Graha (ग्रह) — Meaning, Definition & Examples | My Kundli AI

What is Graha?

Graha (Graha, ग्रह) — Graha means 'planet' in Vedic astrology. The Navagraha (nine planets) include Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu.

In Vedic astrology, Graha literally means 'that which seizes or grasps,' referring to celestial bodies that influence human life. The Navagraha (nine planets) are: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budh (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node), and Ketu (South Lunar Node). Each Graha has specific significations (Karakattwa), owns zodiac signs, has friends and enemies among other planets, and possesses varying strength depending on its sign placement (dignity), house position, and aspects received. Planets are classified as natural benefics (Jupiter, Venus, waxing Moon, well-associated Mercury) and natural malefics (Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, waning Moon).

Examples

Jupiter (Guru) is the most benefic Graha, signifying wisdom, wealth, and children.

Rahu and Ketu are shadow Grahas (Chaya Graha) without physical bodies — they are the lunar nodes.

Each Graha governs specific body parts, diseases, professions, and life themes.

Practical Application

Understanding each Graha's nature, significations, and dignity in your chart helps predict which life areas will be strong or challenging. Weak Grahas can be strengthened through gemstones, mantras, and other remedies.

Common Misconceptions

Rahu and Ketu are not physical planets — they are mathematical points where the Moon's orbit intersects the ecliptic.

In Vedic astrology, the Sun and Moon are counted as Grahas (planets) even though astronomically they are a star and satellite.

No Graha is purely 'bad' — even malefics like Saturn and Mars produce excellent results in certain positions.

Related Terms

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Graha in Vedic astrology?

Graha means planet in Vedic astrology. The nine Grahas (Navagraha) are Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu. Each influences different aspects of life based on its position in the birth chart.

What are benefic and malefic Grahas?

Natural benefics are Jupiter, Venus, waxing Moon, and well-associated Mercury. Natural malefics are Sun, Mars, Saturn, Rahu, Ketu, and waning Moon. However, functional beneficence depends on the Lagna.

Why are Rahu and Ketu considered planets?

Rahu and Ketu are the north and south lunar nodes — mathematical points of the Moon's orbit. Vedic astrology considers them Grahas because they powerfully influence life events, especially during their dasha periods.

Which is the most powerful Graha?

There's no single most powerful Graha — power depends on placement. However, Saturn is often considered the strongest karmic influence, while Jupiter is the greatest benefic. The Atmakaraka (planet at highest degree) is the soul significator.