'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 !!
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 !!
