Story of Surya Grahan and Chandra Grahanam in Hindu Religion

Surya Grahan, solar eclipse, is widely mentioned in the Holy Scriptures of Hinduism. There is also an interesting myth regarding the occurrence of Surya Grahan. It happened during the Samdura Manthan (churning of ocean) episode in the Puranas. Rahu (Demon) and Mohini, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu, are the main characters in the incident.

The Amrit (elixir) that was obtained from churning the ocean was cunningly stolen by Ausras (Demons). Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini, a beautiful damsel, to win back the Amrit. She achieved her mission by enamoring the Asuras, they fell for her beauty and handed over the Amrit to her.

Mohini returned to the Devas and started distributing it. Devas sat in a line and mohini gave a portion to each one of them. Rahu, an Asura, who found out that they were tricked took the form a Deva and sat in the line between Chandra (Moon God) and Surya (Sun God).

When Mohini approached Rahu, Chandra and Surya realized that Rahu was not one among them and soon identified him as an Asura. Mohini soon severed the head of Rahu which flew into the sky. Rahu’s, depicted in the form of a Snake head occasionally, continued to live and decided to avenge Surya and Chandra.

Thus periodically Rahu engages in a war with Surya and Chandra. The Chandra Grahan (Lunar eclipse) and Surya Grahan (Solar eclipse) takes place when Rahu gobbles up Moon and Sun respectively. Surya and Chandra then fights to free themselves.

Surya Grahan and Pregnant Women – What should Pregnant Women do during Suryagrahan in Hindu Religion?

There is lot of fear among many Hindus regarding Surya Grahan (Solar Eclipse) and Pregnancy. Most people want to know about precautions to be taken during Surya Grahanam. The only precaution that you should take is that you should never look at the Sun directly during the Grahan. As a clear cut solution, ancient seers in Hinduism recommend pregnant women remain indoors during Grahan. The mantra chanted during the period is the Santana Gopala Mantra.

Mantra During Surya Grahan

The mantra that is chanted during Surya Grahan by pregnant women is the Santana Gopala Mantra.

Sun's Effect on Earth

Energy from the Sun is very important to the Earth. The Sun warms our planet, heating the surface, the oceans and the atmosphere. This energy to the atmosphere is one of the primary drivers our weather. Our climate is also strongly affected by the amount of solar radiation received at Earth. That amount changes based on the Earth’s albedo, that is how much radiation is reflected back from the Earth’s surface and clouds.

The amount of radiation given off by the Sun changes with solar activity like solar flares or sunspots. Solar activity is known to vary in cycles, like the 11-yr sunspot cycle (and longer cycles). Some scientists have wondered if changes in our weather and climate might be linked with short or long term solar cycles. Weather is the current atmospheric conditions, including temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity for a given area, while climate is the general weather conditions over a longer amount of time. This has been an active area of research for decades. It is an example of the scientific process.

Some scientists tried to find a link between changes in Earth’s weather and solar variability. Although some scientists reported such correlations, later studies have not been able to find the same result, casting in doubt or disproving the original studies. Examples include studies of the relationship between the number of sunspots and changes in wind patterns, or between cosmic rays and clouds.

More researchers have looked at the influence of solar variation on Earth’s climate, again with mixed success. Changes in sunspot cycles do change the amount of solar radiation given off by the Sun, but only by a little bit. These changes aren't enough to account for the majority of the warming observed in the atmosphere over the last half of the 20th century. The only way that climate models can match the observed warming of the atmosphere is with the addition of greenhouse gases.

Solar Eclipses

An eclipse of the Sun occurs when the Earth passes through the Moon's shadow. A total eclipse of the Sun takes place only during a new moon, when the Moon is directly between the Sun and the Earth.

When a total eclipse does occur, the Moon's shadow covers only a small portion of the Earth, where the eclipse is visible. As the Moon moves in its orbit, the position of the shadow changes, so total solar eclipses usually only last a minute or two in a given location.

Sun Data

Diameter: 1.4 million km (870,000 miles)

Age: 4.5 billion years

Mass: 330,000 x Earth

Distance from Earth: 149.6 million km (93 million miles)

Density: 1.41 (water=1)

Distance to Nearest Star: 4.3 light years

Solar Wind Speed: 3 million km/hr.

Luminosity: 390 billion billion megawatts

Solar Cycle: 8 - 11 years

Temperature at surface: 5,500o C (9,932o F)

Temperature at Core: 14 milliono C (22.5 milliono F)

Temperature of Sunspots: 4,000o C (7,232o F)

Rotation Period at Equator: 25 Earth days

Rotation Period at Poles: 35 Earth days

Sun's Effect on Earth's Weather (Wind)

Energy from the Sun affects many things on Earth. One of the main things the Sun does is warm our planet, including the atmosphere. This energy drives much of our weather.

