The Navagraham Temples of Tamil Nadu: A Pilgrimage to the Nine Planetary Deities
The Navagraham Temples of Tamil Nadu
The Navagraham Temples in Tamil Nadu are a set of nine Hindu temples, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities (Navagrahas). These temples are located around the towns of Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu, India, with the exception of the Shani temple in Tirunallar, which is in Karaikal. The temples are primarily dedicated to Lord Shiva, with specific shrines for the planetary deities.
Historical and Architectural Significance
The current masonry structures of most of these temples were built during the reign of the Medieval Cholas (7th to 11th centuries) and were later added to during the Vijayanagar period. The temples are constructed in the Dravidian style, characterized by a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower) and a granite wall enclosing the shrines.
Mythological Background
According to Hindu legend, the nine planetary deities were cursed by Brahma to dwell in Vellurukku Vanam, a white wildflower jungle. They were later blessed by Shiva, who made it their abode to grace devotees worshipping them. Sage Kalava, who suffered from serious ailments including leprosy, prayed to the Navagrahas, who cured him. Angered by this, Brahma cursed the planets to suffer from leprosy and sent them to Vellurukku Vanam. The planets prayed to Shiva for relief, who then assigned them to bless the devotees from these temples.
Temples and Their Deities
According to Hindu legend, the nine planetary deities were cursed by Brahma to dwell in Vellurukku Vanam, a white wildflower jungle. They were later blessed by Shiva, who made it their abode to grace devotees worshipping them. Sage Kalava, who suffered from serious ailments including leprosy, prayed to the Navagrahas, who cured him. Angered by this, Brahma cursed the planets to suffer from leprosy and sent them to Vellurukku Vanam. The planets prayed to Shiva for relief, who then assigned them to bless the devotees from these temples.
1. Surya Navagrahasthalam (Suryanar Kovil)
- District: Thanjavur
- Deity: Surya (Sun)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Suryan with Usha Devi and Pratyusha Devi
- Features: Built around the 11th century, it has a five-tiered rajagopuram and granite wall.
2. Chandra Navagrahasthalam (Kailasanathar Temple, Thingaloor)
- District: Thanjavur
- Deity: Chandra (Moon)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Kailasanathar and Goddess Parvati as Periyanakiamman
- Features: Known for a 16-sided Shiva lingam and a Nandi statue.
3. Angarakan Navagrahasthalam (Vaitheeswaran Kovil)
- District: Mayiladuthurai
- Deity: Angarakan (Mars)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Vaitheeswaran and Goddess Parvati as Thaiyalnaayaki
- Features: Believed to cure ailments, particularly leprosy.
4. Budha Navagrahasthalam (Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu)
- District: Mayiladuthurai
- Deity: Budha (Mercury)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Swetharanyeswarar and Goddess Parvati as Brahma Vidya Nayaki Ambal
- Features: Known for the Agora Murthi incarnation of Lord Shiva.
5. Guru Navagrahasthalam (Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi)
- District: Thiruvarur
- Deity: Guru (Jupiter)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Apatsahayesvarar and Goddess Parvati as Elavarkuzhali Ammai
- Features: Located at the confluence of three rivers – Cauvery, Kolidam, and Vennaru.
6. Shukra Navagrahasthalam (Agneeswarar Temple, Kanjanoor)
- District: Thanjavur
- Deity: Shukra (Venus)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar and Goddess Parvati as Karpagavalli Amman
- Features: The Linga absorbs oil during Abhishekam.
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7. Shani Navagrahasthalam (Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple)
- District: Karaikal, Puducherry
- Deity: Shani (Saturn)
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Darbaranyeswarar and Goddess Parvati as Bhogamartha Poonmulai Amman
- Features: Known for the Nala Theertham, believed to relieve devotees of misfortunes.
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8. Rahu Navagrahasthalam (Sri Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram)
- District: Thanjavur
- Deity: Rahu
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Naganathaswamy and Goddess Parvati as Giri Gujambika
- Features: Notable for the blue milk phenomenon during Rahu Abhishekam.
9. Ketu Navagrahasthalam (Naganatha Swamy Temple, Keezhperumpallam)
- District: Mayiladuthurai
- Deity: Ketu
- Presiding Deities: Lord Shiva as Naganatha Swamy and Goddess Parvati as Soundaryanaki
- Features: Ketu is depicted with a human body and snake head.
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Pilgrimage and Worship
Pilgrimage to the Navagraha temples is believed to mitigate the adverse effects of the planets and bring prosperity and well-being. Devotees perform rituals and prayers, often prescribed by astrologers, to gain the favor of these planetary deities. Each temple follows a schedule of six daily rituals and celebrates two main yearly festivals. The temples are managed by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Tamil Nadu government.
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