‘Navagrahas’ which means ‘Nine planets’ in English refers to the nine extraterrestrial constituents of solar system. The nine celestial entities include Suryan(Sun), Chandran(Moon), Sukra(Venus), Budhan(Mercury), Raagu(North Lunar nodule), Ketu(south lunar nodule), Angaarakan(Jupiter), Shani(Saturn), Guru(Mars). People tend to show their devotion to the Navagrahas by visiting their temples. It is believed that each body is considered to have a special power and essence of holiness. Famous temples in Tamilnadu comprises of these major tourist attractions namely
Soorya navagrahastalam, Sooriyanar Temple
Soorya, the Sun god is one of the nine deities of planets. It is located in Sooriyanar temple nearby Kumbakonam. This is the only temple with shrines for all the nine planetary divinities. Historic beauty with enchanting Dravidian architecture was built during 11th century.
Chandran stalam, Thingaloor
Kailasanathar temple near Kumbakonam has the prime deity as Moon god Chandran. It has two prakarams with 5 layer Rajagopuram. Appar has showed the reverence to god with his verses scripted. There is a separate shrine for the Moon god. It is also known as the Thingal and hence the place is also called thingaloor.
Shani stalam, Thirunallar
Dharbaranyeswarar temple or Shani stalam is a Hindu temple located in Thirunallar in Karaikal district of Pondicherry. Now it is separated from Tamilnadu but was built by Tamil Kings centuries back. It is believed that the deity have been built by Dharba grass. Sanishwarar is believed to stay in each Zodiac sign for two and half years. This temple is one of the most famous temples in Tamilnadu.
Angaarakan, Vaitheeswaran kovil
Vaitheeswaran kovil is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. It is named vaitheeswaran which means ‘God of healing’. It is believed that the god is capable of curing diseases. Angaarakan (Mars) is worshipped in that temple. It is considered to be one of the nine navagraha temples in Tamilnadu.
Pudhan stalam, Thiruvengadu
Swetharanyeswarar temple is a temple located in Thiruvengadu near Sirkali. The main deity is Swetharanyeswarar(‘god of white forest’) which is another form of Lord Shiva. Pudhan, one of the nine deities has a separate holy place to worship. This temple has the irreplaceable structure of three pools inside the temple. It is believed that bathing in those pools cure severe diseases. This uniqueness makes it to be one of the famous temples in Tamilnadu.
Raagu stalam, Thirunageshwaram
Raagu stalam is locatded in Thirunageshwaram which is in the outer regions of Kumbakonam. The temple is located on the banks of River Cauvery. It is one of the navagraha temples in Tamilnadu. There are about 4 gateway towers with a huge ingress hall. Six daily rituals are done on a regular basis.
Ketu stalam, keezhaperumpalam
Naganathaswamy temple or Ketu stalam is a Hindu temple located in Keezhaperumpallam near Poompuhar. Ketu, called as the shadow planet is the presiding deity of the temple. The main deity is Lord Shiva also called as the Naganathaswamy. It marks to be one of the nine planet elements of worship.
Sukran stalam, Kanjanur
Agniswarar temple in Kanjanur nearby Kumbakonam is called as the Sukran Stalam. Sukran(Venus) has the distinct idol of worship in that temple. The temple was built by Chola Emperor during the medieval age. Lord Sukran is depicted in the form of lingam named Agniswarar.
Guru stalam, Alangudi
Apatsahayeswarar temple or Guru stalam is situated at Alangudi, Thiruvarur. The name of the temple denotes that the deity will act as savior during critical situations. The temple is situated in the Cauvery delta region. It is one of the Navagraha temples of Tamilnadu.
Above listed temples are believed to be very powerful with individual spirituality. It is also believed that these famous temples in Tamilnadu are creating a good spirit for the devotees.
Inks of Everything 