The Auspicious ‘Navagraha’ Temple Tour

Navagraha temples are a cluster of separate temples dating back to the Chola dynasty in 300 BCE in India. Each temple is dedicated to the nine planets of aAstronomy. Navagraha literally means ‘nine houses’ which are the celestial bodies in the Universe that have an impact on our lives. These are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Buddha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node).

According to the legend, sage Kalava was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the Navagrahas, the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. 

Brahma, the Hindu God of Creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy which were sent down to earth in ‘VellerukkuVanam’, the white wild flower jungle - the modern time Suryanar Kovil. The planets prayed to Shiva to relieve them off the curse. Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place. Each temple is located in a different village and is considered an abode of one of the Navagrahas.

We check in at a 4 star resort in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu, which is about 8 hours away from the Art of Living International Centre, Bengaluru, from where we begin the journey. After breakfast, we first visit the Rahuthirunageswaram temple -As per Hindu legend, the king of snakes, Adisesha did penance at this place, called Senbaranya Kshetram on account of the presence of a large number of Senbaga trees. Shiva was pleased by the penance and appeared before him. Since Shiva gave a boon to the king of serpents, he is called Naganathar.

Next we go to Suriyanarkovil (Sun temple) – this is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities. It is believed that the planetary deities were cursed by Brahma to dwell in Vellurukku Vanam and were blessed by Shiva to make it their abode to devotees.

 
Next we visit the Alangudi temple (Jupiter/ Guru temple) - Legend is that Lord Shiva consumed deadly poison to protect the creation and became a savior during hard times. This temple is dedicated to Dakshinamoorthy, the Guru.

In the evening we go to Thingaloor temple (Moon temple) for puja (prayers) and darshan (seeing or beholding). Since all temples are close to Kumbakonam, we stay at the same resort overnight and on day two, visit Agneeswarar temple (Venus) – Legend goes that Lord Shiva blessed Parasaramuni (a sage) here with a cosmic dance. It is believed that Shiva appeared in the form of Sukra to propitiate himself off the dosha  (malefic effect) of Sukran.

Next we go to Vaitheeswarankoil temple–here Lord Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or the ‘God of healing’ and it is believed that prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases. Vaitheeswaran is a tamil derivative from vaidya (doctor) and Ishvara (God/Master).

Next we go to Thiruvenkadu temple (Mercury) and Keezhperumpallam temple (Ketu). The day ends back at the resort in Kumbakonam.

After breakfast, the third day starts with visit to the Thirunallaru temple (Saturn). The planet Saturn resides in each zodiac sign for two and a half years and in this temple is worshipped before entering the inner sanctum of Lord Shiva. However, the journey doesn’t end here. After lunch we head to a place called Papanasam, which is also the birthplace of Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar ji. It’s a small quaint village which also has a Lord Shiva temple.

After overnight stay in Kumbakonam, on day four, we leave for the Art of Living International Center, Bangalore. En route, we visit Brihadeshwara temple in Tanjavoor - It is an architectural marvel that showcases the pure form of the dravida type of temple architecture, representative of the Chola Empire ideology. It testifies the brilliant achievements in sculpture, painting and bronze casting of the Tamil civilization in Southern India. The ceremonies in the temple are magnificent and peaceful and it opens your eyes to the rich and traditional architecture and heritage of South India.

The accommodation is luxurious and comfortable. One gets to see interesting artifacts, statues and creativity wherever you look. Swami ji travelling with us is a great host and is also very informative, knowledgeable and efficient in organizing meditations, meals and inquisitive sightseeing experiences in places around the temples.

The tour culminates on a positively charged, relaxed and happy note promising you
one of the greatest times of your life!

   (pic courtesy: Wikimedia Commons)