The 9 grahas
'Graha' means 'that which grasps' — the forces that take hold of our experience.
Sun · Surya सूर्य
Soul, father, authority, vitality
Surya is the atma, the soul of the chart. It shows confidence, health, relationship with father and government, and the capacity to lead. A strong Sun gives purpose and dignity; an afflicted Sun can show ego struggles or low vitality. Surya Namaskar and offering water to the rising Sun are traditional practices.
Moon · Chandra चंद्र
Mind, mother, emotions, nourishment
Chandra is the manas, the mind. It describes emotional needs, the mother, nourishment and public life. Because it moves fastest, the Moon sets the dasha and is the reference point for transits. A bright, well-placed Moon gives calm and popularity; a weak Moon can show worry. Shiva worship and Monday fasts are traditional supports.
Mars · Mangala मंगल
Energy, courage, siblings, property
Mangala is the commander: energy, courage, sport, surgery, engineering and land. It shows how we act and fight. Well placed, Mars gives drive and protection; afflicted, it can show anger or accidents. Its placement in certain houses forms the famous Mangal dosha. Hanuman worship on Tuesdays is the classic remedy.
Mercury · Budha बुध
Intellect, speech, commerce, learning
Budha is the prince of the planets: intelligence, speech, writing, mathematics, trade and humour. It takes on the nature of planets it joins, so its results are very chart-specific. A strong Mercury gives eloquence and business sense. Ganesha and Vishnu worship are associated with Budha.
Jupiter · Guru (Brihaspati) गुरु
Wisdom, teachers, children, fortune, dharma
Guru is the great benefic: wisdom, faith, teachers, children, wealth and good judgement. Its aspect on a house is protective. Jupiter's transits through signs over about a year are watched closely for marriage and growth. Respecting teachers and elders and Thursday observances strengthen Guru.
Venus · Shukra शुक्र
Love, beauty, comforts, arts, vehicles
Shukra is the teacher of the asuras and the planet of love, art, luxury and refinement. It shows romance and marriage (especially in a man's chart), creativity and the ability to enjoy life. A strong Venus gives charm and artistic talent. Lakshmi worship on Fridays is traditional.
Saturn · Shani शनि
Discipline, work, time, endurance, service
Shani is the slow, serious planet of time, karma and hard work. It delays but rewards persistence, and it gives structure, humility and justice. Saturn's 7.5-year Sade Sati is the best-known transit in Indian astrology. Service to elders and workers, Hanuman worship and Saturday charity are its classic remedies.
Rahu · Rahu राहु
Ambition, the foreign, innovation, obsession
Rahu is the Moon's north node, a shadow planet with no body of its own. It amplifies whatever it touches and represents worldly hunger, foreign lands, technology and unconventional paths — many NRIs moved abroad in a Rahu period. It can bring sudden rise and confusion. Durga worship is traditional for Rahu.
Ketu · Ketu केतु
Detachment, spirituality, past skills, liberation
Ketu is the south node, the headless body: detachment, intuition, research and moksha. It shows talents carried from the past and areas where we feel indifferent. Ketu periods can feel like letting go. Ganesha worship is traditional for Ketu.