Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu

Last updated July 25, 2022

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Location of Nine planets Temple (Navagraham temples)

Nine Grahas Temples (Navagraham temples) in Tamil Nadu is a set of nine Hindu temples, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities, the Navagraham in various places around the South Indian own of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India.^[1] The presiding deity in most of the temples is Shiva, with a shrine dedicated to the planetary deity.^[2] Leaving Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple which is located in Karaikkal, all the other temples are located in Tamil Nadu.

The present masonry structure for most of the temples were built during the reign of Medieval Cholas between the 7th and 11th centuries with later additions from the Vijayanagar period. Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, most of the temples have a five-tiered rajagopuram, the gateway tower and a granite wall enclosing all the shrines of the temple.

The temples are a part of the popular Navagraham pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the planetary deities were cursed by Brahma to dwell in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle and were blessed by Shiva to make it their abode to devotees. The temples have six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and two yearly festivals on its calendar. The temples are maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Legend

As per Hindu legend, Sage Kalava was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the Navagrahas, the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy and were sent down to earth in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle - the modern time Suryanar Kovil. The planets prayed to Shiva to relieve them off the curse. Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place.^[3] This is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities.^[4]

The temples

Suryanar Kovil is located to the East of Kumbakonam, 2 km (1.2 mi) from Aduthurai and the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai road. The temple has direct connectivity from lower Anicut and Thiruppanandal. Kanjanoor, the temple for Sukran, is located 3 km (1.9 mi) from Suryanar Kovil in the Aduthurai - Kuthalam road. Thingalur is located 35 km (22 mi) to the west of Kumbakonam in the Kumbakonam - Tiruvvayyaru Road. Vaitheeswaran Kovil is located 50.5 km (31.4 mi) away from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Sirkazhi Road and 14.5 km (9.0 mi) away from Mayiladuthurai. Swetharanyeswarar Temple is located 24 km (15 mi) from Mayiladuthurai and 13 km (8.1 mi) to the East of Vaitheeswaran Kovil. Ketu Stalam is located close to Poompuhar, 9 km (5.6 mi) to the South of Thiruvenkadu and 23 km (14 mi) to the South West of Vaitheeswarn Kovil. Alangudi is located 18 km (11 mi) to the South of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Mannargudi road. Rahu Stalam is located 6 km (3.7 mi) to the West of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Karaikal road and Saniswarar temple is located 46 km (29 mi) further on the same road.^[3] Out of the nine temples, six are located on the northern bank of river Kaveri, while the remaining three in the southern bank.^[5] * Padal petra stalam - where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temples in Tevaram during the 7th-8th centuries.

Name of the temple	Deity	Graha	Day	Location
Suryanar Kovil	Hindu Sun-God	Sun	Sunday	Aduthurai
Kailasanathar Temple	Chandran	Moon	Monday	Thingalur
Vaitheeswaran Koil	Angaragan	Mars	Tuesday	Vaitheeswaran Koil
Swetharanyeswarar Temple	Budha	Mercury	Wednesday	Tiruvenkadu
Apatsahayesvarar Temple	Guru	Jupiter	Thursday	Alangudi
Agniswarar Temple	Sukran	Venus	Friday	Kanjanur
Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple	Shani	Saturn	Saturday	Karaikal
Rahu Stalam	Rahu			Tirunageswaram
Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam	Ketu			Keelaperumpallam

History

The Suryanar Kovil was built during the reign of Kulottunga Choladeva (AD 1060-1118) and was called Kulottungachola-Marttandalaya. The current granite shrine is believed to have been built by the Vijayanagara Empire. In modern times, all the temples are maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.^[3] The Suryanar temple is mentioned in the songs of Muthuswami Dikshitar, who has composed a song starting with "Suryamurthe" in Saurashatra ragam.^[6]

The temple of Thingalur is associated with the legend of Appar bringing back the life of the son of Appoothi Adigal. The idol of moon is made of black granite and clad in pure white.^[3]

