Mantras 131 mantras, slokas and hymns a family says: the nine graha mantras, the slokas for each deity, the opening verses of the Tamil hymns, the short prayers of the day, and the Sikh and Buddhist refuges the festival days name. Each in Devanagari, Tamil and IAST, with its meaning, when it is said, a voice to read it and a counter for japa.

Om, the three seed syllables of the Sun, and a bow to Surya. The seed sounds carry the graha and are not translated; the mantra is a call and a salutation. It is the form most often given for a weak or afflicted Sun, for health, confidence and standing with father and with those in authority.

For

To strengthen or pacify Surya when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Sundays facing east at sunrise; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 7,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of the Moon, and a bow to Chandra. The Moon is the mind in a chart, so this is said for a restless mind, poor sleep and the health of the mother. It is kept on Mondays, often with a Sivan abhishekam of milk.

For

To strengthen or pacify Chandra when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Mondays in the evening, or on a Monday morning; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 11,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Mars, and a bow to Bhauma, the son of the Earth. It is said for Sevvai dosham, for courage, for quarrels over land and between brothers, and for the blood. Murugan is worshipped with it, since he is the deity of Sevvai.

For

To strengthen or pacify Angaraka (Sevvai) when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Tuesdays in the morning, facing south; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 10,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Mercury, and a bow to Budha. Budha rules speech, reckoning and trade, so the mantra is said for study, for the skin and nerves, and for business. Vishnu is worshipped alongside it.

For

To strengthen or pacify Budha when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Wednesdays in the morning, facing north; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 9,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Jupiter, and a bow to the Guru. Guru is the graha of wisdom, children and good counsel, and the mantra is said for marriage, for children and for a teacher’s grace. Dakshinamurthy is worshipped with it on Thursdays.

For

To strengthen or pacify Guru (Brihaspati) when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Thursdays in the morning, facing north-east; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 19,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Venus, and a bow to Shukra. Shukra is the graha of marriage, comfort, art and vehicles, and the mantra is said for harmony between husband and wife and for the home. Mahalakshmi is worshipped with it on Fridays.

For

To strengthen or pacify Shukra when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Fridays in the morning, facing south-east; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 16,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Saturn, and a bow to Shanaishchara, the slow-moving one. It is said through Sade sati, Ashtama Sani and a Sani dasha, asking Sani for patience rather than escape. A sesame-oil lamp and service to the elderly and the poor go with it.

For

To strengthen or pacify Sani when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Saturdays in the evening, facing west; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 23,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Rahu, and a bow to Rahu. It is said for a Rahu dasha, for Kala sarpa and Sarpa dosham, and for sudden fears and confusion. Durga is worshipped with it in Rahu kalam.

For

To strengthen or pacify Rahu when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Saturdays in Rahu kalam, facing south-west; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 18,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

Om, the seed syllables of Ketu, and a bow to Ketu. Ketu is the graha of detachment and sudden turns, and the mantra is said for a Ketu dasha and for losses that come without warning. Ganapathi is worshipped with it.

For

To strengthen or pacify Ketu when the chart, a dasha or a transit calls for it.

When

Tuesdays in the morning, facing north-west; 108 times on a mala. A full anushthana is 17,000 repetitions over forty days, taken up on the family astrologer’s advice.

I bow to Divakara, the maker of the day, red as the hibiscus flower, the son of Kashyapa, of great brilliance. He is the enemy of darkness and destroys every sin. It is the first verse of the Navagraha stotram and is said facing the rising sun.

For

A verse of praise to Surya, said as part of the whole stotram or on its own for that graha.

When

Every day as part of the nine verses; on Sundays this verse 9, 11 or 108 times facing east at sunrise.

I bow to Soma, the Moon, white as curd, the conch and frost, born of the ocean of milk. He is the ornament on Shambhu’s crown. The verse asks the Moon for a calm mind and a cool temper.

For

A verse of praise to Chandra, said as part of the whole stotram or on its own for that graha.

When

Every day as part of the nine verses; on Mondays this verse 9, 11 or 108 times in the evening, or on a Monday morning.

I bow to Mangala, born of the womb of the Earth, bright as a flash of lightning. He is the youth who holds the spear. The verse is said for courage and for the Sevvai dosham in a marriage chart.

For

A verse of praise to Angaraka (Sevvai), said as part of the whole stotram or on its own for that graha.

When

Every day as part of the nine verses; on Tuesdays this verse 9, 11 or 108 times in the morning, facing south.