HOTEL DIAMOND
NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES
The term Graha translates to “attract.” These celestial entities are believed to influence the physical and mental states of human beings. Grahas are thought to exert both malevolent and benevolent effects on an individual’s daily life.
The nine planets are observed to move within the celestial sphere relative to stellar constellations known as Nakshatras (stars). There are 27 Nakshatras, which recur monthly in the Hindu calendar. The movements of these planets in relation to the Nakshatras are said to shape a person’s destiny, including their thoughts, actions, status, and prosperity. Worshipping the Navagrahas (nine planets) is believed to amplify the positive effects of planets in favorable positions and mitigate the adverse effects caused by planets in less desirable positions, thereby neutralizing negative karma.
The Navagrahas are regarded as intermediaries between the temple’s principal deity, most often Shiva, and the worshiper. Each graha governs specific aspects of life, such as health, wealth, knowledge, career, or other personal desires. Devotees believe that offering prayers to a particular graha based on their specific needs can help them attain the desired blessings.
SURYAN – SURIYANAR KOIL
The Suryanar Koil is 15 kms from Kumbakonam. It is a small, compact, west-facing temple with high walls and a spacious enclosure. Surya Narayana, the Sun God is the presiding deity here. He stands with a lotus in either hand. Surya is portrayed as seated in a single-wheeled chariot drawn by seven horses denoting the seven days of the week. This temple was originally built by the Chola dynasty in the 11th century. The front hall of the temple was built by the Nayaka rulers in 16th Century. In the southwest corner of the temple is a shrine for Vinayaka. He is Kol Teerta Vinayaka who sorted out the problems of the grahas. Kol (Tamil) means graha and teerta (Tamil) means to solve. Circumbulation is always done anti-clockwise direction unlike the other temples.
CHANDRAN – THINGALUR
Chandra, the moon is our closest neighbour in the Universe and has pride of place in Shiva’s matted hair. This powerful graham is next only to Surya in his strength and power to bestow favours on his worshippers. He grants a comfortable, long life and fame. He cures eye ailments (especially those of the left eye) and skin diseases. Chandra is the graha who helps to remove stress and sorrows. People suffering from mental ailments seek a cure from him. Chandra is believed to control the well being of one’s mother and is the one to pray to for her health. Thingaloor is 22 kms from Kumbakonam. The principle deity in the sanctum sanctorum is Kailasanathar with his consort Periya Nayaki. There is a separate, compact shrine for Chandra.
SEVVAI – VAITHEESWARAN KOIL
Mars also known as Mangal or Chevvai or Angarakan is a planet appearing after dusk as a red object in the summer sky. He is a planet who needs to be worshipped by the believer when misfortune strikes. He is considered very powerful with a strong war-like influence. He rides a golden chariot drawn by eight horses. At a distance of 52 kms from Swamimalai is the abode of Shiva as Vaidyanatha Swamy (God of Healing) and his consort Thaiyal Nayaki. He cures all illness, both mental and physical. Upon entering the temple, devotees usually dissolve jaggery in the waters of Siddhamrita tank. The tradition is evocative of the waters curative properties. The next ritual to be performed is offering a mixture of common salt and peppercorns at a designated area. Eating a pinch of mixture is believed to be the medicine for skin eruptions.
PUDHAN – THIRUVENKADU
Budha or Mercury is the planet closest to the Sun. It is also the smallest and gentle planet. Easily visible with naked eye and it moves so fast. In Hindu mythology, Budha is Buddhi Nathan (he who imparts wisdom and one who destroys the malefic influence of other planets. The Oldest part of the temple dates back to more than 3000 years to the period when the Valmiki Ramayana was written. The holy tanks of this temple was built in 6th century. This temple was renovated by the cholas between 8th and 12th centuries. This temple has three water tanks- the Surya (Sun) Kulam, the Sama (Moon) Kulam, and the Agni (fire) Kulam named after Shiva’s three eyes. Bathing in these tanks and worshipping Shiva here for forty-five days is believed to be particularly efficacious for couples praying for a child.
GURU – ALANGUDI
Alangudi Guru, Jupiter, known as Guru in Hindu Mythology is the fifth of the Navagrahas; also the fifth planet from the Sun. It is by far largest planet in the Solar System. Jupiter features in Greek mythology as the King of the Gods, the ruler of Olympus. The temple is situated at 17 kms from Kumbakonam. The towering five-tiered Tower of this huge temple can be seen from a distance. This temple is one of the Pancha Aranya Kshetram (Five Sacred Trees). This temple is built before 600 AD, most likely by one of the chola kings.
SUKKIRAN – KANCHANUR
Shukra or Venus is one of the nearest planets to Earth. It is the second planet from the Sun and the sixth largest in the Solar System. Shukra is the preceptor or guru of the Asuras. The unmarried or the childless appeal to Shukra to remove any hurdles in their lives. Shukra is the graha in charge of conjugal harmony. Praying at the shrine can remove misunderstandings between husband and wife. Shukra being the graha who controls the well being of the wife and to solve their spouses’ problems. He bestows wealth and good fortune on his devotees. Also cures chronic bronchial ailments or persistent fevers. This temple is a fairly big and beautiful with five-tiered gopuram. It is situated about 12 kms from Kumbakonam.
SANEESWARAN – THIRUNALLAR
Saturn, known as Shani in Indian Astronomy is the sixth planet from the Sun and the second largest. Shani is considered to have a malefic influence on events. This is not necessarily true. This powerful graha has as much a capacity to bestow unlimited favours on the deserving as to punish the evil. Tirunallar is 65 kms from Kumbakonam and 3 kms from Karaikal, the former French territory. The Rajagopuram of this temple is five tiered with a lot of stuccowork. The shrine of Shani is a small ornamental copper shrine. There are many holy water tanks namely Brahma teertam, Saraswati teertam, Agastiya teertam, Hamsa teertam and Nala teertam. Architectural features indicate that the outer portions of the temple date from the Chola period.
RAGHU – THIRUNAGESWARAM
Rahu is one of the nodes of the two eclipses visible from Earth – the Solar and the Lunar. He is known as the one who is remover of diseases, the one who bestows freedom from fear of snakes and poisonous reptiles. The Shrine of Tirunageswaram is at a distance of 5 kms from Kumbakonam. It is a huge and magnificent temple of approximately 15 acres. It has a vast paved courtyard open to the sky. The high walls on all the four sides, each with a grand tower. There is a huge hundred-pillared and chariot shaped hall. Tirunageswaram is considered next only to kashi in holiness. The chola kings probably added the super structure on a pre-existing temple.
KEDHU – KEEZHAPERUMPALLAM
Kethu is Rahu’s complementary node of the eclipse. He is considered great among the Asuras while being a gem among sages and seers who have conquered the senses and controlled the mind. Kethu augments the boons granted by other Grahas. If Shukra is favourably placed, Kethu can make a person rich beyond his expectations. Similarly in conjunction with Guru, Kethu can assist a bright student perform brilliantly or ensure unexpected but deserved promotions in the workplace. Kethu is the graha in charge of progeny. One is blessed with children of good character on praying to him. He grants wisdom and shows the path to Moksha. The temple is a small one situated in the tiny village of Tiruvalampuram. It is about 65 kms from Kumbakonam. The temple is beautiful built with a sacred pond in front.
