Tamil Astrology: 9 Planets' Names

In the celestial tapestry of Vedic astrology, the seven visible planets, along with the shadow planets Rahu and Ketu, form the nine grahas that govern our destinies. For those navigating the rich traditions of Tamil astrology, understanding these celestial bodies and their Tamil names is a fundamental step toward unlocking profound insights into their birth charts and life paths. As of July 8, 2025, the influence of these cosmic navigators continues to shape our collective and individual journeys, offering guidance and opportunities for growth. Let's delve into the ancient wisdom of Tamil astrology and explore the significance of each of the nine planets and their evocative Tamil appellations.

The concept of the nine planets, or Navagrahas, is central to Vedic astrology, including its South Indian, and specifically Tamil, interpretations. These celestial entities are not merely astronomical bodies; they are considered divine personifications that exert a tangible influence on human lives, dictating our fortunes, challenges, and karmic patterns. In Tamil astrology, each graha is associated with specific qualities, energies, and domains of life, making their study essential for anyone seeking to understand their astrological blueprint. The understanding of these planets is deeply interwoven with Hindu mythology and philosophy, reflecting a worldview where the cosmos is alive with divine consciousness.

The Sun (Surya / রবি)

The Sun, or Surya (சூரியன்) in Tamil, is the king of the Navagrahas, representing the soul, ego, vitality, and leadership. It signifies our core identity, our father, authority figures, and our ability to shine and be recognized. A strong Sun in a birth chart often indicates good health, confidence, and a prominent position in society. In Tamil culture, Surya is worshipped as a visible deity, with many temples dedicated to him, especially the Sun Temple at Konark, though it is in Odisha, its influence is felt across India, including Tamil Nadu. The daily worship of the Sun, particularly during sunrise, is a common practice, believed to bestow energy and ward off negativity.

When the Sun is well-placed in a Tamil astrological chart, it can manifest as a natural leader, someone with charisma and a strong sense of purpose. Conversely, a weak or afflicted Sun might suggest issues with self-esteem, authority, or health, particularly concerning the heart or eyes. Understanding Surya's position helps in identifying areas where one might need to cultivate inner strength and assertiveness. For instance, a reading might reveal that a person's struggles with public speaking stem from a challenging Sun placement, and the advice might involve performing Surya Namaskar (sun salutations) or chanting the Surya Gayatri Mantra to bolster their confidence.

The Moon (Chandra / চন্দ্র)

The Moon, known as Chandra (சந்திரன்) in Tamil, governs the mind, emotions, mother, nurturing, and intuition. It reflects our inner world, our subconscious, and our capacity for empathy and emotional well-being. The Moon's influence is deeply tied to our feelings, moods, and our relationship with our mother or maternal figures. In Tamil astrology, the Moon's position at the time of birth is particularly crucial, as it determines the Janma Nakshatra (birth star), which significantly impacts personality and life events.

A well-placed Moon can lead to a sensitive, compassionate, and intuitive individual, often with a nurturing disposition. However, an afflicted Moon can manifest as emotional instability, anxiety, depression, or difficulties in relationships, especially with the mother. For example, if a client is experiencing persistent mood swings, an astrologer might examine their Moon's placement and suggest remedies like wearing silver, meditating on the Moon's calming energy, or fostering a stronger emotional connection with their mother. The Moon's cycle also plays a role, with the full moon often associated with heightened emotions and the new moon with introspection.

Mars (Sevvai / মঙ্গল)

Mars, or Sevvai (செவ்வாய்) in Tamil, is the fiery planet of action, energy, courage, aggression, and passion. It governs our drive, ambition, physical strength, and our ability to assert ourselves. Mars is also associated with siblings, particularly brothers, and with accidents, injuries, and conflicts. In Tamil astrology, Mars is a potent force, and its placement can indicate one's level of courage, impulsiveness, and ability to overcome obstacles.

