Their names are derived from either comets or from the dark and somewhat hostile planets of the solar system (Neptune and Pluto). The remaining two deities are actually demons who managed to gain a place in the pantheon through an act of trickery. Of the nine deities, seven are named after the planets in the solar system, and correspond with the names of the seven days in the week of the Hindu calendar. Devotees usually propitiate these gods before offering prayers to the main deity in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. They are found in most Hindu temples either grouped together on a panel or on a pedestal in commonly visible areas of the temple. They are worshipped in Hinduism for good luck or to overcome adversity, bad luck or misfortune arising from past karmas or birth related defects (dhoshas. The nine planets are collectively known as Navagrahas. Depending upon where these planets are located at the time of a person’s birth, Hindus believe that the possibilities and potentialities of his life and energies are determined well in advance. Hindu astronomy is based upon the configuration of the nine planets and their collective influence on the world in general and each individual in particular. Just as many ancient civilizations had their own versions of astronomy, Hindus had their own version of astronomy from very ancient times.
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