The solar cycle, the rise and fall of the number of sunspots on the Sun, has been known since the mid-19th century. Soon after this discovery scientists started to ask how the solar cycle might affect the Earth's weather.

The solar cycle goes from when the Sun has a minimum number of sunspots (a solar minimum) to when the Sun has a maximum number of sunspots (a solar maximum) back to a minimum. The time between two minimums is about 10.5 to 11 years. Really all aspects of the Sun and solar activity are influenced by the solar cycle. Solar activity (like coronal mass ejections) is more frequent at solar maximums and less frequent at solar minimums.

Scientists tried, but were not able to find correlations between this solar cycle and the Earth's weather. These attempts to find correlations ran into many difficulties. One problem was that weather data quality was variable. Finally, most scientists concluded that there is most likely no significant physical relationship between the solar cycle and Earth’s weather.

One example was a study to see if the solar cycle affected wind patterns on Earth. In 1949, H.C. Willett looked to see if the solar cycle affected long-term changes of wind patterns. He saw the solar cycle as a definite factor in influencing wind variations. He did admit that, "the physical basis of any such relationship must be utterly complex, and is as yet not at all understood." However, attempts to confirm his conclusions were not successful.

In fact, over time and with more and more studies and better instruments (especially satellites outside the Earth's atmosphere), connections between the solar cycle and Earth's weather have been found more and more unlikely. One exception to this seems to be that solar cosmic rays do affect Earth's cloudiness.

Difference Between Weather and Climate

Weather is the current atmospheric conditions, including temperature, rainfall, wind, and humidity at any given place. Weather is what is happening right now or likely to happen tomorrow or in the very near future

Climate is sometimes referred to as “average” weather for a given area. The National Weather Service

uses values such as temperature highs and lows and precipitation measures for the past thirty years to compile “average” weather for any given area. However, some atmospheric scientists consider “average” weather to be an inadequate definition. To more accurately portray the climatic character of an area, variations,

patterns, and extremes must also be included. Thus, climate is the sum of all statistical weather information that helps describe a place or region.

Solar Cycle Variations and Effect on Earth's Climate

For more than 100 years, scientists have wondered if cycles on the Sun and changes of the energy received at Earth because of those cycles affect weather or global climate on Earth. It is now thought that solar cycles on the Sun don't affect weather, but that they do have a very slight effect on global climate.

The solar cycle is the rise and fall of the number of sunspots on the Sun. Solar activity is correlated to the number of sunspots on the Sun. As the number of sunspots goes up, solar activity occurrences go up.

Energy output from the Sun also changes as the sunspot count on the Sun changes. It is greatest when there are the most sunspots and lowest when there are the least sunspots. With satellite measurements, scientists have been able to confirm that the total solar energy varies 0.1% over one 11-year sunspot cycle. This variation of 0.1% means a global tropospheric temperature difference of 0.5oC to 1.0oC (1). These facts definitely have to be taken into account when dealing with climate models and predictions.

An example of when the solar cycle affected Earth's climate is the Maunder Minimum. This was when almost no sunspots were seen from about 1645 to 1715. During this time, Europe and parts of North America were struck by spells of really cold weather. This was a change to the expected regional climate.

So there does seem to be a connection between the solar cycle and climate - the very small change in solar energy that changes over the solar cycle seems to have a very small impact on Earth's climate (see IPCC report). Modern climate models take these relationships into account. The changes in solar energy are not big enough, however, to cause the large global temperature changes we've seen in the last 100 years. Indeed, the only way that climate models can match the recent observed warming of the atmosphere is with the addition of greenhouse gases.

Solar Cycle

The number of sunspots on the Sun is not constant. In addition to the obvious variation caused by the Sun's rotation (sunspots disappear from view and then re-appear), over time new sunspot groups form and old ones decay and fade away. When viewed over short periods of time (a few weeks or months), this variation in the number of sunspots might seem to be random. However, observations over many years reveal a remarkable feature of the Sun: the number of sunspots varies in a periodic manner, usually described as the 11 year cycle (in actuality, the period varies, and has been closer to 10.5 years this century). The 11 year sunspot cycle is related to a 22 year cycle for the reversal of the Sun's magnetic field. In 1848 Johann Rudolf Wolf devised a method of counting sunspots on the solar disk called the Wolf number. Today the Wolf number (averaged from many observing sites) is used to keep track of the solar cycle. While the cycle has been relatively uniform this century, there have been large variations in the past. From about 1645 to 1715, a period known as the Maunder minimum, apparently few sunspots were present on the Sun. During the solar cycle,the migration of sunspots in latitude has a ``butterfly pattern.''