Vaitheeswaran Koil has five inscriptions mainly belonging to the period of Kulothunga Chola I (1070-1120 CE).^[7] The inscription on the steps of Subramanya shrine records the shutter of the sluice at Sattainathapuram measures 35 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth.^[8] The one on the right of the temple tank indicates the tank, Nachiyar shrine, and its hall were completely renovated when Kanderayar was governing the Sigali Simai, and during the management of the temple by Muthukumaraswami Tambiran, a disciple of Sivagnanadesikar-Sambandar of the Dharmapuram Adheenam.^[8] On the wall of the second precinct, the inscriptions state that the courtyard of Thayalnayagi shrine, the sacred steps and Tattisuri hall were built during Tamil year 4868 corresponding to 1689 CE.^[8] On the floor near accountant's seat registers a deed granted by Sankarabaragiri Rengopanditar by Ambalavanatambiran, an agent of the temple.^[8] The Easter gateway inscription indicates the gift of taxes from Manipallam in Tiruvalipparu.^[8]

Architecture

There is no specific architecture pattern that uniquely identifies these temples. But all of the temples have a rectangular plan with compound walls, pierced by a tiered raja gopuram (entrance tower). Leaving the Suryanar Kovil, the central shrine is usually that of Shiva in the form of lingam and the shrine of the planetary deity is located in the precinct around the main shrine.^[4] All the other eight shrines of the Navagrahas are arranged facing the shrine of Suryanar.

Worship and festivals

The temple priests perform the pooja (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the Shaivaite community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps) for Suryanar, Ushadevi and Chayadevi. The worship is held amidst music with nagaswaram (pipe instrument) and tavil (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the Vedas read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals like pradosham and monthly festivals like amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.^[4]

The temples are a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers. As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practises of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple.^[3]

Related Research Articles

Navagraha (Pron: nævəˈgrɑ:ə) pilgremages are pilgremages devoted to Navagraha—the nine (nava) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These temples are made of stones. These celestial bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu. Many temples in South India contain a shrine dedicated to the Navagrahas. However, the term Navagraha temples refers to a cluster of nine separate temples, each an abode of one of the Navagrahas.

Vaitheeswaran Koil Navagraha temple in Tamil Nadu

Vaitheeswaran Koil is a Hindu temple dedicated to the Shiva, located in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshipped as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran meaning the "God of healing" and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. Vaitheeswaran is a Tamil derivative from vaidya (Doctor) and Ishvara (God/Master). The presiding deity is Sri vaidyanathan, facing towards West whereas East side is the common one. He is the God of Healing. When pronouncing in Tamil, it sounds like "vaideeswaran". It is one of the nine Navagraha temples and is associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka).

Suryanar Kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Hindu Sun-God, located in Suryanar Kovil, a village near the South Indian town of Kumbakonam Thanjavur District in Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is Suriyanar, the Sun and his consorts Ushadevi and Pratyusha Devi. The temple also has separate shrines for the other eight planetary deities. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. The temple is one of the few historic temples dedicated to Sun god and is also the only temple in Tamil Nadu which has shrines for all the planetary deities.

Thenupuriswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the god Shiva located in the holy village of Patteeswaram, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Thenupuriswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Nyanambikai (Somakamalambigai). The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The temple is associated with the legend of Sambandar to whose view Nandi moved to have a direct view of the presiding deity. Muthupandal festival celebrated in the temple in associated with the legend.

Swetharanyeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvenkadu, a village in Mayiladuthurai district in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Shiva is worshiped as Swetharanyeswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Brahmavidyambigai. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Budha.

Mahalingeswarar Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur

Mahalingeswaraswamy Temple, Thiruvidaimarudur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tiruvidaimaruthur, a village in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the seven major Shiva temples. Shiva is worshiped as Mahalingeswaraswamy, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Jyothirmayalingam. His consort Mookambika is depicted as Devi Bruhatsundarakuchaambika or Bruhatsundarakuchaambigai amman. The lingam of the temple is believed to be the focal point for the seven consorts of Shiva. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The 9th century Saiva saint poet Manikkavacakar has sung praise about the temple in his works.

Erumbeeswarar Temple in Thiruverumbur, Tamil Nadu, India, is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva. Built on a 60-foot (18 m) tall hill, it is accessible via a flight of steps. The temple's main shrines and its two prakarams are on top of the hill, while a hall and the temple tank are located at the foothills. Shiva is believed to have transformed himself into an ant hill and tilted his head at this place to enable ants to climb up and worship him. Erumbeeswarar is revered in the canonical 7th-century Tamil Saiva work the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi or Guru Sthalam or Tiru Irum Poolai is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Alangudi in the Valangaiman taluk of Tiruvarur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Apathsahyesvarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Elavarkuzhali. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Abathsahayeswarar Temple, Aduthurai is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in the village of Aduthurai, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Apathsaheswarar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Prabhavalli. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple also known as Rahu Stalam is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunageswaram, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam, a town in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Rahu. Shiva is worshiped as Naganathar, and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Piraisoodi Amman. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kalyanasundaresar Temple, Nallur or Thirunallur is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Nallur, in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Kalyansundaresar and is represented by the lingam. His consort Parvati is depicted as Girisundari. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. The legend of the temple is associated with sage Agastya and Amaraneethi Nayanar, one of the 63 nayanars, the Tamil Saiva saints. The lingam in the temple is believed to change colours five times during the daytime.

