2-Day Navagraha Tour Plan: Route, Timings & Temple Guide
Kumbakonam, situated in the southern state of Tamil Nadu, is a hub for some of the most revered and spiritually significant temples in India. Among these, the Navagraha Temples stand out due to their association with the nine celestial bodies, or Navagrahas, which play a vital role in Hindu astrology. These temples are located in and around Kumbakonam and are considered sacred by millions of devotees who visit them to seek blessings and perform rituals to appease the Navagrahas. navagraha temple tour in 2 days
For those planning a spiritual journey to the Navagraha Temples, a 2-day itinerary offers an ideal way to explore these sites without feeling rushed. This guide provides you with a detailed 2-day Navagraha temple tour plan, including the route, timings, and insights into each temple you will visit.
Day 1: Exploring the Navagraha Temples in and Around Kumbakonam
On Day 1, the focus will be on visiting the temples that are located in and around the Kumbakonam region. You will cover key temples that represent several of the Navagrahas, and each temple has its unique significance, architectural beauty, and spiritual importance.
1. Surya (Sun) Temple – Adityeswarar Temple, Kumbakonam
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 6 km
Start your journey with the Adityeswarar Temple in Kumbakonam, which is dedicated to Surya, the Sun God. Surya is one of the most important Navagrahas, and this temple is believed to have been built during the Chola dynasty. The temple is known for its grandeur, and the Sun God is worshiped here in the form of a large idol. The temple’s serene surroundings make it a peaceful place to begin your spiritual journey.
2. Chandra (Moon) Temple – Ayyavadi
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 18 km
Next, drive towards Ayyavadi, a village dedicated to Lord Chandra (Moon). The Ayyavadi Chandra Temple is located here and is an important pilgrimage site for those who seek to resolve issues related to the Moon in their astrological charts. The temple is known for its beautiful architecture and peaceful ambiance, making it an ideal place for prayer and meditation.
3. Mangala (Mars) Temple – Vaitheeswaran Koil
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 15 km
After Ayyavadi, head to Vaitheeswaran Koil, which is dedicated to Mangala (Mars). The Vaitheeswaran Koil Temple is famous for its association with the god of medicine, Lord Vaidyanatha, and Mars. This temple is widely visited by devotees seeking cures for health ailments, and it is believed that performing rituals here can help alleviate the effects of Mars in one’s horoscope. The temple complex is rich in history and provides a sense of calm as you immerse yourself in the sacred atmosphere.
4. Budha (Mercury) Temple – Thiruvenkadu
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 21 km
Your next stop is the Thiruvenkadu Temple, dedicated to Budha (Mercury). It is one of the nine Navagraha temples located in Tamil Nadu. The temple is located in a scenic area, and the main deity, Lord Swetharanyeswarar, is worshiped here. Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings for intellect, wisdom, and academic success, as Budha is considered the planet of intelligence and communication in Hindu astrology.
5. Shukra (Venus) Temple – Kanjanur
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 22 km
End your day’s tour with a visit to the Kanjanur Temple, dedicated to Shukra (Venus). This temple is one of the most important temples for those seeking blessings for marital harmony and beauty, as Venus governs these aspects. The temple is located amidst picturesque surroundings, and its peaceful atmosphere makes it an ideal place to relax after a day full of divine exploration.
Day 2: Continuing the Navagraha Temple Tour
On Day 2, you will cover the remaining Navagraha temples around Kumbakonam, which will complete your spiritual journey.
1. Guru (Jupiter) Temple – Alangudi
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 22 km
Start your second day by visiting the Alangudi Temple, which is dedicated to Guru (Jupiter). Known as the “Jupiter temple,” this is one of the most important Navagraha temples and is famous for its unique rituals. Devotees flock here to seek blessings for prosperity, knowledge, and spiritual progress, as Guru is considered the planet of wisdom and wealth.
2. Shani (Saturn) Temple – Thirunallar
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 30 km
Next, make your way to Thirunallar, which is known for the Thirunallar Shani Temple dedicated to Shani (Saturn). This temple holds great significance for those seeking to appease Shani, known to influence a person’s life with challenges and obstacles. The temple is unique due to its association with the removal of the doshas (flaws) caused by Saturn’s unfavorable influence. Many devotees visit here to pray for relief from the hardships associated with Shani.
3. Rahu (Ascending Node) Temple – Thirunageswaram
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 8 km
Your next destination is Thirunageswaram, where the Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple is located. Rahu is a shadow planet that plays a significant role in the astrology of many people, and this temple is dedicated to alleviating the malefic effects of Rahu. Devotees visit this temple to seek relief from life’s obstacles and misfortunes attributed to Rahu.
4. Ketu (Descending Node) Temple – Keezhperumpallam
- Timings: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
- Distance from Kumbakonam: 15 km
Finally, visit the Keezhperumpallam Temple, dedicated to Ketu (the descending node). Ketu is considered a shadow planet that brings transformation and spiritual awakening. The temple is a must-visit for those who seek peace, spiritual growth, and liberation from worldly attachments.
Conclusion
The 2-day Navagraha Temple tour in and around Kumbakonam is an incredible journey through sacred sites that offer spiritual blessings and remedies for astrological doshas. Each of these temples represents one of the nine celestial bodies, providing an in-depth understanding of Hindu astrology and its impact on life. Traveling through the picturesque landscapes of Tamil Nadu while visiting these divine temples offers not just spiritual enrichment but also an unforgettable experience. Whether you are a devotee seeking blessings or simply an admirer of history and culture, the Navagraha Temple tour is an enriching pilgrimage that should be on every spiritual traveler’s list.