Nava-graha; 6 Definition(s)

Introduction

Navagraha means something in Hinduism, Sanskrit, Marathi. If you want to know the exact meaning, history, etymology or English translation of this term then check out the descriptions on this page. Add your comment or reference to a book if you want to contribute to this summary article.

In Hinduism

Shilpashastra (iconography)

Navagraha (नवग्रह) refers to the “nine planetary divinities”, images of which are found scattered within Hindu temples.—T. A. Gopinath Rao points out the specificities of each temple by saying that each temple is filled with numerous images of gods, goddesses, parivāra-devatas (gods related in a family), devas (attendants to the gods), śālagrāmās (cakra–an ammonite shell), bānaliṅgās (egg-shaped pebbles), yantras (mystic and magical diagrams engraved upon metallic plates), navagrahas (the nine planetary divinities), certain divine animals and birds, certain holy rivers, tanks, trees and sepulchers of saints.

The nine planets are:—

1. Sūrya (Sun),
2. Candra (Moon),
3. Aṅgāraka (Mars),
4. Budha (Mercury),
5. Bṛhaspatī (Jupiter),
6. Śukra (Venus),
7. Śani or Śanaiścara (Saturn),
8. Rāhu (dragon’s head),
9. Ketu (dragon’s tail).

Few planets are discussed with respect to the hastas in Bharatanatyam and iconography.

context information

Shilpashastra (शिल्पशास्त्र, śilpaśāstra) represents the ancient Indian science (shastra) of creative arts (shilpa) such as sculpture, iconography and painting. Closely related to Vastushastra (architecture), they often share the same literature.

Natyashastra (theatrics and dramaturgy)

Hands that indicate the Nine Planets (nava-graha):

1. Sūrya,
2. Candra,
3. Aṅgārakha,
4. Budha,
5. Bṛhaspati,
6. Śukra,
7. Śanaiscara,
8. Rahu,
9. Ketu;

context information

Natyashastra (नाट्यशास्त्र, nāṭyaśāstra) refers to both the ancient Indian tradition (śāstra) of performing arts, (nāṭya, e.g., theatrics, drama, dance, music), as well as the name of a Sanskrit work dealing with these subjects. It also teaches the rules for composing dramatic plays (nataka) and poetic works (kavya).

General definition (in Hinduism)

In Indian Astrology, the nine planets are :

1. Surya the sun,
2. Chandra the moon,
3. Budha (Mercury),
4. Shukra (Venus),
5. Brihaspati (Jupiter) also known as Guru,
6. Angaraka (Mars),
7. Shani (Saturn),
8. Rahu
9. and Ketu.

Parvati, in her role as Shakti, is said to the overlord of these planets. According to the Puranas, the planets control all aspects of our lives. Even the Gods themselves are not exempt from their influence.

Languages of India and abroad

Marathi-English dictionary

navagraha (नवग्रह).—m (S) The nine planets; viz. the sun, moon, mercury, venus, mars, jupiter, saturn, rahu, ketu. 2 Revilingly or irrisively. A term for an association or band of persons; answering to Crew, pack, knot, gang.

navagraha (नवग्रह).—m The nine planets. A term for an association or band of persons; answering to Crew, pack, knot, gang.

Sanskrit-English dictionary

Navagrahā (नवग्रहा).—m. (pl.) the nine planets. (the sun, the moon, 5 planets, rāhu and ketu; see under graha. -gva nine-fold, consisting of nine. -caṇḍikā f. the nine caṇḍikās (śailaputrī, brahmacāriṇī, candraghaṇṭā, kūṣmāṇḍā, skanda- mātā, kātyāyanī, mahāgaurī, kālarātri, siddhidā); Chaṇḍī Pāṭha.

Derivable forms: navagrahāḥ (नवग्रहाः).

Navagrahā is a Sanskrit compound consisting of the terms navan and grahā (ग्रहा).

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