Although the number of sunspots is the most easily observed feature, essentially all aspects of the Sun and solar activity are influenced by the solar cycle. Because solar activity (such as coronal mass ejections) is more frequent at solar maximum and less frequent at solar minimum, geomagnetic activity also follows the solar cycle. Why is there a solar cycle? No one knows the answer to this question. A detailed explanation of the solar cycle is a fundamental physics problem still waiting to be solved.

Solar Activity

The Sun is not a quiet place, but one that exhibits sudden releases of energy. One of the most frequently observed events are solar flares: sudden, localized, transient increases in brightness that occur in active regions near sunspots. They are usually most easily seen in H-alpha and X-rays, but may have effects in the entire elecromagnetic spectrum. The X-ray brightness from a large flare often exceeds the X-ray output from the rest of the Sun. Another type of event, the coronal mass ejection, typically disrupt helmet streamers in the solar corona. As much as 1e13 (10,000,000,000,000) kilograms of material can be ejected into the solar wind. Coronal mass ejections propagate out in the solar wind, where they may encounter the Earth and influence geomagnetic activity. Coronal mass ejections are often (but not always) accompanied by prominence eruptions, where the cool, dense prominence material also erupts outward.

All of these forms of solar activity are believed to be driven by energy release from the solar magnetic field. How this energy release occurs, and the relationship between different types of solar activity, is one of the many puzzles facing solar physicists today. The amount of solar activity on the Sun is not constant, and is closely related to the typical number of sunspots that are visible. The number of sunspots and the levels of solar activity vary with an 11 year period known as the solar cycle.

Surya or Sunday.

Surya's religious role and mythic relationships (Souram)

Suryahad three queens - Saranyu (also called Saraniya, Saranya, Sanjna, or Sangya), Ragyi, and Prabha.

Saranyu was the mother of Vaivasvata Manu or Sraddhadeva Manu (the seventh, i.e. present Manu) and the twins Yama Dev (the Lord of Death) and his sister Yami (associated with the river Yamuna).

She also bore him the twins known as the Ashwins, divine horsemen and physicians to the Devas.

Once, Saranyu, being unable to bear the extreme radiance of Surya, created a superficial entity from her shadow called Chhaya and instructed her to act as Surya's wife in her absence.

Chhaya mothered two sons - Savarni Manu (the eighth, i.e. next Manu) and Shani Dev (the planet Saturn), and two daughters - Tapti (goddess of river Tapti) and Vishti.He also has a son, Revanta, or Raivata, by Ragyi.

In astrology

Surya represents soul, will-power, fame, the eyes, general vitality, courage, kingship, father, highly placed persons and authority.

Surya is the chief, the solar deity, one of the Adityas, son of Kasyapa and one of his wife Aditi

He has hair and arms of gold. His chariot is pulled by seven horses, which represent the seven chakras.

He presides as "Ravi" over "Ravi-war" or Sunday.

Surya is the lord of vegetation and breathing.He claims the first puja in siva puja and yaga puja.

He is the God - a living God - whom everyone can see, perceive and pray.

Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms.

He is the life-giver and time-giver.

In Hindu religious literature, Surya is notably mentioned as the visible form of God that one can see every day.

Furthermore, Shaivites and Vaishnavas often regard Surya as an aspect of Shiva and Vishnu, respectively.

For example, the sun is called Surya Narayana by Vaishnavas.

In Shaivite theology, Surya is said to be one of eight forms of Shiva, named the Astamurti.

He is said to be of Sattva Guna and represents the Soul,the King, highly placed persons or Father.

The Suryanar temple is located 12kms from Kumbakonam enroute to Mayavaram.

Surya's wives are Usha, Prathyusha.

The presiding deities are Puranavaradheeswarar and his consort Mangalanayaki.

Surya is the Lord of Simma Rasi and occupies the central place amongst the navagrahas.

The adidevatha is Agni, prathyutha Devatha - Rudran.

His colour is red and his vahana is a chariot drawn by seven horses.

The grain associated with his is wheat;

the flower - lotus, yerukku;

fabric - red clothes;

gem - ruby;

food - wheat, rava, chakkara pongal.

In the six sects established by Adi Sankara, Souram is one devoted to Sun God.

Even in other religions, Sun worship has place.

In the Zodiac, Sun occupies a prominent place - the Center.

The griha is the source of life and He is therefore described as the life-giver (Pranadhata).

He helps one gain his eyesight and Suryanamaskar (worship by prostration) will strengthen one's bones, cure illness, however sever it may be, cleanses the devotee from his sins and bestows on him progeny, wealth, good-health and long life.

