Long ago, under the vast skies of ancient India, sages and kings looked to the heavens for guidance. They believed that nine celestial beings — the Navagrahas — silently shaped the destiny of every soul on Earth. To respect these cosmic forces, sacred temples were built, each standing as a bridge between the mortal world and the stars above.
Even today, thousands of devotees embark on timeless journeys to seek blessings of popular Navagraha temples in India. Whether it’s visiting the ancient cluster of Navagraha temples in Kumbakonam, exploring the Navagraha temples in Chennai, or seeking blessings at Navagraha temple in Thrissur, each shrine has its unique story: of gods, planets, karma, and hope.
In this blog, we will walk through the top Navagraha temples in India — exploring their locations, timings, story, visit orders, maps, and hidden details that turn your trip into a soul-satisfying pilgrimage.
Navagraha temples are dedicated to the nine planets in Hindu astrology — Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu.
Worshipping at these temples is believed to balance planetary doshas and strengthen auspicious influences.
Name of Temple | Location | Dedicated to |
Suryanar Temple | Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam | Surya (Sun) |
Kailasanathar Temple | Thingalur, near Thanjavur | Chandra (Moon) |
Vaidyanathaswamy Temple | Vaitheeswaran Koil | Mangala (Mars) |
Swetharanyeswarar Temple | Thiruvenkadu | Budha (Mercury) |
Alangudi Guru Temple | Alangudi | Brihaspati (Jupiter) |
Velleeswarar Temple | Kanjanur | Shukra (Venus) |
Dharbaranyeswarar Temple | Tirunallar | Shani (Saturn) |
Naganathaswamy Temple | Keezhaperumpallam | Ketu (South Node) |
Seshapureeswarar Temple | Thirunageswaram | Rahu (North Node) |
The first Navagraha temple is the Suryanar temple located in a small village named “Suryanar Koil” in the state of Tamil Nadu. As the name suggests, this temple is dedicated to Lord Surya (Sun). Lord Surya holds great Religious and Astrological Significance in Hindu mythology. It is believed that offering prayers in this temple helps to mitigate the harmful impact of Various Doshas.
Kailasanathar Temple also known as Chandiranaar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples dedicated to the planet “Moon” in Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity of the Temple is Soma ( Moon). In the Hindu Mythology, many people believe that planets influence the Individual horoscope and if placed in the right directions can significantly overturn one’s fortunes. Hence People visit the temple from all across places to seek blessings of the planet “Moon”.
Vaidyanathaswamy Temple is part of the Navagraha temple pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. It is dedicated to the deity “Angaraka” or planet “Mars”. The temple is renowned not just for its astrological importance, but also for its spiritual and medicinal aura, as the name “Vaidyanathaswamy” itself means “Lord of Healing”. Devotees believe that offering Prayers in this temple has the ability to cure any disease.
Swetharanyeswarar Temple, located in the town of Thiruvenkadu in Tamil Nadu, is one of the sacred Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Budha (Mercury), the planet associated with intellect, communication, and wisdom in Vedic astrology. This temple stands as a magnificent symbol of divine knowledge and healing, drawing pilgrims and astrology followers from across the country. According to many legends, this temple is the place where Lord Shiva performed his fierce cosmic dance, the Rudra Tandava, to subdue a demon named Maruthuvasuran who misused his powers.
Located in the village of Alangudi in Tamil Nadu’s Tiruvarur district, Alangudi Temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Guru (Jupiter), the planet of wisdom, expansion, and benevolence in Vedic astrology. According to Hindu mythology, Alangudi temple is the sacred place where Lord Shiva swallowed the deadly poison Halahala during the churning of the ocean (Samudra Manthan), to save the world. This earned Him the name “Abathsahayeswarar,” and the temple is known as a protective and healing sanctuary. Lord Guru is enshrined here in a separate sanctum and is honored with great devotion, especially by those facing challenges related to education, marriage, or financial stability — areas governed by Jupiter.
Velleeswarar Temple, located in the village of Kanjanur in Tamil Nadu’s Thanjavur district, is one of the nine Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Shukra (Venus), the celestial planet associated with love, beauty, wealth, and artistic expression. According to legends, Shukra performed intense penance here to attain spiritual knowledge and blessings from Lord Shiva, who appeared and granted him divine wisdom and the role of a planetary deity. It is also believed that Shiva absorbed Shukra into His third eye at this very spot, symbolizing the unity of material and spiritual abundance.
The Dharbaranyeswarar Temple, located in Thirunallar near Karaikal, is one of the most famous Navagraha temples, dedicated to Shani Bhagavan (Saturn) in India. This temple stands out among all Navagraha shrines as the only one where planet Shani is the highlight, making it a powerful destination for those seeking relief from Saturn’s intense influence and karmic challenges.
The Seshapureeswarar Temple, located in the town of Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is one of the nine Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Rahu, the shadow planet that governs material desires, illusions, fame, and obsession in Vedic astrology. A unique and miraculous feature of the temple is seen during the milk abhishekam (ritual bathing) of Rahu’s idol — the milk poured over the deity turns blue as it flows down, a phenomenon that symbolize Rahu’s shadowy influence being spiritually absorbed and purified during worship.
The Naganathaswamy Temple, located in Keezhaperumpallam near Poompuhar in Tamil Nadu, is one of the nine sacred Navagraha temples and is dedicated to Ketu, the shadow planet known for its mystical energy, spiritual transformation, and karmic detachment. This ancient temple is especially visited by those seeking liberation from karmic obstacles, fear, confusion, and the hidden influences that affect life due to Ketu dosha in one’s horoscope.
To follow the astrological energy flow, devotees should visit Navagraha temples in this traditional sequence i.e., Sun (Suriyanar), Moon (Thingalur), Mars (Vaitheeswaran Kovil), Mercury (Thiruvenkadu), Jupiter (Alangudi), Venus (Kanjanur), Saturn (Thirunallar), Rahu (Thirunageswaram), and Ketu (Keezhaperumpallam). Starting with the Sun (soul) and ending with Ketu (liberation), it symbolizes a spiritual journey from material life to moksha. Following this order is believed to bring maximum relief from doshas and blessings from the Navagrahas.
Navagraha temples are more than just places of worship — they are gateways to cosmic balance and inner peace. Visiting them in the traditional order helps align your life with planetary energies and reduces the effects of doshas. Whether you seek blessings, healing, or just a spiritual experience, this journey offers a powerful connection between you and the universe.
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