Navagraha Temples

NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES [ 9 TEMPLES FOR REMEDY ] LOCATED NEAR KUMBAKONAM TOWN, NAGAI DISTRICT,TAMILNADU STATE. Alangudi : Lord Shiva for Planet Jupiter [Guru] Temple located in Alangudi.

Alangudi, 19kms from Kumbakonam is regarded as a Jupiter Temple. where Lord Dakshinamurthy [Shiva] is held in great reverence. The Shrine attracts a large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvathi, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva. He results in a cure from ailments and helps one to ward off his/her sins and gives strength, valour, longevity, etc. He grants the boon of fatherhood to the childless, good education. The speciality here is that Lord Jupiter is engraved on the wall and is not in the form of separate idol reunited with Shiva.

Thingalur : Goddess Parvathi for Planet Moon [Chandhiran] Temple located in Thingalur.

Thingaloor, Though there is a question about when this temple was built, historians agree that it must have been in existence since before the beginning of the Bhakti period, which was well before the seventh century A.D. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandhiran in Sanskrit and Thingai in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a confortable and long life. In astrology, Chandhiran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow. Chandhiran or Moon is a lovable God - Pleasing to the children as well as elders, universally appealing to everyone whatever may be the religion. Goddess Parvathi rules the planet. This temple is situated at 30 kms from Kumbakonam.

Thirunageswaram : Lord Shiva for Planet Raahu [Raagu] Temple located in Thirunageswaram.

Thirunageswaram, This vast temple known for its shrine to Raahu, one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha situated 8 kms from Kumbakonam. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar. Raahu is instrumental in strengthening one's power and converting even an enemy into a friend. He is ruled by Goddess Durga. The main deity's name is Nageshwarar and Ambal's name is Girigujambikai. She is decorated as a small girl in the Mornings, as young lady in Noons and as lady in evenings.. Here Raahu resides with his wife and every day during Raahu time, when milk is poured over Raahu idol during yagya, it miraculously changes into blue colour. The people having malefic influences of Raahu come here during Raahu time and perform Yagyas.

Suryanar Koil : Lord Shiva for Planet Sun [Suriyan] Temple located in Suryanar Koil.

Suryanar Koil, situated 21 kms from Kumbakonam, is built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God/ Surya who is known as the giver of health, success and prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest festival is celebrated in thanks giving and to honour, Surya or Sun. Surya is the most powerful living God - whom everyone can see, perceive and pray. Though he is visible, he also has been presented in a variety of forms. Lord of this planet is God Shiva resides with his wives Chaya and Suvarcha in this holy place. With Surya at the center, temples of the other Planets are around the Sun.

Kanchanur : Lord Shiva for Planet Venus [Sukhiran] Temple located in Kanchanur.

Kanchanur, 22 kms from Kumbakonam. This Shiva Temple is associated with Sukhiran or Venus and is maintained by the Madurai Adinam. It is Located in a quite hamlet of Thiruvaaduturai.This Shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati. Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives. Sukhiran or Venus is the bestower of long life, wealth, happiness, children, property and good education. He is ruled by Goddess Mahalakshmi.

Vaitheeswaran Koil : Lord Shiva for Planet Mars [Chevvai] Temple located in Vaitheeswaran Koil.

Vaitheeswaran Koil, With the Vaitheeswaran Koil, there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Chevvai or Mars. It is situated 55 kms from Kumbakonam. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valour, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go to the Sidhamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There is also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage. Mars is regarded as a God of martial character, red in every aspect. Even the Romans held him as their Guru. He is the Son of Earth and is ruled by Lord Subramanya. This town is also called as Pull-irukku-Veloor. Jadayu - the eagle who made a gallant attempt to stop. Ravana from proceeding to Lanka with Sita, got relieved of his wings by Ravana, fell down here and eventually got Moksha. Even today we can see the place where Jadayu was cremated - 'Jadayu Kundam'.

Vaidheeswaran koil is a crowd puller for many reasons along with the Angarakan. Vaidyanadha Swamy ( shiva ) is believed to cure illness of the ardent devotees. Lot of people throng here every day, offer their prayers for regaining their health with the grace of the deity. Parvathi is called Valambika alias Thaiyal Nayaki.

Kiruthigai is an auspicious day here with special poojas performed for SelvaMuthuKumara Swamy ( Murugan ). Nayanmars, Arunagiri Nadar, kumaraguruparar, kalamega pulavar have visited this temple and sung in praise of the deity. Separate sanctorum for Angaraka is a speciality out here as you cannot find it elsewhere.

Thiruvengadu : Lord Shiva for Planet Mercury [Budhan] Temple located in Thiruvengadu.

Thiruvenkadu, is located 60 kms from Kumbakonam. There is a reference to this temple in Valmiki's Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury. This temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Budhan or Mercury is considered as the greatest among the wise. This Devata bestows wisdom and wealth on his devotees. He is ruled by Lord Maha Vishnu. This temple is referred in 'Saiva Thirumurais' and Sastras. This place is similar to Kasi with all the Snana Ghats. One can do all the karmas here, that is supposed to be done in kasi. We can find a separate sanctum sanctorum for Bhudan. Bhudan holds the portfolio of Education and Arts and it is the next popular place students prefer to go after Tuition centers.

Keezha Perumpalam : Lord Shiv for Planet Kethu [Kedhu] Temple located in Keezha Perumpalam.

Keezha Perumpalam, 57 kms from Kumbakonam, is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a Shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple. Ketu brings prosperity to the devotee's family. He grants good health, wealth, cattle and all round prosperity. He is ruled by Lord Ganesha and Indira. . Those who are affected by Kethu dosha come here for rectification.

Thirunallar: Lord Shiva for Planet Saturn [Shaneswaran] Temple located in Thirunallar.

Thirunallar, located 55 kms from Kumbakonam. is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Shani or Saturn. When the Planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The Legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his affictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worships in this temple. The Nala theertham [Pond] is the important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one washes off all kinds of misfortune , afflictions and to escape from the woes of shani. Saniswaran or Saturn, is generally known to affect one adversely on occasions when he occupies certain positions in one's horoscope. A prayer to him, especially on Saturdays, is said to mitigate the hardships one will have to face during these periods. Saniswaran is considered equally a bestower of all benefits to the devotees who pray sincerely to him. He is ruled by Lord Yama.

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