He is the cause for rain-fall benefiting the world.

The Vedas adore him as a witness of all actions (Sakshi).

Worship of this devata on Sunday is supposed to bring in manifold benefits to the worshippers.

He is the lord of Leo in the Zodiac.

He stays one month in each Rasi and takes 365 days or 12 months to complete a round of 12 Rasis.

Suryanarayana Temple - Tamil Nadu Suryanarayana Temple, popluarly known as Suryanar-Koli, is about 3 kms. from the Aduturai railway station on the Southern Railway main line from Madras to Thanjavur.

There are also temples to Sun at Konark in Orissa and Modhera in Gujarat.

CHANDRA (MOON)

Chandra is a lunar deity. Chandra (moon) is also known as Soma and identified with the Vedic Lunar deity Soma.

He is described as young, beautiful, fair; two-armed and having in his hands a club and a lotus.

He rides his chariot (the moon) across the sky every night, pulled by ten white horses or an antelope.

He is connected with dew, and as such, is one of the gods of fertility.

He is also called Nishadipati (Nisha=night; Adipathi=Lord) and Kshuparaka (one who illuminates the night).

He as Soma, presides over Somvarm or Monday. He is of Sattva Guna and represents the Mind, the Queen or Mother.

He is married to daughters of Daksha Prajapathi.

He has therefore 27 wives, representing twenty seven Nakshatras (constellations). Budha (the planet Mercury) was born to Soma and Taraka.

CHANDRA (MOON) is a lovable God - a loving god.

Pleasing to children as well as elders universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion of the onlooker.

Sages and devotees invoke the Goddess Mother in Chandra and meditate for hours.

CHANDRA causes nightfall strengthens the mind, purifies the blood and is considered as the mother who radiates nectar (Amrut).

Worship of this griha is said to be beneficial for relief from all sorrows, helps in curing mental afflictions. etc.

His cool rays radiate happiness around.

He adores the head of Lord Siva.

Worshipping Chandra on Mondays is said to be very effective in getting one's prayers answered.

In the Zodiac he is the lord of Cancer.

He stays 2 1/4 days in each Rasi completing a round of the 12 Rasis in 27 days .

Chandran is also hailed as Thingal and his abode is Thingalur. it is here that Chndran prayed to Lord Siva and got his blessings.

As Chandran is held in the locks of Lord Siva, all devotees who worship Easwaran have also to worship this planet.

The Devas and asuras were churning the paarkadal using Mandira Malai and the snake Vasuki.

The asuras held the head portion of the snake and the devas, the tail portion.

The poison emitted by Vasuki was consumed by Lord Siva to save the devas, but the toxicity of venom affected the Devas who swooned on its impact.

Alongwith the nectar (amirtham), Chandran emerged and it was he who revived the Devas.

Apputhi Adigal was born in Thingalur. he was an ardent follower of Thirunavukkarasar, without ever laying his eyes on the great soul.

He did a lot of welfare activity in his hometown in the name of Thirunavukkarasar.

During his visit to this holytown Thirunavukkarasar heard about Apputhi Adigal and visited his abode and consented to partake in the meal offered in his honour.

To serve food for Thirunavukkarasar, Apputhi Adigal sent his son to the garden to fetch a plantain leaf.

When on this errand, a snake bit him and the lad passed away.

Not wishing to disappoint his guest, Apputhi Adigal covered the corpse of his son and tried to serve his mentor.

But realising the situation, Thirunavukkarasar carried the corpse to the temple of Lord siva in Thingalur and revived the boy singing and imploring the Lord with Thirupadigam.

Dosham to mother, mental retardation, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, fluid accumalation are the diseases caused becaus eof Chandra dosham.

By praying to Lord Chandran, the above afflictions can be overcome. Wealth, mother's/wife's happiness, Govt's help, ownership of vehicle, marriage, offsprings, prosperity, foreign travel will be bestowed on his devotees.

The sthalam of Chandran is Thingalur, which is located 36kms from Kumbakonam, enroute to Thiruvaiyaru.

Chandran's wife is Rohini.

The presiding deity are Kailasanathar and his consort Periyanayakiamman.

Chandran is the Lord of Kadaga Rasi and he faces the South-East direction.

The Adi Devatha is water; prathyathi Devatha is Gowri;

his colour is white and

his vahana is white horse.

The grain associated with him is paddy, rice;

the folwer - white arali;

fabric - white cloth;

gem - pearl;

food - curd rice.

Mangala or MARS

Mangala is the god of Mars, the red planet. Mars is also called Angaraka ('one who is red in colour') or Bhauma ('son of Bhumi') in Sanskrit.

He is the god of war and is celibate.

He is considered the son of Prithvi or Bhumi, the Earth Goddess.

