The Navagrahas: Nine Planets and Their Traditional Remedies

By Pratibha Editorial Team · Sep 26, 2026 · 2 min read

An overview of the nine planets of Vedic astrology — Sun to Ketu — their significations, gemstones, mantras and simple lifestyle remedies.

In Vedic astrology the Navagrahas — the "nine seizers" — are the cosmic influences that shape karma and experience. Temples across India have shrines dedicated to all nine. Here is a practical guide to each graha and the remedies traditionally associated with it.

1. Surya (Sun)

Soul, father, authority, health and confidence. Day: Sunday. Remedies: offering water to the rising sun (Arghya), reciting the Aditya Hridayam, respecting one's father and elders. Traditional gem: ruby.

2. Chandra (Moon)

Mind, mother, emotions and peace. Day: Monday. Remedies: meditation, honouring the mother, offering milk or water to Lord Shiva, donating white items such as rice. Gem: pearl.

3. Mangala (Mars)

Courage, energy, siblings, land and discipline. Day: Tuesday. Remedies: Hanuman Chalisa, physical exercise, donating red lentils. Gem: red coral.

4. Budha (Mercury)

Intellect, speech, business and learning. Day: Wednesday. Remedies: worship of Lord Vishnu or Ganesha, feeding green grass to cows, studying regularly. Gem: emerald.

5. Guru (Jupiter)

Wisdom, teachers, children, wealth and dharma. Day: Thursday. Remedies: respecting teachers, donating yellow items or turmeric, studying scriptures. Gem: yellow sapphire.

6. Shukra (Venus)

Love, marriage, beauty, art and luxury. Day: Friday. Remedies: worship of Goddess Lakshmi, respecting women, donating white sweets or clothes. Gem: diamond.

7. Shani (Saturn)

Discipline, labour, longevity and karma. Day: Saturday. Remedies: serving the elderly and labourers, lighting a mustard-oil lamp, Shani Stotra, honest work. Gem: blue sapphire (traditionally worn only after careful testing).

8. Rahu (North Node)

Ambition, obsession, foreign lands, technology and illusion. Remedies: worship of Goddess Durga, donating to the needy, avoiding intoxicants. Gem: hessonite (gomed).

9. Ketu (South Node)

Detachment, spirituality, past karma and intuition. Remedies: worship of Lord Ganesha, feeding dogs, meditation. Gem: cat's eye.

A note on gemstones

Gemstones are believed to strengthen a planet, not to calm it, so wearing the wrong one may amplify problems. Traditional astrologers recommend gems only after a full chart analysis. Mantras, charity and conduct-based remedies are considered safe for everyone.

The real essence of remedies

At heart, Vedic remedies are about cultivating the qualities each planet represents: gratitude for the Sun, calm for the Moon, courage for Mars, learning for Mercury, wisdom for Jupiter, kindness for Venus, discipline for Saturn and self-awareness for the nodes. These are worthwhile habits whether or not you follow astrology. Remedies should never replace professional medical, legal or financial advice.

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