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Suryanar Koil

Suryanar Koil, Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu

Lord Shiva

History & Significance

Significance

The Sun temple of the Navagraha circuit near Kumbakonam, one of nine shrines built along the Kaveri delta corresponding to the nine celestial bodies of Vedic astrology. Suryanar Koil is considered the head of the circuit, and pilgrims traditionally begin their Navagraha pilgrimage here.

Plan Your Circuit

Nearby Temples

Closest temples by distance — worth combining into the same trip.

Ranganatha

One of the tallest gopurams in South India (45 metres, 11 tiers) and the most important Divya Desam in Kumbakonam. Lord Sarangapani (Vishnu holding a bow/sarangu) reclines here in the posture of a patient cured of illness — a rare form of Vishnu.

Sarangapani Temple

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu2 km

Lord Ranganatha

The principal Shiva temple of Kumbakonam and one of the most important in Tamil Nadu. Lord Kumbeswarar (Shiva who formed the universe from a 'kumba'/pot of nectar) is worshipped here. During the rare Mahamaham festival (once in 12 years), lakhs bathe in the sacred Mahamaham tank adjacent to the temple — the largest religious gathering in Tamil Nadu.

Photo: Wikipedia article "Adi Kumbeswarar Temple" — CC-licensed via Wikimedia Commons

Adi Kumbeswarar Temple

Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu3 km

Lord Shiva

Shiva

The Rahu (ascending lunar node) Navagraha temple near Kumbakonam, where the presiding deity is Naganatha Swamy (Shiva). Uniquely, Rahu is said to turn white during his worship here — an observed natural phenomenon. The main lingam glows with a mysterious blue light on Rahu worship days. One of the most powerful Navagraha temples.

Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple

Thirunageswaram, Tamil Nadu3 km

Lord Shiva

Shiva

Moon (Chandra) Navagraha temple. The Chandra (Moon) Navagraha temple at Thingalur, where the presiding deity of the moon is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva to regain his brightness.

Thingalur Chandran Temple

Thingalur, Tamil Nadu3 km

Lord Shiva