He is the owner of the Aries and Scorpio signs, and a teacher of the occult sciences (Ruchaka Mahapurusha Yoga).

He is of Tamas Guna in nature and represents Energetic action, confidence and ego.

He is painted red or flame colour, four-armed, carrying a trident, club, lotus and a spear.

His Vahana (mount) is a ram.

He presides over 'Mangal-war'

Chevvai Bhagavan is worshipped in the town of Vaideeswaran Koil which is also called Thirupullirukku Velur.

Sambathi, Jadayu, Lord Muruga, Suriyan are also reputed to have worshipped in this sthalam.

Even diseases that could not get cured by Mani Manthira Aushathangal got cured at this place and the presiding deity came to be called Vaidyanathar.

His consort who was the chief of women of both worlds is hailed as Thayal Nayagi.

Selva Muthukumarasami of this temple is lovingly called Muthiah. Kumaragurubarasami wrote the book "Muthukumarasami Pillai Thamizh".

Once, when Lord Shiva was in deep meditation, perspiration from his third eye fell on earth.

The male child that was born of this sweat drop was Angaragan (Chevvai).

Angaragan married Sakthi Devi of Avanti town and had a son called Sumarasan.

Problems from wife/children/brothers, enimity with friends, loss of wealth, quarrels, problems with Govt., lasting poverty, anger, bad friendship, Kalathira Dosham are because of Chevvai.

By praying to him, a person can offset the problems arising out of his afflictions. Brothers and sisters, physical strength, victory, valour are the beneficial aspects of this planet.

The sthalam of Chevvai Bhagavan is Vaideeswaran koil, which is located 6kms from Sirgazhi en route to Mayavaram.

His wives are Malini, Susilini.

The presiding deity are Vaidyanathan and his consort Thaiyal Nayaki.

Chevvai is the Lord of Mesha and Vrichika Rasi and he faces South direction.

The Adi Devatha is Boomidevi; Prathyathi Devatha is Kshetra Balagan;

his colour is red and his vahana is the ram.

The grain associated with him is thuvarai;

the flowers - shenbagam and red arali;

fabric - red cloth;

gem - coral;

food- rice mixed with toor dhal powder.

In the Zodiac. ANGARAKA or MARS is regarded as a God of martial character, red in every aspect.

Even the Romans held him as their Guru.

A prayer to this planet frees one from debts, poverty and illness afflicting the skin.

This griha bestows property and conveyance (Locomotion).

Loss of eyesight can be restored by a prayer to Angaraka.

Tuesdays are intended for the worship of Angaraka who loves the chanting of Sama Veda.

In the Zodiac, He is the Lord of "Mesha" and "Vrischika".

He stays 1 1/2 months in each Rasi taking 18 months to complete the cycle.

He has a separate shrine at Vaitheeswaran Koil in Tamii Nadu.

BUDHA or MERCURY

BUDHA or MERCURY is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth etc. on his devotees.

He removes evil thoughts from their minds.

He is the chief among Gnanis ( Realized souls).

He is considered Vishnu Rupi, because of his beauty and resemblance A prayer to Him, especially on Wednesdays brings in manifold benefits like removal of all obstacles, helps one to get a progeny, possession of fertile lands etc.

In the Zodiac this devata is the Lord of Mithuna and Kanya.

He stays like the Sun, one month in each Rasi completes the cycle in 12 months, more or less closely in the footsteps of the Sun.

Budha is the god of the planet Mercury and the son of Chandra (the moon) with Tara (Taraka).

He is also the god of merchandize and protector of Merchants.

He is of Rajas Guna and represents Communication.

He is represented as being mild, eloquent and of greenish colour.

He is represented holding a scimitar, a club and a shield, riding a winged lion in Ramghur temple. In other illustrations ,

he holds a sceptre and lotus and rides a carpet or an eagle or a chariot drawn by lions.

Budha presides over 'Budh-war' or Wednesday

Brihaspati---Jupiter

Brihaspati is the name of a Vedic deity, personification of piety and religion, the chief offerer of prayers and sacrifices, represented as the Purohita of the gods with whom he intercedes for men.

He is the Lord of planet Jupiter. He is of Sattva Guna and represents knowledge and teaching.

According to Hindu scriptures, he is the guru of the Devas and the arch-nemesis of Shukracharya, the guru of the Danavas.

He is also known Guru, the god of wisdom and eloquence, to whom various works are ascribed, such as the "atheistic" Barhaspatya sutras.

He is described of yellow or golden colour and holding a stick, a lotus and his beads. He presides over 'Guru-war' or Thursday.

The Devas, when churning the paarkadal for nectar, were hindered by the poisonous fumes from the snake Vasuki and prayed to Lord Siva for deliverance.

