Navagraha Tour

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The Navagraha Temples are nine (nava) temples, which are located within a sixty kilometre radius around Kumbakonam in Tanjavur district in Tamil Nadu. Maximum of these are Siva temples. Each of these temples is a sanctum for one each of the nine celestial bodies referred to in Indian astrological beliefs.

Chandra (Moon) Tingaloor Koil: This temple dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.

Guru (Jupiter) Alangudi : This is regarded as a Guru Sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence. The shrine attracts large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.

Tirunageswharan (Rahu) :This temple known is for its shrine to Rahu. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar. The belief is that worship should be performed during Rahukalam

Surya (Sun) Suryanar Koil : Suryanar Koil was built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as the giver of health, success and prosperity.

Shukran (Venus) Kanchanoor This temple is dedicated to Shukran or Venus. This shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati. Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives.

Chevaai (Mars) Vaitheswaran Koil Here there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Chevvai or Mars. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valor, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the Siddhamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There is also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage.

Budhan (Mercury) Tiruvenkadu : It is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.

Keezhperumpallam (Ketu) : This is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with the legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple..

Shani (Saturn) Tirunallar: This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani or Saturn. When the planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn after worship in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.

Southern India