Grah Dosh Nivaram

Grah Dosh Nivaran Puja refers to a ritual performed in Hinduism to alleviate or neutralize the negative effects of planetary alignments or doshas (imbalances) in one's astrological chart. These doshas are believed to affect various aspects of life, including health, relationships, finances, and overall well-being. The puja aims to appease the planetary influences and seek their favorable blessings.

Consultation and Preparation:

• Consult a knowledgeable astrologer to determine the specific doshas affecting you based on your birth chart.
• Choose an auspicious date and time for the puja, as suggested by the astrologer.

Preparation of Puja Space:

• Clean the puja area thoroughly.
• Set up an altar with images or idols of the relevant deities associated with the planets causing the doshas.
• Gather necessary items: flowers, fruits, sweets, incense sticks, ghee lamps, turmeric, kumkum, rice, and specific items related to the planets (e.g., sesame seeds for Saturn, red flowers for Mars).

Kalash Sthapana (Installation of the Sacred Pot):

• Place a Kalash (a pot filled with water, mango leaves, and a coconut) on the altar.

Invocation and Sankalpa (Intention):

• Begin by invoking Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles.
• Perform a sankalpa stating the purpose of the puja—specifically, the pacification of the negative planetary influences.

Graha Devata Puja:

• Depending on the doshas identified, worship the respective planetary deities:
  • Lord Shiva: Often worshipped for alleviating all planetary doshas.
  • Lord Hanuman: To appease Mangal Dosha (Mars affliction).
  • Lord Vishnu: For general blessings and harmonizing planetary influences.
  • Navagraha (Nine Planets): Worship the Navagrahas collectively to balance planetary influences.

Recitation of Mantras and Shlokas:

• Chant specific mantras dedicated to the respective planets and their deities. These mantras vary based on the dosha and the deity being propitiated.

Havan (Fire Ritual):

• Conduct a havan by offering ghee, sesame seeds, and other sacred items into the fire while chanting relevant mantras. This helps to purify the environment and appease the planetary energies.

Offerings and Prayers:

• Offer flowers, fruits, sweets, and other items to the deities and planets being propitiated.
• Seek blessings for the removal of obstacles and the restoration of harmony in life.

Aarti and Circumambulation (Pradakshina):

• Perform Aarti (waving of lighted lamps) to the deities while singing devotional songs.
• Perform Pradakshina (circumambulation) around the altar and idols to conclude the puja.