About History of Shree Navgrah Mandir, Khargone
Ancient Shree Navgrah Mandir, Khargone
The Nine Planets Mandir, commonly known as Navgrah Mandir, is an ancient temple located in Khargone Town, Madhya Pradesh, with a remarkable history of 250 years. Built by Shree Sheshappa Sukhawadhani Weragkar, this temple is a symbol of devotion and faith, maintained by his family for generations. Its rich cultural significance has earned Khargone the title of “Navgrah ki Nagri” or "The City of Navgrah (Nine Planets)," attracting thousands of devotees annually.
Situated on the serene banks of the Kunda River, the temple stands as a unique religious site. The first floor of the temple houses idols of Panchmukhi Mahadev, Maa Saraswati, and Shri Ram Panchayatan, alongside representations of Shatrughna, Hanuman, Laxman, Bharat, and Kamdhenu, symbolizing universal welfare.
The temple's Garbhagriha Sthali, the sanctum sanctorum, enshrines idols of Maa Baglamukhi Devi with her Brahmastra Chakra and Surya Narayana with his Surya Chakra Yantra. The Parikrama Sthali, or circumambulatory path, features depictions of eight other planets—Rahu, Ketu, Moon, Budh, Mangal, Shani, Shukra, and Guru—each adorned with their respective Yantras, Vahans, weapons, and symbols.
The temple is famously known as Pitambara Graha Shanti Peeth, where Maa Baglamukhi resides alongside Lord Surya Narayana. On the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti, special pujas such as Navgrah Puja and Surya Darshan Puja are performed to appease the nine planets. This is also the time of the Navgrah Mela, held annually in January and February, drawing thousands of devotees.
According to Acharya Lokesh Jagirdar, the foundation of this temple is based on the sacred mantra:
“Brahma Murari Tripurantkari, Bhanu Shashi Bhumisuto Budhasch!! Gurusch Shukra Shani Rahu Ketuvah Sarve Graha Shanti Kara Bhavantu!!”
This mantra embodies the essence of planetary peace and harmony.
It is believed that the temple uniquely houses Lord Brahma, the father of the Universe, represented in the form of Goddess Laxmi, and Lord Murari, symbolized by Shri Ram Tripurantkari, as well as Shree Panchmukhi Mahadev.
The Garbhagriha, or sanctum sanctorum, is the sacred seat of the Pitambara Graha Shanti Peeth, where Goddess Baglamukhi resides along with the Brahmastra Chakra. Additionally, the Suryanarayan Mandir and the Parikrama Sthali serve as the designated abodes for the other planets. The Suryanarayan Temple enshrines Lord Suryanarayan, depicted with his chariot of seven horses and the Siddha Ashtadal Suryayantra.
Planetary Placement in the Temple:
The arrangement of the planets in the Parikrama Sthali aligns with the Navgraha Dosha Nivaran sequence:
- Center: Surya (Sun)
- East: Budh (Mercury), Shukra (Venus), and Chandra (Moon).
- South: Mangal (Mars).
- North: Guru Brihaspati (Jupiter).
- West: Rahu, Ketu, and Shani (Saturn)
The Sun (Surya) holds the central and most significant position, as he is considered the King of all planets. This prominence is reflected in the temple's rituals and its architectural focus.
Annual Grand Festival:
A grand festival is held every year on "Makar Sankranti", during which rituals and pujas are performed with great devotion. This event sees a massive turnout of devotees who participate in graha dosha nivaran pujas and offer their prayers to achieve planetary harmony and success.
The Navgraha Temple, with its spiritual alignment and sacred energy, serves as a beacon of hope and divine blessings for devotees seeking relief from planetary afflictions and inner peace.
Unique Features of Navgrah Mandir:
- The temple's seven stairs symbolize the seven days of the week.
- The twelve stairs of the Garbhagriha represent the 12 zodiac signs and months of the Hindu calendar.
- The temple's design and rituals emphasize Surya Narayana, regarded as the king of all planets.
- It is the only temple in India where all the gods representing nine planets reside together.
- Maa Baglamukhi, the goddess of protection and power, is the presiding deity here.
Associated Planets and Deities Placed in this temple:
| Planet | Associated Deity |
|---|---|
| Sun | Lord Rama |
| Moon | Panchmukhi Mahadev |
| Mangal | Purvamukhi Hanuman |
| Budh | Lord Ganesha |
| Guru | Lord Dattatreya |
| Shukra | Goddess Laxmi |
| Shani | Balabhairav |
| Rahu | Saraswati |
| Ketu | Nagdevta |
Performing pujas like Navgrah Shanti Puja, Baglamukhi Puja Abhishekam, or Panchamukhi Mahadev Rudrabhishekam at this temple with utmost faith can help devotees pacify planetary doshas, overcome life obstacles, and achieve peace and prosperity.
Highlights of the Temple:
- Represents the Trimurti (Brahma, Vishnu, and Mahesh) as pillars of the temple.
- Recognized as a Surya Pradhan Temple, emphasizing the importance of Surya Narayana.
- Annual Navgrah Mela and Makar Sankranti rituals make it a hub for spiritual gatherings.
- A unique architectural and spiritual blend of planetary symbolism.
The Navgrah Mandir, with its extraordinary design and rituals, is an unparalleled temple in India. Devotees from all corners of the world visit to seek blessings, perform graha shanti pujas, and connect with the divine energies of the nine planets and Goddess Baglamukhi.
