Traveling During Navagraha Temple: Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists

The Navagraha temples near Kumbakonam are one of the most revered pilgrimage circuits for devotees of Hindu astrology and spirituality. Spread across the Tamil Nadu region, these nine temples, each dedicated to a celestial planet (Navagrahas), hold deep spiritual significance and are a destination for those seeking planetary blessings, relief from doshas, or spiritual growth. As these temples are places of worship, understanding the do’s and don’ts can enhance your pilgrimage experience, ensuring respect for the traditions while keeping your journey safe and fulfilling.  Kumbakonam Tourist Places

Traveling During Navagraha Temple: Do’s and Don’ts for Tourists

If you’re planning a visit to the Navagraha temples, follow this comprehensive guide on what to do and what to avoid during your visit.

Do’s for a Respectful and Fulfilling Pilgrimage

1. Plan Your Visit in Advance

Before embarking on your pilgrimage, plan your travel to ensure you visit all nine temples in the optimal order. While there is no strict rule, it’s recommended to follow this order for a smooth experience:

• Suriyanar Koil (Sun)

• Thingalur (Moon)

• Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars)

• Thiruvenkadu (Mercury)

• Alangudi (Jupiter)

• Kanjanoor (Venus)

• Thirunallar (Saturn)

• Thirunageswaram (Rahu)

• Keezhaperumpallam (Ketu)

It’s best to begin early in the day so that you have ample time to visit each temple and perform the rituals peacefully.

2. Dress Modestly

As the Navagraha temples are holy places, it’s important to dress modestly and in traditional attire, especially in temples located in rural areas. Women typically wear sarees or salwar kameez, while men wear dhotis or traditional pants. This shows respect for the customs of the temple and enhances your spiritual experience. Avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or revealing clothes.

3. Arrive Early for Poojas

For a more peaceful and less crowded experience, try to arrive at the temples early in the morning or late afternoon, especially during special festivals or weekends when crowds are larger. This gives you ample time to participate in poojas (rituals) without rushing.

4. Follow the Rituals Properly

Each temple has its own set of rituals and customs. Before entering, ask a priest or guide about the specific offerings and rituals to be followed. For example, when visiting the Suriyanar Koil (dedicated to the Sun), offering red cloth, jaggery, and wheat is considered auspicious. Similarly, at Thirunallar (dedicated to Saturn), devotees offer black sesame and gingelly oil to the deity. Respect the temple customs, and if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to ask.

5. Carry Offerings as Suggested

Each temple has specific offerings that are considered sacred. While flowers, fruits, and grains are common offerings, certain planets have their unique associations. For instance, Rahu requires blue cloth and black grams, while Jupitercalls for yellow cloth and chana dal. Navadhanya (nine grains) is also a significant offering at each temple. You can buy these offerings from shops near the temples.

6. Participate in the Temple Rituals

Participating in the rituals, like lightning lamps (deepams), circulating the sanctum sanctorum (pradakshina), and chanting mantras, can greatly enhance the spiritual experience. Devotees can also perform Navagraha Homams (fire rituals) or special poojas if arranged in advance. These activities bring you closer to the divine energy of each planet.

7. Respect the Temple Sanctity

Respect the sanctity of the temple. Avoid loud conversations or behavior that might disturb the spiritual atmosphere. Silence or soft-spoken prayers are best suited. Ensure your mobile phone is on silent mode to avoid unnecessary distractions.

8. Practice Cleanliness

Before entering the temple premises, it is customary to take a ritual bath or wash your feet, as a sign of purity. Many temples have sacred tanks (theerthams), where devotees bathe to cleanse themselves before prayers.

Don’ts During Your Navagraha Temple Pilgrimage

1. Avoid Disrespecting Temple Rituals

Don’t disrupt the ongoing rituals. For instance, if a priest or temple staff is performing an abhishekam (sacred bathing of the deity), avoid entering the sanctum or trying to photograph them without permission. Always maintain a respectful distance.

2. Don’t Rush Through the Poojas

Avoid rushing through the pooja ceremonies. These rituals are considered sacred and must be performed with devotion and patience. Be mindful and take the time to participate in the pooja in a calm and collected manner. Rushing through the rituals might diminish their spiritual significance.

3. Don’t Take Photos Without Permission

Many temples have strict rules about photography. Avoid taking photos or videos inside the sanctum or during the pooja unless explicitly allowed. If you wish to take photographs outside the temple or of the architectural features, ensure you check the temple’s photography policy.

4. Don’t Use Excessive Fragrance

While flowers and incense are integral to temple offerings, avoid using excessive perfumes or strong fragrances, as these may be distracting to others, especially to those performing meditation or prayers in the temple. Stick to natural offerings like flowers and incense sticks when possible.

5. Avoid Littering

Make sure to dispose of any waste like empty wrappers, used flowers, or offerings properly. Littering inside or around temple premises is disrespectful. Most temples have dedicated trash bins for waste disposal.

6. Don’t Disrupt the Peaceful Environment

Temples are places of spiritual solace and peace. Avoid loud conversations, excessive noise, or arguments inside the temple. Also, refrain from eating or drinking inside the temple, unless permitted in specific areas.

7. Avoid Wearing Footwear Inside the Temple

Like most Hindu temples, footwear is strictly prohibited inside the temple sanctum. It’s customary to leave your shoes or sandals at the entrance. Ensure your footwear is left in a designated area, and wash your feet before entering.

8. Avoid Carrying Non-Sacred Items

Temples may have restrictions on carrying non-sacred items like alcohol, non-vegetarian food, tobacco, or drugs. These items are considered inauspicious. Always follow the temple’s instructions and guidelines to avoid any inconvenience.

Additional Tips for a Safe and Comfortable Pilgrimage

• Carry Sufficient Water and Snacks: While Kumbakonam and the surrounding areas are well-equipped, it’s wise to carry some water and snacks, especially if you’re visiting the temples during the summer months.

• Use Comfortable Footwear: Although footwear isn’t allowed inside temples, comfortable sandals or slip-ons are perfect for walking between temples.

• Respect Local Culture: Tamil Nadu is steeped in rich tradition. Be polite and courteous to locals and temple priests, as their hospitality is legendary.

• Ensure Health & Safety: If traveling with elderly individuals or children, ensure their health and safety by carrying any necessary medications and taking breaks during your pilgrimage.

Conclusion

A pilgrimage to the Navagraha temples is not just a journey to seek blessings but a spiritual odyssey that requires respect for the rituals, the temple culture, and the local customs. By following these do’s and don’ts, you can ensure a respectful, fulfilling, and spiritually enriching experience. Whether you’re visiting for planetary remedies or to deepen your spiritual understanding, being mindful of your actions will help you connect more meaningfully with the divine energies at the Navagraha temples.