"Navagraha Temples" Darshanam in Tamil Nadu

On 16^th January 2011 (Sunday) I visited Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu.

Our 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. The word “Navagraha” means “Nine Planets” (Nava = nine & graha = planet). 

Each graha is represented by one temple each. All the nine temples are situated in Tamil Nadu with a close proximity of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

Navagraha Temples are:

1. Suriyanar Koil  temple represents God Surya (Sun)
2. Thingalur temple represents God Chandra (Moon) 
3. Vaitheeswaran Koil  temple represents God Sevvai (Mars)
4. Thiruvenkadu temple represents God Budhan (Mercury)
5. Alangudi temple represents Lord Guru (Jupiter) 
6. Kanchanur temple represents Lord Sukkiran (Venus) 
7. Thirunallar temple represents Lord Shani (Saturn) 
8. Thirunageswaram temple represents Lord Raghu (Rahu) 
9. Keezha Perumpallam temple represents Lord Kedhu (Ketu)

One must start visiting Navagraha Temples from Suriyanar Koil. Suriyanar Koil is located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This temple was built by the Chola kings [Kulottunga Chola I (1075-1120)]. The Suriyanar temple faces west. The presiding deity here is Suryanarayana in a chariot like vimaanam, representing the sun's chariot.

Thingalur temple, a small temple here has a small shrine dedicated to Chandran in Sanskrit (Thingal in Tamil). Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.

Vaitheeswaran Koil is a special shrine dedicated to Lord Mars. It is situated approximately 92 kilometers away from Thingalur temple. After entering the temple, devotees first go to the Siddhamrita tank; it is believed that the water has curative properties for various skin ailments. There is also a myth associated with this temple that visiting this temple will remove all the obstacles that delay marriage.

Thiruvenkadu temple is one of the ancient & biggest temples which represents God Budhan, is situated just 15 kms away from Vaitheeswaran Koil. Natarajar's dance here is known as Hasti Natanam. It is believed that visiting this temple gives all Sastra Gnanam and makes person wisdom & intellect.

Alangudi temple is regarded as a Guru sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence. Lord Jupiter is a sign of prosperity and arts. This temple is 90 kms away from Thiruvenkadu temple and 32 kms away from Suriyanarkoil temple.

Kanchanur temple represents Planet Venus. Bhramma is said to have been blessed with a vision of Shiva's marriage with Parvati here. Men visit to pray for their marriage, Sowbhagyam and child issues.

Thirunallar temple is the only temple dedicated to Shani Bhagwan. This temple was worshipped by the legendary King Nala, was relieved of his obstacles due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship in this temple. Before entering to this temple one must take bath in pushkarini, which is located right in front of the temple and leave away the old cloths forever after bathing. It is believed that bathing here washes off all the obstacles and misfortune of a person. There is a strong myth related to this temple that one must not look back to God after praying during darshanam.

Thirunageswaram temple is a huge temple known for the shrine to Lord Rahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha. Tirunageswaram is considered to be the 29th temple in the series in the Chola kingdom located south of the river Kaveri. This temple is located 33 kms away from the Shani temple and just 5 kms away from Suriya Temple. This temple occupies an area of 15 acres and it has vast prakarams, towering gopurams, and several mandapams. People visit this temple to seek blessings of GOD to get rid of Nagadosam, Nagahatyam, etc.

Keezha Perumpallam is very ancient temple worshipping Lord Ketu. 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. Devotees visit this temple to be blessed for free from illness & diseases, poverty & peedai.

All the nine navagrahas have their own preferances of colour, grains, flowers, day of worship and gemstone. The following list will guide you to know the details.

S. No.	Planets	Colour	Grains	Flowers	Day	Gem Stone
1	SUN	Red	Wheat	Red Lotus	Sunday	Ruby
2	CHANDRAN	White	Rice	White Arali	Monday	Pearl
3	MANGAL	Red	Toor Daal	Shenbagam	Tuesday	Coral
4	BUDH	Green	Green Gram	White Kanthal	Wednesday	Emerald
5	GURU	Yellow	Channa	White Mullai	Thursday	Pusparaham
6	SUKRA	White	Mocchai	White Lotus	Friday	Diamond
7	SHANI	Black	Gingelly	Black Kuvalli	Saturday	Sapphire
8	RAHU	Navy Blue	Urad Dal	Mandharai	Sunday	Komedagam
9	KETU	Multi-colour	Kollu	Red Lilly	Sunday	Cat’s eye