A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 23 Navagrahas: N avagraha are nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth according to Hinduism and Hindu astrology. The term is derived from nava (Sanskrit: नव "nine") and graha (Sanskrit: Āह "planet, seizing, laying hold of, holding"). Note that the Earth, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto are not included in the Navagraha. However, Sun is part of the Navagraha. The seven days of the week in the Hi ndu calendar also correspond with the Navagraha, and are named accordingly in various languages of the Indian subcontinent. Most temples in India have a designated place dedicated for Navagraha worship. Carnatic Music: Muthuswami Dikshitar, a Carnatic music composer from southern India composed the Navagraha Kritis in praise of the nine grahas. Each song is a prayer to one of the nine planets. The sahitya (lyrics) of the songs reflect a profound knowledge of the mantra and jyotisha sastras. The Mantras and meanings: Namah Sooryaya Chandraya Mangalaya Budhayacha Guru Shukra Shani Bruhas Cha Raahave Ketave Namaha Meaning: In this busy world, everyone is having some sort of mental stress, and chanting these mantras is sure to relax your mind, bring good fortune and prosperity to your life.