Overview
The Navagraha Sthalams are a set of nine temples in the Kumbakonam-Mayiladuthurai region of Tamil Nadu (with one, Thirunallar, just across the border in the Karaikal district of Puducherry), each associated with one of the nine Navagraha (planetary deities) of Hindu astrology: Suryanar Kovil (Surya/Sun), Thingalur (Chandra/Moon), Vaitheeswaran Koil (Angaraka/Mars), Thiruvenkadu (Budha/Mercury), Alangudi (Guru/Jupiter), Kanjanur (Sukra/Venus), Thirunallar (Shani/Saturn), Thirunageswaram (Rahu), and Keezhaperumpallam (Ketu). With the sole exception of Suryanar Kovil, each temple's primary presiding deity is Shiva (worshipped under a locally specific name), with the associated Navagraha deity enshrined in a distinct subsidiary shrine within the same complex.
History
Most of the nine temples have documented histories extending back to the Chola period (roughly 9th-13th centuries CE), with several additionally recognised as Paadal Petra Sthalams, sites honoured in the 7th-century Tevaram hymns of the Tamil Nayanmar saints, giving the wider circuit a devotional history considerably predating its more specific codification as a nine-temple Navagraha pilgrimage.
Spiritual Significance
Devotees traditionally undertake the full nine-temple circuit seeking relief from doshas (astrological afflictions) attributed to unfavourable planetary positions in their individual horoscopes, typically visiting each temple on the day of the week traditionally associated with its planetary deity. Suryanar Kovil, the only standalone Surya temple among the nine and uniquely also housing subsidiary shrines to all eight other Navagraha deities within its own complex, is commonly treated as the natural starting or ending point of the circuit.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
See individual site pages for scripture-specific citations.
Prayers at Navagraha Sthalams of Tamil Nadu
आरती श्री नवग्रहों की कीजै बाध कष्ट रोग हर लीजै
जपाकुसुमसंकाशं काश्यपेयं महाद्युतिम्
Pilgrimage Information
See individual site pages for detailed pilgrimage and travel information; the nine temples are commonly visited together as a multi-day circuit based from Kumbakonam.
Family Suitability
All nine temples are well suited to families of all ages; see individual pages for specific notes.
Accommodation
Kumbakonam serves as the most practical base for the full circuit, offering a wide range of pilgrim accommodation.
Local Services
See individual site pages for local services information.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Consider timing visits to individual temples on the day of the week traditionally associated with each planetary deity.
- Use Kumbakonam as a practical base for completing the full nine-temple circuit.
Don’t
- Don't assume every temple's presiding deity is the Navagraha figure itself; with the exception of Suryanar Kovil, the primary deity at each site is Shiva, with the planetary deity in a subsidiary shrine.
Nearby Sacred Locations
Preservation
See individual site pages for preservation details.
Giving Back
See individual site pages for donation and giving-back channels.
Sources
About this page
Researched and written by YatraBeyond from published sources, and not yet confirmed by the temple. Facts here are cross-checked against at least two independent sources, never written from memory, and every source is listed above.
Last reviewed by us: 2026-07-11. Timings, entry rules and access can change without notice; treat anything time-sensitive as a starting point and confirm before you travel.
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