Vedic Planetary Remedies: How to Remove Malefic Effects and Enhance Luck

Introduction

In Vedic cosmology and classical Jyotiṣa (Vedic astrology), planetary forces are understood as archetypal cosmic energies that influence human psychology, karma, and life circumstances. One of the most comprehensive prayers addressing these influences collectively is the Navagraha Praṇāma Mantra, a traditional Vedic hymn dedicated to all nine planetary forces recognized in classical Indian astronomy and astrology.

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.

Authorship and Historical Attribution

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).

When and How to Chant (Traditional Practice)

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 Praṇāma Mantra

Sanskrit in English Transliteration

Sūrya (Sun)

Om javā-kusuma-saṅkāśaṁ

kāśyapeyaṁ mahā-dyutim

dhvāntāriṁ sarva-pāpa-ghnaṁ

praṇato’smi divākaram

Chandra (Moon)

Divya-śaṅkha-tuṣārābhaṁ

kṣīrodārṇava-sambhavam

namāmi śaśinaṁ bhaktyā

śambhoḥ mukuṭa-bhūṣaṇam

Maṅgala (Mars)

dharaṇī-garbha-sambhūtaṁ

vidyut-puñja-samaprabham

kumāraṁ śakti-hastasthaṁ

lohita-aṅgaṁ praṇamyaham

Budha (Mercury)

priyaṅgu-kalikā-śyāmaṁ

rūpeṇā-pratimaṁ budham

saumyaṁ saumya-guṇa-petaṁ

namāmi śaśinandanam

Bṛhaspati (Jupiter)

devatānāṁ ca ṛṣīṇāṁ ca

guruṁ kāñcana-sannibham

vande bhakta-trilokeśaṁ

tvaṁ namāmi bṛhaspatim

Śukra (Venus)

hima-kunda-mṛṇālābhaṁ

daityānāṁ paramaṁ gurum

sarva-śāstra-pravaktāraṁ

bhārgavaṁ praṇamyaham

Śani (Saturn)

nīlāñjana-samābhāsaṁ

ravi-sūtaṁ mahā-graham

chāyā-garbha-sambhūtaṁ

vande bhaktaṁ śanaiścaram

Rāhu

ardha-kāyaṁ mahā-ghoraṁ

chandrāditya-vimardanam

siṁhikāyā mahā-raudraṁ

tvaṁ rāhuṁ praṇamyaham

Ketu

palāśa-dhūma-saṅkāśaṁ

tārā-graha-vimardakam

raudraṁ raudrātmakaṁ ghoraṁ

tvaṁ ketuṁ praṇamyaham

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

Navagraha Pranāma Mantra – English meaning 

**Salutation to the Sun (Surya)**

I bow to the Sun, radiant like the hibiscus flower,

Son of Kashyapa, possessed of immense brilliance,

The dispeller of darkness and destroyer of all sins.

I offer my reverence to Divākara, the giver of light.

**Salutation to the Moon (Chandra)**

I salute the Moon, luminous like a divine conch and fresh snow,

Born of the ocean of milk,

Adorned on the crown of Lord Shiva.

With devotion, I bow to Shashi, the lord of soothing rays.

**Salutation to Mars (Mangala)**

I bow to Mars, born from the womb of the Earth,

Radiant like a mass of lightning,

The valiant son of Kumāra, wielder of the spear,

Red-hued and powerful, I offer my salutations.

**Salutation to Mercury (Budha)**

I revere Mercury, gentle and pleasing like the Priyangu flower,

Unmatched in beauty and intellect,

Endowed with calmness and noble qualities,

I bow to Budha, the son of the Moon.

**Salutation to Jupiter (Brihaspati)**

I bow with devotion to Jupiter,

The teacher of the gods and the three worlds,

Golden in splendor, lord of wisdom and righteousness.

O Brihaspati, guide of all realms, I salute you.

**Salutation to Venus (Shukra)**

I bow to Venus, radiant like jasmine, moonlight, and lotus fiber,

Supreme teacher of the Asuras,

The great expounder of all sacred knowledge.

To Bhargava, I offer my reverence.

**Salutation to Saturn (Shani)**

I bow with devotion to Saturn, dark as blue-black collyrium,

The mighty planet, son of the Sun,

Born of Chhāyā’s womb, slow-moving and profound.

To Shanaishchara, I offer my salutations.

**Salutation to Rahu**

I bow to Rahu, half-bodied and exceedingly fierce,

The tormentor of the Sun and Moon,

Born of Simhikā, dreadful and powerful.

O Rahu, I offer my reverence.

**Salutation to Ketu**

I bow to Ketu, smoky-red like the Palāsha flower,

The afflicter of stars and planets,

Fierce, dreadful, and blazing in nature.

O Ketu, I offer my salutations.

Meaning and Philosophical Interpretation

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.