Mars

Planetary Relationships

ॐ क्रां क्रीं क्रौं सः भौमाय नमः

Om Kraam Kreem Kraum Sah Bhaumaya Namah

Salutations to Mars, son of Earth

ॐ अं अंगारकाय नमः

Om Am Angarakaya Namah

Salutations to Angaraka (Mars)

धरणीगर्भसम्भूतं विद्युत्कान्तिसमप्रभम्। कुमारं शक्तिहस्तं च मङ्गलं प्रणमाम्यहम्॥

Dharani Garbha Sambhutam Vidyutkanti Samaprabham, Kumaram Shakti Hastam Cha Mangalam Pranamamy Aham

I bow to Mars who is born from Earth, has brilliance like lightning, is youthful and holds a spear

Full Hanuman Chalisa

Hanuman Chalisa

Hymn to Lord Hanuman - highly effective for Mars

Birth of Mars from Shiva's Sweat

During the cosmic dissolution (Pralaya), Lord Shiva was engaged in intense meditation and tapasya. The heat generated from his yogic fire (Tapas) was so immense that drops of sweat began to fall from his divine body. One particularly potent drop, carrying the concentrated essence of Shiva's fiery energy, fell upon the Earth goddess (Bhumi Devi). The moment this divine sweat touched her, it combined with her fertile essence. From this union was born a fierce, red-complexioned child with eyes like burning flames and a body radiating intense heat. This child was Mars (Mangal). Because he was born from Earth (Bhumi), he is called Bhauma. Because he carries Shiva's fire, he has the warrior nature and the power of transformation.

Source: Shiva Purana, Skanda Purana

The Turbulent Youth of Mars

After his birth, young Mars was filled with uncontrollable energy and aggression. He would cause earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and fires wherever he went. His mother Bhumi Devi was distressed by the destruction her son was causing. She approached Lord Shiva for guidance. Shiva recognized that Mars's energy needed proper channeling—it was not evil but simply untamed. He instructed Mars to become the protector of dharma, using his fierce energy against those who threaten righteousness. The gods then assigned Mars the position of Senapati (Commander) of the celestial armies and gave him a place among the Navagrahas. This channeled his destructive energy into protective power. Mars accepted this role and became the planetary deity governing courage, warfare, and protection.

Source: Skanda Purana, Devi Bhagavata

Mars and Lord Kartikeya - Brothers in Spirit

Though born differently, Mars (Bhauma) and Kartikeya (Skanda/Murugan) share a deep spiritual kinship. Kartikeya, the six-faced god, was born to destroy the demon Tarakasura and became the commander of the divine armies. Mars, born from Shiva's sweat, represents the same martial energy on the planetary level. Some traditions consider them as manifestations of the same cosmic warrior principle—Kartikeya on the celestial plane and Mars on the planetary plane. Both are invoked for courage, victory in battle, and protection from enemies. This is why worshipping Kartikeya (especially at Subramanya temples) is considered a powerful remedy for Mars afflictions. Both deities are associated with the color red, the spear (Shakti/Vel), and the protection of dharma through righteous warfare.

Source: Skanda Purana

Why Mars is Called Angaraka (Glowing Coal)

The name Angaraka comes from 'Angara' meaning burning coal or ember. The story goes that when Mars was born from Shiva's fiery sweat, his body glowed with an intense red heat, like coals in a sacred fire. Unlike ordinary fire that flames and extinguishes, Mars glowed steadily like embers that retain heat for long periods. This symbolizes his nature—not flashy like the Sun's flames, but a deep, persistent, smoldering energy that can either warm or burn. The sages observed that the planet Mars in the sky also appears red like a glowing coal, especially when close to Earth. They named him Angaraka to capture both his appearance and his essential nature—an energy that burns persistently, transforms what it touches, and must be handled with respect.

Source: Brahma Purana, Matsya Purana

Mars and the Protection of Dharma

After being assigned his role among the Navagrahas, Mars became known as the protector of dharma (righteousness). Whenever demons or adharmic forces threatened the cosmic order, Mars's influence would rise. He would energize the Kshatriya warriors, inspire courage in the righteous, and ensure that those who fought for truth had the strength to prevail. The Puranas state that Mars's energy is not inherently destructive—it is the energy of transformation and protection. When a being or society deviates from dharma, Mars's influence brings the friction and conflict necessary for correction. When dharma is upheld, Mars grants courage, victory, and the strength to maintain righteousness. This is why Mars is considered essential in a horoscope—without his energy, there would be no ability to fight for what is right or protect what is sacred.

Source: Various Puranas

Mars and Lord Hanuman

Lord Hanuman, the great devotee of Lord Rama, is deeply connected to Mars energy. Some texts describe Hanuman as an incarnation of Shiva, making him a spiritual brother to Mars who was also born from Shiva. Hanuman exemplifies the highest expression of Mars energy—immense strength used in selfless service, fierce courage employed for dharmic purposes, and celibate warrior power (Brahmacharya Shakti). Hanuman's red-orange color (often depicted with vermillion/sindoor) resonates with Mars's red nature. This is why worship of Hanuman is considered the most powerful remedy for Mars afflictions. When one recites Hanuman Chalisa or offers sindoor to Hanuman on Tuesdays, they are invoking the positive, protective, and dharmic aspects of Mars energy while mitigating its destructive potential.

Source: Various traditions, Hanuman Chalisa traditions

Mars as Son of Mother Earth

Bhumi Devi, the Earth goddess, is considered the mother of Mars. This maternal connection gives Mars rulership over all matters related to land, property, real estate, agriculture, and mining. When Mars is well-placed in a horoscope, it gives landed property and success in real estate. When afflicted, it can cause property disputes and loss of land. Bhumi Devi nurtured her fierce son despite his turbulent nature. She represents the patient, grounding influence that can contain and channel Mars's fire. This is why remedies for Mars often involve connection with earth—wearing red coral (formed from the sea, an aspect of Earth), donating red-colored grains that grow from earth, and performing Bhumi Puja. The mother-son relationship between Earth and Mars also explains why Mars represents younger siblings—the protective, supportive energy that the Earth shows to the fire she birthed.

Source: Bhagavata Purana, Vishnu Purana

The Eight Horses of Mars

Mars's celestial chariot is described as blood-red in color, blazing with fierce light, and pulled by eight powerful horses. These eight horses represent the eight directions (Ashta-Dik), symbolizing Mars's all-pervading martial energy. Some texts say the horses are red like fire, while others describe them as various shades from red to maroon. The number eight is significant—it represents Mars's connection to the eighth house of transformation, death, and rebirth. The eight horses also symbolize the eight forms of strength (Ashta-Siddhis) that Mars grants: physical strength, courage, endurance, aggression, strategic thinking, leadership in battle, quick action, and the power of victory. Mars drives this chariot himself, representing self-reliance and independent action—key traits he bestows upon those under his influence.

Source: Navagraha Stotras, Iconographic texts