Introduction to Mars
In Hinduism and Vedic astrology, Mars is worshipped as a symbol of strength, courage, war skills and energy. Mars is known as the commander of the gods, as he represents valour, confidence and prowess. According to astrology, Mars has a special effect on a person's self-confidence, anger, enthusiasm, courage and life's work capacity. Mars is also known by many sacred names like Bhauma, Angaraka, Kuja and Chevai.
Mars is considered the lord of the fire element and is associated with the south direction and the summer season. In Hindu tradition, Tuesday is considered dedicated to Mars. Devotees worship Mars for peace of Mangal Dosha, marital happiness, physical strength and success.
Origin of Mars
According to the Skanda Purana, in ancient times, an Asura named Andhakasura created great terror in the Devlok. Due to the boon received from Lord Shiva, no god could defeat him. The gods worshipped Lord Shiva and prayed to him for protection. After this, a terrible battle took place between Lord Shiva and Andhakasura.
During the battle, drops of sweat fell from Lord Shiva's forehead on the earth. From this divine radiance, Mother Earth gave birth to a wonderfully radiant son, who was red-skinned and had four arms. Being the son of Mother Earth, he became famous as "Bhauma". Later, Brahmins and sages established him as the planet Mars and he gained a special place among the gods.
According to another mythological belief, the birth of Mangal Dev is also described as the union of Lord Vishnu's Varaha avatar and Mother Earth. Due to this, Mangal Dev is also known as the son of the earth.
Importance of Mangal Dev
The planet Mars has great importance in Vedic astrology. The planet Mars affects a person's courage, blood, strength, digestive system and body energy. The auspicious position of Mars gives a person confidence, leadership and victory, while the inauspicious position can create situations like anger, disputes and Mangal Dosha.
Mangal Dosha is a very popular topic in Hindu astrology. Due to the presence of Mars in some special houses of the horoscope, a person is considered auspicious. According to belief, worship of Lord Hanuman and worship of Mangal Dev removes Mangal Dosha.
Family of Mars
In the Puranas, Mars is described as the son of Lord Shiva and Mother Earth. According to some beliefs, Goddess Jwalini is his consort, while in some texts he is depicted in a celibate form.
Lord Ganesha, Kartikeya, Ayyappa, Jalandhar and Andhakasura are considered his half-brothers. Goddesses like Manasa Devi and Ashokasundari are known as his sisters.
Description of Mars
Mars is usually depicted in a red, radiant and four-armed form. He is shown holding a mace, trident, spear and lotus in his hands. In some paintings, he is also shown blessing devotees in the Abhaya and Varada mudras.
In the scriptures, the vehicle of the god Mars is considered to be Aries or buffalo. His divine form is considered to be a symbol of strength, valor and martial skills.
Importance of Mars in Astrology
According to Vedic astrology, Mars is the lord of Aries and Scorpio. He is also considered to be the ruler of the constellations Mrigashirsha, Chitra and Dhanishtha. The Mahadasha of Mars lasts for seven years and during this period, energy and change in a person's life have special importance.
A strong position of Mars in the horoscope gives a person leadership, courage and success, while a weak position can cause disputes, accidents and marital problems. It is believed that fasting on Tuesdays and chanting the Mangal mantra can bring the grace of Mars.
Mantras of Lord Mars
॥ ॐ अं अंगारकाय नमः ॥
॥ ॐ क्रीं क्रौं सहहामा नमः ॥
॥ ऊँ अंगारकाय विद्यमे शक्तियति धीमहि ॥ तन्नो भौमः॥
Festivals associated with Lord Mars
Budhwa Mangal, Angaraki Chaturthi and special fasts on Tuesday are important religious occasions associated with Lord Mars. Especially on the day of Angaraki Chaturthi, devotees worship for the removal of Mangal Dosha and happiness and prosperity.
Famous Temples of Lord Mars
The Mangalnath Temple in Ujjain is considered to be a very famous pilgrimage site of Lord Mars. It is believed that this place is associated with the manifestation of the god Mangal and special worship is performed here to pacify the evil eye.
Apart from that, the Mangal Graha Temple in Maharashtra is also very popular among devotees, where a large number of devotees come for darshan.