Sun
Bel (bael) root
Tradition wears a small piece of bel root tied in red cloth, as an amulet on the right arm or around the neck.
When: Sunday, after sunrise
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- Get the root from a trusted source.
Roots: the planet's root
Tradition offers the planet's root, worn as a simple alternative to a gem. Guide §7b.5
A plant root linked with the planet, worn in cloth or an amulet; traditions name different roots.
Sun
Moon
Moon
Khirni root
Tradition wears a small piece of khirni root tied in white cloth, as an amulet on the neck or arm.
When: Monday
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- Get the root from a trusted source.
Mars
Mars
Anantmool root
Tradition wears a small piece of anantmool root tied in red cloth, as an amulet on the right arm or around the neck.
When: Tuesday
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- Get the root from a trusted source.
Mercury
Mercury
Vidhara root
Tradition gives the vidhara root for Mercury: on Wednesday it is worn tied in green cloth or on a green thread on the arm.
When: Wednesday, Shukla paksha
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- Buy from a reliable source; how to check is in the genuineness guide
Don't
- Never eat the root or use it as medicine
Jupiter
Jupiter
Banana root or a turmeric knot
Tradition gives the banana root (or a whole turmeric knot) for Jupiter: on Thursday it is worn tied in yellow cloth or on a yellow thread on the arm.
When: Thursday, Shukla paksha
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- A turmeric knot is easy to find at home and is the lowest-cost form
Don't
- Never eat the root or use it as medicine
Venus
Venus
Sarpankha root or goolar root
Tradition gives the sarpankha root (in some traditions, goolar root) for Venus: on Friday it is worn tied in white cloth or on a white thread on the arm.
When: Friday, Shukla paksha
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- Buy from a reliable source; how to check is in the genuineness guide
Don't
- Never eat the root or use it as medicine
Saturn
Saturn
Bichhu booti root or Shami root
Tradition names the bichhu booti root (or in some places the Shami root) for Saturn. It is tied in dark or blue cloth and worn on the right arm or neck. Traditions differ.
When: Saturday, Shukla paksha
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- See the 'how to check it's genuine' box
Don't
- Not to be eaten; for any illness, see a doctor first
Rahu
Rahu
White sandalwood or nagarmotha root
Tradition names a piece of white sandalwood or nagarmotha root for Rahu. Tied in blue cloth and worn on the arm or neck. Traditions differ.
When: Saturday
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- See the 'how to check it's genuine' box
Don't
- Not to be eaten; for any illness, see a doctor first
Ketu
Ketu
Ashwagandha root
Tradition names the ashwagandha root for Ketu. Tied in grey or two-tone cloth and worn on the arm or neck. Traditions differ.
When: Tuesday or Saturday
Tradition
Do / don't
Do
- See the 'how to check it's genuine' box
Don't
- Here the root is for wearing, not eating; for any illness, see a doctor first
How to check a root (jadi) is genuine
- Ask whether the root is fresh or dried. Tradition speaks of a fresh root taken at a suitable muhurta, but most roots sold are dried; if dried, the seller should say so.
- Ask for the plant's botanical name, e.g. bel: Aegle marmelos, ashwagandha: Withania somnifera, anantmool: Hemidesmus indicus. Be careful if the seller cannot name it.
- Buy from a known herbal shop (pansari) that sells the same root for ordinary herbal use too; take extra care with sellers who sell it only 'for astrology'.
- A real root shows natural fibres and a faint natural smell; be wary of uniformly shiny, coloured or plastic-looking pieces.
- Traditions name different roots for one planet; a different root is not necessarily a trick, just ask which tradition it follows.
Pause and think if you see these
- A many-times price for 'abhimantrit' or 'siddh' without proof.
- Any claim to cure an illness. Wearing a root is not medicine; for health, a doctor first.
- It is for wearing, not eating. Remove it if your skin itches or reacts.
If someone sells through fear, 'buy today' or hurry, stop. A genuine purchase can wait and comes with a bill.
Get a proper bill for every purchase: the seller's name, address, GST number (if any), a full description, weight, price and the return policy.
Accept claims like 'abhimantrit', 'siddh' or 'pran-pratishthit' only if the seller states in writing who did it, when and how, and can show a video or photo. Such a claim should not be a reason to pay more.
We do not sell this; the information is here to help you recognise a fair price.
Lab names are only examples. Choose the shop that suits you, and take the checks above with you.