When Mars is favorably positioned, it bestows courage, determination, and a pioneering spirit. Individuals with a strong Mars are often athletic, energetic, and possess a natural leadership quality in times of crisis. However, an afflicted Mars can lead to anger issues, impatience, impulsivity, recklessness, and a tendency towards conflict or violence. A common concern in Tamil astrology is Chevvai Dosha (Mars affliction), which is believed to affect marital harmony if Mars is placed in certain houses in the birth chart. Remedies often involve appeasing Mars through specific rituals or wearing red coral. For instance, a couple facing marital discord might be advised to perform pujas for Lord Murugan, the Tamil deity often associated with Mars, to mitigate the negative effects.

Mercury (Budhan / বুধ)

Mercury, or Budhan (புதன்) in Tamil, is the planet of intellect, communication, logic, learning, and adaptability. It governs our ability to think, speak, write, and process information. Mercury influences our communication style, our skills in business and trade, and our relationships with siblings, particularly sisters. It is also associated with youthful energy and curiosity.

A well-aspected Mercury signifies a sharp mind, excellent communication skills, and a quick wit. Individuals with a strong Mercury are often good at analysis, negotiation, and learning new subjects. Conversely, a weak or afflicted Mercury can lead to difficulties in communication, learning disabilities, indecisiveness, or a tendency towards gossip and deception. For instance, if a student is struggling with their studies, an astrologer might look at Mercury's position and suggest practices that enhance mental clarity, such as chanting the Mercury mantra or engaging in activities that stimulate the mind.

Jupiter (Guru / বৃহস্পতি)

Jupiter, known as Guru (குரு) or Vyazhan (வியாழன்) in Tamil, is the great benefic, the planet of wisdom, knowledge, expansion, luck, and spirituality. It represents teachers, gurus, higher learning, philosophy, religion, and fortune. Jupiter is often seen as a benevolent force, bestowing blessings, abundance, and good fortune. In Tamil culture, the Guru is highly revered, and Jupiter's influence is seen as guiding individuals towards spiritual growth and prosperity.

When Jupiter is well-placed, it brings wisdom, optimism, and good fortune. Individuals with a strong Jupiter are often knowledgeable, ethical, and blessed with opportunities. However, an afflicted Jupiter can lead to overconfidence, extravagance, dogmatism, or difficulties in spiritual pursuits. For example, someone seeking career advancement might be advised to honor their teachers and elders, as this is believed to please Guru and attract favorable opportunities. A well-placed Jupiter can also indicate a strong spiritual inclination and a life path guided by higher principles.

Venus (Shukra / শুক্র)

Venus, or Shukra (சுக்கிரன்) in Tamil, is the planet of love, beauty, relationships, pleasure, art, and luxury. It governs our romantic life, our artistic talents, our sense of aesthetics, and our material comforts. Venus influences our ability to attract, our social graces, and our enjoyment of life's pleasures. In Tamil astrology, Venus is deeply connected to marital happiness and sensual fulfillment.

A strong Venus signifies a charming personality, artistic talent, and a harmonious love life. Individuals with a well-placed Venus are often attractive, diplomatic, and enjoy the finer things in life. Conversely, an afflicted Venus can lead to relationship problems, excessive indulgence, financial difficulties, or a lack of appreciation for beauty. For instance, if a person is experiencing challenges in their romantic relationships, an astrologer might examine Venus's position and suggest remedies like wearing diamonds or pearls, or engaging in activities that foster love and harmony.

Saturn (Sani / শনি)

Saturn, known as Sani (சனி) in Tamil, is the planet of discipline, responsibility, karma, limitations, and long-term consequences. It governs structure, order, hardship, and the lessons we learn through experience. Saturn is often feared due to its association with delays, obstacles, and karma, but it also represents resilience, perseverance, and the rewards of hard work. In Tamil astrology, Sani Peyarchi (Saturn's transit) is a significant event, as Saturn’s seven-and-a-half-year transit (Ezharai Sani) through different zodiac signs is believed to bring about major life changes.

