The Navagraha tour

'Grahas'  or planets are believed to possess specific energies which align with individual human energies. The "Navagraha" in Hindu mythology includes : Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangal (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node).

Indian Astrology greatly believes in the movement of the planets affecting the lives of individuals. It is a common practise for many to visit one or more of the "navagraha sthala" or places of worship to mitigate the negative effects and /or alleviate the positive/neutral effects of the planets based on the planetary alignment in one's horoscope.

The different navagraha sites are :

Suriyanaar Kovil (Lord Surya) - The temple is located to the East of Kumbakonam, on the Kumbakonam – Mayiladuthurai road. People who offer worship at Sooriyanar temple have to go to Thirumangalakudi to offer worship there. This temple is unique in that each graha has a separate 'Sannidhi' or dedicated altar for worship. The presiding deities of this temple are Puranavaradheeswarar with His consort Mangalanayaki.

Thingaloor (Chandran) - The temple is roughly 36 kms from Kumbakonam, on the Thiruvaiyaaru route (famous for the Saint Thyagaraja festival).The presiding deity in this temple is Lord Kailasanadhar.

Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mangal) - This temple is closer to Mayiladuthurai and about 52 kms from Kumbakonam. The presiding deity is Lord Vaidyanathan with His consort Thaiyal Nayaki. Mangal or 'Angaragan' is believed to have been born out of the sweat drop that fell from Lord Siva's third eye. In this temple there is a special sannithi or shrine for Lord Angaragan. The Sidhdhamrita tank in this temple is the first point of visit and is believed to contain curative properties.

Thiruvengadu (Budhan) - The temple is situated roughly 59 kms from Kumbakonam. The presiding deity of this place is lord Swedharanyeswarar along with His consort Ambal. The planet Budha or mercury is considered to be the wisest and governs intellect, speech, etc.

Alangudi (Guru) - The shrine of Lord Guru or Dakshinamurthi is located in Shri Aabathsagaayeswarar temple at Alangudi. The temple is approximately 17 kms south of Kumbakonam on the way to Mannargudi. According to mythology, this is considered to the place where Lord Siva consumed poison that emerged during the churning of the ocean during the quest to find 'Amrit' or nectar. The name of the Lord literally means 'one who helps when faced by danger'

Kanjanoor (Shukra) - Located about 16 kms from Kumbakonam, the temple's main deity is Lord Agneeswarar and His consort Ishwari. Lord Shukra or venus is believed to bestow long life, wealth, children, happiness and good education.

Thirunallar (Shani) - The Lord Darbaranyeswarar temple at Thirunallar is famed as the shrine for Lord Shani. Devotees throng this temple to please the planet Saturn. The uniqueness of this temple is the 'Abhayahastham' or blessing hand posture of Lord Shani. The name is believed to be associated with King Nala's deliverance from his troubles owing to the affliction of Saturn in his chart. The consort of Lord Shiva in this temple is Goddess Pranaambigai.

Thirunageswaram (Rahu) - A vast and beautiful ancient temple is located about 6 kms from Kumbakonam and is the abode of Lord Naganaathaswamy and Goddess Giri Gujaambigai. Lord Rahu resides here with his two consorts. It is believed that the colour of the abhishekha milk changes to blue during Rahu Kaalam and turns white again when it reaches the floor.

Keezhperumpallam (Ketu) - This temple is near Poompuhar about 57 kms from Kumbakonam and houses a separate sanctum for Lord Ketu. Presiding deity of this temple is Lord Naganathaswamy with Goddess Soundaranayagi. It is believed that Lord Ketu prayed to Lord Shiva in this temple to rid of his sins.

Kumbakonam is the central point of access for these and scores of other temples. Convenient accommodations are available that are close to the railway station and main bus stand. One of the primary hotels, Hotel Rayas provide a booklet that lists the major temples and the routes that they lie in, and assist with transport arrangements as well.

Happy Darshan !!

Innambur Sri Ezhutharinaathar temple

Sri Nithyakalyani Udanurai Ezhuttarinadhar temple is located about 5 kms from Kumbakonam town. The Lord is believed to have the powers to bestow good memory, concentration and improved speech power to His devotees. It is believed that Lord Shiva attained this name after he bestowed the great Sage Agasthyar with the rules of Tamil Grammar.  Mythology has it that the King in power ordered his accountant Sudanman to submit all accounts at the earliest. Sudanman was at a loss to do this as it was a tedious process. Surrendering to the Lord in despair, it is said that Lord Shiva assumed the human form, completed and submitted all accounts to the king to save His devotee.
It is said that Lord Surya worshipped the Lord in this temple. Innan means Suriyan, hence this place acquired the name "Innan Navambur" and later became Innambur.
The small shops outside the temple premises sell the necessary materials required for conducting a pooja. This also includes a phial of honey. The priest, after performing pooja to the Lord, writes on the devotee's tongue with a flower stem while reciting mantras. It is believed that after receiving such a divine blessing, a person's (child or adult) memory improves, concentration ability increases and any speech impediments are also taken care of. 

The Lord here resides with two consorts : Goddess Nithakalyani and Goddess Sugandha Kundhalambigai. Worshipping Goddess Nithyakalyani in this temple especially during the Navratri festival is considered very auspicious. 

The nearest town/ railway station to get to Innambur is Kumbakonam from where the temple can be accessed by road. On the way back, devotees can also continue to Swamimalai Sri Murugan temple, Thiruvalanchuzhi which is famous for the 'white' Ganesha who is believed to have been formed out of sea-foam and Patteeswaram Shri Durga Amman, these temples among many others, are quite near from the Innambur temple.
 

Narasingapuram Temple

Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar temple at Narasingapuram is located approximately 55 kms from Chennai en route to Sriperambadur. This beautiful temple is believed to have been built in the 16th century during the Vijayanagara era and its age is put at roughly 1500 years.
Among the many stone inscriptions found in the temple, 12 of them date back to the Vijayanagara era, especially the reign of Emperor Atchudha Deva Maharaya.
The presiding deity is Sri Lakshmi Narasimhar, wherein the Goddess is seated on the Lord's lap. The idol is a beauty to behold and one can stand for hours simply admiring the Lord and His consort.
The temple premises are neatly maintained and believed to be under the care of the TVS group. There is also a 'goshala' or a cow-stable, and if the care-taker permits, one can feed the cows and calves with fruits. The calves in the temple during my visit in 2010 were absolutely adorable and frolicking about like delighted young children being showered with gifts.
Swathi is the star or 'nakshathram' of Lord Narasimha Perumal and is celebrated with much gaiety in the temple.
The best route to get to the temple is via Poonamallee - NH4 - Perambakkam - Narasingapuram. After travelling some distance on the NH4, cross Saveetha Engineering college and take the right (Arakkonam Road) just before Empee Distilleries. There are also buses plying on this route that are pretty convenient.
Directions to the temple