The mystical number nine

Be it ‘navaratri' or ‘navagrahas', number nine is a significant part of the Indian psyche from time immemorial.

The number nine is often associated with a divine connotation in the mystical thought and religions across the globe from ancient times. There is both, negativity and positivity in this mysterious nine! Not to talk of the numeral 9, which is often cited as a ‘lucky number' for many these days!

The ‘Fruit of the Spirit' comprises nine graces: love, peace, suffering, gentle, good, faith, meek and temperance. The ‘gifts of the Spirit' are 9 in number: the word of wisdom, the word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, tongues, and interpretation of tongues. And if the English saying that a cat has nine lives is to be believed, well the West is not far behind!

In Islam too, the significance of number nine is underlined which is almost akin to ancient Indian thought (Sanatana Dharma) speaking of nine openings for man as also the nine months gestation period for the birth which is of course common to all human beings!

In the ancient Mother Goddess concept, prevalent on this land way before the Aryans adopted it, there runs a popular narrative of the divine female power synonymous with creator of the universe, the embodiment of pristine purity and truth, annihilating the demons representing the evil forces.

The mother goddess wages a war for nine days to combat the potent rakshasas (satanic power) and bestow deliverance to the world in general.

On a more intellectual plane, the nine evil forces that trouble man are none but nine varied aspects of his own negative nature like ego, self-conceit, self depreciation and so on, that constantly divert him from the path of realisation, which is the ultimate goal. The divine mother is supposed to be our anchor who would steer us clear of succumbing to the evil in us! Nine being a significant part of the Indian psyche from time immemorial, the creators of our classical arts also found nine emotions or artistic moods that form a part of our expressions in life.

These nine moods or ‘navarasa' came to be associated with artistic expression in ancient Indian dance, music, drama, sculpture, painting and any mode of expression in art. If Bharata Muni's Natyasastracomes clear on the navarasa denoting nine bhavas or emotions, similar emotions were also defined and

expressed in certain ragas (musical notes) or lyrics (kritis) as in sculptures or picture paintings.

Since our classical arts originated from the Hindu religion, each rasa or mood denoted a particular emotion and was bestowed with a particular colour with a particular deity presiding over it. Thus the prominent ‘Shringara rasa' denoted an encompassing love; hence a light green colour and Lord Vishnu as the presiding deity. He also presided over ‘Shanta' or peace with a light blue to denote it.

The ‘Hasya rasa' or mirth is supposed to be white in colour and Pramata is the deity; Lord Rudra presided over ‘Roudra rasa' or fury whose colour was justifiably red! ‘Karunya' or compassion /mercy had Yama ruling over it with grey as its colour; Lord Shiva was the deity for ‘Bhibatsa' or disgust depicted by the colour blue.

The emotion of fear ‘Bhayanaka' was ruled by the deity Kala whose colour is black. Lord Indra represented ‘Veera rasa' or valour (saffron) while ‘Adbhuta' or wonder had creator Brahma as its deity and yellow representing the emotion. There is no denying that later, ‘Vatsalya' (parental love) and ‘Bhakti' (devotion) also came to be adopted as important emotions in the scheme of artistic expression.

The classical treatise in dance also speaks of the mood or bhava evoked in these nine rasa like: rati (love), hasya (laughter), shoka (sorrow), krodha (anger), utsaha (exuberance), bhaya (scare), jugupsa (disgust) and vismaya (wonder). The theory of navarasa forms the aesthetic underlining of all forms of Indian classical dance.

In music, ragas like Kunthalavarali evoke fun and frolic (Hasya rasa) while ragas like Mohana emanate Veera rasa.

The popular Mayamalavagowla is synonymous with Kaarunya (Karuna rasa) while certain ragas like Dwijavanthi, Behag, Kamas or Kapi are innately romantic (Shringara) not to talk of the lyrical compositions wherein the bhava/mood is explicit.

The so-called artistic expressions owe their source to nature. For instance, the navarasa manifestation can be seen in the moods of the sea which can roar angrily at one time, run still and calm the very next, get into a frenzy at times, play around with its rippling waves steadily as it kisses our feet and so on.

