What are the Navagraha temples?

The Navagraha (nine celestial bodies) in Hindu tradition are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), and the two shadow planets Rahu and Ketu. In Tamil Nadu, there are nine temples, each dedicated to one of the Navagrahas. Devotees visit these temples to appease the planetary influences and seek relief from doshas (afflictions) in their birth charts, and to strengthen favorable planetary positions.

Significance and pilgrimage

The nine Navagraha temples are spread across Tamil Nadu. A pilgrimage to all nine in a single day or over a short period is considered especially meritorious. Each temple has a distinct deity form and legend associated with that graha. The temples are often visited in a traditional order. Content on each of the nine temples—their locations, deities, and legends—will be expanded here.