Sunday 15 July 2012


Navagraha Temples of Chennai

Astrologer Dayanidhi Iyyengar

When planets move from one direction to another it brings about changes in certain people's well being and fortune. By worshipping the planets we get immense benefits. Indian Astrology believes that the planetary positions of nine planets in a geo centric orbit determine the way a person will live, progress and exemplify ones life to others before death. Nava means nine and graha means planet. There are nine temples located in Tamilnadu representing each planet in the Navagraha. All nine of them are located with in a few km radius around Kumbakonam.

 Any human being experiences mixtures of happiness and sorrows, Establishments too have their ups and downs, If we know the planetary positions at the time of commencing a job or enterprise, with its help, we will be able to find out how it will take shape or how we would fare in it. If our horoscope is cast on the basis of the configuration of the planets at the time of our birth, our fortunes over the entire period of our life can be predicted.

Navagraha-the nine planets could give harmony or misery to the individual as per its movements. One has to do shanthis or parikaras; for the particular planet(s) and its lords; such direct appeals to the concerned planets and their lords will give quick and timely results.

Ofcourse, it may not be possible for every one to visit Kumbakonam (especially for the people in and around Chennai). There are 9 temples at the outskirts of Chennai dedicated to the Navagrahams. Similar to Kumbakonam, our ancestors have built temples for all 9 planets in and around Chennai. All of them belong to the Chozha period with brilliant architecture and divinity. Few of these temples are in the state of neglect where others still look fresh and new even after centuries.


The main deities of all these temples are Lord Shiva in different names. In few places the main deity, Lord Shiva Himself, represent the planet and so there is no separate shrine for the respective Graham in the temple. If planned well, one can visit all these temples in a day itself, as most of them lie on the same route.

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar (Equivalent to Suryanar Koil : Suriyan Temple / Sun)

Sun: The Sun is considered as a royal Planet and giver of life. The day of Sun is Sunday and gemstone is Ruby. The ill placement of Sun in Horoscope can cause mental tension, head aches, mental tension, fevers, body ache, problems of the heart, blood pressure etc. Surya Namaskar is a good practice for attaining a healthy life.


Kolappaakkam is located at about 18 kms from Chennai. One can take the road from diagonally opposite to MIOT Hospitals off. Mount Poonamallee Road, to reach Kolappaakkam. Alternatively, one can also go from Porur via Gerugambaakkam and reach Kolappaakkam. Kolappaakkam has a beautiful Shiva temple where the main deity is Sri Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

This temple is said to be over 1300 years old. According to legend, Sri Surya Bhagavan had worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple. Sri Surya Bhagavan has a separate shrine inside this temple facing the Lord towards west. This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai devoted to Sri Surya Bhagavan.
The Sun God is given prominence in this temple, where all important deities of the temples are facing Surya Bhagavan shrine.The color of Vasthram meant for Sri Surya Bhagavan is Red. The Dhaanyam (grain) dedicated to Him is Wheat and the auspicious day to worship Sri Surya Bhagavan is Sunday. Worshipping Sri Surya Bhagavan on Sunday, by offering red cloth, red flowers and wheat gives success to one in all his deeds. Also, it is said that worshipping Sun God makes one gain the Thejas.

It is said that, apart from Surya Bhagavan, Sage Agasthiyar too had worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the name Sri Agatheeswarar. Another Rishi called Vaakeesa Muni also had worshipped Sri Agatheeswarar here.The temple is built facing south on a vast land. Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing east.
Ambaal Sri Aanandhavalli is facing south and is in standing posture. Nandhi is seen facing the Lord towards east. Other deities like Sri Ganesha, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Durgai and Sri Sandigeswarar are seen around the sanctum.There is a separate shrine for Lord Ganesha called Raja Ganapathy here. Also, Sri Kaasi Viswanathar and Sri Visaalakshi have separate shrines facing east at the south west portion of the temple. Lord Subramanyar also has a shrine in the temple in which a Maragatha Mayil is found.

Sri Kaala Bhairavar is very popular in this temple and is said to be more powerful. Special Poojas and Abishegams are performed to Sri Kaala Bhairavar every Sunday during Raahu Kaalam (4.30 pm to 6 pm) timings. It is said that people worshipping Sri Bhairavar here for 6 consecutive Sundays, get their wishes fulfilled.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is ‘Arasa Maram’ (Peepul tree) and Theertham is called ‘Amirtha Pushkarani’. 

