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Grahas: Their Strength, Nature, and Influence

Governance and Authority of Planets

“सूर्यात्मा जगतस्तस्थुषश्च” (Rigveda 1.115.1)

“The Sun is the soul of all that moves and all that is stationary.”

Each planet governs different aspects of life and existence:

• Surya (Sun) represents the soul (Ātman).
• Chandra (Moon) governs the mind (Manas).
• Mangala (Mars) signifies strength and courage.
• Budha (Mercury) bestows intelligence and speech.
• Guru (Jupiter) grants wisdom, knowledge, and fortune.
• Shukra (Venus) governs beauty, love, and vitality.
• Shani (Saturn) signifies discipline, karma, and spiritual endurance.

Planetary Status in Astrology

• Surya & Chandra – The royal planets.
• Mangala – The commander-in-chief (Senapati).
• Budha – The prince (Yuvaraja).
• Guru & Shukra – The ministers (Mantris).
• Shani – The warrior (Protector/Destroyer).
• Rahu & Ketu – The shadow warriors (Graha army).

Planets and the Five Elements (Panchabhutas)

“पृथिव्यापस्तेजोवायुराकाशात् च” (Taittiriya Upanishad 2.1)

“Earth, water, fire, air, and space—these five elements sustain the universe.”

• Jupiter (Guru) – Governs the Ether (Ākāsha).
• Saturn (Shani) – Governs Air (Vāyu).
• Mars (Mangala) – Governs Fire (Agni).
• Venus (Shukra) – Governs Water (Jala).
• Mercury (Budha) – Governs Earth (Prithvi).

Qualities (Gunas) of the Planets

• Rajasik (Active & Passionate): Venus (Shukra), Mercury (Budha).
• Tamasik (Inert & Dark): Mars (Mangala), Saturn (Shani).
• Sattvik (Pure & Enlightened): Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Jupiter (Guru).

Gender of the Planets

• Masculine: Sun (Surya), Mars (Mangala), Jupiter (Guru).
• Feminine: Moon (Chandra), Venus (Shukra).
• Neuter: Mercury (Budha), Saturn (Shani).

Description and Appearance of the Planets

• Surya (Sun): Reddish hue, square body, honey-colored eyes, and strong disposition.
• Chandra (Moon): White complexion, round body, gentle speech, and fluctuating emotions.
• Mangala (Mars): Red complexion, lean waist, anger-prone, and quick to act.
• Budha (Mercury): Green complexion, attractive physique, articulate, and intelligent.
• Guru (Jupiter): Yellow complexion, large body, wise, and learned in scriptures.
• Shukra (Venus): White complexion, charming, poetic, and artistic.
• Shani (Saturn): Dark or bluish complexion, tall, slow-moving, and disciplined.
• Rahu & Ketu: Shadow planets with no physical form but significant karmic impact.

Planetary Strengths and Dignities

Planetary Directional Strength (Dik Bala)

• East: Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Guru).
• South: Sun (Surya), Mars (Mangala).
• West: Saturn (Shani) – The only planet that derives strength from the west.
• North: Moon (Chandra), Venus (Shukra).

Planetary Strength Based on Time

• Strong at Night: Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangala), Saturn (Shani).
• Strong at Daytime: Sun (Surya), Jupiter (Guru), Venus (Shukra).
• Always Strong: Mercury (Budha) – the ever-adaptable planet.

Importance of Planetary Aspects (Drishti)

“दृष्ट्या बलिनः सर्वे ग्रहाः फलदायिनः।”

“Planets exert their influence through their aspects.”

Each planet has unique aspects:

• Sun, Moon, Mercury, Venus – Aspect only the 7th house.
• Mars – Aspects the 4th, 7th, and 8th houses.
• Jupiter – Aspects the 5th, 7th, and 9th houses.
• Saturn – Aspects the 3rd, 7th, and 10th houses.
• Rahu & Ketu – Aspect the 5th, 7th, and 9th houses.

Conclusion: The Power of Free Will in Astrology

Despite astrology’s predictive power, one must remember:

“न तेषां यशसा सर्वं भाग्यं कर्तुं न शक्यते।”

“No planetary influence can entirely dictate fate; free will always plays a role.”

Even Lord Krishna advises in the Bhagavad Gita:

“इति ते ज्ञानमाख्यातं गुह्याद्गुह्यतरं मया। विमृश्यैतदशेषेण यथेच्छसि तथा कुरु।।” (Bhagavad Gita 18.63)

“Thus, I have explained the most confidential knowledge. Ponder over it deeply, and then do as you wish.”

Astrology is a guiding light, not a rigid fate. The planets may indicate tendencies, but human will and divine grace shape destiny.