Navagraha Temples in Chennai

Here is the list of the Navagraha temples located in Chennai .

Kollapakkam Sri Agastgeeswarar temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Suryan

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Chandran

Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Uthara Vaidheeswaran Koil)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Angaaragan

Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Budhan

Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Uthara Raameswaram)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Guru

Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Sukran

Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Vada Thirunallaaru)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Saneeswarar

Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Kethu

Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Vada Thirunaageswaram)
Navagraha Sthalam for Sri Raahu

All these temples are of historic importance and recently Tamilnadu Tourism has started operating package trip to these Chennai Navagraha temples .

KOLLAPAKKAM AGASTHEESWARAR
This temple is devoted to Surya Bhagwaan and is said to be built over 1300 years ago . The main deities here are Sri Agatheeswarar (also called Sri Vaakeesa Mahadhevar) and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli . According to legend , Surya Bhagwaan used to worship Lord Shiva here. The shrines of all other deities face the shrine of Lord Surya . Legend also says that along with Surya Bhagwaan , Sage Agasthiyar also worshipped Lord Shiva here. Thus , the temple is called Sri Agatheeswarar .The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is ” Arasa Maram ” (Peepal tree) and Theertham is called “Amirtha Pushkarani ” which is found adjacent to the temple and is less maintained .

The color of Vasthram (clothing) meant for Sri Surya Bhagavan is Red. The Dhaanyam (grain) dedicated to Him is Wheat and the auspicious day to worship Sri Surya Bhagavan is Sunday. Worshipping Sri Surya Bhagavan on Sunday, by offering red cloth, red flowers and wheat gives success to one in all his deeds. Also, it is said that worshipping Sun God makes one gain the Thejas

SOMANGALAM SOMANADEESWARAR
Somangalam lies at about 35 kms south west of Chennai city. One can take the route from Tambaram via Kishkinta to reach Somangalam. The better alternative is to take the road from Pallavaram going to Kunrathur. After reaching Kunrathur junction, one has to take left (towards south) to reach Somangalam. Somangalam is about 10 kms from Kunrathur. Also plenty of busses ply from Porur directly to Somangalam.

Somangalam is an ancient, beautiful village having a temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Somanaadheeswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman.

This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God). According to legend , Sri Chandra Bhagavan (also called Soman) is said to have got cursed by Dhakshan . As a result , he lost his divine charm and forgot all 16 form of arts he acquired . To come out of this , He is said to have created a pond here called Soma Theertham and worshipped Lord Shiva here . After this , he got back his beauty and wisdom . As Sri Soman (Sri Chandra Bhagavan) worshipped the Lord here , Lord Shiva here is called Somanaadheeswarar and the place came to be known as Somangalam .

This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for those having any Dhosham related to Chandra Bhagavan . Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine in the temple , facing west .

POONTHAMALLEE VAIDHEESWARAR
Poonthamallee is about 25 kms from Chennai city and has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva , which is more than 1000 years old . The main deity here is Sri Vaidheeswarar and Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi .

This temple is very similar to the Vaidheeswaran Koil temple near Kumbakonam , which is one of the Navagraha Sthalam for Angaaragan ( Mars in English or Chevvaai in Thamizh ).

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Angaaragan . It is said that Sri Angaaragan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place .

Sri Angaaragan’s Paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the sanctum under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan .

The temple is so huge with very vast praakaarams . The main deity is facing east in the form of Shiva Lingam. Goddess Sri Thaiyyal Naayagi is facing south.

In the inner praakaaram Sri Dhakshinamurthy , Sri Brahma, Sri Subramanyar, Sri Sandigeswarar and Sri Durgai are seen . There are 3 Chakras installed by Sri Aadhi Sankarar in the Praakaaram called Sri Chakram , Subramanya Chakram and Shanmuga Chakram .

On the northern praakaaram there is a Baana Lingam installed facing the entrance .

Though there is an entrance at the eastern side , the temple has its main entrance and Rajagopuram facing north .

There are some beautiful carvings on either sides of the entrance.

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple is Thaazhi Panai Maram (Palm tree). The temple pond (called Vinai Theertha Kulam) is located on the eastern side of the temple , which needs attention .

Surya Pooja happens in this temple in the Thamizh month ” Maasi “. On the 21st , 22nd , 23rd , 24th and 25th of Maasi , Sun’s rays directly fall on the main deity around 6 am in the mornings . This amazing act happens only on these 5 days of the year and never repeats again .

This temple is also called ‘Uthara Vaitheeswaran Koil’. A wonderful temple with amazing architecture .

KOVUR SRI SUNDARESWARAR
Kovur is a small town situated about 22 kms from Chennai, on the road going from Porur towards Kunrathur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the main road.

Kovur has a massive temple for Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha .The main deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar (also called Thirumaeneeswarar) and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai (also called Thiruvudai Naayagi).Sri Sundhareswarar temple in Kovur is one of the Navagraha sthalams around Chennai. This is the Budhan Sthalam in Chennai.

The temple is located close to 4 kms from Mangadu Kamakshi Amman temple . Kovur is a about 10 kms from Pallavaram , on the road going from Kunrathur towards Porur. The temple is located about 200 meters off the main road – narrow roads . The temple has a beautiful tall Rajagopuram . Main deities – Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai. The Lord is also called Thirumaeneeswarar. Other deities are Sri Veerabadhrar , Sri Subramanyar and Navagraha .

According to legend , Goddess Kamakshi was performing thapas on Panchagni (fire) in Maangaadu praying Lord Shiva to marry Her . Her penance was so intense that the whole surroundings became too hot and all living beings suffered because of enormous heat . But Lord Shiva was meditating deeply with His eyes closed . Sages and Devas worshipped Lord Vishnu to save the world from the heat of the penance. Lord Vishnu directed Sri Mahalakshmi to save the world.

Goddess Sri Mahalakshmi came down here to this place in the form of a cow and worshipped Lord Shiva to make Him open the eyes , so that the world is saved . Pleased with Her prayers, Lord Shiva opened His eyes , after which the heat of the place subsided and became cooler .

As Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow , the place came to be known as Kopuri ( In Thamil , Ko means cow ) and later corrupted to become Kovur . At later stages Kulothunga Chozha had built this temple beautifully .

The temple is facing south with a beautiful 7 tiered Rajagopuram . The entire Sannadhi street itself is so beautiful with shady trees and ancient houses .

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Sri Budhan (Mercury) .

Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai are said to be so beautiful here and hence they are called so . It is said that , by worshipping Sri Sundhareswarar , one will be cured of many ailments . The temple has undergone Kumbhabhishekam ( consecration ) recently and looks fresh and new .

Other deities present in the temple are Sri Veerabadhrarb, Sri Valli Devasena Samedha Sri Subramanyar and Navagrahams . All 63 Naayanmaars are also present in this temple .

Saint Thyagaraja has visited this temple on his way to Thirupathi . It is said that Saint Thyagaraja traveled on a palanquin towards Thirupathi and passed through this place . He also visited this temple on his way . A local headman called Sundharesan asked the saint to compose and sing some songs on him . Thyagarajar refused and said that he won’t sing praise of any individual and he will sing praise of God only and left Kovur .

While going from Kovur, his palanquin was obstructed by a group of bandits who threw stones on the palanquin and his servants to stop him from going further . The saint Thyagaraja stopped and got down from the palanquin to explain the bandits that he was not so rich to be robbed and also he was on a pilgrimage to Thirupathi . The bandits came near Thyagaraja and asked him who threw the stones back at them . Thyagaraja told them that there were no other people with them except the carriers of palanquin . But the thieves told that they saw 2 youngsters furiously throwing back the stones on them to save Thyagaraja . Saint Thyagaraja realized that they were none other than Sri Rama and Sri Lakshmana who came to his rescue .

Saint also realized that there is some holy power to this place and again came back to Kovur temple and sung 5 compositions ( Keerthanas ) called ” Kovur Pancharathnam ” . The local headman was too proud thinking that Saint Thyagaraja sung in praise of him only . But the saint explained him that the 5 compositions were made in praise of the Lord Sri Sundhareswarar and not the individual called Sundhareswaran . The Kovur Pancharatnams are “Ee Vasudha” (Sahaana Raagam), “Kori Sevimpa” (Karaharapriya Raagam), “Sambo Mahadeva” (Pantuvarali Raagam), “Nammi Vachina” (Kalyani Raagam) and “Sundareswaruni” (Sankarabharanam Raagam).