The same is true of the other elements of nature. And what about us? Are we not the receptacles of nine moods?

Symbolism and Significance of Nava the Number Nine (9) - Hindu Perspective

Number nine (9) is the most intriguing digit of all the numbers. It is an absolute number which when multiplied by any number always reproduces itself; the sum of digits in the product will always be nine. In Sanskrit # nine is known as Nava; and Navathi means ninety; Navaka means group of nine, fresh, new, blooming etc. It is such a fascinating, sacred and divine number that it is associated with several doctrines and concepts of Hindu philosophy, religion and spirituality. Some of the concepts and terminologies associated with number nine (9) from a Hindu perspective are as follows;                                                                                               Navavidha Bhakti 

Sravanam (hearing about God); Keerthanam (singing in praise of God); Smaranam (remembering God); Paada-sevanam (serving the lotus feet of God); Archanam (worshiping God); Vandanam (obeisance/salutations) Daasyam (serving for the cause of God); Sakhyam (Mythri; friendship with God) and Aatma Nivedanam (Saranam/ total surrender to God) are the nine modes of devotion that are paths to liberation.

Nava Randhras (Nava Dwaara)

Birth and death of a human being is associated with number nine. A child will be in the womb of a mother for nine months that is known as Nava maasa; and from the day of conception to the birth of child it will be 279 days that adds up to nine (9).

Randhra means outlet or opening or aperture. It is said that a human being has nine exit points called Nava Randhras through one of which the soul finally leaves the body.  They are eyes (2); nostrils (2); ears (2); mouth (1); and excretory organs (2). Human body is the city of nine gates where the soul dwells. (Bhagawadgeeta Canto # 5 sloka # 13)  Of course there is one more outlet the 10th one that is known as Brahma Randhra at the top of the head. A soul departing from this aperture is a rarity and that will happen only in case of a noble soul.

Nava Varshas

Jambudweepa is in the centre of Bhoomandala divided into nine regions known as Varshas. They are Bharatha Varsha; Ilaavrutha Varsha; Bhadraaswa Varsha; Hari Varsha; Kethumaala Varsha; Ramyaka Varsha; Hiranmaya Varsha; Uttara Kuru Varsha; and Kimpurusha Varsha

Nava Rasa (Nine types of reactions)

Srungaara (beauty/love); Haasya (mirth); Karuna (compassion); Roudra (anger); Veera (courage/heroism); Bhayaanaka (fearful); Adbhuta (astonishment); Bheebhatsa (disgust); Saantha (tranquility) are nine forms of emotions expressed by human beings according to situations. These passions form the basic factors depicted by the artiste in all types of Indian classical dance like Bharatha naatya; Kuchipudi; Odissi etc.

Nava Durga

Goddess Durga is said to have manifested in nine different forms known as Nava Durga. They are Shailaputhri; Brahmacharini; Chandraghanta; Kooshmaanda; Skhandhamatha; Kaathyaayani; Kaalarathri; Maha Gouri; and Siddhidhaathri.  Navadurga Stuthi is based on the above names.

Nava Naarasimha

Famous pilgrim centre, Ahobilam is called Nava Naarasimha Kshethra where, Lord Naarasimha is said to have manifested in nine different forms (Nava Naarasimha) within Ahobilam. They are Jwaala Naarasimha, Ahobila Naarasimha, Maalola Naarasimha, Krodha Naarasimha, Kaaranja Naarasimha, Bhaargava Naarasimha, Yogaananda Naarasimha, Chatravata Naarasimha, and Paavana Naarasimha. These nine forms of Lord Naarasimha depicting nine types of reactions are said to be the governing lords of Navagrahas. Worshiping these nine forms of Lord Naarasimha is believed to a good remedy for Navagraha Dosha. 

Nava Brahmas

Mareechi; Angeerasa; Pulastya; Pulaha; Krathu; Daksha; Brugu; Vasishta and Athri are the sons of Lord Brahma grouped as Nava Brahmas.

Nava Naaga

Anantha; Vaasuki; Sesha; Padmanaabha; Kambala; Sankhapaala; Dhaartharaashtra; Takshaka; and Kaali are grouped as nine great Naaga Devathas (Serpent Gods) who are adored in Hindu religion.

