The celestial abodes

Legend

Mythology describes that Sage Kalava who was suffering from leprosy prayed to the Navagrahas. The planets pleased with his devotion, granted his wish of being cured from the disease. However, Brahma, angry at the fact that the planets had no power to give boons, cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy. The Navagrahas apologised and on Brahma's direction paid penance to Lord Shiva. The Lord pleased with them blessed that the devotees would worship them from the place. Each shrine is situated in different villages around Kumbakonam/Thanjavur area and the temples are considered the abode of Navagrahas. Over time, the tour to these shrines of the nine celestial bodies, developed into the Navagraha darshan journey.

Deity - Temples

Deity:- The Navagrahas - Surya, Chandra, Angaraka, Budhan, Guru, Sukra, Sani, Rahu, Ketu

Temples Covered:-

Suryanar Kovil
Kaliasanathar Temple
Vaitheeswaran Kovil
Swetharanyeswarar Temple
Abathsahyeswarar Temple, Alangudi - Guru Sthalam
Arulmigu Agneeswarar Temple
Dharbaranyeswarar Temple
Sri Naganathaswamy Temple(Rahu)
Nagannathaswamy Temple(Ketu)

Area Covered

Tamil Nadu, Puducherry

Language spoken :- Tamil

Auspicious Days

Each graha has a preferential day to visit its shrine. The seven days of the week are believed to be ruled by the Navagrahas, namely Monday by Chandra, Tuesday by Angaraka, Wednesday by Budhan, Thursday by Guru, Friday by Sukran and Saturday by Sani. Rahu and Kethu do not have separate days, but both are said to rule 1.5 hours each, every day.

Climate

The summers in Tamil Nadu are scorching hot with the temperatures in high thirties. Monsoons during June-Sept, bring relief from the heat. The months from Oct-Feb are pleasant with temperatures in the mid twenties and is the best season to visit.

Best time to Travel

The Navagraha temples are open throughout the year and can be visited any time. However the scorching summers can be best avoided. It is advisable to travel during the winter months when the weather is pleasant.

Darshan Info Clock Duration

2-3 days from Chennai

Yatra Preparations

Some people believe that the whole journey of 9 temples should be done in one day. There are others who believe that the darshan should be done in a more time consuming but traditional sequence.
Most of the travel packages are based on covering the temples according to geographical route. Zero in a package that would cater to your needs.                                                            

Most of the offerings are available around the temples. However, most devotees bring blouse pieces, grains and gem stones in accordance with the preference of the Graha.

Pooja Samagri

The accessibility to good quality pooja articles in today's adulterated world as well as availability of all the items required is a major concern for many devotees. Please check out our P-STORE page for various high quality Pooja Samagri for your Pilgrimage or mail us :- [email protected] or call us directly on Mobile :- +919619899406

Must Haves

Light cotton clothing can be used through the journey. Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu.

Most of the temples are in the vicinities of towns. Still, it is recommended to carry dehydration salt packets, water bottles, light snacks, sunscreen, first aid kit etc.

Health Awareness

Most of the temples have good medical facilities in the vicinities. But it is always advisable to carry any special medications that you might need.

Travel Method

All the temples included in the Navagraha yatra can be reached by a combination of rail and road.

Crowd Expected

Since the temples are open throughout the year, there is not too much crowd on regular days. However, crowds can be expected on the special days for the Grahas and on festivals.

Festivals

Each graha has a preferential day to visit its shrine. The seven days of the week are believed to be ruled by the Navagrahas, such as Monday by Moon, Tuesday by Mars, Wednesday by Mercury, Thursday by Jupiter, Friday by Venus and Saturday by Saturn. Rahu and Kethu do not have separate days, but both are said to rule 1.5 hours each, every day.