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TIRUNAGESHWARAM :: 
This vast temple known is for its shrine to Rahu,
one of the nine celestial bodies in the Navagraha.
A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan,
Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend
also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here
as in Thirunallar |
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::
VAITHESWARAN KOIL ::
With the Vaitheswaran Koil, there is a special shrine
dedicated to Ankarakan or Sevvai or Mars. The belief
is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he
will bestow valor, victory and strength to the person.
Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the
Siddhamrita tank. The water is said to have curative
properties for various skin ailments. There is also
a widespread belief that a visit here would remove
obstacles that delay marriage.
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::
THINGALOOR ::
Though there is a question about when this temple
was built, historians agree that it must have been
in existence since before the beginning of the Bhakti
period, which was well before the seventh century
A.D. Dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit
and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is
said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology,
Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.
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::
THIRUNALLAR ::
This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord
Sani or Saturn. When the planet Saturn transits
between zodiac signs, literally millions throng
this shrine. The legendary King Nala is said to
have been relieved of his afflictions, which were
due to the malefic influence of Saturn, after worship
in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams,
the Nala theertam is the most important one. By
bathing here, it is believed that one is washed
off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.
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:: SURYANAR
KOIL ::
Situated 21 kms from Swamimalai is the Suryanar
Koil built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year
1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya
who is known as the giver of health, success and
prosperity. Every year in mid January, the harvest
festival is celebrated in thanksgiving and to honour
Surya. |
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::
KANCHANUR ::
ThisShiva sthalam is associated with Sukran or Venus
and is maintained by the Madurai Adhinam. It is
located in a quiet hamlet of Thiruvaavaduturai.This
shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai
and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision
here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati. Men visit
to pray for the well being of their wives.
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::
KEEZHPERUMPALLAM ::
This is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has
it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine
celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and
Kethu are associated with the legend of the serpent
that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There
is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple. |
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::
ALANGUDI ::
This is regarded as a Guru sthalam or Jupiter where
Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence.
The shrine attracts a large number of devotees when
Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvati,
the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been
reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within
the temple precincts before being reunited with
Shiva. |
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::
THIRUVENKADU ::
There is a reference to this temple in Valmiki’s
Ramayana. Therefore it is said that the oldest part
of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated
to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu
makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan
is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.
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