A TO Z INDIA - JUNE 2022 - SPECIAL ISSUE

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A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 2 N a v a g r a h a s :

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 3 Navagrahas: Navagrahas fall under the the Hindu Astronomy and play a major part in the Hindu astronomical sphere. The Hindu astronomy whose origin dates back to the time of Vedas is concerned with the placement of nine planets and their influence on the world and on an individual. According to the Hindu astrology, the position of the planets when a person is born determines his potential in life. The n ine planets collectively are called Navagrahas. These 9 planets are worshipped by Hindus to overcome any hindrance, obstacle or bad luck. They are found mostly in all the temples and faithful believers pray to the Navagrahas before they pray to any other deity. Out of those nine planets, seven are named after the planets in the Solar System and the other two are actually demons who managed their way i nto this group by trickery – Rahu and Ketu. Depending upon their location in the planetary system, they are deemed either auspicious or inauspicious. While Navagrahas are found in every temple, there are some temples that are solely dedicated to them. One such temple is the Navagraha temple located in the outskirts of Ujjain. As per Hindu mythology, a person’s life is decided by the horoscope, and the basics that help the astrologers to predict it is based on these 9 planets known as Navagrahas. It is believed that as the planets change their position, person’s life also change and some changes may cause good effects whereas some casts bad effects. However, it is believed that invoking the Navagraha mantra can bring changes to the hardships. Also, chanting the mantra, wearing gemstones or rudraksh as can bring in good fortune to peoples’ life. Ved Vyas has written the navagraha mantra to please the planets (the presiding deities) and it is scientifically proven that chanting mantras will bring down the negativity in you and the surroundings. In Hindu Astrology, Navagrahas affects a person’s happiness, success and all-round prosperity. The good and bad, positive and negative influences of each of these nine planets are results of factors like the specific location of the planets on the birth chart, etc. Planets possessing Sattva nature are Jupiter, Sun and Moon. Planets bearing Rajas are Venus and Mercury while planets with Tamas nature are Mars, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. These nine planets in vedic astrology are treated as deities with specific powers, nature and characteristic qualities dependi ng on what each of these offers – positive or negative to people. Effects of Navagrahas:

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 4 Sun (Surya):

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 5 Sun (Surya): In the group of other planets, he is normally shown facing towards east, standing in the center. Around him are the rest of the planets facing in all different direction but not towards each other. He rides are chariot with one wheel which is pulled by seven horses symbolizing the seven colors of white light and seven days of the week. He is also known as Ravi. The Mantras and meanings: Japaa Kusuma Sankasham Kaashya Peyam Maha Dyutim Tamo Arim Sarva Paapagh Nam Pranatosmi Divaa Karam Meaning: I salute Sun, who is red like a Hibiscus, the descendent of Kaashyapa, Foe of darkness and the one who dispels all sins and has splendid radiance. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Sun (Surya) – soul, king, highly placed persons, father. — Monday Zodiac and astrology: Surya's synonym Ravi is the root of the word 'Ravivara' or Sunday in the Hindu calendar. In both Indian and Greek-Roman nomenclature for days of the week, the Sunday is dedicated to the Sun. Surya i s a p art o f t he N avagraha in Hindu zodiac system. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. Deifying the sun and its astrological significan ce occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas. The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. It was possibly based on works from the Indus Valley Civilization as well as various foreign influences. Babylonian astrology was the first to develop astrology and the calendar, and was adopted by multiple c ivilizations including India. The Navagraha developed from early works of astrology over time. The Sun and various classical planets were referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 6 Moon (Chandra):

