Nine Celestial Bodies · Nine Tamil Nadu Shrines
Navagraha Temples
Nine celestial-body temples around Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu.
About this Circuit
The Navagraha temples are nine ancient Shiva temples in the Thanjavur and Nagapattinam districts of Tamil Nadu, each associated with one of the nine celestial bodies (grahas) in Hindu astrology: Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu. Pilgrims visit these shrines to propitiate planetary deities and seek relief from astrological afflictions. The temples are tightly clustered — most within 80 km of Kumbakonam — making this one of the most compact major pilgrimage circuits in South India.
Pilgrim Tip
All nine temples can be covered in 2 days by renting a taxi from Kumbakonam. The circuit is typically done in a specific order starting with Suryanar Koil. Vaitheeswaran Koil and Thirunallaru (Shani temple) attract the largest crowds.