graha

Graha is a Sanskrit term meaning “celestial body” or “planet,” used in Hindu astronomy and astrology to denote the moving bodies believed to influence terrestrial events. The root graha conveys the sense of seizing or grasping, and in this context refers to bodies whose motion is thought to affect life and fate.

In Hindu astrology (jyotisha), graha are considered powerful forces that shape karmic outcomes. The traditional system recognizes nine graha, collectively known as the navagraha: Surya (the Sun), Chandra (the Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati or Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (the north lunar node), and Ketu (the south lunar node). Rahu and Ketu are shadow bodies rather than physical planets in modern astronomy, representing mathematical points where the lunar orbit intersects the ecliptic.

The grahas are worshipped and invoked in ritual contexts. Temples, yantras, and recitations are associated with the navagraha to mitigate adverse planetary influences and to seek favorable outcomes. In astrology, each graha is linked with particular qualities, elements, body regions, and life areas, influencing personality, career, health, and relationships according to dasa systems such as the Vimshottari Dasa.

Beyond astrology, graha appears in classical Indian astronomy as the term for planets observed and tracked in celestial motions. The word is also used as a proper noun or element in literary works, and in contemporary contexts can be a given name.