Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu - Revision history

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	==Legend==		==Legend==
	As per Hindu legend, Sage Kalava was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the [[Navagrahas]], the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. [[Brahma]], the Hindu god of creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy and were sent down to earth in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle - the modern time Suryanar Kovil. The planets prayed to [[Shiva]] to relieve them off the curse. Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place.<ref name=A>{{cite book\|title=Temples of South India\|last=Anantharaman\|first=Ambjuam\|publisher=East West\|edition=second\|year=2006\|isbn=978-81-88661-42-8\|pages=43–47}}</ref> This is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities.<ref name="dinamalar"/>~~....~~		As per Hindu legend, Sage Kalava was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the [[Navagrahas]], the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. [[Brahma]], the Hindu god of creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy and were sent down to earth in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle - the modern time Suryanar Kovil. The planets prayed to [[Shiva]] to relieve them off the curse. Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place.<ref name=A>{{cite book\|title=Temples of South India\|last=Anantharaman\|first=Ambjuam\|publisher=East West\|edition=second\|year=2006\|isbn=978-81-88661-42-8\|pages=43–47}}</ref> This is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities.<ref name="dinamalar"/>

	==The temples==		==The temples==
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	The temple of Thingalur is associated with the legend of [[Appar]] bringing back the life of the son of Appoothi Adigal. The idol of moon is made of black granite and clad in pure white.<ref name=A/>		The temple of Thingalur is associated with the legend of [[Appar]] bringing back the life of the son of Appoothi Adigal. The idol of moon is made of black granite and clad in pure white.<ref name=A/>

	[[Vaitheeswaran Koil]] has five inscriptions mainly belonging to the period of [[Kulothunga Chola I]] (1070-1120 [[Common Era\|CE]]).<ref>{{cite book ~~\|last=C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre \|first=.~~ \|title=Sacred tanks of South India \|year=2002 \|publisher=C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3jXAAAAMAAJ&q=vaitheeswaran+koil+history\|page=321}}</ref> The inscription on the steps of Subramanya shrine records the shutter of the sluice at Sattainathapuram measures 35 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth.<ref name="PV">{{cite book \|last=Ayyar \|first=P. V. Jagadisa \|title=South Indian shrines: illustrated \|year=1991 \|publisher=Asian Educational Services \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-206-0151-3\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&q=vaidyanathaswamy+temple&pg=PA261\|pages=260–261}}</ref> The one on the right of the temple tank indicates the tank, Nachiyar shrine, and its hall were completely renovated when Kanderayar was governing the ''Sigali Simai'', and during the management of the temple by Muthukumaraswami Tambiran, a disciple of Sivagnanadesikar-Sambandar of the Dharmapuram Adheenam.<ref name="PV"/> On the wall of the second precinct, the inscriptions state that the courtyard of Thayalnayagi shrine, the sacred steps and Tattisuri hall were built during Tamil year 4868 corresponding to 1689 CE.<ref name="PV"/> On the floor near accountant's seat registers a deed granted by Sankarabaragiri Rengopanditar by Ambalavanatambiran, an agent of the temple.<ref name="PV"/> The Easter gateway inscription indicates the gift of taxes from Manipallam in Tiruvalipparu.<ref name="PV"/>		[[Vaitheeswaran Koil]] has five inscriptions mainly belonging to the period of [[Kulothunga Chola I]] (1070-1120 [[Common Era\|CE]]).<ref>{{cite book \|title=Sacred tanks of South India \|year=2002 \|publisher=C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre \|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3jXAAAAMAAJ&q=vaitheeswaran+koil+history\|page=321}}</ref> The inscription on the steps of Subramanya shrine records the shutter of the sluice at Sattainathapuram measures 35 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth.<ref name="PV">{{cite book \|last=Ayyar \|first=P. V. Jagadisa \|title=South Indian shrines: illustrated \|year=1991 \|publisher=Asian Educational Services \|location=New Delhi \|isbn=81-206-0151-3\|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&q=vaidyanathaswamy+temple&pg=PA261\|pages=260–261}}</ref> The one on the right of the temple tank indicates the tank, Nachiyar shrine, and its hall were completely renovated when Kanderayar was governing the ''Sigali Simai'', and during the management of the temple by Muthukumaraswami Tambiran, a disciple of Sivagnanadesikar-Sambandar of the Dharmapuram Adheenam.<ref name="PV"/> On the wall of the second precinct, the inscriptions state that the courtyard of Thayalnayagi shrine, the sacred steps and Tattisuri hall were built during Tamil year 4868 corresponding to 1689 CE.<ref name="PV"/> On the floor near accountant's seat registers a deed granted by Sankarabaragiri Rengopanditar by Ambalavanatambiran, an agent of the temple.<ref name="PV"/> The Easter gateway inscription indicates the gift of taxes from Manipallam in Tiruvalipparu.<ref name="PV"/>

	==Architecture==		==Architecture==

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2022-04-01T11:12:15Z

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← Older revision		Revision as of 16:42, 1 April 2022
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	}}		}}

	'''Nine Grahas Temples (Navagraham temples) in Tamil Nadu''' is a set of nine [[Hindu temple]]s, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities, the [[~~Navagraham~~]] in various places around the [[South India]]n own of [[Kumbakonam]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Navagraham temples\|url=http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/suryanaar.html\|publisher=Indian Temples\|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> The presiding deity in most of the temples is [[Shiva]], with a shrine dedicated to the planetary deity.<ref name="TN">{{cite web\|title=Navagraham temples\|url=http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/navagrahas_m'.html\|publisher=Thanjavur District Administration\|access-date=13 September 2015}}{{Dead link\|date=April 2020 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Leaving [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple]] which is located in [[Karaikkal]], all the other temples are located in Tamil Nadu.		'''Nine Grahas Temples (Navagraham temples) in Tamil Nadu''' is a set of nine [[Hindu temple]]s, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities, the [[Navagraha]]m in various places around the [[South India]]n own of [[Kumbakonam]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite web\|title=Navagraham temples\|url=http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/suryanaar.html\|publisher=Indian Temples\|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> The presiding deity in most of the temples is [[Shiva]], with a shrine dedicated to the planetary deity.<ref name="TN">{{cite web\|title=Navagraham temples\|url=http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/navagrahas_m'.html\|publisher=Thanjavur District Administration\|access-date=13 September 2015}}{{Dead link\|date=April 2020 \|bot=InternetArchiveBot \|fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Leaving [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple]] which is located in [[Karaikkal]], all the other temples are located in Tamil Nadu.

	The present masonry structure for most of the temples were built during the reign of [[Medieval Cholas]] between the 7th and 11th centuries with later additions from the [[Vijayanagara Empire\|Vijayanagar period]]. Constructed in the [[Dravidian architecture\|Dravidian style of architecture]], most of the temples have a five-tiered raja[[gopuram]], the gateway tower and a granite wall enclosing all the shrines of the temple.		The present masonry structure for most of the temples were built during the reign of [[Medieval Cholas]] between the 7th and 11th centuries with later additions from the [[Vijayanagara Empire\|Vijayanagar period]]. Constructed in the [[Dravidian architecture\|Dravidian style of architecture]], most of the temples have a five-tiered raja[[gopuram]], the gateway tower and a granite wall enclosing all the shrines of the temple.
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Kailasanthar Temple,Thingalur\|Kailasanathar Temple]]		\| [[Kailasanthar Temple,Thingalur\|Kailasanathar Temple]]
	\| [[Chandran]]		\| [[Chandran]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Vaitheeswaran Koil]]		\| [[Vaitheeswaran Koil]]
	\| [[Mangala\|Angaragan]]		\| [[Mangala\|Angaragan]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Swetharanyeswarar Temple]]		\| [[Swetharanyeswarar Temple]]
	\| [[Budha]]		\| [[Budha]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi\|Apatsahayesvarar Temple]]		\| [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi\|Apatsahayesvarar Temple]]
	\| [[Guru]]		\| [[Guru]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur\|Agniswarar Temple]]		\| [[Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur\|Agniswarar Temple]]
	\| [[Shukra\|Sukran]]		\| [[Shukra\|Sukran]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple]]		\| [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple]]
	\| [[Shani]]		\| [[Shani]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\| [[Rahu Stalam]]		\| [[Rahu Stalam]]
	\| [[Rahu]]		\| [[Rahu]]
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	\|		\|
	\|-		\|-
	\| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)~~/meta/color~~}}" \|		\| style="background-color: {{party color\|Justice Party (India)}}" \|
	\|[[Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam]]		\|[[Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam]]
	\| [[Ketu (mythology)\|Ketu]]		\| [[Ketu (mythology)\|Ketu]]