Lord Siva consumed the deadly poison (Ala Visham), thus giving rise to the name Alangudi to this sthalam and the Lord came to be called Aabathsagayar.

Lord Ganesha subdued Gajamuhasuran who gave the Devas a horrid time and he is thus worshipped in this sthalam as 'Kalangaamal kaatha Vinayagar'.

Ambal undertook severe penance and married Lord Siva and hence this place is hailed as Thirumana Mangalam.

This sthalam is the Parivara sthalam for Madhyarjuna Mahalinga Peruman.

This is the fourth amongst the Panchavarunya Sthalas. Vishwamithrar, Thirumal, Brahma, Lakshmi, Garuda, Ashta Thikku Balagas, Ayyanar, Veera Badrar, Mukunda Chakravarthy, Suvasanan, Sundarar have worshipped at this sthala.

Lord Siva as a ferryman(boatman) was helping Sundaramurthy Swamigal cross the river (Vettaru) which was in spate, to reach this sthalam.

The boat capsized hitting a rock, when halfway.

Lord siva seated on his Rishaba Vahana helped him reach the sthala safely.

Sundarar received his Gnanaupadesam after his darshanam of Dakshinamurthy at this sthala.

Fame, wealth, siblings are the beneficial aspects of Guru.

The sthlam of Guru Bhagavan is Alangudi, 17 kms from Kumbakonam enroute to Mannargudi.

His wives are Tharai, Sangini.

The presiding deities are Kasi Aaranyeswarar and his consort Elavarkuzhali.

Guru is the Lord of Dhanusu and Meena Rasi and he faces North direction.

The Adi Devatha is Brahma and the Prathyathi Devatha is Indran.

His colour is yellow and

his vahana is elephant.

The grain assciated with him is kadalai;

the flower - white mullai;

fabric - yellow cloth;

gem - pushparagam(white topaz);

food - rice mixed with bengal

gram dhal powder.

Worship of BRIHASPATI or GURU (JUPITER) Devata results in a cure from ailments affecting the stomach and helps one to ward off his/her sins, helps him/her in gaining strength, valor, longevity etc.

He grants the boon of father-hood to the childless, good education (Vidya). He is revered as the Guru of Devas, protector of the world and is a Sreshta among the wise. Kind-hearted he is considered the Loka Guru and dispenser of justice and can be known only by a proper study of the Vedas.

Thursdays are considered to be the best day for the worship of Jupiter.

In the Zodiac. He is the Lord of Dhanus and Meena.

Guru stays for one year in each Rasi, taking 12 years to complete the cycle.

Sukran-Represents planet Venus.

Shukra the Sanskrit for "clear, pure" or "brightness, clearness", is the name the son of Bhrigu and Ushana, and preceptor of the Daityas, and the guru of the Asuras, identified with the planet Venus - Shukracharya.

He presides over 'Shukra-war' or Friday. He is Rajas in nature and represents wealth, pleasure and reproduction.

He is of white complexion, middle-aged and of agreeable countenance.

He is described variously mounted, on a camel or a horse or a crocodile.

He holds a stick, beads and a lotus and sometimes a bow and arrow.

In Astrology, there is a dasha or planetary period known as Shukra Dasha which remains active in a person's horoscope for 20 years.

This dasha is believed to give more wealth, fortune and luxury to one's living if a person has Shukra positioned well in his horoscope as well as Shukra being an important benefic planet in his/her horoscope.

He had got the blessings from Lord Siva after severe penances.

In the Vamana Avataram of Lord Vishnu, Vamana sought three foot steps of land from Mahabali, an asura king.

Realising Vamana to be no mere mortal, Sukrachariyar assumed the form of a bee and tried to block the flow of water from the kamandalam.

Vamana picking up a pavithram blinds Sukracharya in one eye while trying to unclog the hole in the kamandalam.

Sukracharyar has the prowess to bring the dead to living by virtue of his knowledge of Amirtha Sanjeevini Mantra.

Using this mantra, in the asura war against the devas, he revived the slain asuras.

This helped the asura army swell. The devas prayed to Lord Siva for help, who swallowed up Sukracharya in a fit of rage.

After residing in Lord SIva's stomach in a siddha state, he emerged from Lord Siva's stomach.

Sukra endows those who pray to him with wealth, pleasure, wife, prosperity, vehicles. He is the next most beneficial planet after Guru.

If in a person's horoscope, Sukra is well placed, then the person will enjoy pleasure, beautiful wife, wealth, house, vehicle, good food, fame, love, affection, marraige, siblings, governmental help, chance to govern the country/state and hold influential status.

