Nine Grahas Temples (Navagraham temples) in Tamil Nadu is a set of nine Hindu temples, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities, the Navagraham in various places around the South Indian own of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India.[1] The presiding deity in most of the temples is Shiva, with a shrine dedicated to the planetary deity.[2] Leaving Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple which is located in Karaikkal, all the other temples are located in Tamil Nadu.
The present masonry structure for most of the temples were built during the reign of Medieval Cholas between the 7th and 11th centuries with later additions from the Vijayanagar period. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, most of the temples have a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower and a granite wall enclosing all the shrines of the temple.
The temples are a part of the popular Navagraham pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the planetary deities were cursed by Brahma to dwell in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle and were blessed by Shiva to make it their abode to devotees. The temples have six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and two yearly festivals on its calendar. The temples are maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.
Suriyanar Koil (Sun)
As the name suggests this temple is dedicated to the sun god and was constructed by the Chola rulers during 1100 AD. This Dravidian Hindu shrine of worship is an important temple in the Navgraha circuit and enclosing it is a 5 tiered, intricately carved Gopuram which leads the devotees inside the temple. The presiding deity is worshipped in the form of Suriyan here and he sits here with his consort Usha and Pratyusha Devi.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 12:30 pm / 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm
Route Map from Chennai (almost 6 hours): Chennai – Maraimalai Nagar – Tindivanam – Sethiyathope – Gangaikondacholapuram – Suriyanar koil
Kanchi Kailasanathar Temple (Moon)
Built during the Pallava rule using golden sandstone this intricately carved out temple which is dedicated to the moon god, is the oldest structure in Kanchipuram. Just like every other temple structure in the southern states, this historical and legendary temple is constructed by utilising the Dravidian style of architecture. Literally translating to ‘lord of the cosmic mountain’, the temple houses an idol of Kailasnathar and is symbolic of exiting from paradise after completing the puja rituals inside.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 12 noon / 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Route Map from Chennai (2 hours and 15 minutes): Chennai – Mevalurkuppam – Sriperumbudur – Neervalur – Kanchi Kailasanathar temple
Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple (Mars)
With the history of this temple dating back to the Ramayan period the temple is believed to have been built on the exact spot where Lord Ram, Laxman and the Saptarishis are said to have performed their meditation here. The presiding deity of Shivji is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or ‘god of healing’. The temple offers a serene environment along with a tank where visitors decide to take a holy dip in its waters which is also believed to cure leprosy.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 1:00 pm / 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Route Map from Chennai (5 hours 30 minutes): Chennai – Chengalpattu – Melmaruvathur – Tindivanam – Puducherry – Cuddalore – Chidambaram – Vaitheeswaran Koil
Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar Temple (Mercury)
This spectacular temple complex is believed to have been constructed during the 16th century by the Chola rulers of south India. The presiding deity which is worshipped is in the form of a shiv ling and the name of the temple will be translated into ‘lord of white forest’. The planet mercury of Budhan signifies knowledge and intellect and performing puja rituals here on Wednesdays is said to get rid of the Budha Dosha.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 12 noon / 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Route Map from Chennai (5 hours 45 minutes): Chennai – Maraimalai Nagar – Chengalpattu – Melmaruvathur – Tindivanam – Puducherry – Cuddalore – Chidambaram – Arulmigu Swetharanyeswarar temple
Arulmigu Apatsahayesvarar Temple (Jupiter)
This intricately carved colorful temple of South India is dedicated to Shivji and is worshipped in the form of Apatsahayesvarar and pans over an area of 2 acres. The entrance of the temple is adorned with two storied gopuram which is carved out elegantly and the legend of this temple depicts that this temple came into being after Shivji had consumed a deadly poison. The festivals celebrated here are done with immense joy and zeal which is a sight to behold.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 1:00 pm / 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Route Map from Chennai (6 hours): Chennai – Chengalpattu – Melmaruvathur – Tindivanam – Villupuram – Perambalur – Ariyalur - Arulmigu Apatsahayesvarar temple
Agniswarar Temple (Venus)
Situated in Kumbakonam and dedicated to the planet of Venus this temple is one of the Navgraha temple circuit in Tamil Nadu. Situated in close proximity to the Suryanar Koil, this temple is built on the place where Shivji and Parvati are worshipped in the form of Agniswarar and Karpagavalli amman. The Cholas are credited with the building of this temple and covered in incredibly fine works of architecture.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 12 noon / 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Route Map from Chennai (6 hours): Chennai – Maraimalai Nagar – Chengalpattu – Tindivanam – Sethiyathope – Gangaikonda Cholapuram - Agniswarar temple
Thirunallar Saniswaran Temple (Saturn)
The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva who is worshipped as Darbaranyeswarar here along with goddess Parvathi who is worshipped in the form of Bhogamartha Poonmulai Amman. Devotees suffering from Shani Dasha are relieved from it during their visit here and after performing various puja rituals. It is a ritual for every devotee to take a holy bath in the Brahma Theertham which was created by brahma himself before entering the temple.
Temple Timings – 5:30 am to 12:30 pm / 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Route Map from Chennai (6 hours 30 minutes): Chennai – Kelambakkam – Mahabalipuram- Swarnabhoomi – Mandavai – Puducherry – Cuddalore – Chidambaram - Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple
Rahu Sthalam Temple (Rahu)
Located on the outskirts of the town of Kumbakonam this temple is dedicated to Shivji and is a significant destination of worship for people belonging to the Shaivite sect of Hinduism. It is also known as Thirunageswaram and along with expert masonry and spectacular Dravidian architecture this temple is the place where people dealing with Rahu planetary problems come to get rid of their dosh.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 1:00 pm / 4:00 pm to 8:30 pm
Route Map from Chennai (6 hours): Chennai – Chengalpattu – Tindivanam – Sethiyathope – Gangaikondachola Puram - Rahu Shtalam Temple
Kethu Sthalam Temple (Kethu)
Also referred to as Keezhaperumpallam temple, this place houses the idol of Naganathar and his better half Soundarya Devi. Kethu Bhagwan is said to possess the head of snake and the body of an asura and he is said to have worshipped with complete devotion to Shivji in order to get rid of his sins. Performing puja rituals here is said to get rid of obstacles like bad habits, property related disputes, obstacles in marriage etc.
Temple Timings – 6:00 am to 12 noon / 4:30 pm to 8:30 pm
Route Map from Chennai (6 hours): Chennai – Kelambakkam – Mahabalipuram – Kalpakkam – Swarnabhoomi – Mandavai – Puducherry – Cuddalore – Chidambaram - Kethu Sthalam Temple