Temple Mystery: Why are there Navagraha idols in Shiva temples, but not in Vaishnav temples?

Temple Mystery: You must have seen the idols of Navagraha or Navagraha Mandal in most of the ancient Shiva temples of India. Many devotees also worship Navagrahas before or after having darshan of Lord Shiva.

At the same time, if you go to Vaishnav temples like the temples of Lord Vishnu, Shri Ram or Shri Krishna, then the establishment of Navagrahas is rarely seen there. Why is this so? Is there any religious rule behind this or is there any special reason mentioned in the scriptures? Let us know about this interesting mystery.

Who are the Navagraha?

In Hindu religion, Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu are called Navagraha. According to astrology, these planets affect a person’s life, karma, health, career and fortune. Therefore, many people also worship Navagrahas to pacify planetary defects.

Why are Navagraha installed in Shiva temples?

According to religious beliefs, Lord Shiva ‘Mahakal’ And ‘Lord of the planets too’ It is assumed. It is mentioned in many mythological stories that the Navagraha also obey the orders of Lord Shiva. Therefore, the purpose of establishing Navagrahas in Shiva temples is believed to be that the devotees can get the blessings of Lord Shiva as well as the planets.

It is also believed in astrology that worshiping Lord Shiva can reduce the inauspicious effects of many planets including Saturn, Rahu, Ketu. This is the reason why Shiva worship has been given special importance in many ways for planetary peace.

Why are Navagrahas less visible in Vaishnav temples?

The main basis of Vaishnava tradition is devotion to Lord Vishnu and his incarnations. The main belief in this tradition is that the devotee who takes refuge in Lord Vishnu with full devotion, is protected by God himself. Therefore, here relatively less emphasis is given on separate worship of the planets.

However, this does not mean that the Vaishnava tradition does not respect the Navagrahas. Navagrahas are considered deities, but the center of worship in the temple is Lord Vishnu. Therefore, a separate Navagraha Mandal is not established in most of the Vaishnav temples.

Is there any rule for this in the scriptures?

There is no universal rule found in religious texts that Navagraha should not be there at all in Vaishnav temples or that it is mandatory to have them in Shiva temples. This tradition is mainly The temple’s sectarian tradition, Agama scriptures and local religious traditions Is based on.

This is the reason why Navagraha can be seen in some Vaishnav temples, whereas in some small Shiva temples they are not established.

astrologer Pandit Suresh Shrimali According to, Lord Shiva is considered the presiding deity of the planets. Therefore, establishment of Navagrahas in Shiva temples has special significance. Whereas in Vaishnav tradition, devotion to Lord Vishnu is considered supreme, hence more emphasis is given on devotion to God rather than planet worship.

They say that if there is a planetary defect in a person’s horoscope, then worshiping Lord Shiva, chanting the Mahamrityunjaya Mantra and honoring the nine planets with reverence are considered beneficial. He also says that the most important elements in the worship of any deity are faith and good deeds.

Should Navagraha be worshiped first?

There is a tradition in many Shiva temples that devotees first have darshan of Lord Shiva and then circumambulate the Navagrahas. However, the traditions of different temples may be different. Therefore, it is considered appropriate to follow the traditions of the temple you visit.

The traditions of Shiva temples and Vaishnava temples are based on different religious philosophies and Agamas. Therefore, there is a difference in the method of worship of both the temples. The establishment of Navagrahas is not a matter of any superiority or inferiority, but is a part of the sect and temple tradition. Therefore, respecting all the Gods and Goddesses and religious traditions is the basic spirit of Sanatan Dharma.

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