>Whiteguru: Adding short description: "Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu" (Shortdesc helper)

2021-08-01T11:39:22Z

Adding short description: "Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu" (Shortdesc helper)

New page

{{Short description|Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=July 2020}}
{{Use Indian English|date=July 2020}}
{{Location map+ | India Tamil Nadu
|width= 350px
| caption = Location of Nine planets Temple (Navagraham temples)
| relief = 1
| places =
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Suryanar Kovil|1]]
| lat_deg = 11.031
| lon_deg = 79.478 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Kailasanthar Temple,Thingalur|2]]
| lat_deg = 10.897
| lon_deg = 79.130 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Vaitheeswaran Koil|3]]
| lat_deg = 11.197
| lon_deg = 79.711 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Swetharanyeswarar Temple|4]]
| lat_deg = 11.176
| lon_deg = 79.809 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi|5]]
| lat_deg = 10.830
| lon_deg = 79.410 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur|6]]
| lat_deg = 11.046
| lon_deg = 79.494 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple|7]]
| lat_deg = 10.92
| lon_deg = 79.792 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Rahu Stalam|8]]
| lat_deg = 10.963
| lon_deg = 79.429 }}
{{Location map~ | India Tamil Nadu
| label = [[Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam|9]]
| lat_deg = 11.134
| lon_deg = 79.835 }}
}}

'''Nine Grahas Temples (Navagraham temples) in Tamil Nadu''' is a set of nine [[Hindu temple]]s, each dedicated to one of the nine planetary deities, the [[Navagraham]] in various places around the [[South India]]n own of [[Kumbakonam]] in [[Tamil Nadu]], [[India]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Navagraham temples|url=http://www.indiantemples.com/Tamilnadu/suryanaar.html|publisher=Indian Temples|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref> The presiding deity in most of the temples is [[Shiva]], with a shrine dedicated to the planetary deity.<ref name="TN">{{cite web|title=Navagraham temples|url=http://www.thanjavur.tn.nic.in/navagrahas_m'.html|publisher=Thanjavur District Administration|access-date=13 September 2015}}{{Dead link|date=April 2020 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> Leaving [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple]] which is located in [[Karaikkal]], all the other temples are located in Tamil Nadu.

The present masonry structure for most of the temples were built during the reign of [[Medieval Cholas]] between the 7th and 11th centuries with later additions from the [[Vijayanagara Empire|Vijayanagar period]]. Constructed in the [[Dravidian architecture|Dravidian style of architecture]], most of the temples have a five-tiered raja[[gopuram]], the gateway tower and a granite wall enclosing all the shrines of the temple.

The temples are a part of the popular Navagraham pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. It is believed that the planetary deities were cursed by [[Brahma]] to dwell in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle and were blessed by [[Shiva]] to make it their abode to devotees. The temples have six daily rituals at various times from 5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m., and two yearly festivals on its calendar. The temples are maintained and administered by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].

==Legend==
As per Hindu legend, Sage Kalava was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the [[Navagrahas]], the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. [[Brahma]], the Hindu god of creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy and were sent down to earth in Vellurukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle - the modern time Suryanar Kovil. The planets prayed to [[Shiva]] to relieve them off the curse. Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place.<ref name=A>{{cite book|title=Temples of South India|last=Anantharaman|first=Ambjuam|publisher=East West|edition=second|year=2006|isbn=978-81-88661-42-8|pages=43–47}}</ref> This is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities.<ref name="dinamalar"/>....

