Famous Navagraha Temples In Tamil Nadu : List of 5 Sacred Hindu Tamil Nadu Navagraha Temples
Navgraha temples are dedicated to the 9 celestial bodies that hold importance in Hinduism including rahu, ketu, shukra, shani, surya, chandra, mangala, budha and brihaspati. Navgraha temples are found throughout the country, but are primarily located in the southern part of India. Here are some of the Navgraha temples that you must visit when you are in Tamil Nadu.
List of 5 Famous Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu
1. Suryanar Kovil Temple
The temple, located in Thanjavur, is dedicated to the Hindu sun god. It is the only temple in India which has all 9 shrines of Navgraha. The tower of the temple is 15.5 meter in height and consists of three tiers. Suryan is depicted on his chariot or vaahanam within the temple sanctum.
2. Kailasanathar Temple
Located in the village of Thingalur, this temple is dedicated to the Hindu Moon god. However, the main presiding idol is that of Kailashnath or Lord Shiva. The temple is adorned by a 5 tier large rajagopuramc and has 2 parikramas surrounding it.
- Temple Timings: 7 am -1 pm | 4pm -9pm
- Main God Worshipped: Lord Shiva, Soma or moon.
- Distance from City: 18 km
- Time Taken: 1-2 hours
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport: Tiruchirapalli Airport | Nearest Railway: Kumbakonam Railway Station
3. Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple
The famous temple is dedicated to Mars or Mangala. This is also one of the famous Navgraha temples in Chennai. It is said to be over 1000 years old and has magnificent ancient carvings on either side of the entrance. The temple is dedicated to the God of Mars or Anagaaragan, also known as Angaraaka. It is frequented by couples as Mars is believed to strengthen marital relationships.
- Distance from City: 25 km
- Temple Timings: 6 am – 1 pm| 4 pm – 9 pm
- Main Gods Worshipped: Lord Shiva as Sri Vaidheeswarar and Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- Best Time To Visit: Tuesdays as special poojas are done for Sri Angaraagan
- How To Reach: Nearest Railway Station: Vaaitheeswaran | Frequent Buses from Sirkali
4. Swetharanyeswarar Temple
The temple is located in Thiruvengadu village of Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to Budha or Mercury. The main deity is Shiva in the form of Swetharanyeswarar or ‘lord of the white forest’. The temple is believed to bestow worshippers with intellect and wisdom.
- Distance from City: 13.7 km
- Temple Timings: 6am -12 pm | 4pm – 9 pm
- Main God Worshipped: Lord Shiva, Budha
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How To Reach: Nearest Airport: Pondicherry Airport | Nearest Railway Station: Sirkazhi Railway Station
Also See: Temples in Tamil Nadu
5. Agniswarar Temple
This temple is dedicated to the god of Venus or Shukra. It is located in the village of Kanjanur. The presiding deity is Shukra but the maid idol is of Lord Shiva in the form of Agniswarar. Shukra is believed to be located in the stomach of the all-encompassing Lord Shiva. The temple was built by the Cholas and renovated during the Vijaynagar empire.
- Distance from City:18 km
- Temple Timings: 7 am- 11am | 4pm -6pm
- Main God Worshipped: Lord Shiva, Shukra
- Time Taken: 1 hour
- How To Reach: Tiruchirapalli Airport | Nearest Railway: Kumbakonam Railway Station
Also See: Temples in Coimbatore
