The Navagraha Puja, or worship of the nine celestial bodies in Vedic astrology, is conducted to seek the blessings and mitigate the malefic effects of these planets. The Navagrahas include the Sun (Surya), Moon (Chandra), Mars (Mangal), Mercury (Budha), Jupiter (Brihaspati), Venus (Shukra), Saturn (Shani), Rahu, and Ketu.

Here is a general guide on how the Navagraha Puja is conducted:

Preparation:

1. Purification:
   • The worshipper begins by purifying themselves through a ritualistic bath or cleansing.
2. Setting Up the Altar:
   • An altar or sacred space is prepared for the puja. Images or representations of the Navagrahas are arranged, and the space is adorned with flowers, fruits, and other auspicious items.

Navagraha Puja Steps:

3. Ganapati Puja:
   • The puja typically starts with the invocation of Lord Ganesha to remove obstacles and ensure the success of the ritual.
4. Sankalp (Resolution):
   • The worshipper makes a formal resolution or declaration of the purpose of the puja, expressing their intent to appease the Navagrahas.
5. Kalasha Puja:
   • A Kalasha (sacred pot) is prepared with water, mango leaves, and a coconut. The Kalasha symbolizes the presence of deities. The worshipper offers prayers to the Kalasha.
6. Navagraha Avahana (Invocation):
   • The Navagrahas are invoked one by one using specific mantras and prayers. The worshipper may visualize each planet and recite their respective mantras.
7. Navagraha Gayatri Mantras:
   • Gayatri mantras dedicated to each Navagraha are chanted during the puja. Devotees may recite these mantras for each planet.
8. Offerings:
   • Devotees make offerings of various items associated with each planet. For example, wheat for the Sun, rice for the Moon, red flowers for Mars, green gram for Mercury, yellow flowers for Jupiter, white flowers for Venus, black sesame seeds for Saturn, and so on.
9. Arati:
   • An arati (light offering) is performed, usually with a camphor flame, to conclude the puja. The flame is waved in a circular motion in front of the deities.
10. Prasadam Distribution:
    • Prasadam (consecrated food) is offered to the deities and then distributed among the devotees as a divine blessing.

Additional Practices:

11. Navagraha Homa (Fire Ritual):
    • In some cases, a Navagraha Homa is performed where offerings are made into the sacred fire while chanting mantras for each planet.
12. Navagraha Yantra Puja:
    • Worship of Navagraha Yantras (sacred geometrical diagrams) may be included in the puja. Yantras associated with each planet are worshipped.

Timing:

• The Navagraha Puja is often conducted on specific days favorable to each planet or during planetary transits to enhance the efficacy of the worship.

Consultation with a Priest or Astrologer:

• It is advisable to seek guidance from a qualified priest or astrologer who can guide on specific rituals and practices based on individual astrological charts and circumstances.

While the steps above provide a general guideline, variations in the Navagraha Puja may exist based on regional traditions and individual preferences.