9 Navagraha Temples in Kumbakonam(Tamil Nadu) to Visit
Kumbakonam, a picturesque town nestled in the heart of Tamil Nadu, India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage and ancient temples. Among its many treasures, the Navagraha Temples hold a special place, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike.
These nine temples dedicated to the celestial bodies, known as Navagrahas, offer a unique spiritual experience and are believed to bestow blessings and alleviate planetary afflictions.
List of Navagraha Temples in Kumbakonam
Here is the list of 9 Navagraha temples in Kumbakonam:
9 Navagraha Temples to Visit in Kumbakonam
Embark on a spiritual journey to the Navagraha Temples in Kumbakonam, where ancient myths and celestial blessings converge.
1. Suryanar Kovil Temple (Surya) | Aduthurai
Suryanar Kovil Temple is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God, and is revered for its architectural grandeur and spiritual ambience. Devotees visit to seek blessings for vitality, health, and prosperity.
- Best Time to Visit: January to February.
- Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Aduthurai Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Aduthurai Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Mahamaham Tank, Adi Kumbeswarar Temple, Kasi Viswanathar Temple.
2. Kailasanathar Temple (Chandra) | Thingalur
Kailasanathar Temple is dedicated to Chandra, the Moon God, and is known for its serene ambience and ancient architecture. Devotees seek blessings for emotional stability and mental peace.
- Best Time to Visit: September to October, March to April.
- Temple Timings: 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Tanjore Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Kumbakonam Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Mahamaham Tank, Uppiliappan Temple, Swamimalai Murugan Temple.
3. Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple (Angaragan) | Vaitheeswarankoil
Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple is dedicated to Angaragan, the planet Mars, and is renowned for its healing powers. Devotees visit this temple seeking remedies for health ailments and protection from malefic planetary influences.
- Best Time to Visit: January to February, November.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Vaitheeswarankoil Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Vaitheeswarankoil Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Seerkazhi, Mayiladuthurai, Thirumanancheri.
4. Swetharanyeswarar Temple (Budha) | Thiruvenkadu
Swetharanyeswarar Temple, dedicated to Budha, the planet Mercury, is nestled amidst lush greenery and serene surroundings. Devotees seek blessings for intelligence, communication skills, and success in education.
- Best Time to Visit: June to July.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Mayiladuthurai Junction.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Thiruvenkadu Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Mayiladuthurai, Sirkali, Tharangambadi (Tranquebar).
5. Apatsahayesvarar Temple (Guru) | Alangudi
Apatsahayesvarar Temple, dedicated to the Guru, the planet Jupiter, exudes spiritual vibes and divine grace. Devotees visit this temple seeking blessings for wisdom, prosperity, and success in endeavours.
- Best Time to Visit: April to June.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Needamangalam Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Alangudi Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Thiruvarur, Thirukattupalli, Thirupurambayam.
6. Agniswarar Temple (Sukran) | Kanjanur
Agniswarar Temple, dedicated to Sukran, the planet Venus, exudes a divine aura and architectural elegance. Devotees visit this temple seeking blessings for love, harmony, and prosperity in relationships.
- Best Time to Visit: September to March.
- Temple Timings: 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Junction
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Kumbakonam Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple, Mayiladuthurai, Seerkazhi.
7. Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple (Shani) | Karaikal
Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple, dedicated to Shani, the planet Saturn, is revered for its spiritual ambience and divine energy. Devotees visit this temple seeking relief from Saturn's malefic influence and blessings for longevity and prosperity.
- Best Time to Visit: October to April.
- Temple Timings: 5:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Karaikal Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Karaikal Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Karaikal Beach, Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple, Nagore Dargah.
8. Naganathar Temple (Rahu) | Thirunageswaram
Naganathar Temple, dedicated to Rahu, the ascending lunar node, is renowned for its architectural beauty and spiritual significance. Devotees visit this temple seeking remedies for planetary afflictions and blessings for success and prosperity.
- Best Time to Visit: October to November.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM to 9:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Kumbakonam Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Kumbakonam Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Swamimalai Murugan Temple, Mahamaham Tank, Sarangapani Temple.