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 7 Moon (Chandra): In the images, he is never portrayed as a complete person. Only his upper body with two hands holding a lotus each, riding a chariot pulled by 10 horses is shown. He is also known as Soma. The Mantras and meanings: Dadhi Shankha Tusha Raabham Kshiiro Dhaarnava Sambhavam Namaami Shashinam Somam Shambor Mukuta Bhushanam Meaning: The one who has the hue of curd and icebergs, who rose from Ksheasagar and who adorns the head of Lord Siva. I prostrate to the Moon, the ruling deity of the soma juice. Gemstone is Pearl. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Moon (Chandra) – Mind, queen, mother. — Tuesday Literature: The origin of Soma is traced back to the Hindu Vedic texts, where is he is the personification of a drink made from a plant with the same name. Scholars state that the plant had an important role in Vedic civilization and thus, the deity was one of the most important gods of the pantheon. In these Vedic texts, Soma is praised as the lord of plants and forests; the king of rivers and earth; and the father of the gods. The entire Mandala 9 of the Rigveda is dedicated to Soma, both the plant and the deity. The identification of Soma as a lunar deity in the Vedic texts is a controversial topic among scholars. In post Vedic texts like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata and the Puranas, Soma is mentioned as a lunar deity and has many epithets including Chandra. According to most of these texts, Ch andra, along with his brothers Dattatreya and Durvasa, were the sons of the sage Atri and his wife Anasuya. The Devi Bhagvata Purana states Chandra to be the avatar of the creator god Brahma. Some texts contain varying accounts regarding Chandra's birth. According to one text, he is the son of Dharma; while another mention Prabhakar as his father. Many legends about Chandra are told in the scriptures.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 8 Mars (Mangala):

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.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 10 Mercury (Budha):

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 11 Mercury (Budha): Budha has four hands and rides on a chariot or Lion. Out of which, three of his hands holds a sword, a shield and a mace and the fourth hand is in a mudra. The Mantras and meanings: Priyangu Kalikaa Shyamam Rupenaa Pratimam Budham Sowmyam Sowmya Guno Petam Tam Budham Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Mercury, who has a dark blue complexion and whose beauty is incomparable. He possesses gentle, charming qualities. Gemstone is emerald. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Mercury (Budha) – communication. — Thursday Calendar and Hindu astrology: Budha is the root of the word 'Budhavara' or Wednesday in the Hindu calendar. The word "Wednesday" in the Greco-Roman and other Indo-European calendars is also dedicated to planet Mercury - "day of Woden or Oden". Budha is part of the Navagraha in Hindu zodiac system, considered benevolent, associated with an agile mind and memory. The role and importance of the Navagraha developed over time with various influences. Deifying planetary bodies and their astrological significance occurred as early as the Vedic period and was recorded in the Vedas. The earliest work of astrology recorded in India is the Vedanga Jyotisha which began to be compiled in the 14th century BCE. The classical planets, including Mercury, were referenced in the Atharvaveda around 1000 BCE. The Navag raha 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 Western Kshatrapa king Rudrakarman I.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 12 Jupiter (Brihaspathi):

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 13 Jupiter (Brihaspathi): He is the teacher of Gods and is praised in Rig Veda. He is shown sitting on a chariot pulled by 8 horses each showing one branch of knowledge. The Mantras and meanings: Devanaam Cha Rishii Namcha Gurum Kanchana Sannibham Buddhi Bhuutam Trilo Kesham Tam Namami Bruha Spatim Meaning: I pray to Jupiter, the preceptor of gods and rishis, intellect incarnate, lord of the three worlds. Gemstone is Pukhraj (yellow sapphire). The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Jupiter (Brihaspati) – the great teacher. — Friday Sage: Brihaspati appears in the Rigveda (pre-1000 BCE), such as in the dedications to him in the hymn 50 of Book 4; he is described as a sage born from the first great light, the one who drove away darkness, is bright and pure, and carries a special bow whose string is Rta or "cosmic order" (basis of dharma). His knowledge and character is revered, and he is considered Guru (teacher) by all the Devas. In the Vedic literature and other ancient texts, sage Brihaspati is also called by other names such as Bramanaspati, Purohita, Angirasa (son of Angiras) and Vyasa; he is sometimes identified with god Agni (fire). His wife is Tara (or Goddess who personifies the stars in the sky). The reverence for sage Brihaspati endured through the medieval period, and one of the many Dharmasastras was named after hi m. While the manuscripts of Brihaspati Smriti (B ṛ haspatism ṛ ti) have not survived into the modern era, its verses were cited in other Indian texts. Scholars have made an effort to extract these cited verses, thus creating a modern reconstruction of B ṛ haspatismriti. Jolly and Aiyangar have gathered some 2,400 verses of the lost B ṛ haspatism ṛ ti text in this manner. Brihaspati Smriti was likely a larger an d more comprehensive text than Manusmriti, and the available evidence suggests that the discussion of the judicial process and jurisprudence in Brihaspati Smriti was often cited.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 14 Venus (Sukra):

