Navagraha temples are temples devoted to Navagraha – the nine (nava) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These celestial bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Chevvaai/Mangal (Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru/Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node).
Shani is the Lord of Saturday and embodied in the planet Saturn. Shani Dev is Known as God Of Justice. It is said that when Shani opened his eyes as a baby for the very first time, the sun went into an eclipse, which clearly denotes the impact of Shani on astrological charts. He is known as the greatest teacher and well wisher for the righteous as well the greatest punisher for those who follow the path of evil, betrayal, backstabbing and unjust revenge. Shani is depicted as dark in colour, black clothed, holding sword, arrows and two daggers. He is depicted to be mounted on a black crow. He is also known as Shanaiscar Shani Bhagavan, Shaneesvara, Saneesvara, Shaneesvaran, Shani Deva.
Father of Lord Shani – Surya or Lord Sun, Mother of Lord Shani – Chhaya (Suvarna), Brother of Lord Shani – Yamaraj, Savarni Manu and Ashwani Kumar, Sister of Lord Shani – Yamuna, Tapti and Bhadra, Teacher of Lord Shani – Surya or Lord Sun.
