Planetary mantras (Graha mantras) are powerful sacred formulas that have come down to us from ancient Vedic scriptures. According to the Vedas, each planet is a manifestation of a particular deity and carries its own unique vibration, which influences our karma and destiny.
In the sacred texts ‘Brihat Parashara Hora Shastra’ and ‘Nadi Granthas’, the sages described special sound formulas — beej mantras — used to harmonise the energies of the celestial bodies (Grahas) in our lives. Each planet governs particular areas of life and qualities of character.
By practising these mantras with faith (shraddha) and devotion (bhakti), you can:
- strengthen the positive influence of the planets (shubha-phala);
- mitigate negative influences (dosha-shamana);
- improve various aspects of life (jiva-unnati);
- develop particular qualities of character (guna-vardhana).
The sages say that regular recitation of mantras is one of the most effective ways to improve one’s destiny and to obtain the blessing of the planetary deities.
Choose the planet (graha) whose energies you wish to work with:
Sun (Surya)
Text of the mantra:
।। नमः सूर्याय शान्ताय सर्वरोग निवारिणे
आयुररोग्य मैस्वैर्यं देहि देवः जगत्पते ।।
Purpose:
- obtaining the special grace of Surya Dev;
- developing inner strength to overcome life’s obstacles;
- strengthening spiritual endurance;
- awakening deep wisdom and gratitude towards life;
- enhancing a positive outlook on life.
Best time for practice:
Sunrise, Sunday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 7–12 minutes
Moon (Chandra)
The complete Beej mantra of Chandra:
|| ॐ श्रां श्रीं श्रौं सः चन्द्रमसे नमः ||
Purpose:
- removes anxious thoughts and worry;
- awakens and strengthens intuitive abilities;
- strengthens interpersonal relationships;
- contributes to overall prosperity.
Best time for practice:
Moonrise, Monday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 7–12 minutes
Mars (Mangala/Kuja)
Text of the mantra:
|| ॐ क्राम क्रीम सः भौमाय नमः ||
Purpose:
- developing willpower and decisiveness;
- overcoming obstacles;
- protection from enemies and negativity;
- strengthening fighting spirit and courage.
Best time for practice:
Sunrise, Tuesday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 7–12 minutes
Venus (Shukra)
Text of the mantra:
|| ॐ द्रां द्रीं द्रौं स: शुक्राय नम: ||
Purpose:
- attracting love and harmony;
- improving relationships;
- developing creative abilities;
- attracting well-being and comfort.
Best time for practice:
Sunrise, Friday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 7–12 minutes
Mercury (Budha)
Text of the mantra:
ॐ ब्रां ब्रीं ब्रौं सः बुधाय नमः॥
Purpose:
- improving intellectual abilities;
- developing communication skills;
- success in learning and business;
- strengthening logic and memory.
Best time for practice:
Sunrise, Wednesday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 7–12 minutes
Rahu (North Lunar Node)
Text of the mantra:
।। ॐ भ्रां भ्रीं भ्रौं सः राहवे नमः
सर्व कामना पूर्णकर्ता देव राहु नमस्तुते ।।
Purpose:
- obtaining material abundance and success;
- developing self-confidence and fearlessness;
- neutralising negative karmic influences;
- protection from evil spirits and black magic;
- strengthening intellectual abilities;
- achieving fame and public recognition;
- overcoming obstacles on the path to one’s goals.
Best time for practice:
After sunset, Saturday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 10–18 minutes
Ketu (South Lunar Node)
Text of the mantra:
।। ॐ श्रम श्रीं सरं सह केतवे नमः
पलास पुष्पा संकासम तारकग्रह मस्तकाम् ।।
Purpose:
- freedom from material attachments and dependencies;
- developing spiritual wisdom and intuition;
- protection from negative energies and psychic attacks;
- overcoming depression and emotional crises;
- strengthening the capacity for meditation and self-knowledge;
- dissolving karmic knots from past incarnations;
- freeing oneself from harmful habits (alcohol, smoking).
Best time for practice:
Early morning hours, Tuesday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 7–12 minutes
Saturn (Shani)
Text of the mantra:
।। नीलांजनसमाभासं रविपुत्रं यमाग्रजम्
छायामार्तण्डसम्भूतं तं नमामि शनैश्चरम् ।।
Purpose:
- protection during the Sade Sati period (7.5 years of trials);
- easing karmic debts and their consequences;
- developing discipline, patience, and wisdom;
- overcoming life’s obstacles and difficulties;
- strengthening justice and honesty;
- harmonising Saturn’s influence in the horoscope;
- attaining inner peace and equilibrium.
Best time for practice:
Early morning and after sunset, Saturday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 12–20 minutes
Jupiter (Brihaspati)
Text of the mantra:
।। देवनम् च ऋषिंं गुरुं कंचना-सन्निभं
बुद्धि-भूतम् त्रिलोकेशं तम नमामि बृहस्पतिम् ।।
Purpose:
- obtaining wisdom and sacred knowledge;
- attracting good fortune and prosperity in business;
- harmonising family relationships and happiness;
- developing spirituality and religious values;
- strengthening intellectual abilities;
- protection from unfavourable planetary influences;
- achieving recognition and high standing in society.
Best time for practice:
Brahma Muhurta (4–6 a.m.), Thursday
Number of repetitions:
108 times, or 15–25 minutes