Nava Graha

Sun (Surya); Moon (Chandra); Mars (Kuja or Angaaraka); Mercury (Budha); Jupiter (Guru or Bruhaspathi); Venus (Sukra); Saturn (Shani); Rahu and Kethu together are called Nava Grahas. Though Sun is a star and Moon is a satellite and Rahu; Kethu are shadowy planets, they are referred to as planets in Hindu philosophy resulting in Nava-Grahas (nine planets)

A planet or a Graha is a celestial body that has substantial influence on the living beings on earth. According to Hindu philosophy, Nava Grahas play an important role in human life. Each Graha has a specific role and signification; they are the representatives of the Primordial Supreme Lord and are the universe’s agents for carrying out karmas accumulated throughout the lives current as well as past. Zodiac is the basis around which these planets keep moving from one sign (raasi) to the other that is known as planetary transit or gochaara. Navagraha worship is prevalent in Hindu philosophy since time immemorial followed by our elders and described in various sacred texts. They form the pivot around which the concept of astrology rotates. 

Navarathna 

Vajra (diamond); Vydoorya (Cat's eye); Gomedhika (Hessonite); Pushyaraaga (Yellow sapphire); Marakatha (Emerald); Maanikya (Ruby); Neela (Blue sapphire); Muthya (Pearl) and Pravaala (Coral) are the nine primary gems. These nine gems are associated with Navagrahas, symbolically representing them and are used as a remedy for Navagraha dosha

Nava Dhaanya

A group of nine grains generally associated with Navagrahas are; wheat (Sun), rice (Moon), red gram (Mars), green gram (Mercury), Bengal gram (Jupiter), black eyed peas (Venus), black sesame (Saturn), black gram (Rahu), and horse gram (Kethu). They are also used as a remedy for Navagraha dosha.

Hindu Panchaanga and Nava (#9)

Ninth lunar day as per Hindu Panchaanga (almanac) is known as Navami thithi; Ashta Vasus are the presiding deities of Navami thithi.  It is known as Riktha thithi and is not an elected day for performing auspicious functions. Navami thithi during dark fortnight of Bhaadrapada; Maargasira; Pushya; Maagha and Phaalguna months is known as Anvashtaka; sacred for giving Thila tharpana to forefathers under concept of Shannavathi Sraaddha. Ninth day in the dark fortnight of Bhaadrapada maasam (Pithru Paksha) is known as Avidhava Navami when ceremonies are performed for those Women (Mothers) who died as Sumangali (husband alive).

Hindu Astrology and Nava (#9)

Number nine has got a unique place in Hindu astrology as it represents the 9th house the Dharma Sthaana (righteousness). It signifies primarily that of father (pithru sthaana). It is the house of fortune (bhaagya sthaana) and it also signifies the religion, intuition, fame, charities, leadership, long journeys etc. It is one of the Trines (angular house) in a birth chart along with the 1st and 5thhouse.  In the natural zodiac, Sagittarius is the 9th house whose lord is Jupiter the Guru or Bruhaspathi the natural benefic planet. In Hindu astrology division number nine (9) is known as Navaamsa Chakra which is a very important divisional chart that is to be studied compulsorily while making predictions especially the one that is related to marital front. Study of Navaamsa chart enables to confirm the results of raasi chakra.  Astro Numerology and Nava (#9)

In Indian numerology number nine is considered as a very powerful number.  Mars is its ruling planet which is planet of dynamic energy, initiative and impulse to accomplish great deeds. It represents heat, fire, energy, success and continuation of activities.  It is also a planet of strife, war, and destruction. It bestows high ambition, creative abilities, robust health, strength, power, courage, strong will power, determination, initiative to undertake risky ventures etc.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    

Those born with number nine as their birth number are generally considered as fortunate so far as the materialistic progress is concerned.  At the same time they struggle a lot in their life to achieve their higher objectives. They are aggressive, highly adventurous; highly ambitious and generally do not accept defeat. They cannot lead a simpler type of life and will always be on the move without rest. They are sure to make their mark in life and attain fairly high positions.  It is ideal for placement in armed forces or police. They are generally rough and tough and pick up quarrels and enemies quickly. They do not tolerate criticism. They will be fortunate and lead a happy life if they can avoid conflicts; family discords about trivial matters and do not magnify their problems. They should stay away from prejudices and bias. They are also prone for accidents and injuries.

