Kumbakonam

        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.

        Thingaloor is the shrine where one prays for the health and prosperity of one’s mother.  Kailasanatha bestows fame on the devotee and cures skin and eye problems.  There is also a belief that near-fatal snake bites are cured if one visits here and prays to Kailasanatha and Chandra.

Temple Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 07:00 AM to 12 Noon, 04:30 PM to 08:00 PM

Monday : 06:30 AM to 01:00 PM, 04:30 PM to 08:00 PM

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.

Guru bestows on the devotee excellence in education and the fine arts, oratory skills and success in the work place.  When Guru is not well placed in one’s natal chart, the person shows a tendency for these afflictions: Obesity, problems with ribs, blood, muscles or nerves, diabetes, liver problems, kidney problems, hearing impairment and breathing problems like asthma.

Since Guru is the Graham in charge of progeny, praying for a remedy for childlessness or for the well-being of one’s children is effacious here.Praying at a Guru shrine is believed to keep these medical problems at bay.

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.

        Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM

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.  

When Rahu Dosham appears in a horoscope, praying to Nagaraja and Naganatha will alleviate it.  The childless worship here to obtain the boon of begetting children.  The mentally ill visit this temple to pray to Rahu, the kin of the Nagas.

Nagaraja is the Lord of wisdom and good health.  The belief is that worshippers of Naganatha will not suffer any ill effects of snake or scorpion bites.  Rahu bestows great wealth and fame on his devotees.  A period of one and a half hours is set apart everyday as Rahu Kalam.  Auspicious events such as marriages, setting out on a journey or starting the process for buying a new house are to be avoided during that time.

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.

Pilgrims usually discard the clothes they are wearing, bathe at the Nala teertam after smearing themselves with the oil of sesame seeds and wear a fresh set of clothes; symbolic of throwing off one’s misfortunes and of being a precursor of good times to come.

Powerful Shani bestows unlimited favours on his worshippers, just as he has the capacity to inflict punishments on those who deserve it due to “karma”.  In some instances, when Shani is placed in a favourable position in a horoscope he can be surprisingly benevolent and reveal hidden treasure. Shani is the Graha in charge of longevity and death. Those apprehensive of premature death invoke shani’s blessings for a long life. Alternatively one can pray Yama, Shani’s elder brother.

Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Surya is the source of all the vital energies of our Solar system and is the centre of all cosmic forces.  He occupies a predominant place in the Navagraha.  Surya is, by himself, a very powerful deity.  He is the bestower of Health, Success and Prosperity.  He ensures victory over ill wishers.  

Prayers to Surya are believed to be effacious in the curing of ailments such as problems with the eye, weak bones, fevers of long duration and skin problems.  He is believed to control the well being of one’s father.

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.  

        Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 12:30 PM , 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Kanchanur - Temple of Morning Star/Evening Star

        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.

        Sukra is well placed, then the person will enjoy pleasure, beautiful wife, wealth, house, vehicle, good food, fame, love, affection, marriage, siblings, governmental help, chance to govern the country/state and hold influential status. If in a bad position, the ward will experience a family devoid of love and ties, bad life, enmity amongst family and friends. By praying to Shukra,  these problems could be mitigated.

        This temple is a fairly big and beautiful with five-tiered gopuram.  It is situated about 12 kms from Kumbakonam.

           Temple Timings:  07:00 AM to 12:30 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

 Vaitheeswaran Koil - Temple of Shiva - The Healer

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.  

There is a separate small shrine for Chevvai (Angarakan).  He bestows valour, victory and strength in any endeavour.  He removes obstacles such as delayed marriages caused by a horoscope with Chevvai Dosham.

Chevvai being the Graha in charge of brothers and sisters, prayers for the well being of one’s siblings at this sub-shrine are appropriate.

Any health problems with the bone-marrow find a cure with prayers to Chevvai.  Many bathe in the temple tank on Tuesdays to get invoke Chevvai to relieve them of ailments like rheumatism, fractures and wounds.

Creditors with long pending loans due to them and debtors also pray here and fast on Tuesdays to find a solution.

Vaitheeswaran Koil was built in the fifth or sixth century AD and it was renovated by the Chola King in 12th century.

Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 01:00 PM & 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Thiruvengadu Budhan Temple -  Forest of White Flowers            

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.

Budha confers the art of communicating well and also a sense of humour.  He controls the lungs, intestines and the nervous system and is the one to be prayed to for a solution to any problems with these organs.  He is incharge of the well being of maternal uncles.

The town of Tiruvengadu is a small one as its approach road.  The large water tanks, surrounded by innumerable trees in an expansive temple complex is a pleasant surprise.  The main temple is built with five enclosures with ancillary shrines around it.

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.

Temple Timings : 06:00 AM to 12 Noon & 04:00 PM to 09:00 PM

Keezhaperumpallam Kethu Temple

Keezhaperumpallam -  The Bamboo Forest

        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.

        The basic temple structure must have been built before 7th century.  The additions was made to this temple by the chola kings in 12th century.  

        Temple Timings: 06:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 04:00 PM to 08:00 PM

Sculptural Navarathri Mandapam...

