Elements of Hindu Iconography v3.c18.4

v3.c18.4

The nine planets Sūrya, Chandra, Bhauma, Budha, Śukra, Bṛihaspati, Śani, Rāhu and Kētu are also worshipped by the Hindus, and their images are generally found in all important Śaiva temples in S. India. They are invariably placed in a separate maṇḍapa having a pediment of about three feet in height; and no two of them are made to face each other. It is stated by some that the images of the planets are set up in temples in the order in which they are in the zodiacal circle at the time of the construction of the temple. If there is any truth in this statement, these planet-figures may serve as a new means for calculating the probable dates of the construction of the temples wherein they are installed for worship.