A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 9 Mars (Mangala): Mangala is a Ferocious God holding with two holding weapons and 2 in mudras. His transport is a ram. The Mantras and meanings: Dharani Garbha Sambhuutam Vidyut Kanti Samaprabham Kumaram Shakti Hastam Cha Mangalam Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Mars, born of Earth (son of Bhooma Devi), His effulgence is like that of lightning. He is called Kumara, and who holds in his hand a weapon called Shakti. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Mars (Mangal) – energy, confidence and ego. — Wednesday Calendar and zodiac: Mangala is the root of the word 'Mangalavara' or Tuesday in the Hindu calendar.The word 'Mangal' also means "auspicious" but the planet Mangal is considered malefic. Similarly, the names of Tuesday in other Indo-European languages are often derived from the Roman god Mars, or a god ascribed with similar characteristics. The root of the English word Tuesday, for instance, is the ol d Germanic God of war and victory, T ī w, also known as Týr. Mangala is part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as ear ly as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas. The classical planets, including Mars, were referenced in the Atharvaveda from the second millennium BCE. The Navagraha was furthered by additional contributions from Western Asia, including Zoroastrian and Hellenistic influences. The Yavanajataka, or 'Science of the Yavanas', was written by the Indo-Greek named "Yavanesvara" under the rule of the W estern Kshatrapa king Rudrakarman I.