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”
