Navagraha Shanti, a significant ritual in Hinduism, aims to mitigate the adverse effects of unfavorable planetary placements in an individual's horoscope. This ritual, also known as Navagraha-makha, serves as a model for various other shantis or propitiatory ceremonies.
Navagraha Shanti encompasses three main types: ayutahoma,
lakshahoma, and kotihoma. These ceremonies involve offering oblations into
consecrated fire in varying quantities: ten thousand, one hundred thousand, and
10 million, respectively.
During Navagraha Shanti, offerings are made to
representations of the nine planets, typically crafted from different materials
like copper, crystal, or red sandalwood. Alternatively, images of the nine
planets drawn with sandalwood paste on cloth are used. Mantras from the Vedas,
such as Rig Veda 1.35.2, Vajasaneyi Samhita 9.40, and Taittirriya Samhita
4.7.13.5, are recited during the ritual.
The ceremony involves performing homa (fire ritual) to each
planet using fuel sticks (samidh) anointed with honey or ghee. The number of
fuel sticks used typically ranges from 108 to 28. Brahmana priests conduct the
Shanti, and it is customary to reward them suitably for their services.
Additionally, special gifts are offered when a planet is
unfavorably positioned in an individual's horoscope. Navagraha Shanti can be
conducted at the onset of auspicious occasions like samskaras (sacraments),
before embarking on a pilgrimage, or prior to engaging in significant endeavors
such as battles.
Overall, Navagraha Shanti holds immense significance in
Hindu tradition, serving as a means to harmonize cosmic influences and promote
auspiciousness in one's life journey.