Navamukhi Rudraaksha

In the concept of Rudraaksha; Navamukhi (nine faced) is known to represent Nava Durga (nine forms of the Goddess) and its ruling planet is Kethu. It is believed to bestow upon the wearer energy, dynamism, fearlessness and spiritual development. It is also used as a remedy for Kethu and Venus related problems.

Navarathri

Festival that is held for nine days during the bright fortnight of Aaswayuja Masam starting from the first day (Sukla Paadyami) is known as Devi Navarathri or Durga Navarathri. Literally Navarathri means nine great nights when Goddess Shakthi fought with the demon Mahishaasura. These nine days are very holy and revered days when the Almighty is worshipped in feminine form. During Navarathri festival the Mother Goddess is worshipped mainly in three Divine Energy forms viz…Maha Durga, Maha Lakshmi and Maha Saraswathi, the embodiments of strength, wealth and knowledge. Ninth day of Devi Navarathri is known as Maha Navami; on which day a ritual known as Aayudha Pooja is performed. We find such nine day (Navarathri) celebrations being held for Lord Sri Rama known as Rama Navarathri, for Lord Ganesha known as Ganesha Navarathri. Even the Brahmotsavam festival held at Tirumala for Lord Venkateshwara is also a nine day and night celebration that is known as Navaraathri Brahmotsavam.  

Sri Raama Navami

Sri Rama Navami the day Lord Sri Rama an epitome and embodiment of righteousness was born. Sri Rama Navami is a Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Sri Rama that is celebrated across the country irrespective of the caste and creed.  It is

celebrated as the birth day of Lord Sri Rama coinciding with the ninth day (Navami thithi) of Chaithra Maasa Sukla Paksha as per Hindu calendar.  

Madhva Navami

Madhva Navami is associated with Sri Madhvaachaarya, one of the greatest Hindu Saints and Philosophers who was the founder and exponent of Dvaita Philosophy. Born in 1238 AD Sri Madhvaachaarya lived for 79 years and left this world on the 9th day of bright fortnight (Navami thithi) in the lunar month Maagha Masam in the year 1317 AD.  That day is celebrated as Madhva Navami.

Nava Brundavana

Nava-Brundavana a small island in the Tungabhadra River is situated near Anegondi in Gangavathi Taluk of Koppal district in Karnataka state. It is approximately 20 km from Gangavathi which was earlier in Raichur district.  At the same time Nava-Brundavana is also nearby to Hampi, 12 km away from Hospet in Bellary district of Karnataka state. This is an abode chosen by nine eminent Saints (Yatis) of Aachaarya Sri Madhva’s heritage for their mortal remnants to be laid to rest. These nine great Saints are… Sri Padmanaabha Theertharu; Sri Kaveendra Theertharu; Sri Vaageesa Theertharu; Sri Govinda Wodeyaru; Sri Vyaasa Theertharu; Sri Raghuvarya Theertharu; Sri Srinivasa Theertharu; Sri Raamachandra Theertharu; and Sri Sudheendra Theertharu.

One should not miss to visit this rare and spiritually energized place at least once in the life time and seek the blessings of nine great Gurus who are spiritually present in these Brundavanas. They are standing as a testimonial to the glory and significance of Madhva Philosophy. Amply sanctified with the presence of Moola Brundavanas of nine eminent Saints, Nava Brundavana has become one of the revered pilgrim centers in general and for the Madhva fraternity in particular.

Nava Nandi Kshethras

Nandeeswara (Nandi) the divine mount of Lord Shiva that we find invariably in all Shiva temples positioned opposite to the Lord. In and around Mahaa Nandi, one of the famous Shiva Kshethras in Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, we find a group of nine temples collectively known as Nava Nandi Kshethras within a radius of about 30 km from Nandyal town. They are Prathama Nandi; Naaga Nandi; Soma Nandi; Surya Nandi; Shiva Nandi; Vishnu Nandi; Mahaa Nandi; Vinaayaka Nandi

and Garuda Nandi. It is believed to be meritorious visiting all the Nava Nandi kshethras on a single day from sunrise to sunset.