9. Naganathaswamy Temple (Ketu) | Keezhaperumpallam
Naganathaswamy Temple, dedicated to Ketu, the south lunar node, is revered for its spiritual sanctity and architectural splendour. Devotees visit this temple seeking protection from malefic influences and blessings for spiritual growth.
- Best Time to Visit: September to May.
- Temple Timings: 6:00 AM to 12:45 PM, 3:30 PM to 8:00 PM - Everyday.
- Nearest Railway Station: Mayiladuthurai Railway Station.
- Nearest Airport: Tiruchirappalli International Airport.
- Nearest Bus Station: Mayiladuthurai Bus Stand.
- Nearby Places: Mahalingaswamy Temple, Panchanatheeswarar Temple, Arulmigu Sakthipureeshwarar Temple.
Explore the celestial wonders of Kumbakonam's Navagraha Temples, where spirituality meets architectural splendour. These ancient shrines offer a sacred haven for devotees seeking blessings and divine grace. Plan your pilgrimage to Kumbakonam and experience the mystical charm of the Navagraha Temples firsthand.
FAQs about Navagraha Temples in Kumbakonam, India
Which is the biggest temple in Kumbakonam?
The biggest temple in Kumbakonam is the Sarangapani Temple, dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
What are the 9 Navagraha names?
The names of the nine Navagrahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Angaraka (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Sukra (Venus), Sani (Saturn), Rahu (Ascending Lunar Node), Ketu (Descending Lunar Node).
Who is the powerful god in Navagraha?
Among the Navagrahas, Lord Surya, the Sun God, is often considered the most powerful deity.
Can we visit all of the Navgraha temples in one day?
It's quite challenging to visit all the Navagraha temples in a single day due to their geographical spread and distance between them. It’s recommended to spread the visits over two or more days for a more enjoyable and manageable experience.
In which order should we visit Navagraha temples?
The recommended order to visit the Navagraha temples is Suryanar Koil, Chandran Koil, Sevvai Koil, Budhan Koil, Guru Koil, Sukran Koil, Saneeswaran Koil, Rahu Koil, and Ketu Koil.
What are the benefits of visiting Navagraha temples in Kumbakonam?
Visiting Navagraha temples in Kumbakonam brings benefits like mitigating malefic planetary influences, blessings for health and prosperity, spiritual growth, fulfilment of desires, and karmic purification.
Who is the king of nine planets?
The king of the nine planets, known as Navagrahas in Hindu astrology, is the planet Jupiter.
How many times is Pradakshina done in Navagraha?
In Navagraha temples, Pradakshina, or circumambulation, is typically done nine times around the main sanctum sanctorum or in the multiples of nine.
Who built the Navagraha temple in Kumbakonam?
The Navagraha Temple in Kumbakonam is believed to have been built by the Chola Dynasty.
What is Navagraha in Tamil Nadu?
Navagraha refers to the nine celestial bodies or planets in Hindu astrology. In Tamil Nadu, Navagraha temples are dedicated to these planetary deities, each representing a specific celestial body.
What is the cheapest way to visit Navagraha temples?
The cheapest way to visit Navagraha temples is by utilising local public transportation such as buses or shared taxis. Additionally, planning a self-guided tour and opting for budget accommodation can minimise expenses during the trip.
Which day is good for Navagraha?
The auspicious days for visiting Navagraha temples vary according to individual beliefs and astrological considerations. However, Saturdays are generally considered favourable for worshipping Navagrahas, particularly Lord Saturn (Shani).
Why should we not touch Navagraha?
Touching the Navagrahas is avoided due to the belief in their immense power and influence over human life. Cleanliness is highly valued during any Navagraha puja, as devotees refrain from direct contact to avoid disturbing their energy and inviting negative effects.
Can we keep Navagraha idols at home?
Yes, Navagraha idols can be kept at home for worship, but it's essential to follow proper rituals and maintain cleanliness to respect their divine significance.