Rather than focusing on a single planet, this hymn provides a holistic planetary alignment practice, making it especially relevant for individuals seeking balance rather than isolated remedies. The mantra is widely referenced in traditional texts and continues to be practiced as a daily contemplative discipline.
What Is the Navagraha Praṇāma Mantra?
The Navagraha Praṇāma Mantra is a sequence of verses dedicated to the following planetary forces:
Sūrya (Sun)
Chandra (Moon)
Maṅgala (Mars)
Budha (Mercury)
Bṛhaspati (Jupiter)
Śukra (Venus)
Śani (Saturn)
Rāhu
Ketu
In Vedic astrology, Rāhu and Ketu are lunar nodes rather than physical planets, yet they play a crucial role in karmic interpretation and psychological patterns.
The Navagraha Praṇāma Mantra is traditionally attributed to Maharshi Vyāsa, the revered sage associated with the compilation of the Vedas and the authorship of the Mahābhārata. Traditional chronologies place Vyāsa in the early Vedic age, commonly dated between 3100–3200 BCE according to classical Indian timelines.
While precise historical dating remains a subject of academic discussion, the hymn clearly reflects early Vedic cosmological principles, emphasizing harmony between human life and cosmic order (ṛta).
According to traditional Vedic practice, the Navagraha Praṇāma Mantra should be recited:
After a morning bath
At sunrise
Facing east, toward the visible Sun
With folded hands in a calm and focused posture
Tilak Guidelines
Traditionally, a tilak of:
Red sandalwood (rakta chandan)
Saffron (kesar)
Vermilion (kumkum)
may be applied before recitation.
Vaiṣṇava or Krishna devotees, who follow their own tilak tradition using gopīchandan or sacred soil, do not need to apply this separately. This guideline respects established devotional disciplines while remaining inclusive for non-initiated practitioners.
For enhanced solar alignment, practitioners may combine this recitation with Surya Namaskar (a dedicated post link can be added here).
Navagraha Pranam Mantra
Sanskrit in English Transliteration
Sūrya (Sun)
Om java kusuma sankasamkāśyapeyaṁ mahā-dyutim
dhvāntāriṁ sarva-pāpa-ghnaṁ
praṇato’smi divākaram
Chandra (Moon)
Divya-śaṅkha-tuṣārābhaṁkṣīrodārṇava-sambhavam
namāmi śaśinaṁ bhaktyā
śambhoḥ mukuṭa-bhūṣaṇam
Maṅgala (Mars)
Budha (Mercury)
Bṛhaspati (Jupiter)
Śukra (Venus)
Śani (Saturn)
Rāhu
Ketu
Pronunciation Guide (For Non-Indian Readers)
ā ī ū — long vowels (extended sound)
ṅ ñ ṇ ṭ ḍ ś ṣ — soft consonants unique to Sanskrit
ḥ / ṃ — light aspirated or nasal ending
ch — pronounced as in chair
Each verse functions as a symbolic salutation rather than a petition. The planets are described through archetypal qualities—illumination, stability, discipline, wisdom, vitality—reflecting psychological and cosmic principles rather than superstition. From an academic perspective, the hymn operates as a contemplative framework for integrating planetary symbolism into daily awareness.
Practical Observations
Regular recitation encourages rhythmic discipline, mindfulness, and structured reflection. Even brief daily practice after sunrise supports consistency and mental clarity. Beginners may start with one full recitation per day and gradually expand as familiarity develops.
Conclusion
The Navagraha Praṇāma Mantra represents a sophisticated Vedic approach to planetary harmony—neither fear-based nor ritualistic, but contemplative and integrative. Rooted in early cosmological thought and attributed to Maharshi Vyāsa, this hymn offers a timeless method for aligning individual consciousness with broader cosmic patterns. When practiced sincerely, it serves as both a spiritual discipline and a philosophical reflection on humanity’s relationship with the universe.