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 15 Venus (Sukra): Sukra is the teacher of the Demons. He has four hands and rides on a chariot pulled by 8 horses. Three of his hands hold a staff, a rosary, a vessel of gold while the fourth hand is held in a mudra. The Mantras and meanings: Hima Kunda Mruna Labham Daityanam Paramam Gurum Sarva Shastra Pravak Taram Bhar Gavam Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Venus, the son of Bhagu. He is the spiritual master of demons, promulgator of all learning, he who shines like the fiber of snow-white jasmine. Gemstone is diamond. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Venus (Sukra) – wealth, pleasure and reproduction. Hinduism: In Hinduism, Shukra is one of the sons of Bhrigu, of the third Manu, one of the saptarishis. He was the guru of Daityas and Asuras, and is also referred to as Shukracharya or Asuracharya in various Hindu texts. In another account found in the Mahabharata, Shukra divided himself into two, one half becoming the fount of knowledge for the devas (gods) and the other half being the knowledge sourc e of the asuras (demons). Shukra, in the Puranas, is blessed by Shiva with Sanjeevini Vidhya after worshipping and impressing Shiva with his devotion. Sanjeevini Vidhya is the knowledge that raises the dead back to life, which he used from time to time to restore life to the asuras. Later, this knowledge was sought by the devatas and was ultimately gained by them. Shukra's mother was Kavyamata, whilst Shukra's wives were the goddesses Urjasvati, Jayanti, and Sataparva. Sometimes, Urjjasvati and Jayanti are considered to be one goddess. With her, Shukra produced many children including, Queen Devayani.Sataparva was childless. In the Mahabharata, Shukracharya is mentioned as one of the mentors of Bhishma, having taught him political science in his youth.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 16 Sani (Saturn):

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 17 Sani (Saturn): Sani is a god who makes or breaks fortunes by his planetary position for which individuals fear him. He is shown with four hands riding on a chariot or a buffalo or even a vulture. He has three hands in which he holds an arrow, a bow and a javelin while his other hand is held in a mudra. The Mantras and meanings: Neelaan Jana Sama Bhasam Ravi Putram Yama Grajam Chhaya Martanda Sambhutam Tam Namaami Shanaish Charam Meaning: The one who is dark blue in complexion, who is son of Surya and his wife Chaya, who is elder brother of Yama. The slow moving, I prostrate that Shaneeswara. Gemstone is blue Sapphire. The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Saturn (Shani) – learning and Career. — Saturday Deity: Shani is a deity in medieval era texts, who is considered inauspicious and is feared for delivering misfortune and loss to those who deserve it. He is also capable of conferring boons and blessings to the worthy, depending upon their karma. In medieval Hindu literature, he is mainly referred to as the son of Surya and Chhaya, or in few accounts as the son of Balarama and Revati. His alternate na mes include Ara, Kona and Kroda. As per the Hindu texts, 'peepal' or fig tree is the abode of Shani (while other texts associate the same tree with Vasudeva). He is also believed to be the greatest teacher who rewards the righteous acts and punishes those who follow the path of evil, Adharma and betrayal. In 2013, a 20-foot-tall statue of Lord Shani was established at Yerdanur in the mandal of Sangare ddy, Medak district, Telengana, nearly 40 kilometers from Hyderabad city. It was carved from a Monolith and weighs about nine tonnes.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 18 Rahu :

