One of the many recent fetes of Indian space science in recent years has been its successful journey of Mangalyaan to Mars, the red planet that has been a center of attraction for astronomers for centuries. However, when we turn to the cultural traditions of India, the ancient sages too deliberated on Mars, known as “Mangala” the fortunate one, though many fear Mangala as a negative or evil planet.
In Indian astrology or Jyotisha, Mangala is thus the third in the Navagraha or nine planets, a powerful, warrior deity, whose benevolence brings might, strength, and vigor of spirit. So, who is Mangala, the seemingly paradoxical planet who is related to both Vishnu and Shiva? Let us find out.
In the earliest texts- the Veda and the literary tradition that follows, Mangala appears not as a planetary deity but as a term that means “auspiciousness”. Patanjali’s grammatical work and Mimamsa tradition also mention Mangala, not in its astrological sense but as a blissful and fortunate state.
In the Markandeya Purana, a unique stotram known as “Kavacham” or shield is mentioned, dedicated to Mangala. This Mangala Kavacham is recited to bring benevolence of the planet in the life of an individual. The Puranas and their discussions on astrology are thus places where stories of Mangala, the Lord of Mars are best preserved.
The story or rather stories of Mangala’s birth are intriguing tales that underline Hindu culture’s unique nature. The birth of Mangala is described in both Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions, each relating Mangala to its main deity.
According to the Vaishnava narrative, when Vishnu took the avatar or incarnation of Varaha, the boar, and brought Bhudevi out from the captivity of Hiranyaksha, his tusks pierced into the Earth in the process, infusing Earth with his essence, which then became Bhauma (the son of Bhumi or earth).
Inversely, the Shaiva traditions tell us that mourning for Sati, his beloved wife, Shiva immersed himself in a deep Yogi state. During this, drops of his sweat fell on the Earth and took the form of a child. Seeing the child left unattended, goddess Earth took the form of a woman and looked after him, which is why he came to be known as the son of Earth or Dharaputra and Bhauma.
Though Shaiva and Vaishnava traditions have their own stories, both agree that Mangala is the son of Earth or Bhumisut.
Mangala in Indian iconography is envisioned as a red-colored divine being, which is the reason behind his name- “Raktavarna” (blood-colored) and Lohitanga (he who has a red-colored body, or iron bodied). He is described as a warrior, wearing the garb of a commander of an army, four-armed, carrying a spear, mace, lotus, and trident.
The vahana or mount of Mangala is a Ram- the male goat. The animal is also associated with Aries or Mesha Rashi in the horoscope, a birth sign linked with physical and mental strength and determination, virtues that come with the blessings of Mangala.
The son of Shiva (or Vishnu), was soon made aware of his divine origins. To know what the purpose of his life was, Bhauma went to the city of Shiva-Kashi and prayed to Mahadeva. His austerities pleased Shiva, who blessed him with a seat in the Navagraha mandala and made him the Lord of the planet Mars.
Another legend from Tamil Nadu centered around the Vaitheeswaran Koli, dedicated to Shiva’s form as Vaidyanath (the Lord of Healers) tells that Angaraka (he who is as red as the burning coal) or Mangala was once suffering from leprosy and visited the temple. He was treated and healed by Shiva. A shrine dedicated to Angaraka (Mars) is present in this temple complex where his icon is established and is worshipped by those who suffer from the Dosha or ill effects of Angaraka.
Both Mangala and Karttikeya are sons of Bhagawan Shiva according to Hindu tradition, and both are associated with Agni, the element of Fire. While Karttikeya was carried by Agni during his birth, Mangala is linked with fiery and fierce nature of a warrior. The red color of Mangala and heat, which is a component of his birth (from sweat) as well as the temperature of the planet itself also bring Mangala and Agni closer.
Both the deities are warrior gods, the embodiments of qualities of Kshatriya, valorous, resolute, and immensely powerful. These similarities could be the reason behind Karttikeya or Skanda’s association with Mangala in Indian astrology. Jyotisha places Karttikeya as the head deity of the planet Mars, whose worship helps minimize the negative impact of Mangala in life.
Mangala - Navagraha (The Nine Planet Series)
A steadfast and headstrong divine being, Mangala in Jyotisha is the manifestation of masculine and warrior-like qualities. His positive impacts make a person focused and unshakable in their resolutions, making them successful individuals and leaders and giving them the aura of a king. However, those who have a weak Mangala in their Kundali could experience a lack of motivation and strength and bouts of anger and stubbornness.
Despite all the fears around the planet, Mangala actually gives positive results and has the ability to enhance the quality of life for individuals. Jyotisha thus suggests people seeking beneficent results from the planet worship Mangala on Tuesday, the second day of the week also known as Mangalvar (the day of Mangala).
ॐ क्राम क्रीम सः भौमाय नमः (Om Kram Kreem Sah Bhaumaye Namah) or ॐ अंग अंगरकाय नमः (Om Ang Angarakaye Namah) are two of the powerful mantras of Mangala, which are recited by worshippers for positive results of the planet. The Yantra of Mangala and his image is also revered by devotees.
The lessons from Mangala’s effects are simply that one should learn how to control raging emotions, and like a commander, one should know how to run the army of their own thoughts. Once these capabilities develop, ruling strength, valour, and anger, Mangala is one who drives a person to great and virtuous heights.
Your email address will not be published *
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist