Navagraha temples in Chennai

[Jambunathan Iyer]

On the outskirts of Chennai, nine ancient temples form the Navagraha circuit of Thondai Mandalam, similar to the famous Navagraha temples of Kumbakonam. Each temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva in different forms, with the planetary deities either represented directly or worshipped through Shiva Himself. These temples are not only places of worship but also treasures of Chola architecture, inscriptions, and legends.

1. Kolappaakkam – Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Surya)

·         Age: Over 1300 years old.

·         Deities: Sri Agatheeswarar (Vaakeesa Mahadevar) and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Surya Bhagavan. All deities face the Surya shrine, giving prominence to the Sun God.

·         Architecture: Ancient Chola style, with inscriptions highlighting its antiquity.

2. Somangalam – Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple (Chandra)

·         Deities: Sri Somanaadheeswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Chandra Bhagavan. A Parihaara sthalam for Chandra dosham.

·         Unique Feature: Chandra shrine faces west, rare in temple architecture.

·         Atmosphere: A serene village temple with strong devotional vibrations.

3. Poonthamalli – Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Chevvai / Angaaragan)

·         Deity: Sri Vaidheeswarar.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Angaaragan (Mars).

·         Special Feature: Foot mark of Angaaragan sculpted in stone under a palm tree outside the sanctum.

·         Rituals: Special poojas on Tuesdays for Chevvai dosham.

Sri Sundhareswarar Temple (Budhan)

·         Built by: Kulothunga Chozha.

·         Deities: Sri Sundhareswarar (Thirumaeneeswarar) and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Budhan (Mercury).

·         Legend: Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow, hence the name Kopuri.

·         Architecture: Majestic temple with Chola grandeur.

5. Thiruvanchery – Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Guru)

·         Deity: Sri Ramanaadheswarar, gigantic and beautifully decorated.

·         Architecture: Sanctum in Gajabrishta (Thoongaanai Maadam) style, typical of Chola temples.

·         Unique: No Rajagopuram at the entrance, no Vimanam above the sanctum.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Guru (Jupiter).

6. Mangadu – Sri Velleeswarar Temple (Sukran)

·         Location: Near the famous Kamakshi Amman temple.

·         Deity: Sri Velleeswarar.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Sukran (Venus).

·         Unique: No Ambal shrine here, as Kamakshi Amman is nearby.

·         Atmosphere: Ancient, peaceful, and deeply spiritual.

7. Pozhichalur – Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Sani)

·         Deity: Sri Agatheeswarar.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Saneeswara Bhagavan (Saturn).

·         Legend: Sani Bhagavan worshipped Lord Shiva here to be relieved of his doshams.

·         Rituals: Parihaara sthalam for Sani dosham.

8. Gerugambaakkam – Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple (Kethu)

·         Period: Chola era.

·         Deities: Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Kethu Bhagavan.

·         Rituals: Special homams during Rahu-Kethu Peyarchi.

·         Atmosphere: Strong Parihaara sthalam for Kethu-related issues.

9. Kunrathur – Sri Nageswarar Temple (Rahu)

·         Age: Over 800 years old.

·         Deities: Sri Nageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi.

·         Builder: Poet Sekkizhar, author of Periya Puranam, who was born here.

·         Significance: Dedicated to Rahu Bhagavan.

·         Popular Name: Vada Thirunageswaram.

Suggested Travel Plan

Option 1 – Traditional Planetary Order (Days & Plants)

·         Sunday – Surya → Kolappaakkam

·         Monday – Chandra → Somangalam

·         Tuesday – Chevvai → Poondhamalli

·         Wednesday – Budhan → Kovur

·         Thursday – Guru → Thiruvanchery

·         Friday – Sukran → Maangaadu

·         Saturday – Sani → Pozhichalur

·         Rahu & Kethu → Kunrathur & Gerugambaakkam

 

Option 2 – Practical Route (Location Order)

Start from Chennai city (Guindy / Mount Road side):

1.  Kolappaakkam (Surya)

2.  Gerugambaakkam (Kethu)

3.  Pozhichalur (Sani)

4.  Kunrathur (Rahu)

5.  Kovur (Budhan)

6.  Poondhamalli (Chevvai)

7.  Maangaadu (Sukran)

8.  Somangalam (Chandra)

9.  Thiruvanchery (Guru)

This route is circular and minimizes travel time.

N Jambunathan , Chennai
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