These nine deities are also referred to as Nava (Nine) Grahas (Planets).These grahas are supposed to have a significant impact on the lives of an individual. The Hindu science of study of these planets is called the Vedic Astrology. Classical Vedic astrology uses the seven visible planets; the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus and Saturn, along with the two lunar nodes, the north and south nodes, Rahu and Ketu.

Sun is the God - a living God - whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. He is the life-giver and time-giver.

In the six sects established by Adi Sankara, Souram is one devoted to Sun God. Even in other religions, Sun worship has place. In the Zodiac, Sun occupies a prominent place - the Center. The griha is the source of life and He is therefore described as the life-giver (Pranadhata). He helps one gain his eyesight and Suryanamaskar (worship by prostration) will strengthen one's bones, cure illness, however sever it may be, cleanses the devotee from his sins and bestows on him progeny, wealth, good-health and long life. He is the cause for rain-fall benefiting the world.

The Vedas adore him as a witness of all actions (Sakshi). Worship of this devata on Sunday is supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers. He is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac. He stays one month in each Rasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of 12 Rasis.

Suryanarayana Temple - Tamil Nadu Suryanarayana Temple, popluarly known as Suryanar-Koli, is about 3 kms. from the Aduturai railway station on the Southern Railway main line from Madras to Thanjavur.

There are also temples to Sun at Konark in Orissa and Modhera in Gujarat.

CHANDRA (MOON) is a lovable God - a loving god. Pleasing to children as well as elders universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion of the onlooker. Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess Mother in Chandra and meditate for hours.

This griho (Moon) causes nightfall strengthens the mind, purifies the blood and is considered as the mother who radiates nectar (Amrut). Worship of this griha is said to be beneficial for relief from all sorrows, helps in curing mental afflictions. etc. His cool rays radiate happiness around. He adores the head of Lord Siva. Worshipping Chandra on Mondays is said to be very effective in getting one's prayers answered.

In the Zodiac he is the lord of Cancer. He stays 2 1/4 days in each Rasi completing a round of the 12 Rasis in 27 days.

In the Zodiac. ANGARAKA or MARS is regarded as a God of martial character, red in every aspect. Even the Romans held him as their Guru.

A prayer to this planet frees one from debts, poverty and illness afflicting the skin. This griha bestows property and conveyance (Locomotion). Loss of eyesight can be restored by a prayer to Angaraka. Tuesdays are intended for the worship of Angaraka who loves the chanting of Sama Veda.

In the Zodiac, He is the Lord of "Mesha" and "Vrischika". He stays 1 1/2 months in each Rasi taking 18 months to complete the cycle.

He has a separate shrine at Vaitheeswaran Koil in Tamii Nadu.

BUDH or MERCURY is considered as the greatest among the wisest. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth etc. on his devotees. He removes evil thoughts from their minds. He is the chief among Gnanis (Realised souls). He is considered Vishnu Rupi, because of his beauty and resemblance A prayer to Him, especially on Wednesdays brings in manifold benefits like removal of all obstacles, helps one to get a progeny, possession of fertile lands etc.

In the Zodiac this devata is the Lord of Mithuna and Kanya. He stays like the Sun, one month in each Rasi completes the cycle in 12 months, more or less closely in the footsteps of the Sun.

Worship of BRIHASPATI or GURU (JUPITER) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his/her sins, helps him/her in gaining strength, valor, longevity etc. He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education (Vidya). He is revered as the Guru of Devas, protector of the world and is a Sreshta among the wise. Kind-hearted he is considered the Loka Guru and dispenser of justice and can be known only by a proper study of the Vedas. Thursdays are considered to be the best day for the worship of Jupiter.

In the Zodiac. He is the Lord of Dhanus and Meena. Guru stays for one year in each Rasi, taking 12 years to complete the cycle.

Sukra is the bestower of long life, wealth, happiness, children, property and good education. He is the Guru for Asuras. Well learned in Neeti Sastras follower of such sastras and one who dispenses justice, Sukra is considered a beneficial devata. He blesses the devotees with power to control one's Indriyas (Sense organs) and enables the devotee to obtain fame and name. Fridays are considered to be effective for the worship of Sukra.

In the Zodiac, he is the Lord of Tulo. Sultra takes one year to complete the Zodiac cycle living one month in each Rasi.

The griha SANISCHARA (Saturn), also known as Manda, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one's horoscope like Saade Sati (7 1/2 years) Ashtama Sani (Saturn in 8 Th house - 2 1/2 years) etc. A prayer to this Devata, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. Sanischara is considered equally a bestowal of all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him.

He is the Lord of Makaram and Kumbam He is the slowest moving planet taking 2 1/2 years in each Rasi, completing one cycle every 30 years.

Exclusive Temples exist for Sanischara at Thirunallar in Tamii Nadu, and also at Naydongri in Maharashtra.

The Skanda Purana says that Raahu is instrumental in strengthening ones power and converting even an enemy into a friend The effect of snake bite is removed by his grace. The lunar and solar eclipses are attributed to Rahu and Ketu.

Rahu and Ketu stay 1 1/2 years in each Griha.

Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee's family removes the effect of snakebite and illness arising out of poisonous matter entering one's body He grants good health, wealth, cattle and all around prosperity.

Lunar and solar eclipses are said to occur because of Rahu and Ketu.