Mangal, meaning auspicious in Sanskrit, is the name of Mars God in Indian mythology. He is also called Angaraka, the ferocious god of war and conflict. He is also known by various other names like Kuja, Powma, etc. Considered to be the son of Prithvi or Bhumi, he is identified with Lord Subramanya. Mars is referred to as a ‘hot planet’ and protector of Dharma. Among planets Mars represents friendly and kind physical strength and action. The energy of Mars is intense, natural and sometimes instinctive. Our action carries physical dynamism and courage with positive Mars energy. We live each day with the enthusiasm of a child and with fresh desire to discover life thanks to this energy. Mesha rashi (Medam) and Vrischika Rashi (Vrischigam) (Aries and Scorpio signs) are ruled by Mangala or planet Mars.
Mars rules a person’s sexual energy in astrology. He controls the muscular system of the body an also rules over nose, forehead and circulatory systems. His vehicle is Ram (a type of sheep) and his color is red. The day of Mangala or Mars is Tuesday and gemstone is coral. Pullirukkuvelur Vaitheeswaran Koil in near Sirkazhi in Tamilnadu is one of the famous temples of Mangala or Kujan.
As depicted in our scriptures, he is said to be wear a red garland, dressed in red-coloured robes. With four arms, He holds weapons in his two hands while the other two hands are held in abhaya and varada mudras. carrying Shakti, Shoola, Gada (mace) and Vara. His mount is a ram, symbolic of the raw force and energy. Also called Kuja, and Angara, Mars represents Vitality and Revitalization; Start and Re-start; Birth and Rebirth
In vedic astrology, Like Surya, the Sun, Mars most powerful position is in the 10th House. He is a particularly beneficial planet for Cancer or Leo Ascendants. His nature is PITTA, or fiery. His gem is red coral and his direction is south. Mars’ day is Tuesday and he reaches full maturity at age 28.
Mangal is the Lord of “Mesha”; and “Vrischika”. He stays 1 1/2 months in each Rasi taking 18 months to complete the cycle.
In yogic world, Our first chakra that is located beneath the spinal cord is called the Mooladhara. Mars, which is also the ruler of the sign Aries, governs this center known also as the root chakra. The mooladhara chakra represents innocence, purity, pure childlike joy, wisdom, sense of direction and a strong connection with earth and life. If this chakra is strong within us, it gives us wisdom and decisiveness in our action, the ability to find the right direction in life and to make correct decisions.
Badly affected Mars takes a person to extremes. Similarly, the Mooladhara chakra governs the reproductive organs but its sensitivity is harmed due to extremes and things that are not innocent. We can feel the purity within us and have the desire to live accordingly as our first chakra becomes stronger.
Mangal Gayathri chanted to free one from debts, poverty and illness afflicting the skin. This graha bestows property and conveyance (Locomotion). A prayer to Angaraka can restore loss of eyesight.Tuesdays are intended for the worship of Angaraka who loves the chanting of Sama Veda. If one observes the fast on Tuesday for 21 times, the unlucky influence of Tuesday (Mangal) can be got rid off.
Om Padmatwajaya Vidhmahe
Hema Roopaya Dheemahe
Thanno Mangal Prachodayath.
While the body’s health is important, it is vital to maintain one’s mental well-being and strength; to bring beauty and prosperity to one’s life. Let Mangal guide us to this tranquility, since material wealth loses its glamor when the mind is unstable.