If in a bad position, the ward will experience a family devoid of love and ties, bad life, enimity amongst family and friends, Kalathira dosham. By praying to Sukra these problems could be mitigated. Wife, arts, sculpture, love, vehicles are the beneficial aspects of Sukra.

The sthalam of Sukra Bhagavan is Kanjanur, which is located 3kms from Suryanar koil, enroute to Mayavaram.

His wives are Subakirthi, Sundari and Sringini.

The presiding deity are Agneeswarar and his consort Iswari.

The presiding deity Agneeswarar is the embodiment of Sukran. Sukrachariar was the Guru of asuras.

He is the Lord of Rishaba and Thula Rasi and faces East direction.

The Adi Devatha is Indra's physician.

His colour is white;

his vahana is the crocodile;

the grain associated with him is mochai;

the flower - white lotus;

fabric - white cloth;

gem - diamond;

food - rice mixed with mochai powder.

Sukra is the bestower of long life, wealth, happiness, children, property and good education.

He is the Guru for Asuras. Well learned in Neeti Sastras follower of such sastras and one who dispenses justice,

Sukra is considered a beneficial devata.

He blesses the devotees with power to control one's Indriyas (Sense organs) and enables the devotee to obtain fame and name.

Fridays are considered to be effective for the worship of Sukra.

In the Zodiac, he is the Lord of Tulo. Sukra takes one year to complete the Zodiac cycle living one month in each Rasi.

Shani or Saturn

Shani is one of the nine primary celestial beings in Hindu astrology (that is, Vedic astrology).

Shani is embodied in the planet Saturn. Shani is the Lord of Saturday.

He is Tamas in nature and represents learning the hard way, Career and Longevity.

The origin of word Shani comes from the following: Shanaye Kramati Sa: i.e. the one who moves slowly.

Saturn takes about 30 years to revolve around the Sun, thus it moves slowly compared to other planets.

Shani is actually a demi-god and is a son of Surya (the Hindu Sun God) and his wife Chhaya.

It is said that when he opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts (horoscope).

He is depicted dark in colour, clothed in black; holding a sword, arrows and two daggers and variously mounted on a black crow or a raven.

He is depicted at other times as ugly, old, lame and having long hair, teeth and nails.

He presides over 'Shani-war' or Saturday.

Sani Bhagavan waiting to aspect Nala, noticed that he had not washed the back portion of his feet, while preparing for his prayers.

Deciding this was the opportune time, he aspected Nala.

Because of this, Nala lost his composure and lost his kingdom to Pudkaran in a game of dice and sent his children to their uncle's house.

Nala departed to the forest with his wife Damayanti.

Saneeswaran created trouble even there and made Nala desert his wife in the forest.

The snake Karkotagan bit Nala, making him lose his stature (was made to look ugly).

He took on the job of a charioteer with king Irudhupannan.

Damayanti, in the meantime reached the kingdom of her father, and arranged a Swayamvara to locate Nala.

Damyanti identified Nala, the charioteer as her husband. Thanks to a boon from Karkodagan, Nala regained his old form.

In spite of being back with his wife, Nala feeling very disturbed, sought the solace of sage Bharadwaja and on his advice reached Thirunallar.

He bathed in the Brahma Thirtham of the temple, and when he entered the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, Saneeswaran departed from him.

The presiding deities are Dharbaranyeswarar (Swaymbumurti) and his consort Bogamartha Poon Mulayal.

Saneeswaran resides in each Rasi for a period of 2 1/2 years.

When Saneeswaran resides in the 12th, 1st and 2nd house, it is 7 1/2 Naatu Sani ;

when in the 4th house, it is Arthashtama Sani;

when in the 8th house, it is Ashtama Sani.

During these periods, he troubles the native.

Problems from Govt., peers, wife, children, slowdown in business, loss of property, leprosy are caused by transit of Sani.

In a person's life, 7 1/2 Naatu Sani aspects thrice, the first called Mangu Sani, the second called Pongu Sani and the third called Marana Sani.

Saneeswaran is reputed to be both, a giver and destroyer.

A person who prays to Saneeswaran will be blessed with not only riddance from the problems and worries faced, but a life that one desires. T

he sthalam of Sani Bhagavan is Thirunallaru, which is located 3kms from Karaikal, enroute to Peralam.

His wives are Neela Devi and Manga Devi.

He is the Lord of Maharam and Kumba Rasis and faces the West direction.

The Adi Devatha is Yaman and the Prathyathi Devatha is Prajapathi.

His colour is black;

his vahana the crow;

the grain associated with him is gingelley;

the flower - vanni and black kuvalai;

fabric - black cloth;

gem - neelam (blue saphire);

food - rice mixed with gingelle.

