Navagraha are nine heavenly bodies and deities that influence human life on Earth according to Hinduism and Hindu astrology. Mangal, is the astrological ruler of the red planet, Mars.
The theme of color red is reflected in Mangal’s iconography, as he is often depicted to have red skin. Just like Kartikeya, the Hindu god of war, Mangal is also affiliated with war, battlefield and weaponry which is reflected in his visual depictions as he is shown armed with multiple weapons like a sword, a mace, and a spear. Tuesday or Mangalvaar is the day associated with the celestial deity
Mars or Mangal is taken to be the son of Earth, personified as Bhoomi Devi. When Earth was lying submerged under the cosmic ocean, stolen by the demon Hiranyaksha, Vishnu in his incarnation as Varaha brought it out on his tusks and placed it in orbit.
He embraced Bhoomi Devi and gifted her a red coral as a token of their courtship. But Bhoomi Devi dropped the coral into the ocean. From the coral emerged a beautiful red child who got the name Lohitanga, which translates into red-limbed body. The child is also called Bhooma, meaning Bhoomi’s son.
In astrology a person can be considered Manglik, and this is not considered favorable for marriage. Mangal is the commander of the planets and is said to be of Kshatriya (warrior) caste. When it occupies a strong, exalted position in one’s horoscope, it bestows courage, vitality, vigour, initiative and aggression. In an unfavourable position, it results in vices of anger, cruelty, dishonesty, jealousy and rash disposition. A weak Mars makes for lack of ambition, stamina and drive in a person. Articles like wheat, red cloth, red flowers, copper and sandalwood are offered to the deity during prayers.