Nava Brahma Kshethra (Alampur)

Famous Shiva kshethra, Alampur near Kurnool town in Andhra Pradesh is the home of nine very ancient Nava Brahma temples dating back to 7 th century CE. They are Taaraka Brahma; Swarga Brahma; Padma Brahma; Bala Brahma; Garuda Brahma; Kumara Brahma; Arka Brahma; Veera Brahma and Viswa Brahma. These temples are all enclosed in a court yard on the left bank of the river Tungabhadra. Out of these nine temples Bala Brahma is the prime shrine of worship at Alampur.

*Above list is only illustrative and not exhaustive; readers’ views and suggestions are invited…

[ I had also archived the following ]

As per Indian mythology, Indian culture has a very special significance ofnumber 108. What is this number represent, and why is it so important?

I will try to give some answers to it, all the answers I am giving come froma book on "Mantra Mahavigyan".

1) In one minute, we breathe in approximately 15 times, in 1 hour 900 times, and in 12 hours 10800 times, and in a day 10800 * 2 times. A day consists of 24 hours, and if we set aside half the day for our day to day routines, then one can spend 12 hours for recitation of one's idol. Therefore, the maximmum number of times that one can recite "mantra", or perform "Jap" are 10800. If one wants to obtain 100% benefit of its jap, then performing jap 108 times will give you the benefit of 100%. That's why in a "Mala", there are 108 beads. It is written in Vedas, that 1 Jap corresponds to 1 mala (which has 108 beads), therefore performing jap of 108 malas will result in 100% benefit.

2) Astronomically, there are 27 constillations in our galaxy, and each one them has 4 directions, and 27 * 4 = 108, In other words the number 108 covers the whole galaxy.

3) According to Indian scriptures, letter 9 corresponds to Lord Brahma (the creator of universe). Mathematically, the interesting property of 9 is 9x1 = 9 9 x 2 = 18 (8+1 = 9) 9 * 3 = 27 (7+2 = 9)

9 * 12 = 108 (1+0+8 = 9)

I don't know what it leads to.

4) In Hindu religion, number 9 is very important. Keeping the importance of number 9, Rishi Vyas has created 9 Purans, 108 MahaPuran (Upnishads). Mahabharat has 18 chapters, Geeta has 18 chapters, Bhagavat has 108000 Shloks (verses).

The addition of digits of number 108 is 9, and number 9 is related with Brahma, that's why 108 is very important, and came into lot of Indian scriptures.

5) Indian Vedas, treats the Sun as God, and Sun has 12 signs (Zodiac signs). In Yajurved, Sun is related with Lord Brahma (the number 9), remember - 12 * 9 = 108; therefore for Gods Prayer, the number 108 is very sacred.

6) According to Indian mythology, there are 4 Yugs Satyug - consists of 172,800 years (1+7+2+8 = 18 == (1+8 = 9) TretaYug consists of 1296000 years (1+2+9+6 = 18 = (1+8 = 9) DwaparYug consists of 864000 years (8+4+6) = 18 = (1+8 = 9) Kaliyug consists of 432000 years (4+3+2) = 9

Properties of the number 9

Symbolism

Number of the patience, the meditation.

Number of the harmony, it represents the inspiration and the perfection of the ideas.

It is the expression of "the power of the Holy Spirit", according to Etchegoyen.

Symbolize the plenitude of talents, the reward of the tests.

Symbol of the creation and the life as a rhythm and development.

As a product of 3 x 3, it is the expression of the perfection, the symbol of the virile power, in addition to be associated to the couple.

Nine is the number of the one who accomplishes the divine will. According to the Cabal, it is also the number of the achievement.

The freemasons have made it the eternal number of human immortality.

Being the last simple number, it is the number of finalization or finition; it is therefore the most complex, that marks the full lighting up of the numerical series.

