Navagraha Temples – Sacred Abodes of the Nine Planets
📖 Introduction
The Navagraha Temples in South India hold immense significance in Hindu astrology and spirituality. Dedicated to the nine celestial planets—Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, and Ketu—these temples are revered as powerful centers for dosha parihara pujas (remedies for planetary afflictions).
Pilgrims from across India visit these temples, particularly in Tamil Nadu (Kumbakonam – Thanjavur region) and other parts of South India, to seek blessings, improve planetary alignments, and attain peace, prosperity, and spiritual upliftment.
🌟 History & Significance
The Navagraha concept finds its roots in Vedic astrology and Puranic traditions, where the nine planets are believed to influence human destiny. The Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, particularly around Kumbakonam and Thanjavur, are unique as each temple is dedicated to one specific graha. Performing rituals here is believed to reduce Navagraha doshas, bring relief from hardships, and enhance overall well-being.
🛕 The Nine Navagraha Temples (Tamil Nadu Circuit)
Suriyanar Temple (Sun – Surya Bhagavan) – Located in Suriyanarkoil, dedicated to the Sun God.
Kailasanathar Temple (Moon – Chandra Bhagavan) – Thingalur near Thanjavur.
Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars – Angaraka/Mangal) – Near Mayiladuthurai, also famous for medical healing.
Swetharanyeswarar Temple (Mercury – Budhan) – Thiruvenkadu near Sirkazhi.
Alangudi Abathsahayeswarar Temple (Jupiter – Guru/Brihaspati) – Alangudi near Kumbakonam.
Agneeswarar Temple (Venus – Shukra Bhagavan) – Kanjanur.
Saniswaran Temple (Saturn – Shani Bhagavan) – Thirunallar, near Karaikal.
Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu) – Thirunageswaram.
Kethu Temple (Ketu) – Keezhaperumpallam near Poompuhar.
🔱 Rituals & Poojas
Navagraha Dosha Nivarthi Pooja
Archana & Abhishekam for individual planets
Homams & Parihara Poojas for marriage delays, career growth, health recovery
Special Saturdays – Highly important for Shani (Saturn) worship.
📍 Location & Travel
The Navagraha temples are located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, making it a popular temple circuit. Pilgrims usually complete the circuit within 2–3 days, often combining it with visits to Chidambaram, Thanjavur, Kanchipuram, and Rameswaram.
SouthGuru Holidays offers customized Navagraha Temple Tour Packages, including car rentals, guided tours, accommodation, and pooja arrangements for hassle-free darshan.
🕘 Temple Timings
| Temple Name | Morning Timings | Evening Timings |
|---|---|---|
| Suryan Temple | 06:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
| Chandran Temple | 07:00 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| Sevvai Temple | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| Budhan Temple | 06:00 AM – 12:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| Guru Temple | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| Sukkiran Temple | 07:00 AM – 12:30 PM | 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
| Saneeswaran Temple | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 09:00 PM |
| Ragu Temple | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 08:30 PM |
| Kethu Temple | 06:00 AM – 01:00 PM | 04:00 PM – 08:00 PM |
🛕 Book Your 9 Planet Temple Tour Today
Plan your Navagraha Temple Yatra with SouthGuru Holidays for a spiritually fulfilling journey.
📞 Contact SouthGuru Holidays
📧 Email: sales@southguru.in
🌐 Website: www.southguruholidays.com
📞 Call: +91-73565 07555
