What is Nava Kiragam (Navagraha)?

“Nava Kiragam” literally means “nine planets” in Tamil, referring to the Navagraha. TemplePurohit explains that these nine grahas are Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (north lunar node) and Ketu (south lunar node). A Navagraha temple tour is a pilgrimage circuit of nine distinct temples – each an abode of one of these planetary deities[. All nine Tamil Nadu Navagraha shrines lie near Kumbakonam. For example, Sooriyanar Kovil is the Sun (Surya) temple, Thingalur’s Kailasanathar is the Moon (Chandra) temple, Vaitheeswaran Koil is Mars (Angaraka), Thiruvenkadu is Mercury (Budha), Alangudi is Jupiter (Guru), Kanjanur is Venus (Shukra), Tirunallar is Saturn (Shani), Thirunageswaram is Rahu, and Keezhperumpallam is Ketu. (Most of these temples are Shiva temples with an attached shrine for the planet.)

Why Undertake a Nava Kiragam Yatra?

Pilgrims believe that the nine planets strongly influence fate, and that a dedicated Navagraha tour brings positive spiritual benefits. As Harivara notes, these celestial bodies “have great influence on human life,” and visiting all nine temples can “remove one’s karmic baggage”. The Harivara site promises relief from past sins, doshas (planetary faults) and life obstacles, leading to greater fortune and prosperity. Likewise, devotional guides explain that each temple’s rituals address specific issues. For example, Thingalur (Chandra) is famed for removing marriage delays and blessing childless couples, while Tirunageswaram (Rahu) pujas are believed to cure Sarpa Dosha and problems in marriage and family life. Visiting the Nava Kiragam temples in sequence is thus seen as a powerful remedy yatra – cleansing karmic blockages and aligning one’s horoscope with auspicious planetary forces.

Key Nava Kiragam Temple Benefits

Sun (Surya) – Suryanar Kovil, Thirumangalagudi: Visiting the Sun temple is said to bestow wealth, vitality and leadership qualities[. Devotees pray here to overcome ego, illness and gain success.
Moon (Chandra) – Thingalur (Kailasanathar Temple): Moon worship here is believed to ease marital delays, boost education and bless infertile couples. Full-moon (Pournami) day pujas are especially auspicious at Thingalur.
Mars (Angaraka) – Vaitheeswaran Koil, Mayiladuthurai: Mars remedies are sought for courage, career and marital harmony. Rituals at this shrine are known for relieving malefic planetary influences – devotees pray for success in work, marriage and children.
Mercury (Budha) – Thiruvenkadu (Swetharanyeswarar Temple): Mercury is the planet of intellect and communication. Worship here is said to grant wisdom, educational success and relief from ancestral curses. Many believe Budha pujas bring gains in arts, sciences and a fruitful family life.
Jupiter (Guru) – Alangudi (Apatsahayesvarar Temple): Known as Devaguru, Jupiter bestows wisdom and prosperity. Performing Guru Abhishekam at Alangudi is believed to bring peace of mind, good health and abundant wealth. Couples often pray here to end Mangal Dosha and ensure a happy married life.
Venus (Shukra) – Kanjanur (Agniswarar Temple): Venus governs harmony, wealth and relationships. Devotees here seek relief from Venus-related afflictions in marriage and finances. The ancient lore says worshipping Sukra here mitigates malefic influences of Venus and brings marital happiness and prosperity.
Saturn (Shani) – Tirunallar (Dharbaranyeswarar Temple): Famous for Shani (Saturn) relief, this temple is believed to reduce misfortune and hardship. Long queues testify that people who pray at Tirunallar often experience a turnaround in bad luck and the easing of chronic problems.
Rahu – Thirunageswaram (Naganatha Swamy Temple): Rituals here focus on Rahu, the north lunar node. Performing a milk abhishekam on Rahu (especially during Rahu Kaalam) is believed to cure Sarpa Dosha, family issues and delays in marriage/children.
Ketu – Keezhperumpallam (Naganatha Swamy Temple): This temple honors Ketu, the south lunar node. Devotees who worship here and perform prescribed rites often find relief from Ketu dosha (such as confusion, obstacles) and a clearer spiritual path.

Planning Your Nava Kiragam Tour

Route & Duration: All nine Navagraha shrines lie within a roughly 60 km radius of Kumbakonam. It’s practical to start early (often at Suriyanar Kovil for sunrise) and then proceed in sequence through Thingalur, Vaitheeswaran Koil, etc., ending at Keezhperumpallam. A 1-day express tour can cover all shrines by car (about 60–70 km of travel). For a more relaxed pace, 2-day or 3-day tours are popular – these can include nearby heritage temples in Thanjavur/Trichy on the extra day(s).
Tour Packages: Several travel operators and temple trusts offer Navagraha tour packages. These typically include a private car with driver, a guide or priest, and options for accommodation. As Harivara’s offerings note, customizable packages exist: “1 Day / 2 Days – 1 Night / 3 Days – 2 Nights” with optional pickup/drop services. Many devotees also coordinate with astrology centres to perform pujas at each temple based on their horoscope.
Rituals & Offerings: Plan to spend time at each temple doing the recommended rituals (abhishekam, archana, lighting lamps). You can hire local priests or guides at the shrines. Carry simple offerings like flowers, coconuts or fruits for each deity. Note that each temple has peak worship times (e.g. early morning or sunset) and dress codes (conservative clothing, no shoes in sanctum).
Best Practices: Visit during cooler hours to avoid the midday heat. Weekdays (except Tuesday, considered Shani’s day) are generally less crowded. Booking through a local tour operator can streamline logistics and ensure priests are available for special rites. Always respect temple customs and timings.

Embarking on a Nava Kiragam (Navagraha) tour is considered highly auspicious for those troubled by planetary doshas or seeking cosmic blessings. By diligently visiting all nine temples and performing the prescribed worship, devotees believe they can mitigate malefic influences and invite harmony, prosperity and spiritual upliftment into their lives. Whether arranged via an established tour service or self-planned, this pilgrimage combines rich cultural heritage with deep astrological significance – unlocking the positive energies of the Navagrahas.