Anant Ambani-Radhika Merchant wedding: What is Graha Shanti Pooja and why is it done before a wedding?

Ahead of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant's grand wedding on July 12, 2024, the Ambanis and the Merchants got together for a Graha Shanti Puja on July 9. And the beautiful pictures of Anant-Radhika's Graha Shanti Puja, which was held at the Ambani house Antilia, are now viral on the internet wherein the family members can be seen wearing their best traditional attires. But what is Graha Shanti Puja and what is the significance of having it done before a wedding? Read on to know more.

As the name suggests, Graha Shanti Puja is the set of rituals and pujas that are performed ahead of a wedding to bring happiness and prosperity into the house, as per Hindu tradition. It is believed that the planets and stars have a huge influence on our lives. And so the Navgrahas or the nine planets are worshipped to remove any graha dosh or obstacles of a couple, who is about to get married. The words Graha means house, while Shanti means peace-- and so Graha Shanti Puja means a ritual to bring peace to the house in the Hindu religion. The Puja is performed by a Pandit ji by doing Ganesh, Gauri, and Kalash puja, along with the Navagraha Jaaps. This is followed by a havan to usher positivity in one’s life.

Grah Shanti Puja is generally performed by the to-be bride and groom just a few days before getting married. It also signifies the official beginning of the wedding festivities by seeking the blessings of gods and goddesses. As per Hindu tradition, it is important to seek the divine blessings of a couple before their marriage ceremony. And so, the gods and goddesses are invited to the Graha Shanti Puja to start the auspicious wedding preparations. Along with them, the ancestors of the bride and groom are also invited to seek their blessings.

The Graha Shanti Puja is believed to bring the following benefits:
1. Keeps negative energy and evil eyes away from the house and boosts the flow of positive energy.
2. Brings prosperity, harmony, and good fortune to the family.
3. Purifies the home’s surroundings with holy vibes and a divine atmosphere.
4. Helps to overcome and remove obstacles and hurdles in life.
5. The Graha Shanti puja ensures that the Vastu Purush and the nine planets are honored to prevent untimely and unfortunate events for both the home and its residents.