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What are the navagrahas in Hindu astrology?

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In Indian astrology (jyotisha), the navagraha (from Sanskrit nava, "nine," and graha, "planet") refers to a set of nine celestial bodies believed to influence human life in both positive and negative ways.1

The set includes the Sun, the Moon, and five planets of the solar system (Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, and Saturn). Additionally, it includes two "shadow planets" (tamograha or chayagraha), Rahu and Ketu, which are invisible to the human eye and correspond to the ascending and descending lunar nodes, respectively.1

The Nine Planets and Their Associations

| Name | Solar-System Equivalent | Day | Gem |
| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |
| Surya | Sun | Sunday | ruby |
| Chandra | Moon | Monday | pearl |
| Mangala | Mars | Tuesday | red coral |
| Budha | Mercury | Wednesday | emerald |
| Guru | Jupiter | Thursday | yellow sapphire |
| Shukra | Venus | Friday | diamond |
| Shani | Saturn | Saturday | blue sapphire |
| Rahu | Ascending lunar node | — | hessonite |
| Ketu | Descending lunar node | — | cat’s eye |

Practitioners often engage in rituals or wear specific gemstones to pacify these deities and mitigate negative impacts, known as doshas.1