[INDOLOGY] Symbolic Forms of the Navagrahas

[Matthew Kapstein]

Though not addressing Jacob's question about the symbolism, the classic work of Willy Hartner on the iconography of the planets, with particular reference to Rahu and Ketu, may be of interest:
Hartner, Willy. “The Pseudoplanetary Nodes of the Moon’s Orbit in Hindu and Islamic Iconographies.” Ars Islamica,, vol. V, pt. 2 (1938), pp. 113-154.
The volume is available in the internet archive, but as the site is temporarily down, I cannot send the precise link.

Matthew

Matthew T. Kapstein
Professor emeritus
Ecole Pratique des Hautes Etudes, PSL Research University, Paris

Associate
The University of Chicago Divinity School

Member, American Academy of Arts and Sciences

https://ephe.academia.edu/MatthewKapstein

https://vajrabookshop.com/product/the-life-and-work-of-auleshi/

https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501716218/tibetan-manuscripts-and-early-printed-books-volume-i/#bookTabs=1

https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501771255/tibetan-manuscripts-and-early-printed-books-volume-ii/#bookTabs=1

https://brill.com/edcollbook/title/60949

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On Friday, March 20th, 2026 at 8:08 AM, Jean Michel DELIRE via INDOLOGY <indology at list.indology.info> wrote:

> Very interesting indeed, Jacob and Martin.
> If you find any reference (articles, books) on the subject, please keep me informed.
>
> Best regards,
>
> Jean Michel Delire (University of Brussels)
>
> Le mer. 18 mars 2026 à 23:28, jacob--- via INDOLOGY <indology at list.indology.info> a écrit :
>
>> Dear friends and colleagues,
>>
>> I am trying to understand the origin of the symbolic forms (ākāra)
>> associated with the navagrahas, but have not had any luck so far. The
>> standard forms, as far as I have been able to determine them, are as
>> follows:
>>
>> Sun = circle (vṛtta)
>> Moon = crescent (ardhacandra)
>> Mars = triangle (trikoṇa)
>> Mercury = arrowhead (bāṇa)
>> Jupiter = rectangle (dīrghacaturaśra)
>> Venus = pentagon (pañcakoṇa)
>> Saturn = bow (dhanus)
>> Rāhu = winnowing basket (śūrpa)
>> Ketu = flag (dhvaja)
>>
>> I would be grateful for any pointers to primary sources or articles
>> discussing these forms.
>>
>> Best regards,
>> Jacob
>>
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