Navagraha temples

The Navagraha temples are nine temples around Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai, each associated with one of the nine planetary deities (Navagraha) of Hindu astronomy. They were built under the Cholas, and visiting all nine is a well-known pilgrimage.

The nine temples

• Surya (Sun): Suryanar Kovil, Thanjavur district, dedicated to Surya himself
• Chandra (Moon): Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur, Thanjavur district
• Angaraka (Mars): Vaidyanathar Temple, Vaitheeswaran Kovil, Mayiladuthurai district
• Budha (Mercury): Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Mayiladuthurai district
• Guru (Jupiter): Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur district
• Sukra (Venus): Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur, Thanjavur district
• Shani (Saturn): Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunallar, Karaikal
• Rahu: Naganathar Temple, Thirunageswaram, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam
• Ketu: Keezhperumpallam, Mayiladuthurai district

Apart from Suryanar Kovil, these are Shiva temples: Shiva is worshipped in the main shrine, and the planet is honoured in a shrine of its own.

Tradition

According to tradition, the nine planets were cursed by Brahma for granting a cure to the sage Kalava, and were sent to earth at what is now Suryanar Kovil. They prayed to Shiva, who told them to stay and bless devotees from these places.