When Saturn is well-placed, it bestows discipline, patience, and the ability to achieve long-term goals. Individuals with a strong Saturn are often responsible, methodical, and possess great endurance. However, an afflicted Saturn can lead to pessimism, fear, delays, and a sense of burden or restriction. For example, during the period of Ezharai Sani, individuals are often advised to be patient, diligent, and practice detachment, as Saturn teaches valuable lessons through challenges. Offerings to Lord Hanuman or Lord Shiva are often recommended during this time to mitigate Saturn's challenging effects.

Rahu (রাহু)

Rahu is not a physical planet but a shadow planet, representing the ascending node of the Moon. In Tamil astrology, Rahu symbolizes worldly desires, ambition, obsession, illusion, foreign influences, and sudden, often unexpected, events. It governs our cravings, our material pursuits, and our tendency towards unconventional or rebellious behavior. Rahu can amplify desires and bring about both great success and significant downfall, often through deceptive means or unforeseen circumstances.

When Rahu is well-placed, it can grant immense ambition, a sharp intellect, and the ability to achieve great success in material endeavors, often in unconventional fields. However, Rahu's influence can also lead to greed, addiction, confusion, and a disconnect from spiritual reality. For instance, a person experiencing a strong Rahu influence might be intensely driven to achieve wealth or fame, but without proper grounding, they might face ethical dilemmas or unexpected setbacks. Remedies often involve chanting mantras or performing rituals to appease Rahu.

Ketu (কেতু)

Ketu is the other shadow planet, representing the descending node of the Moon. In Tamil astrology, Ketu symbolizes detachment, spirituality, liberation, past karma, intuition, and spiritual knowledge. It governs our subconscious patterns, our intuition, and our spiritual inclinations. Ketu can lead to renunciation, spiritual awakening, and a desire to transcend the material world. It is often associated with isolation or a sense of being disconnected from worldly affairs.

When Ketu is well-placed, it can bestow deep spiritual insight, intuition, and a sense of detachment from material possessions, leading to enlightenment or moksha. Individuals with a strong Ketu may have a natural inclination towards spirituality, meditation, and esoteric studies. However, an afflicted Ketu can lead to confusion, a lack of direction, isolation, and a feeling of dissatisfaction with worldly life. For instance, a person feeling a strong pull towards spiritual pursuits might have a well-placed Ketu, guiding them towards self-discovery and inner peace. Remedies for Ketu often involve acts of charity and spiritual practices that foster detachment.

The Interplay of the Navagrahas

Understanding the individual influence of each of the nine planets is crucial, but their true power lies in their interplay within a birth chart. The aspects they cast upon each other, their conjunctions, and their placement in different houses of the astrological chart create a unique cosmic fingerprint for each individual. Tamil astrology, with its emphasis on precise calculations and traditional interpretations, offers a detailed framework for analyzing these complex interactions.

For example, the relationship between Jupiter and Saturn is often seen as a balance between expansion and limitation, wisdom and discipline. The connection between Mars and Venus can indicate the nature of one's passions and romantic expression. The Moon's connection with Rahu or Ketu can significantly impact emotional stability and spiritual inclinations.

Modern life, with its rapid changes and complex challenges, often leads people to seek guidance from ancient wisdom. The Navagrahas, as understood in Tamil astrology, provide a timeless framework for navigating these complexities. Whether it's understanding career aspirations influenced by Mars and Jupiter, emotional well-being governed by the Moon, or spiritual growth guided by Ketu, the study of these nine celestial forces offers profound insights.

As we move through 2025, the celestial energies continue to shift, influencing global events and personal journeys. By understanding the Tamil names and significations of the Navagrahas, individuals can gain a deeper appreciation for the cosmic forces that shape their lives. This knowledge empowers them to make more conscious choices, cultivate inner strengths, and harmonize their energies with the universe, leading to a more fulfilling and spiritually aware existence. Embracing the wisdom of Tamil astrology is not just about predicting the future; it's about understanding the present and empowering oneself to create a more balanced and purposeful life.