In any large organisation, a hierarchical structure ensures smooth functioning. The Chairman or CEO is not approached for minor day-to-day issues; instead, supervisors and departmental heads handle them.

A similar system exists in the higher realms that govern life on Earth. God is the Supreme Force, and various cosmic functions are assigned to specific devas (deities). This is a universal principle found across cultures and spiritual traditions.

In Vedic astrology, the nine planets are not merely celestial bodies; they also represent divine intelligences bearing the same names. Each planet is also governed by a particular devatā. Thus, every remedial measure—worship, mantra, donation, gemstones, yantras—is directed towards the divine form of the planet or its presiding deity.

Teachings of Sage Parāśara

The great Maharishi Parāśara states in Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, Graha-Śānti Viveka Adhyāya, ślokas 2–3:

“The joys and sorrows of all beings in this world are under the influence of the planets. Therefore, for peace, prosperity, rain, longevity and well-being, one should always perform yajña—worship, service of saints, listening to their discourses, and giving charity.”

The message is clear: propitiation of planets is an approved and essential part of Vedic astrology.

The Law of Karma

A universal law governs divine justice—the Law of Karma.
All good and bad actions performed over countless lives accumulate as Sanchita Karma.

A portion of this karmic storehouse, selected for fruition in the present life, is known as Prārabdha Karma. This Prārabdha manifests as the birth chart of the native.

Part of the Prārabdha is strong and unavoidable, but a portion is relatively weak.
Ill effects arising from this weaker karma can be reduced or neutralised through proper remedial measures.

An expert astrologer must therefore:

Identify the afflicted or weak planet,
Prescribe the correct remedy.

Do Remedial Measures Really Work?

Yes—they do. Even if one is sceptical, these measures still operate.
A logical framework helps build conviction:

All human suffering results from violating universal laws—whether in this life or past lives.
The planets representing those laws become “offended”.
Remedies are methods to appease, harmonise, or strengthen the relevant planetary forces.

Success depends on the same four principles that determine the effectiveness of medical treatment:

Correct diagnosis
Correct prescription
Sincere execution
Divine Will

We must perform our part with full faith and sincerity, leaving the results to God.

Types of Remedial Measures

Vedic tradition offers several methods to mitigate planetary afflictions. These include worship, charity, mantra-japa, gemstones, kavacha, yantras, herbs and even specific medicinal ashes.

1. Upāsanā (Worship)

The word upāsanā means “to sit near” — to draw closer to the divine form of the planet.

Śloka 23 of Bṛhat Parāśara Horā Śāstra, Graha-Śānti Viveka, states:

“One should worship the planet that is weak, malefic, posited in a malefic place or debilitated in the chart.”

The planets have been empowered by Brahmā to bless those who worship them.

2. Dāna (Charity)

Giving specific items associated with an afflicted planet helps pacify it.
Charity must be given with humility and without display.

Items to Give for Rahu

(From Śloka 9, Dāna Adhyāya, Jātakabharaṇa)

Hessonite (Gomed)
Horse
Blue clothes
Blanket
Sesame
Sesame oil
Iron

Items to Give for Ketu

(From Śloka 10, Dāna Adhyāya, Jātakabharaṇa)

Cat’s Eye (Lehsunia)
Sesame
Oil
Blanket
Musk
Sword

3. Mantra Japa

Mantras are powerful vibrational formulas that pacify and strengthen planets.
They must be recited with concentration for the prescribed count.

Mantras for Rahu

Recite 18,000 times, preferably at night:

Om Rāṁ Rahave Namaḥ
Om Bhrāṁ Bhṛīṁ Bhruṁ Saḥ Rahave Namaḥ

Mantras for Ketu

Recite 17,000 times, preferably at night:

Om Keṁ Ketave Namaḥ
Om Strāṁ Strīṁ Straūṁ Saḥ Ketave Namaḥ

4. Gemstone Therapy (Ratna-dhāraṇa)

Gemstones amplify the strength of planets.
They must NEVER be worn for malefic or harmful planets without expert guidance.

For Rahu

Hessonite (Gomed)
Substitutes: Brown agate, brown tourmaline, brown zircon
Metal: Panchdhātu
Finger: Middle finger (right hand)

For Ketu

Cat’s Eye Chrysoberyl (Lehsunia / Cymophane)
Substitutes: Tiger’s Eye, Alexandrite
Metal: Panchdhātu
Finger: Little finger (right hand)

5. Kavacha Pāṭha (Protective Shields)

Kavacha means armour.
Reciting kavacha verses acts as a spiritual shield against planetary afflictions.

6. Yantra

A yantra is a geometric talisman charged with mantras.

Rahu Yantra

Engrave on silver or saptadhātu
Day: Saturday
Paksha: Krishna (dark half)
Nakshatra: Ardra, Swati or Shatabhisha
Recite Rahu mantra (minimum 3 malas)
Wrap in smoke-coloured cloth and keep with you

Ketu Yantra

Engrave on silver or saptadhātu
Day: Tuesday
Paksha: Shukla (bright half)
Nakshatra: Ashwini, Magha or Moola
Recite Ketu mantra (minimum 3 malas)
Keep in pocket wrapped in cloth

7. Herbs (Oṣadhi)

Herbal talismans are powerful and time-tested.

Rahu Herb

White Sandalwood (Śveta Chandan)

Ketu Herb

Root of Ashgandh (Ashwagandha / Physalis flexuosa)

The herb is tied in a thread and worn.

8. Consuming the Bhasma (Ash) of Gemstones

⚠️ Important: This must be done ONLY under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic doctor.

Bhasma of Hessonite (Rahu)

(From Rasratna Samuccaya, Ch. 4, Śloka 56)

Benefits:

Cures phlegm and pitta disorders
Helps tuberculosis and jaundice
Improves digestion
Enhances intelligence
Treats skin diseases

Bhasma of Cat’s Eye (Ketu)

(From Rasratna Samuccaya, Ch. 4, Śloka 59)