Kumbakonam, a sacred town in Tamil Nadu, is renowned not only for its majestic temples but also for being the focal point of the Navagraha Temples Tour—a spiritual pilgrimage to the 9 planetary deities of Hindu astrology. These temples are nestled around Kumbakonam and attract lakhs of devotees every year.
This detailed guide will walk you through the Navagraha tour itinerary, temple images, route maps, opening hours, significance of each deity, and essential travel tips.
🛕 What is a Navagraha Tour?
The Navagraha Tour is a pilgrimage circuit that covers nine temples dedicated to the nine celestial planets (Navagrahas):
- Surya (Sun)
- Chandra (Moon)
- Mangala (Mars)
- Budha (Mercury)
- Guru (Jupiter)
- Shukra (Venus)
- Shani (Saturn)
- Rahu (North Lunar Node)
- Ketu (South Lunar Node)
📍 All these temples are located within a radius of 65-70 km from Kumbakonam, making it a spiritual and logistically ideal base for your tour.
📸 Navagraha Temples – Details, Route & Images
1. 🛕 Suriyanar Koil – Sun Temple
- Deity: Lord Surya
- Location: Suriyanar Koil (15 km from Kumbakonam)
- Significance: The only temple where all 9 planets are present.
2. 🛕 Thingalur – Moon Temple
- Deity: Chandra
- Location: Thingalur (35 km from Kumbakonam)
- Speciality: Ideal for people with Chandra Dosha.
3. 🛕 Vaitheeswaran Koil – Mars Temple
- Deity: Angaraka (Mars)
- Location: Vaitheeswaran Koil (60 km from Kumbakonam)
- Highlights: Ancient healing temple.
4. 🛕 Thiruvenkadu – Mercury Temple
- Deity: Budhan
- Location: Thiruvenkadu (60 km)
- Highlights: Temple of wisdom and education.
5. 🛕 Alangudi – Jupiter Temple
- Deity: Guru
- Location: Alangudi (18 km)
- Highlights: Guru transitions are celebrated grandly.
6. 🛕 Kanchanur – Venus Temple
- Deity: Sukran
- Location: Kanchanur (20 km)
- Speciality: Temple for wealth and marriage.
7. 🛕 Thirunallar – Saturn Temple
- Deity: Sani
- Location: Thirunallar (65 km)
- Highlights: Most visited for relief from Saturn doshas.
8. 🛕 Thirunageswaram – Rahu Temple
- Deity: Rahu
- Location: Thirunageswaram (6 km)
- Speciality: Milk turns blue during abhishekam.
9. 🛕 Keezhperumpallam – Ketu Temple
- Deity: Ketu
- Location: Keezhperumpallam (65 km)
- Highlights: Best for spiritual detachment and wisdom.
🗺️ Navagraha Tour Itinerary (1-Day Plan from Kumbakonam)
Suggested Route:
Kumbakonam → Suriyanar Koil → Kanjanur → Thingalur → Alangudi → Thirunageswaram → Thiruvenkadu → Vaitheeswaran Koil → Keezhperumpallam → Thirunallar
👉 Pro Tip: Start early at 6 AM from Kumbakonam to complete the circuit comfortably by evening.
🚘 Modes of Transport:
- Private Cab: Best choice for comfort and timing.
- Auto or Local Tour Packages: Budget-friendly options available in Kumbakonam.
- Bus Routes: Government buses available but less flexible.
🌟 Spiritual Significance of Navagraha Worship
Worshipping Navagrahas is believed to:
- Remove doshas (astrological afflictions)
- Improve health, wealth, and success
- Ensure career growth and marriage harmony
- Aid in spiritual cleansing and karma removal
🏨 Where to Stay in Kumbakonam
Kumbakonam offers a variety of stays from budget hotels to spiritual guesthouses:
- Budget Options: Hotel Chela Kumbakonam, Hotel Vinayaga, Raya’s Grand
- Mid-Range: Sivamurugan Hotel, Sara Regency, Hotel Chela
- Heritage Stay: Indeco Swamimalai
🍛 Where to Eat During the Tour
- Pure Veg: Hotel Sri Mangalambika, Aarthi Restaurant
- South Indian Meals: Sri Balaji Bhavan, Hotel Akshaya
🙏 Best Time to Visit Navagraha Temples
- Ideal Months: November to March (pleasant climate)
- Festive Time: Thai month, Guru Peyarchi, and Shani Peyarchi events
- Avoid: Peak summer (April to June)
❓ FAQs – Navagraha Tours in Kumbakonam
Q1. Can Navagraha temples be covered in one day?
Yes, if you start early with a pre-planned route and private transport, it’s possible.
Q2. Is there any order to visit the temples?
Traditionally, people start with Suriyanar Koil and end with Thirunallar (Saturn) or Keezhperumpallam (Ketu).
Q3. Do I need a guide for the tour?
While not mandatory, a guide can enhance your spiritual and cultural understanding of each temple.
Q4. Are non-Hindus allowed inside the temples?
Yes, but it’s expected to maintain temple decorum and dress modestly.
Q5. Are there special poojas for Graha Dosha?
Yes. Every temple offers dedicated dosha nivaranam poojas and archanais.