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar (Equivalent to Thingalur : Chandiran Temple / Moon)

Moon: The Moon is the Planet representing the mind, feminine nature, beauty and happiness. The mental stability and wellbeing of an individual to a larger extent depends on the placement of moon in horoscope. The day of the Moon is Monday and gemstone is Pearl. An ill placement of the Moon can cause diseases like urinary infections, colitis, bronchitis, abdominal problems etc.


Somangalam lies at about 35 kms south west of Chennai city. One can take the route from Tambaram via Kishkinta to reach Somangalam. The better alternative is to take the road from Pallavaram going to Kunrathur. After reaching Kunrathur junction, one has to take left (towards south) to reach Somangalam. Somangalam is about 10 kms from Kunrathur. Also plenty of busses ply from Porur directly to Somangalam.

Somangalam is an ancient, beautiful village having a temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Somanaadheeswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman. This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God). According to legend, once, Sri Chandra Bhagavan is said to have got cursed by Dhakshan. As a result, he lost his divine charm and forgot all 16 form of arts he acquired. To come out of this, He is said to have created a pond here called Soma Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here. After this, he got back his beauty and wisdom.

As Sri Sri Chandra Bhagavan worshipped the Lord here, Lord Shiva here is called Somanaadheeswarar and the place came to be known as Somangalam.

This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for those having any Dhosham related to Chandra Bhagavan. Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine in the temple, facing west.

Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Mahavishnu, Sri Brahma, Sri Durgai and Sri Sandigeswarar are seen on the outer walls of the sanctum.The other deities like Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Sri Bhairavar have separate shrines on the outer praakaaram.The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Sarakkonrai Maram which is found on the northern side of the sanctum. There is a small shrine having small Shiva Lingam below this tree and is called Viruksha Lingam. An image of a tree is carved on stone above this Lingam.

Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar (Equivalent to Vaitheeswaran Koil :  Shevvai Temple / Mars)

Mars: Mars is often referred to as a ‘hot planet’ and protector of Dharma. Mars controls the muscular system of the body and also rules over nose, forehead and circulatory systems. The day of Mars is Tuesday and gemstone is Coral. An ill placement of Mars can cause accidents, blood clots, and inflammation of the lungs, typhoid and other blood disorders.


Poondhamalli is about 25 kms from Chennai city and has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which is more than 1000 years old. The main deity here is Sri Vaidheeswarar and Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi.

This temple is very similar to the Vaidheeswaran Koil temple near Kumbakonam, which is one of the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaaragan (Mars in English or Chevvaai in Thamizh).

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai for Angaaragan. It is said that Sri Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place.

Sri Angaaragan’s Paadham is found in the temple just outside the sanctum under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan.

The temple is so huge with very vast praakaarams. The main deity is facing east in the form of Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi is facing south.In the inner praakaaram Sri Dhakshinamurthy, Sri Brahma, Sri Subramanyar, Sri Sandigeswarar and Sri Durgai are seen. There are 3 Chakras installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar in the Praakaaram called Sri Chakram, Subramanya Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Thaazhi Panai Maram. The temple pond (called Vinai Theertha Kulam) is located on the eastern side of the temple.

Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar (Equivalent to Thiruvengadu : Budan Temple / Mercury)

Mercury: Mercury is representation of ones intelligence and communication. This Planet governs the nervous system. The day of Mercury is Wednesday and gemstone is Emerald. An ill placement of Mercury can cause stammering, bronchitis, asthma, paralysis, nervous disorders, brain fever, nasal disorders etc.


Kovur is a small town situated about 22 kms from Chennai, on the road going from Porur towards Kunrathur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the main road.

Kovur has a massive temple for Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha, dating back to 7th century. The main deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai.

According to legend, Goddess Kamakshi was performing thapas on Panchagni  in Maangaadu praying Lord Shiva to marry Her. Her penance was so intense that the whole surroundings became too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous heat. But Lord Shiva was meditating deeply with His eyes closed. Sages and Devas worshipped Lord Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu directed Sri Mahalakshmi to save the world.

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai for Sri Budhan (Mercury).

Other deities present in the temple are Sri Veerabadhrar, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Navagrahams. All 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this temple.

Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi. It is said that Saint Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed through this place. He also visited this temple on his way. A local headman called Sundharesan asked the saint to compose and sing some songs on him.
Thyagarajar refused and said that he won’t sing praise of any individual and he will sing praise of God only and left Kovur. Sri Sekkizhaar, who was born in the nearby place ‘Kunrathur’, started writing ‘Periya Puranam’ from this temple only.

Another rarity of this temple is the Sthala Viruksham called Maha Vilvam tree. The Maha Vilvam of this temple is a very rare one that each stalk of Maha Vilvam has 27 leaves to it. This Maha Vilvam also has many medicinal properties in it.

Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar (Equivalent to Alangudi : Guru Temple/ Jupiter)

Jupiter: Jupiter symbolizes knowledge, love and spirituality. The day of Jupiter is Thursday and the Gemstone is yellow sapphire. This planet rules the thighs, flesh, kidney, liver, fat and arterial system. An ill placement of Jupiter can cause diabetics, piles, tumors, liver malfunction, blood cancer, gout etc.


This ancient temple for Sri Ramanaadheswarar is located in Porur, very near to Porur junction, off. Kunrathur Road. This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Sri Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest. While resting under an Amla tree , He realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly.

Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet. So he undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food, to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam. Lord Shiva pleased with Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri Rama.

Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakaama Sundhari.

The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated, facing east. This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam. Goddess Sivakaama Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple.

The practice of offering Theertham and Sadaari are generally seen only in Vishnu temples. But, this is probably the only Shiva temple, where Theertham and Sadaari are offered to the devotees.

The Sthala Viruksham is Vembu (Neem tree) which is seen on the southern side of the praakaaram. Lord Brahma is seen under the tree facing north. A small Shiva Lingam is kept facing east with Nandhi, adjacent to Lord Brahma. The Neem tree is dressed up with a nice saree which looks like a beautiful woman.

Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar (Equivalent to Kanchanur :  Sukhiran Temple / Venus)

Venus: Venus symbolizes love and passion. The day of Venus is Friday and gemstone is Diamond. An ill placement of Venus can cause eye diseases, indigestion, skin rashes, pimples, impotency, venereal diseases etc.


Maangaadu is a small beautiful village located at the outskirts of Chennai near Poondhamalli. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poondhamalli road, one has to take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Maangaadu.

This temple is located very close to Maangaadu Sri Kamakshi Amman temple. This is a very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Velleeswarar. There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present nearby.

According to the legend, when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed Thapas here in Maangaadu, Lord Shiva came down to earth to give dharshan to Her and marry Her. It is said that, Sri Sukran (Venus) worshipped Lord Shiva here. When Sri Kamakshi came here to have dharshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukran worshipping the Lord. The Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the prayers of Sukran.

Later Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married Her there. As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar.

This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai. Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth, prosperity, good family, vehicles, fame and social status.

The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand, facing east. Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum. Lord Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ‘Maangani Vinayagar’. The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest.

There is a separate shrine for Sri Veerabadhrar behind the sanctum. Sri Veerabadhrar is said to have got created from the sweat of Lord Shiva to defeat Dhakshan.

Sri Subramanyar shrine is present at the North West side of the outer praakaaram. Sri Subramanyar is so beautiful and seen with His consorts Sri Valli and
Sri Dhevasena. All the 3 deities are made of a single stone. Lord Muruga’s Vaahanam peacock is present outside the shrine facing the shrine.

Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar (Equivalent to Thirunallar :  Saneeswaran Temple / Saturn)

Saturn: Saturn is often referred to as a ‘dark planet’ and symbolizes longevity, misery, grief and old age. The day of Saturn is Saturday and the gemstone is Blue Sapphire. An ill placement of Saturn can cause asthma, gout, arthritis, rheumatism, impotency, TB etc.


Pozhichalur is about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the road towards Kunrathur. It has an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period. The main deity here is Sri Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

This beautiful temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan. According to legend, Lord Shiva directed Sri Agasthiyar to go towards south to balance the earth during His wedding at Mount Kailash. As per the God’s direction, Sage Agasthiyar came down to the southern part to balance the weight of the earth. While he was on his way to Podhigai hills, he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord Shiva, a Swayambhu Lingam at this place.

Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. As Sri Saneeswara had been giving ill effects to people, he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan, wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams, prayed Lord Shiva for help.

Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him. As directed, Sri Sani Bhagavan came to this place, created a pond called ‘Sani Theertham’ and worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems.

Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no dhoshams or ill effects. People having problems because of Sani (Saturn), worship here to reduce the ill effects. This place is also called ‘Vada Thirunallaaru’.

Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum. This temple is also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu.This temple had been renovated during Chozha period. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam) shape.

Lord Ganesha (Vinaayagar) is seen under a peepul tree at the south west corner of the temple. At southeast of the sanctum, Lord Anjaneyar has a separate shrine. The Sthala Viruksham for this temple 'Maa Maram' (Mango tree) is at the north western side of the temple.The Theertham of this temple is called ‘Sani Theertham’ which is located a little away from the temple.

Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar (Equivalent to Keezha Perumpalam : Kedhu / Kedhu)

Rahu: Rahu is a malefic Planet and do not have any special day dedicated to him. According to Hindu Mythology Rahu swallows the Sun or the Moon causing eclipses. When the Rahu is afflicted one faces several miseries and obstacles in the way of success. The gemstone of Rahu is Gomedh.


Gerugambaakkam is located about 20 kms west of Chennai. While going from Porur towards Kunrathur, one should take left to reach Gerugambaakkam. Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which belongs to Chozha period. The main deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi.

This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan. There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the southern side of the sanctum. Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi. This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethu’s position in their Horoscope.

The main deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is situated in a small and beautiful sanctum. The Lord got His name Neelakandeswarar, as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue. In Thamizh ‘Neela’ means blue and ‘Kanda’ means neck.

It is said that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful, as he absorbs the poisonous breath of the Lord after He consumed poison. Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum, facing south. Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5 forms of Kamakshi.Navagraham is present at the north east side corner of the temple. There are carvings of image of snake on the ceiling of Navagraha shrine, which indicates that this temple is a Parihaara Sthalam.

Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar  (Equivalent to Thirunageswaram :  Raagu Temple / Raagu)
  
Ketu: Ketu is a malefic Planet and do not have any specific day dedicated to him. According to Hindu mythology, Ketu is generally referred to as a "shadow" planet and descending lunar node. According to Vedic astrology Ketu is the representation of karmic collections both good and bad, spirituality and supernatural influences. The Gemstone of Ketu is Cats Eye.


Kunrathur is located about 25 kms from Chennai city. One can reach Kunrathur by taking the road off GST road from Pallavaram. One can also take the road from Porur junction leading to Kunrathur.

Kunrathur has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva which is over 800 years old. The main deity is Sri Naageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi. This temple was built by the famous poet Sri Sekkizhaar who wrote the popular ‘Periya Puranam’. Sekkizhaar was born in Kunrathur itself. Once Kulothunga
Chozha II wanted to know his intellect and tested him with his questions. Sekkizhaar answered the king perfectly and the king was amazed. The king made Sekkizhaar his minister at his capital. Sekkizhaar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was regularly worshipping Lord Shiva at Thirunaageswaram near Kumbakonam.

During later stages, Sekkizhaar built a temple for Lord Shiva at Kunrathur which is very similar to the Thirunaageswaram temple. He installed the deity with Naagaabaranam around the Shiva Lingam and named the Lord as Sri Naageswarar. This temple is also popularly called as Vada Thirunaageswaram.

This temple is considered the Raahu Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai . The Naagar around the deity is considered the ‘Raahu’ for worship. The temple is very huge and wonderful. The vast praakaarams add beauty to the temple. Sri Naageswarar is seen facing east and Goddess Sri Kamakshi is facing south. Sri Sekkizhaar also has a separate shrine inside the temple.

Sthala Viruksham (holy tree) for this temple is ‘Shenbaga Maram’ and Theertham is ‘Surya Pushkarani’. Surya Pushkarani is very large and beautiful which is seen outside the temple on the south eastern side.

“Adityaya Somaya
Mangalaya Budhayacha
Guru Shukra Sanibescha
Rahavay Ketavay Namaha”

1 comment:

  1. Hello, Im going to thirunallaru and alangudi-guru, is it mandatory that i should go to navagraha temples or i can postpone and goto kumbakonam and visit the navagraha temples some time later

    ReplyDelete