Navagraha Temples in India: Planet Remedies & Worship Routes

Navagraha temples in India honor nine planetary deities essential to Hindu astrology—Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node), and Ketu (South Lunar Node). Moreover, worshipping these deities is believed to reduce negative planetary effects and, consequently, bring prosperity, health, and spiritual well-being. While the temples are mainly located in Tamil Nadu, they can also be found in Assam, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Additionally, these temples serve religious, astrological, and cultural roles. Through rituals and pilgrimages to these temples, devotees are able to harmonize cosmic influences, thereby showcasing India’s rich tradition of blending spirituality with cosmic science.

Major Navagraha Temples in India

The most renowned cluster of Navagraha temples is primarily located in Tamil Nadu; specifically, they are found around the towns of Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, and Chennai. In fact, this region is widely recognized for its concentration of these sacred sites, making it a significant pilgrimage destination. Moreover, visitors to these temples often experience both spiritual enrichment and cultural immersion due to the area’s deep historical and religious significance. Some notable temples include:

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Sun) in Chennai, dedicated to Surya, known for its 1300-year-old heritage and association with Sage Agasthiyar.
Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple (Moon), where the Moon god worshipped to regain his lost powers.
Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Guru/Jupiter), linked to Lord Rama’s penance.
Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple (Venus), symbolizing prosperity and social status.
In Kumbakonam:
- Surya Navagrahastalam – Sooriyanar Kovil (Sun)
- Chandra Navagrahastalam – Kailasanathar Temple, Thingaloor (Moon)
- Vaitheeswaran Kovil (Mars)
Other temples for Mercury, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu complete the sacred nine.

In addition to Tamil Nadu, Navagraha temples are found in other parts of India such as the Navagraha Hill in Assam and several in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The Navagraha temple on Chitrasal Hill in Guwahati, Assam is a prominent pilgrimage site featuring representations of the nine planets.

Planet Remedies through Worship

Worship at the Navagraha temples is believed to reduce the malefic effects of the planets on individuals’ lives as per their astrological charts. Traditional remedies include:

Performing specific rituals and offering prayers at the temple dedicated to the afflicted planet.
Graha Shanti pujas, where experts (Jyotishis) guide devotees with personalized rituals based on their Janma Kundali (birth chart).
Offerings such as flowers, gemstones, and mantras (chants) related to the specific Navagraha.
Pilgrimage routes that cover the nine temples sequentially to invoke cosmic balance and well-being.

Worship Routes and Pilgrimage

The Navagraha Sthala Yatra, a popular pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu, covers all nine temples in a few days. Devotees typically start at the Surya (Sun) temple and visit temples representing the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu to harmonize planetary influences. These temples are mainly located near Kumbakonam and Mayiladuthurai, dating back to the Chola period, and each is associated with a specific planet deity. The pilgrimage offers spiritual relief and astrological benefits through rituals and prayers performed at these ancient Dravidian-style temples.

Cultural and Architectural Significance

Most Navagraha temples, especially in Tamil Nadu, prominently display exquisite Dravidian architecture with towering gopurams (gateway towers), intricate carvings, and granite enclosures. In addition, many of these temples were built between the 7th and 11th centuries during the Chola reign, followed by significant renovations during the Vijayanagar period. Furthermore, these temples not only serve as religious centers but also act as cultural heritage sites, thereby connecting devotees with Vedic astronomy and mythology. Consequently, they showcase the remarkable blend of astrology, spirituality, and art in Indian culture.

In summary, the Navagraha temples in India form an important spiritual network dedicated to the celestial forces influencing human destiny. The temples’ historical, architectural, and cultural richness enrich the experience of devotees and visitors alike.

