Nava Kailasam Temples – The Sacred Abodes of Lord Shiva on Tamirabarani
Introduction
The Nava Kailasam temples are a unique set of nine Lord Shiva temples located along the banks of the holy Tamirabarani River in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts of Tamil Nadu. Each temple is associated with one of the Navagrahas (nine planets), similar to the Nava Tirupathi of Lord Vishnu.
For Shaivite devotees, undertaking the Nava Kailasam yatra is believed to bring relief from planetary afflictions and blessings for a prosperous life. Pilgrims often combine this with a visit to Tiruchendur Murugan Temple and Nava Tirupathi, making it a spiritually fulfilling journey across South Tamil Nadu.
History & Mythology
The Nava Kailasam temples are believed to have been established by Sage Agastya’s disciple Uromasa Maharishi. Following his Guru’s advice, he made Shiva Lingas from clay at nine different places along the Tamirabarani river and performed penance. Lord Shiva appeared before him and granted darshan, blessing the shrines as Nava Kailasam.
Since then, each temple has been revered as a form of Kailash (Mount Kailasa, abode of Lord Shiva), hence the name Nava Kailasam.
The Nine Nava Kailasam Temples & Their Planetary Association
Papanasam Sivan Temple (Surya – Sun)
Cheranmahadevi Kailasanathar Temple (Chandra – Moon)
Kodaganallur Abhimukheswarar Temple (Mars – Chevvai)
Kunnathur Kailasanathar Temple (Budhan – Mercury)
Murappanadu Kailasanathar Temple (Guru – Jupiter)
Serndhapishtam Kailasanathar Temple (Sukra – Venus)
Rajapathy Kailasanathar Temple (Sani – Saturn)
Keeshapuram Kailasanathar Temple (Rahu)
Sernthapoomangalam Kailasanathar Temple (Ketu)
Each temple is situated close to the river and is traditionally visited in sequence as a pilgrimage circuit.
Temple Timings
| Temple Name | Planet (Navagraha) | Location | Timings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papanasam (Suriyan) | Sun | Papanasam | 6:30 AM – 12:00 PM / 5:00 – 8:30 PM |
| Cheranmahadevi (Chandran) | Moon | Cheranmahadevi | 7:00 – 10:00 AM / 5:00 – 6:00 PM |
| Kodaganallur (Sevvai) | Mars | Kodaganallur | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 4:30 – 8:00 PM |
| Kunnathur (Rahu) | Rahu | Kunnathur | 7:30 – 10:30 AM / 5:00 – 6:30 PM |
| Murappanadu (Guru) | Jupiter | Murappanadu | 7:30 – 11:00 AM / 5:30 – 7:30 PM |
| Rajapathi (Kethu) | Kethu | Rajapathi | 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM / 4:00 – 8:00 PM |
| Thenthiruperai (Budhan) | Mercury | Thenthiruperai | 7:00 – 10:00 AM / 5:00 – 7:00 PM |
| Serndhapoomangalam (Sukran) | Venus | Serndhapoomangalam | 7:00 – 9:30 AM / 5:30 – 7:30 PM |
| Sri Vaikundam (Suriyan) | Sun | Sri Vaikundam | 7:00 – 10:30 AM / 5:00 – 7:00 PM |
Special Festivals
Maha Shivaratri – celebrated grandly in all temples.
Pradosham (bi-monthly) – special poojas and abhishekams.
Thai Amavasya & Aadi month rituals – dedicated to ancestors, very auspicious along the river.
Annual Brahmotsavams at individual temples.
Location
Districts: Tirunelveli & Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu
Nearest Major City: Tirunelveli (25 km average)
Nearest Railway Station: Tirunelveli Junction
Nearest Airport: Tuticorin Airport (50 km) / Trivandrum International Airport (150 km)
Plan Your Nava Kailasam Yatra with SouthGuru Holidays
At SouthGuru Holidays, we arrange customized Nava Kailasam yatra packages covering all nine temples in a comfortable and timely manner. Services include:
Car rentals & cab services from Tirunelveli, Tuticorin, and Trivandrum
Expert local guides with knowledge of legends & rituals
Group and private packages with accommodation & meals
Combined Nava Kailasam + Nava Tirupathi + Tiruchendur Murugan Temple tours
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
