Suryanar Kovil (Sun – Surya), Suryanar Kovil, near Kumbakonam →
Chandran Kovil (Moon – Chandra), Thingalur, near Kumbakonam →
Vaitheeswaran Kovil (Mars – Angaraka or Mangal), Vaitheeswaran Koil, near Sirkazhi →
Swetharanyeswarar Temple (Mercury – Budha), Thiruvenkadu, near Sirkazhi →
Agniswarar Temple (Jupiter – Guru), Kanjanur, near Kumbakonam →
Apatsahayesvarar Temple (Venus – Shukra), Alangudi, near Kumbakonam →
Tirunallar Saneeswaran Temple (Saturn – Shani), Tirunallar, near Karaikal →
Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu), Thirunageswaram, near Kumbakonam →
Kethu Sthalam (Kethu), Keezhperumpallam, near Poompuhar
Navagraha Temple, Guwahati – Guwahati, Assam →
Navagraha Temple, Devipattinam – Devipattinam, Ramanathapuram district, Tamil Nadu →
Navagraha Temples at Aalahalli – Aalahalli, Mysore district, Karnataka →
Navagraha Temple, Shani Shingnapur – Shani Shingnapur, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra →
Navagraha Temple, Kharsawan – Kharsawan, Jharkhand →
Navagraha Temple, Surendrapuri – Surendrapuri, Yadadri district, Telangana →
Sri Navagraha Suvishesha Ashramam – Kumaramangalam, Idukki district, Kerala →
Navagraha Temple, Nashik – Trimbakeshwar, near Nashik, Maharashtra
Introduction to the Navagraha Temples of India
India’s spiritual and architectural heritage is deeply intertwined with celestial worship, and among its most revered temple circuits are the Navagraha Temples, dedicated to the nine planetary deities in Hindu astrology. The term Navagraha (Sanskrit: नवग्रह) translates to “nine celestial influencers,” which include Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node), and Ketu (South Lunar Node).
Devotees believe that these cosmic forces govern human destiny, influencing various aspects of life, including health, wealth, relationships, and success. Worshipping the Navagrahas is thought to appease planetary imbalances (doshas) in one’s horoscope and bring about spiritual and material well-being.
India is home to several temple clusters dedicated to the Navagrahas, the most famous being the Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, located in and around the town of Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur district. These temples, constructed during the Chola dynasty, are significant pilgrimage destinations for those seeking astrological remedies and divine blessings. Apart from Tamil Nadu, Assam, Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh also house revered Navagraha shrines.
Steeped in mythological lore and built with intricate Dravidian and Nagara architectural styles, these temples stand as living testaments to India’s rich astrological traditions. Pilgrims and astrology enthusiasts from across the country visit these sacred sites, performing rituals and prayers to mitigate planetary afflictions and seek divine intervention for prosperity and peace.
In this exploration of the Navagraha Temples of India, we will journey through their history, significance, legends, and the spiritual experiences they offer to devotees.