Navagraha Temples

Believers in astrology and the influence of planets over individual destiny will find Tamil Nada is a great destination. Indian astrology believes that the planetary positions of the nine planets in a geocentric orbit determine the way a person will live, progress and exemplify one's life to others before death. Nava means nine and graha means planet. There are nine-temples located in Tamil Nada representing each planet in the Navagraha. All nine of them are located within a sixty kilometer radius around Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

Tamilnadu is the only state where the temples dedicated to the nine celestial bodies are located in such close proximity.

Surya (Sun, Ravi) - Sooriyanar - Sooriyanarkoil.
Chandra (Moon, Chand) - Kailasanathar - Thingaloor.
Chevvai (Mangal, Kuja) - Vaitheeswaran - Vaitheeswarankoil.
Budhan (Mercury, Budh) - Swetharanyeswarar - Thiruvenkadu.
Guru (Jupiter, Brihaspati) - Aabathsahayeswarar - Aalangudi.
Sukaran (Venus, Shukra) - Agneeswarar - Kanjanoor.
Sani (Saturn) - Darbaraneswara - Thirunallar.
Raahu - Nageswarar - Thirunageswaram.
Kethu - Naganatha Swamy - Keezhaperumpallam.

Suryanar Koil - Sun Temple

The first temple of the Navagraha temples is the Suryanarkoil. It is situated in the small village called Tirumangalakkudi. Near Aaduthurai, Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu (India).

This temple was built during the King of Chola period. Here, God Surya's great chariot has one wheel and is drawn by seven horses (The seven horses symbolically represent the seven colors of the white light and the seven days of the week), he has a lotus in each hand, wears an armour and has a shield over his breast, has beautiful straight hair, and is surrounded by a halo of light.

Special features of the temple, all the grahams face Surya Bhagawan in this temple. Generally in Siva temples, Navagrahas are the secondary deities. Here, the Sun is the main deity and the other eight planets have their separate shrines around the Sun according to Astrology. The Puranas subscribe to the same view that all sorts of physical and mental ailments will be solved, when people worship this temple.

Benefits of Worshipping:

To succeed in political, to get government job and government related deals, to get rid of from sins committed by father and ancestors, to solve the health problems like weakness in bone, very often headache, eye problem and also diseases pertaining to the heart. Those who are taking bath for twelve Sundays in Suryanarkoil, they will be saved from suffering and blessed with happy and peaceful life.

Thingaloor - Moon Temple

The second Navagraha temple is the Thingalur. It is situated near Thiruvaiyaru, Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu (India).

The Chandra is the beautiful deity who appeals to everyone. He is supposed to rule one's mind, and is mainly associated with the emotions one's experiences. Chandra is a second planet in the navagrahas.

Here, God Chandra seen riding on a chariot drawn by 10 white horses. Chandra is represented in white colour, clothed in white garment, surrounded by a halo and adorned with ornaments and garland of all sorts of flowers. Chandra holding lotus buds in his hands.

Benefits of Worshipping:

By praying to lord Chandran, mental retardation, dosham to mother, fluid accumulation diseases will get rid of from the person’s life.

Vaitheswaran Koil - Mangal Temple

The third Navagraha temple is the Vaitheeswarankoil near Sirkazhi, Nagappattinam district in Tamil Nadu (India).

Chevvai is a ferocious god with four hands. In two hands he holds weapons, generally a mace and a javelin, while the other two are held in abhaya and varada mudras. He uses ram as his vehicle.

The temple is dedicated to lord Shiva who is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or Vaithiyanatha swamy his consort is known as Thaiyalnayagi. Not like most other temples that are known by the presiding deity, Lord Muruga (Selva muthu kumara swamy) is the celebrated deity in Vaitheeswarankoil though the main deity is lord shiva.

This temple consists of several Mandapams and Gopurams and also Navagraha (all nine planets) installed in single line.

There is a part of the story in Ramayana that Ravana proceeding to Srilanka with Sita, while Jadayu fought with Ravana to relieve Sita by the time Ravana cut his wing the same wing fell down here and eventually got moksha. Even today we can see the place is where Jadayu was cremated – "Jadayu Kundam".

Benefits of Worshipping:

Chevvai (Manglik Dosh, Mangala, Kuja dosh) related dosham are rectified by performing Parihara (remedies) poojas to this deity. It is traditional to perform Angaraha Pooja to get rid of financial crisis, property dealing, productivity of agriculture and milk. If any problem between brothers and sisters that also will be solved. Chevvai also heels cut wounds. So devotees performing pooja to chevvai are benefited to victory.

There is also a widespread belief that the visit here would remove obstacles that delays marriage (Chevvai dosham). In chevvai temple the Prasatham (Food) offered by the name of Tiruchaandu urundai is considered to be a panaca capable of many elements. It is made of ashes taken out from the homa kundam in front of Subramaniya strain. Rituals are performed here in mixer of earth and ashes from the homa kundam are shaped into the pills and the same distributed as a Prasatham (Food) to the person (as medicine).