Rahu

Rahu is the Head of Demon Snake that swallows the sun or the moon causing eclipses according to Hindu scriptures.

He is depicted in art as a dragon with no body riding a chariot drawn by eight black horses.

He is an Tamas Asura who does his best to plunge any area of one's life he controls into chaos.

The rahu kala is considered inauspicious.

According to legend, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Rahu drank some of the divine nectar.

But before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini (the female avatar of Vishnu) cut off his head.

The head, however, remained immortal and is called Rahu , while the rest of the body became Ketu.

It is believed that this immortal head occasionally swallows the sun or the moon, causing eclipses.

Then, the sun or moon passes through the opening at the neck, ending the eclipse.

The king of the nagas, Rahu prayed to Lord Siva and hence this place got the name Thirunageswaram.

Here Rahu Bhagavan has manifested with both his consorts.

At this sthala, the colour of milk changes from white to blue during Abhishekam.

On 16.2.86, a snake had shed off its outer skin on Rahu Bhagavan, which is preserved and worshipped to date.

The abode of Uppiliappan, which is also hailed as 'South Tirupathi', is situated very close to this temple.

Of the 127 temples located to the South of river Cauvery, this temple is amongst the most prominent.

Suryan, Vinayagar, Gautamar, Nalan, Parasarar, Pandavas, Vasishtar, Indran, Brahma, Bageerathan, Chandrasenan, Adiseshan, Kakkan Karkodagan, Sounagar, Nargunan have prayed and benefited at this sthala.

King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple.

Rahu is the source of plenty. Kalathra dosham, puthira dosham, communicable diseases, mental disorders, leprosy, fall in grace are caused by Rahu dosham.

Praying to Rahu at this sthala helps rid a person from these factors and also saves the person from all poisonous life forms.

Trips to holy places, Gnanmarkam are his beneficial aspects.

The sthalam of Rahu is Thirunageswaram, which is located 6 kms from Kumbakonam, enroute to Karaikal.

The presiding deities are Naaganaadar and Girigujaambigai.

He faces the South-West direction. The Adi Devatha is Durga and the Prathyathi Devatha is the snake.

His colour is black,

his vahana is blue lion;

the grain associated with him is orid;

the flower-mandarai;

fabric-black cloth;

gem- Komedagam;

food-rice mixed with orid dhal powder.

The Skanda Purana says that Rahu is instrumental in strengthening ones power and converting even an enemy into a friend

The effect of snake bite is removed by his grace.

The lunar and solar eclipses are attributed to Rahu and Ketu Rahu and Ketu stay 1 1/2 years in each Griha.

Ketu

Ketu is generally referred to as a "shadow" planet. He is considered as Tail of the Demon Snake.

It is believed to have a tremendous impact on human lives and also the whole creation.

In some special circumstances it helps someone achieve the zenith of fame.

He is Tamas in nature and represents supernatural influences.

Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee's family removes the effect of snakebite and illness arising out of poisonous matter entering one's body

He grants good health, wealth, cattle and all around prosperity.

Persons afflicted by Kethu dosham are stricken with fears of dacoity, bad habits, loss of property, loss of face, putra dosham.

By praying to Kethu Bhagavan, one can be rid of the doshams.

Motcham, sight, property, land, gold, vehicle, fame, wife, children, happiness, unexpected property gains are the beneficial aspects of Kethu Bhagavan.

Knowledge, business, leprosy, poisonous bites are the aspects of this planet.

Keezhperumpallam sthala varalaru, dosham and remedial measures

The sthalam of Kethu is Keezhperumpallam, which is located 6 kms from Thiruvengaadu, enroute to Poompuhar.

His wife is Chitralekha.

The presiding deities are Naaganaadaswamy and his consort Ambal.

He faces the North-West direction.

The Adi Devatha is Chitraguptan and the Prathyathi Devatha is Brahma;

his colour is red and his vahana is the eagle;

the grain associated with him is khollu;

the flower - red alli (lily);

fabric - multi coloured cloth;

gem - Vaidooriyam (cat's eye);

food - rice mixed with khollu powder.

This place is also called Vanagiri.

Kethu prayed to Naaganaadhaswami and was blessed and rid of his sins by Lord Siva.

It is rare to find Kethu with his head.

At this sthala, he can be seen worshipping Naaganaadhaswami with his folded hands held high.

Mythology

The devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever.

When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the amirtham only to the devas.

He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed amirtham.

Realising this, one of the asuras with the help of the asura guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar.

Suryan and Chandran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana.

In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand.

The head was cut off and fell on the ground.

But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live.

The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body to become Rahu Bhagavan.

The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region.

This was found and preserved by a Brahmin.

The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.