In Vedic practice each of the nine planets has its own sacred wood or herb, called samidha, offered in havan or burnt as incense for that planet: Arka for the Sun, Palasha for the Moon, Khadira for Mars, Apamarga for Mercury, Ashvattha (peepal) for Jupiter, Udumbara for Venus, Shami for Saturn, Durva for Rahu and Kusha for Ketu. Use the one for the planet your chart shows needs support, on its weekday.
The traditional list
| Planet | Samidha (wood/herb) | Common name | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Arka | Aak (Calotropis) | Sunday |
| Moon | Palasha | Dhak / flame of the forest | Monday |
| Mars | Khadira | Khair (catechu) | Tuesday |
| Mercury | Apamarga | Chirchita (prickly chaff flower) | Wednesday |
| Jupiter | Ashvattha | Peepal | Thursday |
| Venus | Udumbara | Gular (cluster fig) | Friday |
| Saturn | Shami | Shami / Khejri | Saturday |
| Rahu | Durva | Doob grass | Saturday |
| Ketu | Kusha | Kusha grass | Tuesday |
How to use it
- Find the planet to support from your chart and running dasha — the free kundli shows both.
- On that planet’s day, light a little of its samidha or a pure incense made from it, ideally at sunrise or sunset.
- Chant the planet’s mantra 108 times while it burns.
- For a full havan, a priest offers the samidha of all nine planets in order, starting with the Sun.
Care and safety
- Burn only small amounts with good ventilation; stop if smoke causes breathing trouble.
- Arka (aak) sap is irritant — handle dry sticks only.
- Prefer natural, unscented sticks; product names or codes on a shop list mean nothing in Jyotish — what matters is the planet the herb belongs to.
Check your own chart
A free kundli shows your Moon nakshatra, planets and dasha. For a full reading of how this applies to you, book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Which wood is used for Saturn?
Shami.
Which herb is used for Rahu and Ketu?
Durva (doob) grass for Rahu and Kusha grass for Ketu.
What is samidha?
The sacred wood or herb offered into the fire for a particular planet or deity.
Can I burn navagraha samidha at home?
Yes, in small amounts with good ventilation, on the planet’s weekday with its mantra.
Part of our guide: Doshas & Remedies →
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Book a Consultation · ₹5,100 WhatsApp Dr. SharmaThis article is offered as general guidance in the Vedic tradition. Astrology is a tool for reflection and is not a substitute for professional medical, legal or financial advice.
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