In the vast pantheon of Hindu deities, Lord Hanuman stands out as the epitome of devotion, strength, and loyalty. But beyond these well-known attributes lies a profound and lesser-known connection: his unique power over the Navagrahas, the nine celestial planets that influence human destiny according to Vedic astrology.
Who Are the Navagrahas?
The Navagrahas are the nine heavenly bodies that hold sway over earthly events and individual lives. They are:
- Surya (Sun) - The king, representing the soul and vitality.
- Chandra (Moon) - The mind, emotions, and motherly comfort.
- Mangal (Mars) - Energy, courage, and conflict.
- Budha (Mercury) - Intellect, communication, and business.
- Brihaspati (Jupiter) - Wisdom, knowledge, and prosperity.
- Shukra (Venus) - Love, beauty, and the arts.
- Shani (Saturn) - Discipline, karma, and justice.
- Rahu (North Lunar Node) - Worldly desires and obsessions.
- Ketu (South Lunar Node) - Spirituality, liberation, and the past.
These grahas are not just planets; they are deities whose positions can create favorable or challenging periods in one's life.
The Legend: Hanuman's Cosmic Encounter
The story of Hanuman's dominion over the Navagrahas begins in his childhood. As an infant, Hanuman was known for his immense strength and insatiable curiosity. One morning, feeling hungry, he looked up at the sky and saw the rising sun. Mistaking the glowing red orb for a delicious fruit, the young vanara leaped into the sky to seize it.
His powerful jump created a cosmic disturbance. As he soared towards Surya, the sun god, the other grahas recognized the divine child's potential and moved into auspicious positions to bless him. However, the king of the gods, Indra, saw this as an attack on the cosmic order. To protect Surya, Indra struck Hanuman with his thunderbolt (Vajra), hurling the baby back to earth and injuring his jaw (which earned him the name "Hanuman" – 'hanu' meaning jaw).
This act enraged Hanuman's father, Vayu, the wind god. In protest, Vayu withdrew all air from the universe, bringing all of creation—including the Devas and the Navagrahas—to the brink of suffocation. The terrified gods realized their mistake and rushed to appease both Vayu and the infant Hanuman.
The Boon That Tamed the Planets
One by one, the Devas and the Navagrahas approached the child to bless him and apologize. They bestowed upon him incredible boons:
- Indra granted him invincibility and strength.
- Surya offered him wisdom and made him his disciple.
- Yama blessed him with perfect health and freedom from disease.
- Kubera gave him immunity from his weapons.
- Vishwakarma made his body immune to all his divine weapons.
Most importantly, the Navagrahas collectively blessed Hanuman, decreeing that any devotee who worshipped him would be freed from their malefic influences. They granted him the power to neutralize the negative effects of any planetary position in the horoscope of his sincere devotees.
This divine decree is why chanting the Hanuman Chalisa or worshipping Hanuman is believed to ward off the ill effects of Shani (Saturn) and all other troublesome planetary periods.
The Significance in Worship Today
This legend is not just a story; it forms the core of a powerful astrological belief. For centuries, devotees have turned to Hanuman to find relief from:
- Shani Sade Sati: The challenging 7.5-year transit of Saturn.
- Mangal Dosha: The malefic influence of Mars in a horoscope.
- Rahu-Ketu Dasha: Periods influenced by the lunar nodes.
Hanuman is seen as the ultimate remedy (upaya) in Vedic astrology. His devotion is a shield that protects the faithful from cosmic turbulence, ensuring peace, stability, and strength to face any challenge dictated by the stars.
Conclusion: The Ultimate Protector
Hanuman's childhood encounter with the Navagrahas transformed him from a powerful divine being into the supreme protector of devotees from all astrological afflictions. His story teaches that sincere devotion has the power to transcend even the most rigid dictates of fate and planetary influence. By surrendering to Hanuman, a devotee doesn't just worship a god; they invoke a cosmic force that can harmonize the very planets governing their destiny.