The devotees as soon as entering the temple, they first go to Sithamirtha tank (Sithamirtha tank consist of 18 wells) filled with holy water and mix with medicines in form of leaves. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin problems. Diseases that could not get cured by mani, mandra, aushatha, can get be cured after coming to this temple. That why here Shiva is called as a Vaithiyanathan (doctor). There is also a shrine dedicated to Dhanvanthri here. Dhanvanthri is also a God for medicine. Even doctors do their operation after they pray to Dhanvanthri for success. Devotees also those who are suffering illness can be cured after praying to Dhanvanthri.

Thiruvenkadu - Mercury (Budh) Temple

The fourth Navagraha temple is the Thiruvengadu near Sirkazhi, Nagappattinam district in Tamil Nadu (India).

Budha deity resides over intelligent and person’s teaching capacities, he is detected Vedas in one hand and the sword in the other. His other two hands carry mace and shield he is riding upon a chariot or lion. Budha or Mercury is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth on his devotees.

This temple is referred in 'Saiva Thirumurai' and 'Sastras'. This place is similar to Kasi (Varanasi) with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the KARMAs here that are supposed to be done in Kasi. He also grants power of expression and success in education. This is also known Aadhi Chidambaram Natraja dance here is known as Hasti Natanam. In this temple Agora Murthi is a main god, he is one of the furious incarnate of lord Shiva.

Benefits of Worshipping:

The person who come to visit thiruvengadu Budha Sthalam (Budh Sthalam) they will find relief from failure in business, set back in profession, lack of mental inability, nervous and skin problems, getting knowledge and education are the beneficial aspects of Budha. Thiruvengadu village is also famous for unique structure of pools in temples, this temple has three pools (Surya theertham, Chandra theertham, Agni theertham) and three gods. It is believed that who takes the bath in all three pools, will be free from their problems like disease and delay of getting marriage, delay of getting child etc.

Alangudi - Jupiter (Brihaspati) Temple

The fifth Navagraha temple is in Alangudi near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu (India).

Alangudi is the place regarded as Guru Sthalam where the Lord Guru, the great reverence is worshipped as Shri Dhakshinamurthy. God Shiva as Aabathsagayeshwarar and Goddess Parvathi known as Aelavarkuzhali are the main deities here.

The specialty in this temple is lord Guru is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol reunited with Shiva.

Jupiter God rides on Hamsa, the mythical swan. Guru means remover of darkness. Hamsa is the mythical bird that is capable of separating milk from a mixture of milk and water, accepting only the milk and rejecting water in it.

Thus the actual removal of the ignorant attraction is not by recognition alone but by proper discrimination. Guru is the presiding deity of religious inclinations and prosperity. He is also the presiding deity of married life for woman. He is described in the Puranas as Brihaspati (one who possesses sharp intelligence), the preceptor of Devas. He is often depicted in a standing posture with four hands, in one of which he holds a weapon called the Vajraayudha. He represents the great teacher he stands for wisdom and knowledge. Brihaspati is the teacher of gods and is praised in many rigveda.

This place is known as Alangudi, which literally mean 'the place where Lord Shiva consumed the deadly posion'. The Devas, when churning the paarkadal for nectar, were hindered by the poisonous fumes from the snake Vasuki and prayed to Lord Siva for deliverance. Lord Siva consumed the deadly poison (Ala Visham), thus giving rise to the name Alangudi to this Sthalam and the Lord was known as "Aabathsagayeshwarar" (One who defends from the danger).

Benefits of Worshipping:

The person who come to visit Alangudi Guru Sthalam (Jupiter planet) they will find relief from financial problems, getting delay in child, marriage problems will be solved and also the person will get political power, and spiritual power even though those who are committed sins in previous birth there is a remedy in this temple.

Kanjanoor - Venus (Shukra) Temple

The sixth Navagraha temple is in Kanjanur near Suryanar Koil (Aadudurai), Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu (India).

Shukra is the teacher of the demons and the author of Sukraniti. He is generally shown with four hands, riding upon a golden or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses.

Three of his hands hold a staff, a rosary, a vessel of gold respectively while the fourth one is held in varada mudra. Here, lord Shiva represent of Shukra Bhagavan. Legend is that with this power Sukrachariya once brought the dead asuras alive during a war against the Devas. The devas prayed Lord Shiva for their rescue. The Lord then swallowed him in anger. Sukra meditated upon Shiva in his stomach and emerged out.

Of the nine grahas Sukra is the next most beneficial planet after Guru.

