Navagraha Temples - Tamil Nadu

As we all know, Kumbakonam is a city of temples. It is also famous for Navagraha (Nive Planets) temples. Located around the city, there are 9 temples, each dedicated to one of the Navagraha (planets). Except the Surya temple, the main deity in all other temples is Lord Shiva.

Suryanar Temple -- Sooriyanar Kovil

Built during the time of Kulottunga Choladeva. This is the only temple where all the navagrahas are present with separate sannidhi. 

Chandra Temple -- Thingaloor

Appoodi Adikal was a great follower of Thirunavukkarasar. He was held in high regards and Appoodi Adikal wanted to host him. On the day of arrival, his son was killed by a venomous snake bite. Yet, Appoodi Adikal went ahead and hosted Thirunavukkarasar. Moved by this selfless act of Appoodi Adikal and his devotion, Thirunavukkarasar miraculously restored the lad to life.

Angaarakan Temple -- Vaitheeswaran Kovil

It is said that Rama, Lakshmana and Saptarishi have worshipped the deity in this place.

One of the nine planets, Angaraka (Mars) who suffered from leprosy and was cured by Lord Vaidhyanathar.

Like Panneeriilai Vibhuthi of Tiruchendur Temple, "Tiruchaandu Urundai" covered with Vibhuti of deity is said to heal various incurable diseases. And, this can be procured at the temple.

Budha Temple – Thiruvenkadu

This temple is considered as an equivalent to the temple at Varanasi. The other 5 shivasthalams are Tiruvaiyaru, Chaayaavanam, Mayiladuthurai, Tiruvidaimarudur and Tiruvanchiam. Indiran, Airavatam, Budhan, Sun God Sooriyan and Moon God Chandiran are said to have worshipped God Shiva here. There are several shrines of significance in this well visited temple, including those to Durga and Kali. The image of Natarajar here is of great beauty. Worship to Aghoramurthy - (Veerabhadrar) is said to be of significance on Sunday nights in this temple. As found in Chidambaram, there is also a shrine for Lord Vishnu near the shrine for Natarajar as well.

Guru Temple – Alangudi

Lord Siva had consumed deadly poison, giving rise to the name Alangudi. The deity here is called “Apatsahayesvarar”, signifying as the savior during hard times.

Sukra Temple – Kanjanur

It is said that Lord Siva blessed Parasara here with His cosmic dance. The presiding deity is Sukra (Venus). However, the main idol in the temple is that of "Agniswarar" or Shiva.

Shani Temple – Thirunallar

After worshipping here, King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions due to the malefic influence of Saturn. Nala theertham is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed away of all kinds of misfortune and affliction.

Raahu-Kethu Temple – Thirupampuram

Lord Shiva in the temple is a swayambu. Rahu and Ketu unlike separately in other temples, they are here in a single body having Lord in their mind.

It is said that a divine serpent lost his poison due to Lord Shiva’s curse, He prayed here to Lord Shiva and got back the power.  Therefore, it is believed that people who had lost anything valuable in their life will get it back by praying to Lord Shiva here. 

Ketu Temple – Keezhperumpallam

Rahu and Ketu are associated with the legend of the churning of the milky ocean by Lord Shiva. It is said that Kethu had worshipped Lord Shiva here. There is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple.

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