This temple is situated at the heart of the city and dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Hindu festival Mahamaham is associated with this temple. The temple is in existence from chola times of 9th century and has been expanded by the Nayaka dynasty between the 15th and 17th century. The temple tower is of height 44m belongs to17th century stands massive in the front. The temple has a long colonnaded mandapa and a magnificent collection Silver vahanas (vehicles) for carrying the deities during festivals. A unique feature here is the depiction of 27 stars and the 12 zodiac signs carved on a large block of stone in the Navarathri Mandapam. Kumbeswarar is in the form of lingam believed to have made by Lord Shiva himself when he mixed nectar of immortality and sand. Kumbha means pot and Konam means crooked-the pot that was broken when shiva's arrow hit it. The place where the nectar fell is the Mahamaham tank. The name of the town "Kumbakonam" is thus derived from Kumbeshwara temple.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - from 06:00 am to 12:30 pm and from 04:30 pm to 08:45 pm

Spectacular Water tank...

This big water tank is very popular in the centre of the city. There is a grand festival held once in 12 years when Jupiter passes over the sign of leo. People from all over India will assist the ceremony.This festival is also known as Kumbamela of the South. The local people and the tourists who come for the visit of all temples have a holy dip in this tank. The devout believe that all of India's nine sacred rivers also bathe in the tank cleanse themselves of the sins of humanity accumulated in their waters. The tank, renovated by the Nayakas in the 17th century, has steps at the four cardinal points, and 16 ornate pavilions in honour of the 16 Mahadanas (great gifts bestowed by a ruler on a spiritual centre).

Paintings speaks epic...

This temple is located on the southeastern portion of "Potramarai Kulam" and southern side of "Uchi Pillayar Kovil" junction. Alwar Sannathi, Sreenivasa Sannathi and Gopalan Sannathi are other temples located within this temple. Achutha Nayak of Thanjavur constructed the Ramaswamy temple during 16th Century. This temple consists of one Gopuram, One Maha Mandapam and Karuvarai. The columns of Maha mandapam are enriched with some of the famous stone carvings of Vamana Avatharam, Meenakshi Kalyanam, Sugreeva Pattabhishekam and Ramayanam. The wall paintings of Outer Prahara explains the series of incidents from the great Epic "Ramayanam".

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 06.00 am to 12.00 am and 04.00 pm to 09.00 pm

Marvel Sculptures of Kama Sutra...

This temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and it is one of the sacred shrines among 108 shrines "Divya Desams" of Vishnu in India. The temple tower is very beautiful with lot of colorful sculptures belongs to the 17th century. The sanctum sanctorum is in the form of chariot with temple guardians. The huge temple tower depicts the sculptures showing some of the scenes from KamaSutra, the series of horses, elephants with armed soldiers and ten incarnations of Vishnu. There are two wooden chariots with well carved base in front of the temple used for the chariot procession during the month of January and April.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 06:00 am to 12:30 pm and 05:00 pm to 08:45 pm

No photography inside the temple.

Beautiful Bronze Casting...

Swamimalai is the fourth among the six sacred shrines dedicated to Lord Muruga, situated about 5 kms from Kumbakonam city on the banks of the tributary of river Cauvery. The presiding deity Lord Swaminathan (Murugan) here expounded the meaning of the Pranavamantra "OM" to his own father Lord Shiva. The temple is built on an artificial hillock of about 60 feet high with 60 beautifully laid stone steps representing the Hindu cycle of sixty years leading to the Lord. The important festivals are the temple car festival in the month of April, Visakam festival in the month of May, Thaipusam festival in the month of January and Thirukarthigai festival in Nov/Dec. The village Swamimalai is well known for its bronze casting.

Quick Glimpses:

Timings - 07:00 am to 12 noon and 05:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

The Navagrahas, nine grahas or celestial bodies, comprise Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Angarakan (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani(Saturn), Rahu and Ketu (the two nodes of the eclipses- the Solar and the Lunar)

The word Graha means “ to attract”.  These celestial bodies are believed to affect the physical and mental condition of human beings.  The grahas are considered to have both a malevolent as well as benevolent influence on the day-to-day course of one’s life.

The nine planets appear to move in the celestial sphere with reference to the stellar constellations known as Nakshatra (Stars).  There are twenty-seven Nakshatras which are repeated in a HIndu Calendar every month.  The movements of these bodies with respect to the Nakshatras are said to control a person’s  destiny including his thoughts and deeds, status and prosperity.  The worship of Navagrahas makes the planets that are in auspicious situations offer increased fruits of benefits for one’s actions while the planets which occupy less desirous situations tend to remove the evil effects of a person’s karma.

Below is the list of the Navagraha Temples and its Location

        The Navagrahas are considered to be intermediaries between the principal deity in the temple, almost always Shiva and the worshipper.  They each are in charge of specific areas of concern to the devotee, be it health, wealth,pursuit of knowledge, professional gain or just about anything else.  The belief is that worshipping the specific graha for the specific need gets the devotee the boon he craves.