Suryanayanar Koil (Temple dedicated to the Sun)

The presiding diety of Suryanar Koil is Suryanar, with his consorts Ushadevi & Pratyusha Devi. It is believed to have been built in 1100 AD by Chola King Kulothunga I. This temple is one amongst the few historic temples devoted to Lord Surya and has the unique distinction of being the only temple in Tamil Nadu with shrines for all planetary deities. Its location is near Aduthurai which is located to the east of Kumbakonam.

Chandran (Temple dedicated to the Moon)

The Kailasanathar Temple located at Thingalur which is on the road from Kumbakonam to Tiruvaiyaru. The main deity in this temple is Kailasanathar (Shiva) with a shrine for Chandran (Moon). The name Thingalur has its origins from the Tamil word “Thingal” which refers to the moon. People pray here for removal of obstacles and progeny.

Shaniswararan

Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple is one of the Navagraha temples for Lord Shani (Saturn). The main deity is Lord Shiva known as Dharbaranyeswar . This was originally called as dharbaryanam or forest of kusa grass. It is the temple where Nalan was saved by Lord Shiva from the curse of Shaniswaran. The holy tank is called “Nala Theertham” and it is said that taking a bath in this , will remove the past karmic deeds. This temple is located in the Karaikal District of Puducherry.

Ketu

Naganathaswamy This temple is one of the nine Navagraha temple for Ketu (Mercury) is in Keezhaperumpallam near Vaithiswaran Temple . The Presiding deity is “ Naganatha Swamy” and the ambal is Soundaryanaki.

There is a separate shrine for Ketu. Ketu is depicted with head of a snake and body of an asura (demon). Another name for this place is “Vanagir”. Among the temples for kethu this holds the pride of place.

Rahu

Here again in this temple the moolavar is Naganathaswamy . This is near Kumbakonam and is dedicated to Rahu. A distinctive feature of Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is that Rahu Bhagavan is seen with a human face normally he is seen as a serpent. Rahu here is depicted with his consorts. Nagakanni and Nagavalli. A very special feature of this temple is during the Abishekam of Rahu with milk, it is seen turning into a blue color.

Sukran (Venus)

Agneeswarar Temple at Kanjanoor located around 18 Kms from Kumbakonam is associated with Lord Sukran (Planet Venus). Lord Shiva and Parvati in Kanjanur are named and worshipped as Agneeswarar and Karpagavalli Amman. Lord Shiva is also prayed to as Sukran and there is no separate shrine for Sukran. This linga of Shiva absorbs all the oil poured on it during Abhishekam which is unique to this temple.

Guru (Jupiter)

Apatsahayesvarar Temple Alangudi , is where the Shrine of Guru Bhagavan or Lord Dakshinamurthy is located. The presiding deity here is Abathsahayeswarar and his consort is Elavarkuzhali Ammai or Umayammai with shrines for other deities also.

Budhan (Mercury)

Swetharanyeswarar Temple in Thiruvenkadu, is the abode of Bhudhan (Mercury). Thiruvenkadu around 10 km from Sirkazhi. The presiding deity is Swetharanyeswarar and the goddess is Brahma Vidya ambal.

Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect. Offering puja to Bhuda Bhagavan on Wednesdays is believed to rectify Bhuda Dhosham and also propitiate Lord Budhan.

Angarakan (Mars)

Vaitheeswaran Koil dedicated to the god Shiva located in Tamil Nadu, India. Shiva is worshipped as Vaitheeswaran or the “God of healing”. Prayers to Vaitheeswaran can cure diseases and associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka).

Mars (Chevvai) is present in two forms – Utsavar and the moolavar. The Utsava Murthy (the idol which is taken out on processions), mounted on a goat, is taken out in a procession in the temple premises every Tuesday. Prayers to Angarakan is to reduce the indebtedness of the supplicant.