Nava Grahas Ethnography

Abby Collier

Kerala, India M-Term

The Nava Grahas, or the “nine seizers,” represent the nine planets that influence our lives. Astrology plays a large role in Hindu religion, as it is universally available. Anyone anywhere in the world can see the nine planets, and many Hindi people will resort to some sort of astrological advice during their lifetime.

Now, with this information in mind, it seems as though the specific temple Tom, Jen, Choli, and I attended, was slightly different. While some of the information I have found online coincides with that of the man we spoke to, there is a good portion that doesn’t. Due to lack of common language, and the temple owners wish to preach more than discuss, not all of the information is clear. The temple owner repeatedly explained that this kind of teaching could only be complete after ten or twenty years.

The temple was made of stone, and lined with benches on the perimeter. It had nine large stone holders, with nine marble balls, each differing in color. A yellow marble ball in the center of the temple represented the sun, and the eight surrounding marble balls represented the eight other Grahas. On the wall behind each Graha was a stone sign with words presumably explaining each Graha.

While the temple owner claimed to be Hindi, he made it clear that he did not worship any specific Gods, only the planets. The number nine was equally significant, however, it represented only seven planets, and a mother and a father. This, he believed, made the religion even more approachable and relatable as not only does everyone have the planets, but everyone also has a mother and father.

The nine planets influence our lives and, with the absence of one planet in your life, comes an imbalance. These Grahas are especially essential during child birth, as each of the Nava Grahas must enter the child’s body at the right time. Each Grahas must enter through the correct one of the nine holes. These holes are your two eyes, two ears, two nasal, one mouth, and two sexual holes. For example, if the planet Mercury, representing the God Budha, does not make it to the birth on time, the baby will have communicational problems during its lifetime. A lack of Jupiter, representing the brain, would lead to a lack of intelligence, and Saturn, representing the muscles of the body, would lead to a lack of strength.

A way to fix this kind of imbalance is often by performing a Puja, or a performance of worship to a Deity, or God. This form of worship may also be done daily, or if a positive imbalance of that God has been noticed.

The eagerness to teach his religion to the wandering group of us sent a really positive and inviting message. One that I, as someone who has never felt a strong connection to any religion, was very interested in. The approachability, and universal availability of the Nava Grahas made me feel closer to any religion I have experienced.