Nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu: Names and Locations

The Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu are important pilgrimage destinations for devotees who wish to visit the nine temples associated with the planetary deities of Hindu tradition. These temples are connected with Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Angaraka (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.

Most of these temples are located around Kumbakonam, Thanjavur and Mayiladuthurai. Their locations make the region a popular destination for devotees planning a Navagraha pilgrimage.

Understanding the nine temple names, their locations and their traditional planetary associations can help you plan your visits and organise your travel more effectively.

What Are the Nine Navagraha Temples?

The Navagrahas represent nine planetary deities in Hindu tradition. Each temple in the traditional pilgrimage circuit is associated with one of these deities.

The nine Navagraha temples are:

1. Suryanar Koil – Surya (Sun)

2. Thingalur Kailasanathar Temple – Chandra (Moon)

3. Vaitheeswaran Koil – Angaraka (Mars)

4. Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple – Budha (Mercury)

5. Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple – Guru (Jupiter)

6. Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple – Shukra (Venus)

7. Thirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple – Shani (Saturn)

8. Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple – Rahu

9. Keezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple – Ketu

Eight of these temples are located in Tamil Nadu. Thirunallar, the temple associated with Shani, is situated in Karaikal, within the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu and Their Locations

1. Suryanar Koil – Surya Temple

Suryanar Koil is associated with Surya, the Sun deity. Located near Kumbakonam, this temple is an important destination for devotees following the Navagraha pilgrimage.

The shrine is distinctive because Surya is the principal planetary deity worshipped here. Visitors can include this temple when exploring the religious destinations around Kumbakonam.

Location: Suryanar Koil, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

2. Thingalur Kailasanathar Temple – Chandra Temple

Thingalur is associated with Chandra, the Moon deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Kailasanathar.

It is one of the traditional nine Navagraha shrines and is visited by devotees as part of their pilgrimage. Its location in the Thanjavur region makes it suitable for inclusion in a journey covering temples around Kumbakonam.

Location: Thingalur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

3. Vaitheeswaran Koil – Angaraka Temple

Vaitheeswaran Koil is associated with Angaraka, also known as Sevvai or Mars. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Vaidyanathar.

The temple is known for its traditional religious practices and healing associations. It is an important stop for devotees exploring the Navagraha temples in the Mayiladuthurai region.

Location: Vaitheeswaran Koil, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.

4. Thiruvenkadu Swetharanyeswarar Temple – Budha Temple

Thiruvenkadu is associated with Budha, the Mercury deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Swetharanyeswarar.

Its religious traditions make it a significant destination for devotees following the Navagraha pilgrimage. The temple is located near Sirkazhi and can be included in a visit to the eastern group of shrines.

Location: Thiruvenkadu, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.

5. Alangudi Apatsahayesvarar Temple – Guru Temple

Alangudi is traditionally recognised as the Guru Sthalam and is associated with Jupiter.

The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Apatsahayesvarar. Devotees visit this shrine to offer prayers according to their religious traditions.

Its location makes it suitable for a pilgrimage covering temples around Kumbakonam and the surrounding region.

Location: Alangudi, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

6. Kanjanur Agneeswarar Temple – Shukra Temple

Kanjanur is associated with Shukra, the Venus deity. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar.

Traditionally recognised as the Shukra Sthalam, it is included in the nine-temple Navagraha circuit. Visitors can include this shrine when exploring temples in and around Kumbakonam.

Location: Kanjanur, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu.

7. Thirunallar Dharbaranyeswarar Temple – Shani Temple

Thirunallar is associated with Shani, the Saturn deity. The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Dharbaranyeswarar.

The temple is an important pilgrimage destination for devotees who follow traditional Shani worship practices.

One geographical detail is important when planning the journey: Thirunallar is located in Karaikal, Puducherry, rather than Tamil Nadu.

Location: Thirunallar, Karaikal, Puducherry.

8. Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple – Rahu Temple

Thirunageswaram is associated with Rahu and is dedicated to Lord Shiva as Naganathaswamy.

The temple is known for its traditional Rahu worship. Its location near Kumbakonam makes it convenient to include in a pilgrimage covering the surrounding Navagraha shrines.

Location: Thirunageswaram, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu.

9. Keezhaperumpallam Naganathaswamy Temple – Ketu Temple

Keezhaperumpallam is traditionally associated with Ketu. The temple is dedicated to Naganathaswamy and forms part of the nine-temple Navagraha pilgrimage.

Its location near the Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi region makes it suitable for inclusion in a journey covering the eastern group of temples.

Location: Keezhaperumpallam, Mayiladuthurai district, Tamil Nadu.

Where Are the Navagraha Temples Located?

The nine temples are spread across several towns. Understanding their geographical distribution can help visitors organise their pilgrimage.

Navagraha Temples Near Kumbakonam

The following temples can be considered when exploring the Kumbakonam and surrounding region:

• Suryanar Koil

• Thingalur

• Alangudi

• Kanjanur

• Thirunageswaram

Kumbakonam is a practical base for visiting several of these shrines. However, the best travel sequence depends on the starting point, road conditions and temple schedules.

Navagraha Temples Near Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi

The eastern section of the pilgrimage includes:

• Vaitheeswaran Koil

• Thiruvenkadu

• Keezhaperumpallam

These temples can be considered together when planning visits around Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi.

Thirunallar Temple in Karaikal

Thirunallar is located in Karaikal, Puducherry. Since it is outside Tamil Nadu, visitors should consider its location when planning transport and accommodation.

These geographical groupings are intended to help with travel planning and do not represent a compulsory religious order.

How to Plan a Navagraha Temple Visit

A little preparation can make your pilgrimage more comfortable.

Check temple timings: Verify the opening hours of each temple before planning your day's visits.

Choose suitable accommodation: Kumbakonam can be a convenient base for several shrines. Depending on your itinerary, you may also consider staying near Mayiladuthurai or Sirkazhi.

Allow enough time for darshan: Crowds, worship schedules and special rituals can affect your travel plans.

Plan according to your group: Families travelling with children or senior citizens may need additional rest breaks and a less demanding schedule.

Confirm ritual arrangements: If you intend to participate in a particular pooja or offering, check the procedure and availability with the relevant temple.

Check the route before departure: Use a navigation application to confirm temple locations and road connections. Avoid relying on unverified distances or fixed travel times.

Conclusion

The nine Navagraha temples are important pilgrimage destinations associated with Surya, Chandra, Angaraka, Budha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Ketu. Most are located around the Cauvery delta region, while Thirunallar is situated in Karaikal, Puducherry.

Understanding the Navagraha temple names and locations helps devotees plan their visits and organise travel between the different towns. Checking temple timings, choosing suitable accommodation and allowing sufficient time for darshan can make the pilgrimage easier to manage.

If you are planning to visit these temples from Trichy, you can explore the available travel arrangements and organise your journey according to your group's requirements.