Circuits

Navagraha Temples

Nine planet temples around Kumbakonam

Nine temples in the Kaveri delta around Kumbakonam, each dedicated to one of the nine celestial bodies (navagraha) of Indian astrology – most are Shiva temples with a shrine to the planet.

Devotees visit to seek relief from unfavourable planetary positions in their horoscope (graha dosha) and perform parihara (remedial) poojas – for example oil abhishekam to Shani at Thirunallar.

All nine lie within about 60 km of Kumbakonam and are traditionally covered in one or two days, often starting at Suryanar Kovil, the only one where the Sun is the main deity.

The temples

1. Suryanar Kovil and the Navagraha Temples of Kumbakonam
2. Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur
3. Vaitheeswaran Koil
4. Swetharanyeswarar Temple
5. Apatsahayesvarar Temple
6. Agneeswarar Temple
7. Sri Dharbaranyeswarar Temple (Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan Sthalam), Thirunallar
8. Naganathaswamy Temple
9. Naganathaswamy Temple