Benefits of Worshipping:

The person who comes to visit Kanjanur Sukra Sthalam (Venus planet) will find relief from delay of getting marriage, personal family life problems, love affairs from both sides, loss from females, diverse problems from both sides, ornaments, wealth, vehicles and domestic animals. To come out from all these problems the person should perform pooja and worship the god; Shri agnishwaraswamy will help the devotees to get rid of Sukra dosham also.

Thirunallar - Saturn (Shani) Temple

The seventh Navagraha temple is in Thirunallar near Karaikal (Mayiladudhurai), Tamil Nadu (India).

Shaneeshwar gives as the results of once deeds through appropriate punishment and rewards Yama grants the results of once deeds after death. Saturday is the most appropriate days for worshipping Shaneeshwar Bhagavan.

He is generally shown with four hands riding upon a chariot, or a buffalo or a crow. In three hands he shown holding an arrow, a bow and a javelin respectively while the fourth one is held in varadamudra. Shaneeshwar Bhagavan is decorated with black flowers.

Sani is a turbulent and troublesome god who makes and breaks fortunes, by his influence and position in the planetary system for which he is invariably feared, and especially worshipped by those who believe in Hindu astrology.

Whether one is under Sani's favourable or unfavourable effects, one should constantly worship him. By doing so, one can ensure that the impact of adverse effect is minimised and the benefits of favourable effect are maximized.

Benefits of Worshipping:

The person who come to visit Tirunallar Shaneeshwar Sthalam (Saturn Temple) who is suffering from Shaneeshwar dhasa and 7 ½ years saturn period (elarai nattu Sani, Saade Sati, Shani dosh), he has to take oil bath in Nala Thirtha (pool). While dharshan he has to go with wet cloth then take dharshan of Shiva Parvathidevi and Shaneeshwara Bhagavan which will completely vanish out Shaneeshwar desha.

Thirunageshwaram - Rahu Temple

The eighth Navagraha temple is in Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu (India).

The god Rahu is the King of snakes who is instrumental in strengthening one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend. He is ruled by Goddess Durga. The main deity's name is Nageshwarar and Ambal's name is Girigujambikai. She is decorated as a small girl in the Mornings, as young lady in Noons and as lady in evenings.

Here Lord Rahu resides with his wife. People having Rahu dosha come here during Rahu kalam and perform Abishekas. Every day, during Rahu kala Abishekam, when Milk is pouring over idol, miraculously the color of milk changes from white to light blue colour. The King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple.

The devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal (Sea of milk) to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever. When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the amirtham only to the devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed amirtham. Realizing this, one of the asuraas with the help of the asura Guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Cha dran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana. In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The body of a snake got attached to the head to become Rahu Bhagavan. Rahu prayed to Lord Vishnu (Narayan) and got the position of a Sayagraham. Rahu takes his revenge on Suryan and Chandra, whether he gets a chance by devouring them. This is commonly called as eclipse (Grahanam).

Rahu is represented on a 'Simhasana' or a silver chariot drawn by eight horses. According to some it possesses four arms, three of which bear 'Khadga', 'Khetaka', and 'Sula' and in Varada pose and sometimes he possesses two arms carrying a book.

Benefits of Worshipping:

The person who come to visit Thirunageswaram Rahu Sthalam (Rahu planet) will find relief from Naga Dosham, Kala Sharpa Dosham, Vivaha Dosham (marriage), Mental Disorders, Puthra Dosham, nervous and leprosy problems.

Keezhaperumpallam - Kethu Temple

The ninth and the last Navagraha temple is in Kizhaperumpallam near Poombukar, Nagappattinam district in Tamil Nadu (India).

It is rare to find Kethu with his head. At this sthala, he can be seen worshipping Naaganaadhaswami with his folded hands held high. Kethu is the tail of a serpent as his body, a description which very much matches with his connection to the image of a comet. However in the images, he is usually shown with a poke marked body, riding upon a vulture and holding a mace.

The devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal (Sea of milk) to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever. When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the fuise of Mohini ws distributing the amirtham only to the devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will incrase multifold if they consumed amirtham. Realizing this, one of the asuras with the help of the asura Guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana. In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The head portion of the asura attached itself to a snake body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion that was thrown away fell in Pothigai mountain region. This was found and preserved by a Brahmin. The head of a snake got attached to the asura body to become Kethu.

Benefits of Worshipping:

Lord Kethu Bhagavan is ruled by Lord Ganesha and Indra. Those who are affected by Kethu dosha come here for rectification. The person who affected Naga Dosham, Kala Sharpa Dosham, Vivaha Dosham (Marriage), Mental Disorders, Puthra Dosham, fears of robbery, bad habits, nervous and leprosy problems, especially dangerous of all poisonous life forms, visit Kizhaperumpallam Kethu Sthalam (Kethu planet) will rid from all these problems. Kethu is the presiding deity of Moksha.