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 19 Rahu : He somewhat looks like Budha (Mercury) but both Gods differ in fundamental nature. Just like how Budha rides a white lion, he is shown riding a black lion. But just like Budha, he carries all the same weapons. The Mantras and meanings: Ardha Kaayam Mahaa Viiryan Chandraa Ditya Vimar Dhanam Sinhi Kaa Garbha Sambhutam Tam Rahum Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Rahu, the son of Simhika, having half a body, of extraordinary strength, the eclipser of the Moon and the Sun. It is chanted every day, after sunset to get success in career, frame & occultism. Gemstone is Gomed (Hessonite). The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Rahu – an Asura who does his best to plunge any area of one’s life he controls into chaos. Astrology: Since Rahu and Ketu are two opposite lunar nodes, they always appear in diametrically opposite houses in horoscopes. Both nodes are always in retrograde motion. In Hindu astrology, Rahu represents materialism, mischief, fear, dissatisfaction, obsession and confusion. Rahu is also associated with politicians and occult sciences. Like Ketu, Rahu is also an enemy against the sun and moon. It is generally considered as a malefic planet in astrology. Jyotisha is Hindu astrology, which entails the concepts of Nakshatra , Navagraha, and Saptarishi (included in the list of Hindu deities whose dedicated temples are found at various Hindu pilgrimage sites to which Hindus take yatra).

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 20 Ketu:

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 21 Ketu: In Sanskrit, Ketu means comet. It is said that he has a tail of a serpent in his body and his nature very much matched to that of a comet. In pictures, he shown riding a vulture and holding a mace. The Mantras and meanings: Palasha Pushpa Sankaasham Taarakaa Graha Mastakam Rowdram Rowdraat Makam Ghoram Tam Ketum Prana Maa Myaham Meaning: I pray to Ketu, who has the appearance of Palaasha flower, the head of stars and planets. He is violent and fearsome. It is chanted every day, after sunset for success in love, marriage & prosperity Gemstone is Lasniya (Cat’s Eye). The planets, their representations and favorable days to chant: Ketu – supernatural influences. Astrology: Since Rahu and Ketu are two opposite lunar nodes, they always appear in diametrically opposite houses (Bh ā va) of horoscopes. In Hindu astrology Ketu represents karmic collections both good and bad, spirituality and supernatural influences. Ketu signifies the spiritual process of the refinement of materialisation to the spirit and is considered both malefic and benefic, as it causes sorrow an d loss, and yet at the same time turns the individual to God. In other words, it causes material loss in order to force a more spiritual outlook in the person. Ketu is a karaka or indicator of intelligence, wisdom, non- attachment, fantasy, penetrating insight, derangement, and psychic abilities. Ketu is believed to bring prosperity to the devotee's family, removes the effects of snakebite and illness arising out of poisons. He grants good health, wealth and cattle to his devotees. Ketu is the lord of three nakshatras or lunar mansions: Ashvini, Magha and Mula. K etu i s c onsidered r esponsible f or moksha, sannyasa, self-realization, gnana, a wavering nature, restlessness, the endocrine system and slender physique. The people who come under the influence of Ketu can achieve great heights, most of them spiritual.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 22 Navagrahas:

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.

A TO Z INDIA SPECIAL ISSUE PAGE 24 A TO Z INDIA ENGLISH & TAMIL MONTHLY MAGAZINE PUBLISHED ON THE FIRST WEEK OF EVERY MONTH REG. WITH REGISTRAR OF NEWSPAPERS FOR INDIA UNDER NUMBER TNBIL/2017/75531 R. DIS NO. 757/2017 ROC NUMBER L-105291/2021