2-Day Navagraha Temple Tour from Kumbakonam
Planning a 2-day Navagraha temple tour from Kumbakonam is a perfect way to explore one of South India’s most spiritually powerful pilgrimages. The Navagraha temples, dedicated to the nine celestial planets in Hindu astrology, are all located within driving distance from the historic temple town of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This guide offers a complete breakdown of the itinerary, temple details, travel tips, and spiritual highlights — ideal for both first-time pilgrims and repeat travelers. Navagraha Temple Tour Itinerary
2-Day Navagraha Temple Tour from Kumbakonam
Whether you are visiting to seek relief from planetary doshas or simply to immerse yourself in the heritage and spirituality of Tamil Nadu, this 2-day plan ensures you cover all nine Navagraha temples in a comfortable, well-paced manner.
What Are the Navagraha Temples?
The Navagrahas refer to the nine major planetary deities: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Angaraka (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu, and Ketu. Each temple is associated with one of these celestial bodies and is believed to hold immense astrological power.
Visiting all nine temples, performing specific rituals, and offering prayers is said to remove negative planetary influences, improve health and prosperity, and promote spiritual growth.
Why Start From Kumbakonam?
Kumbakonam is the best base for your Navagraha temple tour due to its central location and spiritual ambiance. The town is not only home to dozens of iconic Shaivite and Vaishnavite temples but is also within a 30–90 km radius of all Navagraha temples.
It’s well connected by road and rail, offers a range of accommodations, and provides access to reliable cab services and tour guides who are familiar with the Navagraha routes.
Ideal Time for the Tour
The best time to visit the Navagraha temples is between October and March, when the weather is pleasant. However, astrologically, many people plan their trips around significant planetary transits such as Guru Peyarchi (Jupiter transit) or Shani Peyarchi (Saturn transit). Weekdays corresponding to each planet are also considered auspicious.
2-Day Navagraha Temple Tour Itinerary from Kumbakonam
Below is a tried-and-tested 2-day temple circuit, optimized for travel time and spiritual flow. Each day covers specific regions to avoid backtracking.
Day 1: Eastern & Northern Circuit (5 Temples)
Start Time: 6:30 AM from Kumbakonam
1. Suriyanar Koil (Sun Temple)
Distance: 15 km from Kumbakonam
Highlights: Only temple where all 9 grahas are present.
Best Time: Visit around sunrise for Surya’s energy.
2. Kanjanoor (Venus Temple)
Distance: 6 km from Suriyanar Koil
Deity: Shukra (Venus) as Agneeswarar.
Special Pooja: Fridays are auspicious for Venus-related issues like marriage or fertility.
3. Thirunageswaram (Rahu Temple)
Distance: 10 km from Kumbakonam
Unique Feature: Milk abhishekam turns blue when poured on Rahu idol.
Recommended Time: Visit during Rahu Kalam.
4. Keezhaperumpallam (Ketu Temple)
Distance: 40 km from Kumbakonam
Deity: Ketu as Lord Naganatha with Shiva.
Significance: Best for removing karmic doshas and ancestral curses.
5. Thingalur (Moon Temple)
Distance: 35 km from Keezhaperumpallam
Deity: Chandra (Moon) as Kailasanathar.
Ideal Time: Monday evenings or Pournami (Full Moon).
End your day back in Kumbakonam by 7:30 PM. Have a light dinner and rest for the next day’s journey.
Day 2: Western & Southern Circuit (4 Temples)
Start Time: 6:00 AM
6. Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars Temple)
Distance: 45 km from Kumbakonam
Deity: Angaraka (Mars) and Lord Shiva as Vaitheeswaran (God of Healing).
Don’t Miss: The sacred ash (vibhuti) and Nadi astrology readings here.
7. Thiruvenkadu (Mercury Temple)
Distance: 25 km from Vaitheeswaran Koil
Deity: Budha (Mercury) as Swetaranyeswarar.
