Origin of the Navagrahas in Astrology – Complete Mythological Story

Navagrahas hold a special place in astrology. These include Surya, Chandra, Mangala, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu, and Ketu. Rahu and Ketu are only shadow planets. Every planet is linked to some mythological stories. Surya is the king of planets and Mangala is the commander of the planets. Shukra signifies wealth and love, while Guru is known as the planet of knowledge. Shani is considered the judge. Every planet has a different role, but each has its own significance. Let us know some special stories related to the birth of the planets –

Origin of the Navagrahas – Surya

In Hindu culture, people consider Surya Dev the son of Aditi and Sage Kashyapa. Aditi was the mother of the gods. When demons defeated the gods, Aditi prayed to Surya Dev to become her son and defeat the demons. Surya Dev agreed and took birth as Aditya. People worship Surya Dev because he is the source of life, strength, and energy. Western people call the Sun Apollo. They believe he is the son of Jupiter and Latona and the brother of Diana. Hindus believe that Surya Dev travels in a chariot driven by seven horses because it has seven colors. According to mythology, Surya Dev circles Mount Meru every day, causing day and night. He is the center of the universe, and life on Earth runs on his energy.

Chandra Dev is the Son of Sage Atri

According to the Harivamsha Purana, Chandra Dev was the son of Sage Atri, and ten directions raised him. He married the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapati, who are known as the 27 Nakshatras. Chandra Dev stays with each Nakshatra for one day, but he gave special affection to Rohini. Daksha Prajapati felt hurt by Chandra’s behavior toward his other daughters and cursed him to wane. Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva to escape the curse. Lord Shiva placed Chandra on his head and protected him from Daksha’s curse, but Shiva also ordered Chandra to spend one day with each wife.

Origin of the Navagrahas – Mangal

In Hindu belief, people call Mangala Dev the son of Earth, so one of his names is Bhauma. Mangala Dev is considered the son of Mother Earth. It is said that when Earth was submerged in the ocean, Lord Vishnu took the Varaha avatar to bring her out and place her in the right orbit. Then Mother Earth asked for a boon: “O Lord, give me a son.” Lord Vishnu agreed, and Mangala Dev was born. According to another story, Mangala Dev is also considered the son of Lord Shiva and Mother Earth. It is said that Earth gave birth to Mangala from a drop of Shiva’s sweat. He had an angry nature since childhood, but he performed intense penance and earned a place in the planetary system.

Budha Dev is the Son of Chandra Dev

Devguru Brihaspati’s wife, Tara, was known for her beauty. One day, Chandra became fascinated by her beauty and abducted her. When Brihaspati learned this, he challenged Chandra, and a war began. The war grew so intense that Lord Brahma had to intervene to prevent the destruction of the universe. Brahma returned Tara from Chandra to Brihaspati. Tara was already carrying Chandra’s child in her womb. When Budha was born, both Chandra and Brihaspati claimed him as their son because Tara stayed silent. Budha felt disturbed by her silence and asked his mother to tell the truth. Tara clarified that Chandra was the real father of Budha. However, Brihaspati still loved Budha like his own son.

Brihaspati Dev Became a Disciple of Shiva

Brihaspati Dev is the guru of the gods. His father was Sage Angira. Angira’s wife received the method of a vow and knowledge from the Sanat Kumaras to obtain a son. She observed the vow with devotion. They became pleased, and a son was born in their home—he was Brihaspati, the lord of wisdom and intelligence. Ancient Greeks considered Brihaspati the father of gods, Zeus. Brihaspati became a disciple of Lord Shiva. Shiva was highly impressed by his knowledge and honored him as the guru of gods and gave him a special position in the planetary system.

Origin of the Navagrahas – Shukra Dev

Shukracharya is the son of Sage Bhrigu. He is considered the guru of demons. Only Shukra Dev was worthy of receiving the Mrit-Sanjeevani Vidya from Lord Shiva. This knowledge can revive the dead. People consider Shukra Dev the deity of love, marriage, beauty, and luxuries. He is regarded as an embodiment of Mahalakshmi, the consort of Lord Vishnu. Shukra Dev is also linked to the Yajurveda and the spring season (April–May). Lord Shiva gave Shukra Dev a special place in the planetary system and authority over dance, music, and love.

Shani Dev is the Son of Surya

Shani Dev is the son of Surya Dev and Chhaya. People have often misunderstood him. His wife and Mother Parvati also cursed him at times. But later, Mother Parvati gave him a boon that no major event would occur in anyone’s life until Shani Dev approved it through his gaze or transit. Shani Dev is the elder brother of Yama, so he can also perform Yama’s role and bring death. People consider him a judge. If someone’s period is inauspicious, Shani’s transit is bad, and the time of death has arrived, Shani Dev can grant death. Shani Dev is also a symbol of detachment and has deep spiritual significance. No saint can be born without a strong and auspicious Shani. He is a devotee of Lord Shiva and Lord Krishna.

The Birth of Rahu–Ketu is Linked to the Churning of the Ocean

The birth of Rahu and Ketu is linked to the churning of the ocean. When gods and demons churned the ocean for nectar, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to keep demons away from nectar. Mohini began giving nectar first to the gods. A demon named Swarbhanu disguised himself as a god and sat between Surya and Chandra. When his turn came, he drank the nectar. But Surya and Chandra recognized him. Lord Vishnu separated his head and body with the Sudarshan Chakra. But a few drops of nectar had entered his body, so both the head and the torso became immortal. The head became Rahu, and the torso became Ketu. Singhika, the mother of Swarbhanu, raised the severed head. This head later became serpent-faced and was called Rahu. A Brahmin raised the torso. Lord Vishnu gave it a serpent’s head. This became Ketu and later became a revered saint-like planet. Rahu and Ketu held resentment against Surya and Chandra, so according to some scriptures, they cause eclipses. Because they drank nectar, they were counted among the gods. Lord Shiva gave them the status of shadow planets.