Top 9 Navagraha Temples In Tamil Nadu For A Unique Experience

Mamallapuram coastal view in Tamil Nadu, India, featuring ancient rock-cut sculptures.

Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu are a group of nine sacred shrines dedicated to the nine celestial planets, or “Navagrahas,” in Hindu astrology. Located primarily in the Kumbakonam region, these temples hold immense spiritual significance for devotees seeking blessings for astrological balance and well-being. Each temple is associated with a specific planet and is visited by pilgrims to mitigate planetary influences in their lives. These ancient temples not only offer spiritual solace but also showcase the rich architectural and cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu.

Top Navagraha Temples In Tamil Nadu

Explore the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu that are revered for their astrological and spiritual significance, a unique sight to behold:

1. Suryanar Kovil (Sun Temple)

Front view of Suryanar Koil, Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu, with intricate architectural details.

Photo: PJeganathan / Wikimedia Commons

Suryanar Kovil, dedicated to the Sun God, Surya, is one of the most important temples in Tamil Nadu. Situated in the Thanjavur district, it holds excellent astrological significance, for the populace believes it can prevent the ill effects of the sun in one’s horoscope. The temple is also an architectural wonder, built in the traditional Dravidian style, and is one of the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Devotees visit this sacred temple in Tamil Nadu to perform prayers and rituals to seek the blessing of the Sun God, hoping for health, prosperity, and leadership qualities.

Location: Thanjavur District
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM , 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free

2. Chandran Temple (Moon Temple)

Kailasanathar Temple in Thingalur, showcasing its ancient stone architecture.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons

Chandran Temple is dedicated to the Moon God, Chandran, in Thingalur, Tamil Nadu. This is one of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu, and people visit it to seek mental peace and emotional balance. According to astrology, the moon governs the mind, and worshipping here is believed to soothe mental disturbances caused by malefic lunar influences. Devotees visit this holy temple to seek blessings for emotional stability, mental clarity, and relief from stress-related disorders. The temple’s architecture is a beautiful blend of Tamil tradition and simplicity.

Location: Thingalur, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM , 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free

3. Chevvai Temple (Mars Temple)

Panoramic view of Vaitheeswaran Temple, a Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Chevvai Temple is one of the most important temples of Mars (Chevvai), one of the primary planets in Vedic Astrology. Located in Tamil Nadu, Vaitheeswaran Koil houses a sacred temple believed to have healing properties. Chevvai is associated with strength, power, and anger; therefore, health factors are impacted when it comes to blood and muscles. This Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu is visited by devotees seeking relief from health problems, especially those related to blood pressure, besides enhancing their marital prospects.

Location: Vaitheeswaran Koil, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM , 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free

4. Budhan Temple (Mercury Temple)

Thiruvenkadu Temple, a Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu known for its serene atmosphere.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Thiruvenkadu, located in Tamil Nadu, is home to the Budhan Temple, dedicated to Mercury (Budhan). Amongst one of the famous temples of Tamil Nadu, people come here for an intellectually improved and communicative form and career advancement. Mercury symbolises intelligence, learning, and understanding towards business. Performing pooja here removes any unwanted effects of Mercury in a horoscope. The temple is peaceful and has beautiful architecture. Devotees from all over the country visit this sacred temple in Tamil Nadu, especially on Wednesdays, which are considered lucky for worshipping Mercury.

Location: Thiruvenkadu, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM , 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free

5. Guru Bhagavan Temple (Jupiter Temple)

Alangudi Temple, a Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu, known for its traditional architecture.

Photo: Rsmn / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Guru Bhagavan Temple in Alangudi, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Jupiter. This is considered one of the most essential temples in Tamil Nadu. During the procession at the temple, many devotees visit it to acquire blessings towards wisdom and knowledge as well as spiritual growth. Jupiter is referred to as the planet of prosperity and also of learning. It has very bright influences on education, career, and personal development. It is one of the most famous temples in Tamil Nadu and is equally significant in the Navagraha circuit.