Lesser-Known Navagraha Temples and Unique Features

The Bala Murugan Temple in West Anna Nagar, Chennai, uniquely depicts the Navagrahas with their consorts, a rare feature enriching cosmic harmony. It hosts shrines of Murugan, Ganesha, Nataraja, Lakshmi Narayana, and others, and offers vibrant rituals during key festivals, making it spiritually significant. The Bala Murugan Temple in Chennai offers a unique spiritual experience by depicting the Navagrahas with their consorts, emphasizing cosmic harmony. Despite earthquake damage, it was restored and continues to attract devotees for planetary remedies and peace. Situated atop a hill, it provides panoramic views and symbolizes the blend of ancient astronomy and Hindu astrology, making it a serene retreat connecting cosmic science and spirituality.

Cultural and Spiritual Significance

The Navagraha temples are not merely places of worship but are also centers of cultural heritage and ancient science. The Guwahati Navagraha Temple, built by Ahom King Rajeswar Singha in the 18th century, served as a key center for astronomical study and astrological research. It symbolizes the deep link between cosmic science and spirituality in Indian tradition. Despite earthquake damage, the temple was restored and continues to attract devotees for rituals to balance planetary influences and seek peace, offering panoramic views of Guwahati and the Brahmaputra River.

Recommended Worship Approach and Pilgrimage Advice

Besides the traditional Tamil Nadu Navagraha route, devotees can explore lesser-known temples for a richer spiritual experience and personalized remedies. The Bala Murugan Temple in Chennai uniquely depicts Navagrahas with their consorts, making it rare among temples. Guwahati’s Navagraha Hill Temple combines cosmic worship with natural beauty, enriching the pilgrimage experience.

Planning guided tours or multi-day trips lets devotees engage deeply in a comprehensive Navagraha worship experience. Such structured pilgrimages enhance the potency of the remedies by aligning worship with astrological insights and auspicious timings. Tour packages from Chennai and other hubs offer organized transportation, accommodation, and expert guides who explain each temple’s significance. These tours help devotees fully enjoy the spiritual and healing benefits of Navagraha worship, making the pilgrimage smooth and rewarding.

Lesser-Known Yet Noteworthy Navagraha Temples

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Sun) in Chennai is over 1300 years old. Legend says Sage Agasthiyar and Surya (Sun) worshipped Lord Shiva here. All shrines face the Sun deity, highlighting its significance.

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple (Moon) in Kanchipuram is an 11th-century temple where the Moon regained his powers after a curse.

Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Mars) in Chennai is famous for a sculpted palm tree marking Mars’s footprint, sought for relief from Mars doshas. Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar Temple (Mercury), a Chola-era temple in Chennai, prominently features Lord Shiva as Nataraja. In fact, many devotees visit this temple specifically seeking health and wellness benefits. Therefore, the temple holds both religious and therapeutic significance.

Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Jupiter) in Chennai is linked to the Ramayana and Lord Rama’s penance.

Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple (Venus) – Chennai: Devotees worship Venus here for wealth, social status, and prosperity.
Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Saturn) – Chennai: Associated with Sage Agasthiyar and Shani worship, offering relief from Saturn’s adverse effects.
Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeshwarar Temple (Ketu) – Chennai: A semi-finished Chola-period temple for Ketu worship with unique legend and architectural features.
Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Rahu) – Chennai: Over 800 years old, built by poet Sekkizhaar, serving as a remedy for Raahu dosha.
Navagraha Hill Temple – Guwahati, Assam: Built in the 18th century by King Rajesvar Singha, this temple served as an ancient astronomical center and continues to be a peaceful hilltop spiritual spot providing grand views over Guwahati and the Brahmaputra River. It combines cosmic science and spiritual worship, making it unique among Navagraha temples.

Unique Features and Worship Insights

The Bala Murugan Temple in West Anna Nagar, Chennai, features Navagrahas along with their consorts, a rare depiction enhancing the cosmic relationship and harmony aspect of the planets.
Many of these temples date back to the Chola period (7th-11th century) with extraordinary Dravidian architecture and intricate sculptures reflecting deep cultural heritage.
Worship practices include rituals at sunrise and sunset, observing specific festival days, and following expert-guided Graha Shanti pujas for personalized planetary remedies.

