In Hindu astrology, the nine Navagrahas – Surya, Chandra, Angaraka, Budha, Guru, Sukra, Sani, Rahu and Ketu – are believed to influence a person’s fortunes. Around Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai there is a set of nine temples, each associated with one of these planets, and completing all nine is a common pilgrimage, often undertaken on the advice of an astrologer.
All nine lie within roughly 60 km of Kumbakonam, but in different directions, and each closes for several hours around midday. This three-day tour groups them sensibly so you are not racing against temple doors.
The nine Navagraha temples
Most of these are Shiva temples in which the planetary deity has a special shrine; Suryanar Kovil is the exception, with Surya as the main deity. Thirunallar is the only one outside Tamil Nadu, in the Karaikal district of the Union Territory of Puducherry.
- Surya (Sun) – Suryanar Kovil, near Aduthurai
- Chandra (Moon) – Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur
- Angaraka (Mars) – Vaitheeswaran Koil
- Budha (Mercury) – Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu
- Guru (Jupiter) – Apatsahayeswarar Temple, Alangudi
- Sukra (Venus) – Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur
- Sani (Saturn) – Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, Thirunallar (Karaikal, Puducherry)
- Rahu – Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram
- Ketu – Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam
Why this route order
Vaitheeswaran Koil, Thiruvenkadu and Keezhaperumpallam sit close together between Sirkazhi and Poompuhar, directly on the way from Pondicherry, so they fill day 1. Suryanar Kovil, Kanjanur and Thirunageswaram form a tight cluster east of Kumbakonam, which lets you do three temples in one morning; Thingalur (north-west) and Alangudi (south) take the rest of day 2. Thirunallar lies towards the coast near Karaikal and fits naturally on the drive home.
Some families prefer to begin with Suryanar Kovil or to follow an order suggested by their astrologer. Tell us in advance and we will rework the plan; it may need an extra half-day.
Best time to go
The temples are open year-round. November to February is the most comfortable season for spending long hours barefoot on stone floors. Saturdays at Thirunallar, and Sani Peyarchi (Saturn transit) days in particular, draw very large crowds; avoid them unless the date matters to you. Heavy rain in October–December can slow the smaller rural roads.
Customising the tour
- Two-day version with early starts and late evenings (tiring, but possible)
- Four-day version adding Kumbakonam’s Adi Kumbeswarar and Sarangapani temples and the Great Chola Temples at Darasuram and Thanjavur
- A local priest or guide to help with pujas, arranged on request
- Hotels in Kumbakonam in budget, standard or premium categories
- Pickup from Chennai or Bangalore, arranged on request
Tips for pujas and offerings
Each Navagraha is traditionally linked with a colour, a grain and a particular day, and many pilgrims bring offerings to match – for example, black cloth and sesame for Saturn at Thirunallar, where devotees also bathe in the Nala Theertham tank and light sesame-oil lamps. At Thirunageswaram, the Rahu abhishekam is performed during Rahu Kalam, a daily 90-minute period whose timing changes by the day of the week, so we plan the morning around it. Vaitheeswaran Koil town is also known for its nadi astrology readers. Archana tickets and offerings can be bought at stalls outside each temple; priests will guide you inside.
Dress code and what to carry
Traditional dress is expected: men in dhoti or trousers with a shirt (some shrines ask men to remove upper garments), women in a saree, half-saree or salwar kameez with a dupatta. Avoid shorts and sleeveless tops. Footwear is left at the entrance. Carry small notes and coins for offerings and archana tickets, a list of family names and birth stars if you plan special pujas, and a water bottle. Photography is not allowed inside most sanctums.
Frequently asked questions
Can all nine Navagraha temples be covered in one day?
Some people try it in one very long day from Kumbakonam, but midday closures and distances make it rushed. Two days is the practical minimum; three days from Pondicherry allows unhurried darshan.
Which Navagraha temple is in Puducherry?
The Saturn temple, Dharbaranyeswarar (Saneeswaran) at Thirunallar, is in the Karaikal district of the Union Territory of Puducherry. The other eight are in Tamil Nadu.
Is the Navagraha tour suitable for senior citizens?
Yes, the temples are on level ground and the car can drop you close to the entrances. The main strain is walking barefoot on stone, which can get hot at midday, so we plan the visits for mornings and evenings.
Can this tour be customised?
Yes. You can change the order, add days for other Kumbakonam temples or ask for a local priest. Send your plan on WhatsApp.
Can you pick us up from Chennai?
Yes, pickup from Chennai or Bangalore can be arranged on request, and the tour can end with a drop in either city.
