GREETINGS

Swamiji:

There is definitely some effect of the celestial bodies on the life of human beings. This is exemplified by some changes in behaviors that happen on full moon, animals going into labour around full moon or no moon days,  changes in body functions related to the lunar cycle etc. But that does not mean our life is completely under the control of planets and stars. More importantly the influence of the stars is almost zero in the life of a person who is under the Divine Grace. Navagraha worship is not part of the real Vedic tradition and may have been borne of fear of these celestial bodies’ influences on our lives. Instead of fearing the stars, it is important to maintain the power to resist their influence with regular Sadhana as astrology itself says that grahas cannot influence people under the blessings of Bhagavan. Navagrahas are hence maintained in temples under the control of the Presiding deity. Hari Om.