This number was considered as sacred in Egypt and in Greece.

Number of the man, as a numeral symbol of his gestation (nine months).

Number symbolizing the nocturnal and terrestrial things, for the Aztecs.

Number of the hierarchy, represented by nine choruses of the Angels.

Represent the three divine manifestations in the three plans: world of the spirit, world of the soul, world of the matter, which gives a triple manifestations of Trinity (3 x 3).

Symbol of the multitude, and according to Parmenide, it concerns the absolute things and it is the symbol of the totality of the human being.

A favorable number, associate to the eternity.

Bible

Nailed on the cross, Jesus Christ expires at the ninth hour.

Jesus appears nine times to his disciples and apostles after his resurrection.

The nine spiritual gifts of God enumerated by saint Paul: wisdom, knowledge, faith, gift of healing, to operate miracles, prophecy, distinguishing spirits, to speak in different kinds of tongues and the gift to interpret them. (1 Co 12,4-11) Saint Paul enumerates also nine fruits of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, trustfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Ga 5,22)

Jesus Ben Sira says in the Ecclesiastic: There are nine things I can think of which strike me as happy, and a tenth which is now on my tongue. (Si 25,7)

The bed of Og, king of Bashan, incarnation of the devil, had nine cubits long. (Dt 3,11)

Hoshea, son of Elah, became king of Israel in Samaria, and reigned for nine years. (2 K 17,1)

General

The practice of the nine first Fridays and Saturdays of the month, asked by Jesus: the first one being to honor his Sacred Heart and the second as a veneration for his Mother. Saturday is indeed dedicated to the Virgin Mary to commemorate her sorrows and her pain, between the death of Jesus and his resurrection, painful moment which lasted the whole day without to have the vision of his Son.

The nine Choruses of the Angels:

1. Seraphes, angels of love and light;2. Cherubs, angels of wisdom and intelligence;3. Thrones, angels of force and life;4. Dominations, angels of liberty;5. Principalities, angels of eternity and memory;6. Powers, angels of holiness;7. Vertues, angels of humility;8. Archangels, having for attribute the justice;9. Ordinary angels, to which we attribute the innocence.

The nine days of retreat and prayers in a novena are sources of divine graces.

In the revelations received by Mary Jane of United States, the Lord says that there are nine degrees of prayers. The four firsts are the vocal prayer, the meditation, the affective prayer and the innate comtemplation. The last five are the types of the mystical prayer: the innate comtemplation, the quiet prayer, the prayer of union, the prayer of union in conformity, and the most mystical is the prayer of transforming union.

Jacques Paquette refers, in his book "Apocalypse: prophecies of the end of times", to nine kingdoms associating the 4th to the Roman empire 19 centuries ago, the Revelation of John speaks about it in the chapter 2 verse

40. The ninth universal empire, called also thousand years reign, corresponds to the New Jerusalem of the Revelation.

God spread many extraordinary graces on the Virgin Mary the nine days before the Annunciation, according to visions of Mary Agreda.

After the death of a Pope, we celebrate masses for the rest of his soul during nine days, with nine absolutions.

Nine was the name of the sacred mountain of the Sun, for the ancient Egyptians.

Some peoples believed that the Sky was divided into nine celestial levels. It was the case for the Buddhists and also for the last worshippers of Mithra.

The nine plains of the Chinese sky. The hall of the imperial throne was separated by nine gates from the rest of the palace and the book of Annals, named Chou-king, exposes the "Sublime Science" in nine rules. Also the Chinese prostrated 9 times in front of their emperor.

There was nine gates which separated the sacred enclosure (the holy of Holies) of some religious traditions, from the rest of the space, this one considered profane.

Deucalion, the Greek Noah, sails during 9 days on the vessel which he has built on the command of the gods.

For Hesiode, the Earth was separated from the Heaven by a distance of nine days and nine nights, and from the hell also by nine days and nights.

The nine levels of the hell of Dante.

The nine nodes of the bamboo for the Taoists.

The nine notches of the birch-axis of the world at the Siberian tribes.

The nine openings of the man for Islam.

The nine stages that should traverse the souls of Aztecs to reach the eternal rest. They counted also nine underground worlds.

