India’s biggest ‘Navagraha’ temple nears consecration in Gwalior:Planetary deities enshrined with wives; Dravidian architecture blended with astrology Vastu

Asia’s largest and most unique Navagraha temple has been built in Dabra, near Gwalior. The temple is spread over 12 acres and is special because it is the only shrine where all nine planets are worshipped along with their wives. Built on ancient Hindu principles of Sanatan Dharma, Vastu Shastra and Jyotish Shastra, the temple is set to become a major religious and tourism centre. The consecration ceremony will be held from February 11 to 20 next month. Temple built on the sacred number 108 The Navagraha temple stands on 108 pillars. The number 108 has deep meaning in Hinduism. There are 27 Nakshatras, or constellations, in the universe. Each Nakshatra has four directions. Together, they make 108. Ancient scriptures say the universe itself is shaped around this number. There are also believed to be 108 energy lines that form the heart chakra. Based on this belief, the entire temple complex has been designed around the number 108. Careful placement of planets The Navagrahas have been installed after detailed study of astrology and architecture. Each planet’s temple is placed in such a way that no planet faces another. This has been done to avoid any clash of energies. Special structures like water ponds, drainage systems and jharokhas have also been built to control the intensity of the Sun temple. 3 floors, separate shrines The temple has three floors, each serving a specific purpose. On the ground floor, marble idols of eight planets are installed. On the first floor, the main deity Lord Surya is placed with his two wives. The idol is made of Ashtadhatu. Seven white marble horses stand at the entrance. Each planet is worshipped along with its wife. All idols are made of Ashtadhatu and coloured according to the planet’s natural colour. Mantras are inscribed on the doors of each shrine. On the second floor, the presiding deities of the planets are installed. Water system to balance the sun’s energy A pond equal in size to the temple area has been constructed nearby. Water from the pond flows around the temple and returns to it. Astrology believes water is essential to balance the energy of the Sun. This system has been designed to control Surya Dev’s intensity after his installation on Earth. An example often cited is the Sun Temple in Gwalior, where the absence of water arrangements is believed to have caused imbalance. Built in Dravidian architectural style The temple has been built in the Dravidian style of South Indian architecture. Architect Anil Sharma said the temple follows traditional Dravidian features. The base is square, and the tower above the sanctum is pyramidal with multiple levels. Instead of amalaka and kalasha, stupikas are placed on top. The temple is tall and surrounded by a vast courtyard. The complex includes smaller shrines, chambers, water tanks, a lamp post and a flag post. The main entrance gate is a grand gopuram. Nakshatra Van spread over 9,000 square feet A Nakshatra Van has been developed within the temple complex over 9,000 square feet. Each tree represents a Nakshatra. Devotees can circumambulate each tree. This walk itself is considered a complete Navagraha puja. It is believed that half of a person’s troubles are removed through this circumambulation. Idols crafted by artisans from Kashi The idols of the Navagrahas, their wives and presiding deities were made by skilled craftsmen from Kashi in Uttar Pradesh. Sculptor Sanjay Kumar said around 400 artisans worked day and night for two and a half years. The idols are made of Ashtadhatu, while marble statues were crafted by artisans from Rajasthan, Odisha and West Bengal. Every detail was shaped carefully to avoid even the smallest mistake. Worship for peace of all planets at one place The temple has been built by Parshuram Lok Nyas.Dr Shriman Narayan Mishra, patron of the temple and elder brother of former minister Dr Narottam Mishra, said the project combines architecture, astrology and science. This is the first temple in the country where people can worship all nine planets together for planetary peace. Until now, devotees had to visit separate temples for each planet. The Navagraha Temple is set to redefine Dabra’s identity as a major spiritual and tourist hub. Dr Mishra said the idea began in 2010, when a Mahalakshmi temple was built in the complex at his mother’s wish. Later, Dr Narottam Mishra planned the Navagraha temple. The idea of installing the planets with their wives was suggested by saint Dati Maharaj. NASA scientists had also visited the site a few years ago and were impressed by the concept. Consecration events from February 11 to 20 The Pran Pratishtha ceremony will be held from February 11 to 20. Pt Pradeep Mishra will deliver discourses from February 11 to 13.Poet Kumar Vishwas will perform from February 14 to 16.Pandit Dhirendra Krishna Shastri of Bageshwar Dham will speak from February 17 to 19. The festival will conclude on February 20 with a community feast. A nine-storey Yagyashala has also been built, where one lakh offerings will be made daily. Dabra emerges on the tourism map With the completion of the Navagraha Temple, Dabra has become a new religious tourism destination. Travellers going from Gwalior to Orchha are now stopping at Dabra before visiting Datia Pitambara Peeth and Orchha. Even before consecration, thousands of devotees are visiting the temple every day.