In Vedic astrology, the planet Mars is known as Mangala, Kuja and Angaraka. These names in Sanskrit mean auspicious, burning coal and fair. Mars is the zodiac ruler of Aries and Scorpio. He is considered to be about 16 years old. He has four arms, holding a mace, trident and other war weapons. He has red hair and his hairy body is also reddish. His vehicle is a ram and he wears red garments. Mars is regarded as Bhumiputra or Kuja, the Son of the Earth. At one point in creation, the planet Earth was submerged in the celestial waters. Lord Vishnu came and lifted the earth out of the water, placing it in its orbit. Mother Earth was most grateful for this and offered to bear a child for lord Vishnu. He agreed, and out of their union came the planet Mars. A variation on this myth states that Mars was the result of the union of Shiva and Mother Earth. 

Once when Lord Shiva was engrossed in deep meditation upon his abode Mount Kailash, three drops of perspiration originated from his forehead and fell down on the earth. From those drops manifested a very beautiful infant, who was of reddish complexion and who had four arms. The child was handed over to the mother Earth for upbringing by Lord Shiva. The child was named Bhauma as he was nurtured and brought up by 'Bhumi' (mother Earth). The planets Sun, Moon and Jupiter are all considered friendly to him, while he is hostile to Mercury. His caste is Kshatriya (warrior). 

Mars is also called Angaraka or Burning Coal. Some people are fearful of Mars's fierce effects and try to appease him by calling him mangala, "The Auspicious One." Great importance has been attached for Mars’ worship in our sacred books. Mangal Pooja is performed to appease planet Mars. Mars is the ‘Prince’ among all the planets. Performing Mangal pooja can reduce the troubles and hurdles caused due to malefic position of Mars in the horoscope. Mars represents the virtues of bravery, patience, tolerance, spirit, steadiness and also the vices of anger, lies, disgustingness, jealousy, protectiveness and excitements etc. A prayer to this planet frees one from debts, poverty and illness.All paintings are Courtesy of Art of Legend India.