The Agniswarar Temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Kanjanur, 18 kilometres north-east of Kumbakonam. The presiding deity is Sukra (Venus). However, the main idol in the temple is that of "Agniswarar" or Shiva. In concordance with the Saivite belief that Shiva is all-pervading, Sukra is believed to be located within the stomach of the idol of Shiva.

Prananadeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva located in Thirumangalakudi in Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Prananatheswarar, and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Mangala Nayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

The Chandiranaar Temple is a Hindu temple in the village of Thingalur, 33 kilometres (21 mi) from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Thiruvayyar road in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of Kailasanathar or Shiva. The temple is considered one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Thingalur is the birth place of Appothi Adigal an ardent devotee of saint Thirunavukkarasar, though the temple has no assets related to the saint.

The Naganatha Swamy Temple or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam, 2 kilometres from Poompuhar. The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of Naganatha Swamy or Shiva. The temple has a flat rajagopuram surrounded by two prakaram(closed precincts of a temple).

Sathyagireeswarar Temple is a Hindu temple located at Senganur in the Thiruvidaimarudur taluk of Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. The historical name of the place is Seignalur.

Kottaiyur Kodeeswarar Temple Shiva temple in Tamil Nadu, India

Kottaiyur Kodeeswarar Temple(Tamil: :கொட்டையூர் கோடீஸ்வரர் கோயில்) is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva, located in Kottaiyur, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam, in Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Koteeswarar and his consort Parvathi as Pandhadu Nayaki. Koteeswarar is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam, the 275 temples revered in the canon.

Kabardeeswarar temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Thiruvalanchuzhi near Swamimalai in Kumbakonam taluk of Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshiped as Kabardeeswarar and is represented by the lingam and his consort Parvati is depicted as Brihannayagi. The presiding deity is revered in the 7th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Tevaram, written by Tamil poet saints known as the nayanars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Kodeesvarar Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at Kothangudi in Nagapattinam district in Tamil Nadu, India.

Akshayanathasamy Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located at Tirumanthurai in Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu, India.

References

↑ "Navagraham temples". Indian Temples. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
↑ "Navagraham temples". Thanjavur District Administration. Retrieved 13 September 2015.^{[ permanent dead link ]}
1 2 3 4 5 Anantharaman, Ambjuam (2006). Temples of South India (second ed.). East West. pp. 43–47. ISBN 978-81-88661-42-8.
1 2 3 "Sri Suriyanar temple". Dinamalar. 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
↑ V., Meena (1974). Temples in South India (1st ed.). Kanniyakumari: Harikumar Arts. p. 30.
↑ "The 12 splendid suns". The Hindu. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2015.
↑ Sacred tanks of South India. C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre. 2002. p. 321.
1 2 3 4 5 Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1991). South Indian shrines: illustrated. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. pp. 260–261. ISBN 81-206-0151-3.

External links

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[1] "Navagraham temples". Indian Temples. Retrieved 13 September 2015.

[TN-2] "Navagraham temples". Thanjavur District Administration. Retrieved 13 September 2015.^{[ permanent dead link ]}

[A-3] 1 2 3 4 5 Anantharaman, Ambjuam (2006). Temples of South India (second ed.). East West. pp. 43–47. ISBN 978-81-88661-42-8.

[dinamalar-4] 1 2 3 "Sri Suriyanar temple". Dinamalar. 2011. Retrieved 13 September 2015.

[Meena-5] V., Meena (1974). Temples in South India (1st ed.). Kanniyakumari: Harikumar Arts. p. 30.

[6] "The 12 splendid suns". The Hindu. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 13 September 2015.

[7] Sacred tanks of South India. C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre. 2002. p. 321.

[PV-8] 1 2 3 4 5 Ayyar, P. V. Jagadisa (1991). South Indian shrines: illustrated. New Delhi: Asian Educational Services. pp. 260–261. ISBN 81-206-0151-3.

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