Location: Alangudi, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM , 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free

6. Sukra Temple (Venus Temple)

 View of Kanjanoor temple, a popular Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: Shankaran Murugan / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Kanjanoor Temple in Tamil Nadu is dedicated to the planet Venus, symbolising love, beauty, and wealth. This famous temple in Tamil Nadu is visited by those seeking relief from financial and marital issues. Venus governs relationships, luxury, and material comforts, and praying at this temple is supposed to make problems related to these amaze away. Architecture itself attracts many devotees and tourists to this temple. In Tamil Nadu, people make it a point to visit this holy temple on Fridays to offer prayers and rituals for their financial and marital betterment.

Location: Kanjanoor, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM , 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free

7. Shani Temple (Saturn Temple)

Thirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple and tank in Tamil Nadu, India, during daytime.

Photo: VasuVR / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Shani Temple at Thirunallar is dedicated to Saturn. Saturn stands for discipline and hard work, as well as for karma. This is an essential temple in Tamil Nadu, and devotees come here to mitigate the malefic effects of Saturn that have begun to be experienced in their lives. Saturn is the planet that causes many problems and hurdles, but relief from persistent evils and ill luck is believed to be easily acquired here. This is one of the most auspicious temples in Tamil Nadu and an integral part of the Navagraha pilgrimage circuit.

Location: Thirunallar, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM , 4 PM – 8 PM
Entry Fees: Free

8. Rahu Temple

Thirunageswaram Temple, featuring intricate architecture and details.

Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Rahu Temple is located in Thirunageswaram, Tamil Nadu, and is affiliated with Rahu, a shadow planet of Vedic astrology. This Tamil Nadu temple remains popular and is believed to be filled with power. It offers relief from the negative effects of Rahu, such as delays, obstacles, and illnesses. Devotees visit this sacred Tamil Nadu site to conduct special poojas, which are assumed to help decrease the harsh effects of Rahu on their horoscope. The environment and architectural beauty also make it one of the famous temples in Tamil Nadu.

Location: Thirunageswaram, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 1 PM , 4 PM – 9 PM
Entry Fees: Free

9. Ketu Temple

Kethu Sthalam Temple, showcasing traditional architecture and design.

Photo: Rsmn / Wikimedia Commons

Ketu Temple, located in Keezhaperumpallam, Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to Ketu, another shadow planet in Vedic astrology. This popular temple in Tamil Nadu is believed to help devotees overcome difficulties related to spiritual growth and sudden changes. Ketu represents detachment, spiritual enlightenment, and worshippers visit this temple to gain clarity and wisdom. The temple is part of the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu for those seeking remedies for Ketu’s adverse effects. Special poojas are performed on Tuesdays and are dedicated to Ketu to appease the planet and seek blessings for peace and spiritual progress.

Location: Keezhaperumpallam, Tamil Nadu
Timings: 6 AM – 12:30 PM , 4 PM – 8:30 PM
Entry Fees: Free

Cover Photo: L.vivian.richard~commonswik / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu is during the winter months, from October to March when the weather is cooler. Visiting early in the morning or late in the afternoon is ideal to avoid crowds.
Special poojas and homams (fire rituals) are offered at each Navagraha temple. These rituals are performed to appease the specific planet and are particularly popular during certain astrological periods like solar and lunar eclipses.
While it's possible to visit all nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu in one day, spreading the visit over two or more days to enjoy the experience and fully immerse yourself in the rituals and temple atmospheres is recommended.
There are several accommodation options near the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, ranging from budget lodges to mid-range hotels. The towns of Kumbakonam and Thanjavur are ideal places to stay, as they are centrally located for visiting all nine temples.
There is no mandatory order to visit the Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, but devotees traditionally start with the Suryanar Kovil (Sun Temple) and follow a clockwise route.

Recommended Articles

Leave a Reply

Top Travel Destinations by Month