The nine was the key number of teaching for the materialistic Hindu philosophers in the Vaiceshika school.

It is the period of years when the voice of God is heard by a person if this person did not understand yet one of his lessons of life.

The 9 girls of Belenos of the druidism: Ogia - virginity, Glania - purity, Karantia - charity, Uxellia - nobleness, Viriona - truth, Aventia - honesty, Dagia - goodness, Lania - plenitude, and Lovania - joy.

The nine is often found in the superstitions, such as for example, nine salt grains means the bad fate. And if someone wants to get marry in the year will jump nine times over a fire of the saint John or will jump over nine different fires. The tradition wants that the drowned returns to the surface of the water after nine days.

The magic square using the first nine numbers is associated to the planet Saturn and has for sum 15. Sometimes, it is also called the "square of Solomon".

4 9 2 3 5 7 8 1 6 In the Greeks mythology: the nine nights of love of Zeus; the nine days and

nine nights that Leto suffers when she gives birth; the nine girls of Zeus and Mnemosyne, named Muses, who governed the liberal arts: Clio, Calliope, Melpomene, Thala, Euterpe, Erato, Terpsichore, Polymna and Urana; the nine days of ansciety of the Ceres-Demeter goddess who went around the world in search of her daughter Persephone kidnaped by Hephaistos, the dark god of Hells; the tradition wants that Minos, in his cavern, spent nine years to receive the Jupiter laws; a legend says also that Minos had, every nine years, a meeting with Jupiter, after what it was possible for him to prophesy.

Every nine years Athens sent, in the island of Crete, seven young men and seven young girls to be sacrificed there to the Minotaure.

There is nine "Dharmas", books constituting the Nepal Bible.

Orphism defines nine symbolic aspects of the universe divided into 3 triads: the night, the sky and the time; the ether, the light and the stars; the sun, the moon and the nature.

The 9 was the sacred monogram of the Moon goddess, "Bolon Tiku" of the Mayas.

The "Jin-Hoang" of the "Kieou-teou" divide the earth in nine parts, and nine brothers of the same name share the empire of the world.

In the Brahminism, Vichnou incarnates in nine avatars to sacrifice himself for the salvation of men.

In the biodynamic agriculture, the complete cycle for the preparation of the compost lasts nine months.

The language includes, grammatically, nine parts: the verb, the noun, the adjective, the participle, the conjunction, the article, the pronoun, the preposition and the adverb - interjection apart.

The nine planets discovered in our solar system, are in the order starting from Sun: Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune, Pluto. Recently a tenth planet was discovery beyond Pluto.

R. Allendy speaks about the curious arithmetical properties of the nine which gives it a very particular character because of the use of our decimal notation system. In another numerical notation system they would cease to exist: the difference between an unspecified number and the number formed by the inversion of its digits is always a multiple of 9 - example: between 26 and 62, the difference is 36, multiple of 9; the multiples of 9 are always composed of digits where the sum (once reduced) is equal to 9; the product 123456789 x 9 gives 9 times the digit 1 in the answer (1111111101). Concerning this last property, Elisabeth Haich mentiones the next calculations:

0 x 9 + 1 = 1 1 x 9 + 2 = 11 12 x 9 + 3 = 111 123 x 9 + 4 = 1111 1234 x 9 + 5 = 11111 12345 x 9 + 6 = 111111 123456 x 9 + 7 = 1111111 1234567 x 9 + 8 = 11111111 12345678 x 9 + 9 = 111111111 123456789 x 9 + 10 = 1111111111 The Trojan War lasted nine years.

Anniversary of marriage: weddings of pottery or crockery.

Occurrence

The number 9 is used 50 times in the Bible.

Numbers 150, 30000 and 100000 are used 9 times in the Bible.

The number 9 is used three times in the Koran. (Koran XVII,103; XVIII,24 and XXVII,49)

The verb to praise is used 9 times in the NT, including 7 times in the Gospel of Luke. By 9 times the Bible refers to the Law of the Lord as to a book in Chronicle Books. The word Master-of-all is used 9 times in the Bible

Also see

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/9_(number)