Navagraha Temples

Located near Aduthurai, east of Kumbakonam, Suryanar Koil is dedicated to the Sun God, Suryanar, and his consorts, Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi. Built in 1100 AD by Chola King Kulothunga I, this temple is notable for its shrines to all nine planetary deities and is among the few historic temples devoted to Lord Surya in Tamil Nadu.

The Kailasanathar Temple in Thingalur, en route from Kumbakonam to Tiruvaiyaru, features Kailasanathar (Shiva) as the main deity with a separate shrine for Chandran (the Moon). The name “Thingalur” derives from the Tamil word for “moon.” Devotees visit this temple to seek the removal of obstacles and blessings for progeny.

Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple, located in the Karaikal District of Puducherry, is dedicated to Lord Shani (Saturn). The main deity here is Lord Shiva, known as Dharbaranyeswar. Legend has it that Lord Shiva saved Nalan from Shaniswaran’s curse here. The holy tank, “Nala Theertham,” is believed to cleanse past karmic deeds.

The Naganathaswamy Temple in Keezhaperumpallam, near Vaithiswaran Temple, is dedicated to Ketu (the south node of the moon). The presiding deity is Naganatha Swamy, with the goddess Soundaryanaki. Ketu is depicted with a serpent’s head and a demon’s body. This temple is renowned as a primary site for worshipping Ketu.

Also dedicated to Naganathaswamy, this temple near Kumbakonam features Rahu (the north node of the moon) depicted with a human face instead of the usual serpent form. The unique feature of this temple is the blue color of Rahu during the Abishekam (ritual bathing) with milk.

Agneeswarar Temple in Kanjanoor, about 18 km from Kumbakonam, is associated with Lord Sukran (Venus). Here, Lord Shiva and Parvati are worshipped as Agneeswarar and Karpagavalli Amman. The Shiva linga in this temple absorbs all the oil poured during

Swetharanyeswarar Temple in Thiruvenkadu, approximately 10 km from Sirkazhi, is dedicated to Budhan (Mercury). The presiding deity, Swetharanyeswarar, and the goddess Brahma Vidya ambal are worshipped. Offering prayers on Wednesdays is believed to rectify Budhan Dhosham and gain wisdom.