Most of the compositions of Saint Thyagaraja are in praise of Lord Rama only. This is one of the few places where he had composed Keerthanas on other Gods.

Sri Sekkizhaar , who was born in the nearby place ” Kunrathur” started writing ” Periya Puranam ” from this temple only.

Another rarity of this temple is the Sthala Viruksham called Maha Vilvam tree . The Maha Vilvam of this temple is a very rare one that each stalk of Maha Vilvam has 27 leaves to it. This Maha Vilvam also has many medicinal properties in it .

The Theertham for this temple is called Siva Gangai Theertham. This temple also has a beautiful chariot which requires renovation .

PORUR RAMANAADHESWARAR
This temple is located in Porur, very near to Porur junction , on Kunrathur Road.

This ancient temple is connected to the Ramayana period. According to the history, Sri Rama on His way to Sri Lanka rested here in this place which was then a forest . While resting under an Amla tree ( “Nelli” in Thamizh ) , He realized that there was a Shiva Lingam under the ground and his feet had touched the head of the Lingam unknowingly .

Sri Rama acquired a Dhosham as He had touched the Lingam with His feet . So he undertook a penance towards Lord Shiva for 48 days with just one Amla fruit as his food , to recover from the Dhosham and to bring out the Shiva Lingam . Lord Shiva pleased with Sri Rama’s penance came out from the earth and gave Viswaroopa Dharshan to Sri Rama .

Sri Rama overwhelmed by the Lord’s mercy named the Shiva Lingam as Sri Ramanaadheswarar and worshipped Him. Goddess Parvathi too appeared and gave Dharshan to Sri Rama as Sri Sivakama Sundhari .

This temple Sri Rama with sincere prayers worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru and got to know the directions to reach the place where Sri Sita was kept under custody of Raavana and headed towards Sri Lanka .

As Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva as His Guru, this place became a Guru Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (Thondai Mandalam ) . Here Lord Shiva Himself is worshipped as Sri Guru Bhagavan .

Also this place is called Uthara Rameswaram , as Sri Rama worshipped Lord Shiva here , similar to Rameswaram . Also according to temple sources , it is said that Porur was called as Uthara Raameswaram in ancient days . It is also said that , this temple is equivalent to Rameswaram and those who are not able to go pilgrimage to Rameswaram can visit this place and be blessed by the Lord.

The main deity Sri Ramanatheeswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated , facing east . This huge deity is a Swayambhu Lingam (self evolved) . Goddess Sivakaama Sundhari has a separate shrine in the temple .

The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or Thoongaanai Maadam (தூங்கானை மாடம்) type which is popular in Chozha temple architecture. Sri Vinayagar, Sri Dhakshinamurthy and other Koshta Murthies are found around the sanctum. This temple does not have Rajagopuram at the entrance and Vimanam above the sanctum.

Nandhigeswarar is found on the outer praakaaram facing the sanctum.

Here Sri Sandigeswarar is seen in a peculiar position near Nandhi facing south.

The practice of offering Theertham and Sadaari are generally seen only in Vishnu temples. But, this is probably the only Shiva temple, where Theertham and Sadaari are offered to the devotees.

The Sthala Viruksham is Vembu ( Neem tree ) which is seen on the southern side of the praakaaram . Lord Brahma is seen under the tree facing north . A small Shiva Lingam is kept facing east with Nandhi , adjacent to Lord Brahma . The Neem tree is dressed up with a nice saree which looks like a beautiful woman .

Pournami , Pradhosham , Sivarathri and Guru Peyarchi are celebrated well in this temple .

One can’t stop admiring the beauty of Sri Ramanatheswarar and His magnificence at this temple.

MAANGAADU SRI VELLEESWARAR
Maangaadu is a small beautiful village located at the outskirts of Chennai near Poondhamalli . While going from Chennai city on Mount Poondhamalli road, one has to take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Maangaadu .

This temple is located very close to Maangaadu Sri Kamakshi Amman temple. This is a very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Shiva . The main deity here is Sri Velleeswarar . There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present nearby .

According to the legend , when Goddess Sri Kamakshi performed Thapas here in Maangaadu , Lord Shiva came down to earth to give dharshan to Her and marry Her. It is said that , Sri Sukran (Venus) worshipped Lord Shiva here . When Sri Kamakshi came here to have dharshan of Lord Shiva, she saw Sri Sukran worshipping the Lord . The Goddess went back as She did not want to disturb the prayers of Sukran .

Later Lord Shiva directed the Goddess to come to Kanchipuram and married Her there. As Sri Sukran (Velli in Thamizh) worshipped Lord Shiva here, the Lord came to be known as Sri Velleeswarar and also called as Sri Bhaargaveswarar .

This temple is Sukran Sthalam among the Navagraha Temples of Chennai ( Thondai Mandalam ) . Sri Sukran blesses people with wealth , prosperity , good family , vehicles , fame and social status .

The main deity Sri Velleeswarar is huge and looks very grand , facing east . Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga are seen at either side of the entrance of the sanctum . Lord Ganesha here is holding a Mango fruit in His hand and is called ” Maangani Vinayagar ” .The place Maangaadu itself had got its name as it was once a vast Mango forest .

Lingothbavar is seen on the outer wall behind the sanctum . Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu are present on either side of Lingothbavar worshipping Him .

There is a separate shrine for Sri Veerabadhrar behind the sanctum . Sri Veerabadhrar is said to have got created from the sweat of Lord Shiva to defeat Dhakshan .

Sri Subramanyar shrine is present at the North West side of the outer praakaaram. Sri Subramanyar is so beautiful and seen with His consorts Sri Valli and Sri Dhevasena. All the 3 deities are made of a single stone. Lord Muruga’s Vaahanam peacock is present outside the shrine facing the shrine .

A beautiful Nandhi is present outside the sanctum , facing towards west. It is said that people visiting Sri Kamakshi Amman temple should also have dharshan at Sri Velleeswarar temple and Sri Vaikunda Perumaal temple in Maangaadu , as all these three temples are interconnected with the history of Sri Kamakshi Amman .

Those having eyesight problems worship this Lord to get clear vision .

POZHICHALUR AGASTHEESWARAR Pozhichalur is about 3 kms from Pallaavaram Railway station off the road towards Kunrathur .

It has an ancient Shiva temple belonging to Chozha period .

The main deity here is Sri Agatheeswarar and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli .

This beautiful temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan .

According to legend , Lord Shiva directed Sri Agasthiyar to go towards south to balance the earth during His wedding at Mount Kailash . As per the God’s direction , Sage Agasthiyar came down to the southern part to balance the weight of the earth. While he was on his way to Podhigai hills , he stayed here for many years and worshipped Lord Shiva , a Swayambhu (self evolved) Lingam at this place .

Sage Agasthiyar had a boon that wherever he worships Lord Shiva , he will get the dharshan of the Lord’s marriage with Goddess Parvathi . Sage Agasthiyar is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here and got His dharshan in this place .

Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here . As Sri Saneeswara had been giving ill effects to people , he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan , wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams , prayed Lord Shiva for help .

Lord Shiva asked Sri Sani Bhagavan to come to this place and worship Him . As directed, Sri Sani Bhagavan came to this place, created a pond called ” Sani Theertham ” and worshipped Lord Shiva and got relieved of his problems.

Hence, Sri Sani Bhagavan here is believed to be Mangala Saneeswarar with no dhoshams or ill effects . People having problems because of Sani ( Saturn ), worship here to reduce the ill effects. This place is also called “Vada Thirunallaaru “.

The main deity , Sri Agatheeswarar is seen facing the east and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli facing south . The temple is facing north and does not have Rajagopuram .

Sri Sani Bhagavan is facing west towards the main deity in the sanctum. This temple is also a Parihaara Sthalam for Raahu and Kethu .

This temple had been renovated during Chozha period . The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape (also called Thoongaanai Maadam) shape .

Lord Ganesha ( Vinaayagar ) is seen under a peepul tree at the south west corner of the temple. At southeast of the sanctum, Lord Anjaneyar (Sri Hanuman) has a separate shrine .

