According to Vedas and Shastras there are many planets & stars but only Nine (Nav=9) Planets (Grah) and 27stars that fell into immediate circumference of the solar system and are likely to affect our lives depending upon their position in our natal chart are considered. These nine planets form an orbit called as Navagraha Mandal.

The nine "grahas" or planets in our horoscope control our karma, our desires and their outcomes. Each of these nine planets exerts an influence in our lives, which is called "dasa" and it can be known from one's horoscope. Navagraha Shanti pooja is undertaken to reduce the pessimistic effects and improve the optimistic energies related to a person.

The nine planets have special kshetras ( place of worship ) in South India. Most of them are concentrated near the Thanjavur district. Navagraha pooja will be helpful, when the concerned planet dasa or sub-dasa is in operation or if the planet is associated with malefics or is in the 3rd, 6th, 8th, or 12th house.

Also as said earlier only 9 planets and 27 stars are considered.

Let us study some of the basic properties of these planets.

Sun is the lord of Health and Administration. If the position of the sun in the natal chart is favorable then it has favorable/ positive influence on the said individual. As a result the individual will be healthy and courageous. And if the position of the sun in the natal chart is unfavorable then it has unfavorable/ negative influence on the said individual. As a result the individual will be unhealthy & coward. Moon is the lord of Psyche (mind). When position of the Moon in the natal chart is favorable then it has favorable/ positive influence on the said individual. As a result the individual will have a sound Mind with Positive thinking. Such individuals are normally Happy and Satisfied in their life. Mars is the lord of strength, assets, authority and companionship. Individuals having favorable influence of Mars normally have Power, good bunch of friends are best suited for a job in Armed Force (Military, Air force, Navy). Mercury is the lord of Wisdom, Creativity, and various business skills. Individuals having favorable influence of Mercury can turn out as best Intellectuals, Philosopher, Speaker, Teacher and businessmen having perfect business acumen. Jupiter is the lord of Knowledge Education, Philosophy, Recognition, Vividness and Descendants (offspring). Venus is the lord of Wealth, Beauty, Education and Spouse (life partner). Saturn is the lord of Life & Profession . Rahu is the lord of Reversal. Ketu is the lord of Fame, Philosophy, Vairagya and belief in god. Individuals having favorable influence of Ketu may be philosopher and famous. They can also be ardent devotee as Ketu has the influence over a deep faith in God.

Within this Navagraha Mandal (the orbit formed by 9 planets) exist seven gods viz:

Ganesha, Durga, Vaayu, Aakash, Ashwini, Kshetrapaal and Vaastoshpati.

Enclosing this Navagraha Mandal there are another ten gods called Dashadik-Paalak.

Enclosing Dashadik-Paalak is the set of lord that signifies our nature, which are classified as Satva Guna , (Kindheartedness) Rajoguna (Obsessive ness)andTamoguna (Rowdiness, Ruthless, Wickedness).