Navagraha Temples
The Navagraha temples are nine sacred temples near Kumbakonam, each dedicated to one of the nine celestial bodies (Grahas) in Hindu astrology. Visiting all nine is believed to neutralize planetary afflictions and bring prosperity.
These temples are spread across the Thanjavur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu, with most within 40-80 km of Kumbakonam. A complete circuit can be done in one to two days.
Tour Planning
Duration
1 to 2 Days
Start early at 5:30 AM
Total Distance
~200 km circuit
By car or hired van
Best Time
Oct to March
Pleasant weather
The Nine Planetary Temples
Sri suriyanar temple
அருள்மிகு சூரியனார் திருக்கோயில்
Here, Lord Surya with Ushadevi on his left hand and Pratyushadevi on his right hand graces the kolam standing facing west with lotus flowers in both hands.
📍 Location: Suryanar Temple
🕉️ Deity: Shivasuryan
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Agneeswarar Shukran Temple
அருள்மிகு அக்னீஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில்
Here Lord Shiva is graced as Swayambu Murti with the supreme panam
📍 Location: Kanchanur (Balasawanam, Parasapuram, Pramapuri, Aginipuram, Kamsapuram, Muthripuri)
🕉️ Deity: Agneswarar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Thirunageswaram Naganatha Swamy Temple
அருள்மிகு நாகநாத ஸ்வாமி திருக்கோயில்
Lord Shiva graces here as Swayambu Murthy. In this temple, the milk turns blue when the Lord Rahu is offered balabhishekam
📍 Location: Thirunageswaram (Thirunakechuram)
🕉️ Deity: Nageswarar, Naganathar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Significance
Spirituality, liberation, and past-life karma. Worship here for spiritual awakening and moksha.
Abathsahyeswarar Temple
அருள்மிகு ஆபத்சஹயேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோயில்
Mangalya blessing lasts long for those who have guru strength. Abhishekam for that Guru Bhagavan in Masi is very special. This day is considered to be more powerful than the day of Guru Pairchi. There is no direct darshan of the Guru here.
📍 Location: Alangudi (Irumpoolai, Thiruvirumpoolai)
🕉️ Deity: Apadsakayeswarar, Kasi Aranyeswarar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Significance
Wisdom, prosperity, and spiritual growth. Worship here for marriage, children, and knowledge.
Sri Kailasanathar Temple [Chandran Temple]
அருள்மிகு கைலாசநாதர் திருக்கோயில்
The best place for Anna Prasana in Tamil Nadu is Tingalore Kailasanathar Temple
📍 Location: Thingalur
🕉️ Deity: Kailasanathar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Significance
Mind, emotions, and mental peace. Worship here for emotional well-being and mother's blessings.
Sri Vaitheeswaran Temple
அருள்மிகு வைத்தீஸ்வரன் கோவில்
The temple of Vaitheeswaran, situated in Sirkazhi in the Nagapattinam district, dates back approximately 2000 years. In this shrine, Lord Shiva is known as Siva Peruman Vaitheeswaran, and he is also referred to as Ambal Thaayal Nayagi. Another name for this temple is Pullirukkuvelur. The name is der...
📍 Location: Vaideeswaran Temple, Nagapattinam
🕉️ Deity: Vaidyanathar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Sri Swetharanyeswarar (Budhan) Temple
அருள்மிகு சுவேதாரண்யேஸ்வரர் கோவில்
The temple has six main halls. Among them, one is Tiruvenkadu. In this temple, all the three main aspects - creation, maintenance, and destruction - are present. Among the nine planets, this is dedicated to Mercury. It is also one of the 51 Shakti Peethas. Among the 64 forms of Shiva, only the Aghor...
📍 Location: Tiruvenkadu, Adisithambaram, Nagapattinam
🕉️ Deity: Suvedaranyeswarar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Sri Naganadhar (Keathu) Temple
அருள்மிகு நாகநாதர் திருக்கோவில்
The deity here is known as Anukkira Vinayagar. In this temple, Ketu Bhagavan is positioned facing east. With the head of a serpent and the body of a human, he stands in the Simha posture, paying homage to Lord Shiva. This enlightened being appears as Anukkira Murthy here, radiating a calming presenc...
📍 Location: Kielapperumpallam, Nagapattinam
🕉️ Deity: Naganatha
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Sri Saturn temple
அருள்மிகு தர்ப்பாரண்யேஸ்வரர் திருக்கோவில்
The place known as Sivathalam became very famous because of Lord Saneeswara's presence. Here, Lord Thaalavinaayakar, also known as Sornavinaayakar, showers his blessings. Though primarily associated with Lord Shiva, this temple is also renowned for Lord Saneeswara's sanctum. The names of Thirumal, B...
📍 Location: Tirunallaru, Karaikal, Puducherry
🕉️ Deity: Dharparanyeswarar, Thirunallateeswarar
⏰ Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:00 PM | 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM
Travel Tips
🚗 By Car/Van: Hiring a car or van from Kumbakonam is the most convenient option. A full Navagraha circuit costs approximately ₹2,500–4,000 for a day trip. Start from Suryanar Koil and end at Thirunageswaram.
🚌 By Bus: State transport buses connect most temple towns. However, frequency varies and the circuit takes 2 days by bus.
🎒 What to Carry: Comfortable footwear (you will remove shoes at each temple), traditional clothing, offerings (flowers, camphor, coconut), water bottles, and a small pooja plate.
⏰ Timing Strategy: Start at 5:30 AM to catch the morning poojas. Visit 5 temples before the noon closure (12 PM), then complete the remaining 4 in the evening session (4 PM onwards).