Mars (Mangal) symbolizes masculine characteristics like strength of body, assertiveness, courage, and confidence. It rules over two sidereal signs – Aries and Scorpio. Being of tamas guna energy type it provides tremendous amounts of vitality and energy to both signs.
Hindu mythology recognizes Mars as one of the nine planets or navagrahas. Alternatively known as Angaraka and Kuja.
Origin
Mars, often considered the fiery planet that brings aggression, anger and violence is often associated with masculine traits such as strength, valor and belief in oneself. Angaraka – commonly depicted with four hands holding weapons such as spears or Vel – is said to be Shiva’s son from nursing mother stars of zodiac constellation Kritika; in South India however he is worshipped as Murugan who is worshipped as the war god known for defeating Taraka demon.
Mars was an extremely influential deity in early Rome. He served as patron to both military and civilian alike and had numerous cults dedicated to him. One iconic tale from Ovid’s Fasti recounts how Mars pursued Vestal Virgin Rhea Silvia but she rejected his advances, prompting Mars to seek help from Anna Perenna (goddess of time and change of years), who reluctantly agreed and assisted Mars in winning her love.
Hindu astrology considers Mars to be one of nine “grahas,” or planets, known collectively as “navagrahas.” Each planet represents one aspect of nature and influences both individuals and global affairs; each planet has an associated day during the week that highlights their role and significance over time.
Jyotisha, or traditional Indian astrology, uses nine planets or “navagrahas” as part of its system of Jyotisha to influence individual karmas while simultaneously representing various elements of creation; for instance Venus influences love and romance while Saturn governs wealth and money.
Devotion
Mars, being an aggressive planet and swift in its action, has an indelible mark upon courage, aggression, physical strength and self-dependence. Furthermore, Mars can bring forth primitive tendencies such as power-hunger or desire for dominance – not forgetting their fighting abilities! Mars can be beneficial or detrimental, depending on its position and aspect in a birth chart. Mars is linked with Aries and Scorpio zodiac signs. Natural malefic, Jupiter can bring success in career fields including engineering, construction, entrepreneurship, military services and police work when used properly. He rules both Angular and Triangle houses and is highly beneficial to Cancerian and Leo ascendants alike. Its color is red, while it resides at the southern point in our solar system or graha mandala; Tuesday marks its day of full maturity at age 28.
Hindu mythology describes Mars as Mangala or Angaraka – it is a red warrior god worshiped throughout India who holds four weapons – spear, mace, lotus flower and trident. Riding a goat/ram/goat. One of nine Navagrahas. Lord Kartikeya – son of Lord Shiva and Bhumi Devi who is worshipped as Lord Kartikeya is worshipped all across India under various other names including Kumaraswamy Subramanya Velayudham or Vadivel among many others.
He is revered as the head of the divine army and represents energy, force and passion. People affected by an imbalanced Mars may become volatile and difficult to manage; taking risks without hesitation while challenging authorities if necessary and often becoming embroiled in quarrels. Additionally, this deity is known for inspiring lustful desires within them.
Prayer is one of the best ways to appease Mars planet god, and daily meditation or prayer should be offered for its blessings to help overcome difficulties and bring in positive energies into your life. Common methods of doing so are Hanuman Chalisa recitation, Bhajan singing and Sunderkanda practices.
Symbolism
Mars, commonly referred to as the Red Planet, represents aggression, war, passion and assertiveness. Representing Yang energy – its counterpart being Yin energy – people with strong Mars traits tend to be impulsive and aggressive while still being capable of quickly reaching their goals and picking up new skills quickly. They will not shy away from confrontation when necessary either!
Hindu Mythology recognizes Mars under three names: Angaraka, Bhoomi Putra and Kuja. Furthermore, Mars is often associated with Lord Kartikeya, the God of War – son of Shiva and Mohini- who kills off Taraka and liberates their gods from oppression by killing off invincible demon Taraka to liberate their powers from slavery to Taraka and liberate themselves as liberators gods from oppression by gods. Mars is generally associated with Kshatriya caste while it rules both signs Mesha (Aries) and Vrishchika (Scorpio); however Makara (Capricorn), while debilitated Kataka (Cancer).
As with any energy source, Mars can be used both constructively and destructively. It is thought that when Mars is placed well in your chart it can help direct its energies toward positive ends; otherwise it can present challenges that must be met head on.
Mars represents male sexual energy and is said to be responsible for sexual desires and instincts. When activated in your chart, Mars can activate Muladhara chakra as well as physical strength and endurance. For this reason, it is crucial that its energies are balanced so as to avoid accidents, injuries and diseases.
Perform graha shanti puja regularly to protect yourself from Mars’ negative influences and maintain control of your temper, not getting overexcited in situations. Doing this will bring peace and happiness into your life while strengthening relationships between partners as well as helping overcome any obstacles in career or life.
Significance
In South India, Mars is revered as ‘Murugan’ – an Indian deity who worshipped as an idol on Peacocks as his mount and fierce protector of devotees. Armed with spear and Vel in hand and known to grant boons when worshiped with devotion he is also considered to be commander of divine army and is sometimes worshipped alongside Shiva or Vishnu. Of all planets Mars symbolizes physical strength, courage, kitchen skills, primitive tendencies and being resilient against stress as well as reckless boldness and adventures – something which all Indians worship as Murugan!
Mars represents fire, which activates one’s aggressive side and encourages them to fight back against enemies even those they once considered friends. When misused negatively, however, this energy could lead to bloodshed or accidents; more positively it denotes matters related to siblings as well as protecting dharma (the sacred path we all walk).
Mars, as a masculine planet, rules over Mesha (Aries) and Vrishchika (Scorpio). It is exalted in Makara and debilitated in Kataka; naturally opposing Jupiter while supporting Saturn and Venus; its Dasha period lasts seven years.
Mars rules over our muscular system, left ear and face, the sense of taste in humans, urinary bladders, kidneys and groins – as well as our height. Strong influences of Mars will produce tall and muscular individuals with white complexion with shades of red hue and round eyes; those under its strong influence tend to have white complexion with shades of red pigmentation in their complexion and round eye shapes. Health complications ruled by Mars include acute fevers such as smallpox, chicken pox, typhoid and pus along with blood diseases urethral inflammation kidney stones ulcer in intestines spleen groins testicles and red bone marrow.
Mars can be an unfavorable planet when placed in an inappropriate house in your horoscope, particularly the 2nd, 4th, or 8th houses. When placed here it can bring with it issues like health issues and financial woes that need addressing immediately. One way of mitigating its negative influence is through worshipping Lord Hanuman or Kartikeya or fasting for 21 Tuesdays (known as 21 Tuesday Fasts). Mars represents war, anger, and violence – so its influence should also be minimized accordingly.