Special Feature: Associated with intellect, speech, and education. Ideal for students and professionals.
8. Alangudi (Jupiter Temple)
Distance: 38 km from Thiruvenkadu
Deity: Guru (Jupiter) as Dakshinamurthy.
Best Time: Thursdays. Known for removing Guru Dosha and improving career/family life.
9. Thirunallar (Saturn Temple)
Distance: 45 km from Alangudi
Deity: Shani (Saturn) as Dharbaranyeswarar.
Highlights: Oil abhishekam and Saturday prayers can remove Saturn-related struggles.
Return to Kumbakonam by 8:00 PM after a fulfilling journey. Consider visiting Adi Kumbeswarar Temple for completion.
Travel Tips for Your Navagraha Tour
Hire a private cab with a local driver who knows the temple sequence.
Carry flowers, ghee lamps, colored cloths, grains (specific to each planet) if you want to make traditional offerings.
Dress modestly – saree or salwar for women, veshti or full pants for men.
Avoid eating non-vegetarian food or drinking alcohol during the trip.
Most temples have morning hours (6:00 AM – 12:00 PM) and evening hours (4:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
Saturdays and transit days can be crowded, especially at Thirunallar and Alangudi.
Spiritual Benefits of the Navagraha Temple Tour
A sincere visit to these temples can help:
Remove Navagraha Doshas like Shani Dasha, Rahu-Ketu Dosha, or Manglik Dosha.
Bring clarity, good health, and peace of mind.
Improve family harmony, career stability, and relationships.
Aid in ancestral blessings, especially at Ketu and Rahu temples.
Enhance spiritual growth and inner strength.
Many pilgrims also undertake the Navagraha pilgrimage as a family tradition, passing on this sacred journey to future generations.
Where to Stay in Kumbakonam
Some recommended stays for pilgrims:
Hotel Indeco Swamimalai – Heritage-style, spiritual ambiance.
Sara Regency – Comfortable and centrally located.
Poppy’s SET Hotel – Great for families and groups.
Yatri Nivas or temple guest houses – Budget-friendly, basic amenities.
Book your stay in advance during transit events or festival seasons.
Bonus Tip: End With a Personal Prayer or Homa
If time allows, consider performing a Navagraha Shanti Homam or a personal pooja at the end of your trip. Many priests in Kumbakonam or Thirunallar offer these services.
This act of closing your journey with an offering seals the positive energy of your two-day pilgrimage.
Alternative Route (For a More Leisurely Experience)
If you’re traveling with seniors, children, or prefer a more relaxed experience, here’s a revised itinerary that spreads the temples a bit differently:
Day 1 (Southern and Central Temples):
Alangudi (Guru) – Start early and reach by 7:30 AM. Participate in Guru Pooja.
Kanjanoor (Shukra) – Head northward for Venus temple, ideal around mid-morning.
Thirunageswaram (Rahu) – Arrive before Rahu Kalam (usually late morning to noon).
Thingalur (Chandra) – Wrap up the day with an evening visit during Moon Hora.
Stay overnight in Kumbakonam.
Day 2 (Northern and Coastal Temples):
Suriyanar Koil (Surya) – Begin with sunrise darshan.
Keezhaperumpallam (Ketu) – Mid-morning visit, ideal for karmic clearing.
Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars) – Have lunch nearby and visit post-noon.
Thiruvenkadu (Budha) – Afternoon is ideal here.
Thirunallar (Shani) – Complete your journey in the evening; Saturdays after 6 PM are less crowded.
This version allows for longer breaks, less rush, and time for personal rituals at each temple.
Conclusion
A 2-day Navagraha temple tour from Kumbakonam is the perfect blend of astrology, spirituality, and cultural exploration. With proper planning, you can visit all nine planetary temples in a spiritually fulfilling, peaceful, and meaningful way.
Whether you’re addressing specific planetary afflictions or simply seeking divine grace, this pilgrimage offers a rare opportunity to harmonize your life with cosmic forces.