Practical Pilgrimage Tips

Pilgrimages can cover all nine temples in a defined route, often starting with Sun followed by Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu temples.
Devotees frequently combine visits to these temples during planetary transit periods or personal astrological events for maximum benefit.
For convenience, Chennai serves as a major hub for the Tamil Nadu temples cluster, with accessibility to each temple by road and public transport. Additionally, these convenient transport options make the temple accessible throughout the year. Consequently, visitors benefit from smooth and efficient travel arrangements when planning their pilgrimage.

Additional Famous Navagraha Temples Across India

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Sun) in Chennai is over 1300 years old. Sage Agasthiyar and Surya (Sun) are said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. Shrines face the main Shiva shrine, highlighting the Sun’s importance.

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple (Moon) in Kanchipuram dates from 1073 AD. The Moon regained his powers here after a curse, with Lord Shiva worshipped as Nataraja in the form of Chathura Thaandava Murthy. Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Mars) in Chennai features a sculpted footmark of Mars beneath a palm tree and provides remedies for Mars doshas.

Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Jupiter) – Chennai: Associated with the Ramayana, it commemorates Lord Rama’s penance and showcases beautiful sculptures.
Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple (Venus) – Chennai: A temple linked with wealth and prosperity blessings, dedicated to Venus.
Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Saturn) – Chennai: Revered for Saturn worship and linked to Sage Agasthiyar.
Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeshwarar Temple (Ketu) – Chennai: A semi-finished temple due to historical invasions, dedicated to Ketu.
Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Rahu) – Chennai: Built by poet Sekkizhaar, this 800-year-old temple is a remedy site for Rahu dosha.
Navagraha Temple on Chitrasal Hill – Guwahati, Assam: Built in the 18th century by King Rajesvar Singha, this temple was a major center for astronomical study and offers panoramic city views. Though damaged by an earthquake in the late 19th century, it retains its spiritual and cosmic significance after restoration.

Unique Features and Worship Importance

The Bala Murugan Temple in West Anna Nagar, Chennai, uniquely depicts the Navagrahas with their consorts, emphasizing cosmic harmony. It houses shrines of Murugan, Ganesha, Nataraja, Lakshmi Narayana, and others, making it spiritually rich.

Practical Pilgrimage and Worship Tips

Chennai serves as a gateway city with excellent connectivity and accommodation options for temple pilgrims. Similarly, air and rail networks connect Guwahati well, making the Navagraha Hill temple accessible.

Pilgrims typically follow a route that includes all nine temples, often starting with the Sun temple and covering them sequentially.

Additional Unique Navagraha Temples and Features

Bala Murugan Temple in West Anna Nagar, Chennai uniquely depicts Navagrahas with their consorts, highlighting cosmic harmony. It also houses shrines for Lord Murugan, Ganesha, and Nataraja, showcasing rich spirituality. Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar Temple in Chennai is over 1300 years old, linked to Sage Agasthiyar, with shrines facing the main Shiva deity, highlighting the Sun’s cosmic role. The 18th-century Navagraha Hill Temple in Guwahati, Assam, restored after an earthquake, blends spiritual worship with ancient astronomy and offers panoramic views of the Brahmaputra River.

Worship Practices and Pilgrimage Insights

Devotees undertake pilgrimages covering all nine temples, usually starting with the Sun temple and moving through the planets sequentially to harmonize planetary influences in their lives.
Rituals like Graha Shanti pujas, conducted during auspicious planetary transits, are believed to counteract adverse effects and bring blessings of health, wealth, and spiritual growth.
Many temples hold special festivals and early morning or evening rituals to honor the Navagrahas, inviting devotees to engage deeply with the planetary energies.

Practical Tips

Chennai and Guwahati serve as key hubs for Navagraha temple pilgrimages, with excellent transport and accommodation facilities.
Exploring lesser-known temples alongside popular sites provides a broader spiritual journey, revealing different facets of Navagraha worship and regional traditions.

A popular pilgrimage, the Navagraha Sthala Yatra in Tamil Nadu, covers all nine temples in a few days. Devotees start at the Surya (Sun) temple and visit temples for the Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu, and Ketu to harmonize planetary influences.