The Sthala Viruksham for this temple ” Maa Maram “( Mango tree ) is at the north western side of the temple .

There is a beautiful Shiva Lingam under the Mango tree along with Sri Nandhi .

The Theertham of this temple is called ‘Sani Theertham’ which is located a little away from the temple . This pond is in a very poor state with encroachments all around.

Raahu Kaalam , Pradhosham , Aarudhra Dharsanam , Sivarathri , Sani Peyarchi and Karthigai Deepam are few of the special days in this temple .

KUNRATHUR NAGESHWARAR
Kunrathur is located about 25 kms from Chennai city . One can reach Kunrathur by taking the road off GST road from Pallavaram . One can also take the road from Porur junction leading to Kunrathur .

Kunrathur has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva which is over 800 years old . The main deity is Sri Naageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi .

This temple was built by the famous poet Sri Sekkizhaar who wrote the popular ” Periya Puranam “. Sekkizhaar was born in Kunrathur itself . Once Kulothunga Chozha II wanted to know his intellect and tested him with his questions . Sekkizhaar answered the king perfectly and the king was amazed .

The king made Sekkizhaar his minister at his capital. Sekkizhaar was an ardent devotee of Lord Shiva and was regularly worshipping Lord Shiva at Thirunaageswaram near Kumbakonam .

During later stages , Sekkizhaar built a temple for Lord Shiva at Kunrathur which is very similar to the Thirunaageswaram temple . He installed the deity ( Shiva Lingam ) with Naagaabaranam ( snake as an ornament ) around the Shiva Lingam and named the Lord as Sri Naageswarar .

This temple is also popularly called as Vada Thirunaageswaram .

This temple is considered the Raahu Sthalam among 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) . The Naagar around the deity is considered the ” Raahu ” for worship. Parihaarams (remedial worship) for Raahu are done here, especially during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi and also during Raahu Kaalam ( 4.30 pm to 06.00 pm ) on Sundays .

The temple is very huge and wonderful . The vast praakaarams add beauty to the temple . Sri Naageswarar is seen facing east and Goddess Sri Kamakshi is facing south . Sri Sekkizhaar also has a separate shrine inside the temple .

A magnificent Dwajasthambham is located on the eastern side of the temple , straight to the entrance .

Sri Nandhigeswarar is seated in a small stone mandapam and is facing east towards the sanctum .

Sthala Viruksham ( holy tree ) for this temple is ” Shenbaga Maram ” and Theertham is ” Surya Pushkarani ” . Surya Pushkarani is very large and beautiful which is seen outside the temple on the south eastern side .

The temple definitely showcases the dedication of Sri Sekkizhaar toward Sri Naageswarar .

GERUGAMBAKKAM NEELAKANDESWARAR Gerugambaakkam is located about 20 kms west of Chennai. While going from Porur towards Kunrathur , one should take left to reach Gerugambaakkam .

Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva , which belongs to Chozha period . The main deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri Aadhi Kamakshi .

This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan . There is a separate shrine for Kethu Bhagavan on the southern side of the sanctum . Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi . This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethu’s position in their Horoscope .

The main deity Sri Neelakandeswarar is situated in a small and beautiful sanctum . The Lord got His name Neelakandeswararv , as he swallowed the Aala Kaala Poison which evolved during the churning of the ocean, after which His neck turned blue . In Thamizh ‘Neela’ means blue and ” Kanda ” means neck .

It is said that the Nandhi in front of the Lord is so powerful , as he absorbs the poisonous breath of the Lord after He consumed poison .

Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is present just outside the main sanctum , facing south. Sri Aadhi Kamakshi is tall and looks very beautiful. She is said to be the first among 5 forms of Kamakshi .

Navagraham is present at the north east side corner of the temple. There are carvings of image of snake on the ceiling of Navagraha shrine , which indicates that this temple is a Parihaara Sthalam.

Along with these temple we also had a divine dharshan of Kundrathur Murugar temple too .

Recently , Tamilnadu Tourism has made arrangements to organize package tour to all 9 Navagraha Sthalams around Chennai and hence the turnout of people is gradually increasing here .