==The temples==
Suryanar Kovil is located to the East of Kumbakonam, {{convert|2|km|mi|abbr=on}} from [[Maruthuvakudi|Aduthurai]] and the Kumbakonam - Mayiladuthurai road. The temple has direct connectivity from lower Anicut and Thiruppanandal. Kanjanoor, the temple for Sukran, is located {{convert|3|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Suryanar Kovil in the Aduthurai - Kuthalam road. Thingalur is located {{convert|35|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the west of Kumbakonam in the Kumbakonam - Tiruvvayyaru Road. Vaitheeswaran Kovil is located {{convert|50.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Sirkazhi Road and {{convert|14.5|km|mi|abbr=on}} away from [[Mayiladuthurai]]. Swetharanyeswarar Temple is located {{convert|24|km|mi|abbr=on}} from Mayiladuthurai and {{convert|13|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the East of Vaitheeswaran Kovil. Ketu Stalam is located close to [[Poompuhar]], {{convert|9|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the South of Thiruvenkadu and {{convert|23|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the South West of Vaitheeswarn Kovil. Alangudi is located {{convert|18|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the South of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Mannargudi road. Rahu Stalam is located {{convert|6|km|mi|abbr=on}} to the West of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam - Karaikal road and Saniswarar temple is located {{convert|46|km|mi|abbr=on}} further on the same road.<ref name=A/> Out of the nine temples, six are located on the northern bank of river [[Kaveri]], while the remaining three in the southern bank.<ref name=Meena>{{cite book|title=Temples in South India|last=V.|first=Meena|publisher=Harikumar Arts|location=Kanniyakumari|year=1974|edition=1st|page=30}}</ref>
{{color box|#FFA07A| * |#FFA07A}} ''[[Padal petra stalam]]'' - where the three of the most revered [[Nayanars]] ([[Saivite]] Saints), [[Appar]], [[Cuntarar|Sundarar]] and [[Campantar|Tirugnana Sambandar]] have glorified the temples in ''[[Tevaram]]'' during the 7th-8th centuries.

{| class="wikitable sortable"
|- style="background:#FFC569"
! scope="col" |
! scope="col" | '''Name of the temple'''
! scope="col" | '''Deity'''
! scope="col" | '''Graha'''
! scope="col" | '''Day'''
! scope="col" | '''Location'''
! scope="col" class="unsortable" | '''Photo'''
! scope="col" | '''Notes/Beliefs'''
|- align ="center"
|-
| style= |
| [[Suryanar Kovil]]
| [[Surya|Hindu Sun-God]]
| [[Sun]]
| [[Sunday]]
| [[Maruthuvakudi|Aduthurai]]
| [[File:Suryanar Koil in Tamil Nadu JEG6875.jpg|130px]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Kailasanthar Temple,Thingalur|Kailasanathar Temple]]
| [[Chandran]]
| [[Moon]]
| [[Monday]]
| [[Thingalur]]
| [[File:Thingalur temple.JPG|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Vaitheeswaran Koil]]
| [[Mangala|Angaragan]]
| [[Mars]]
| [[Tuesday]]
| Vaitheeswaran Koil
| [[File:Vaitheeswarankovil5.JPG|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Swetharanyeswarar Temple]]
| [[Budha]]
| [[Mercury (planet)|Mercury]]
| [[Wednesday]]
|[[Thiruvenkadu|Tiruvenkadu]]
| [[File:Thiruvengadu temple.jpg|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi|Apatsahayesvarar Temple]]
| [[Guru]]
| [[Jupiter]]
| [[Thursday]]
| [[Alangudi, Nagapattinam|Alangudi]]
| [[File:Aalangudi Temple.jpg|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur|Agniswarar Temple]]
| [[Shukra|Sukran]]
| [[Venus]]
| [[Friday]]
| [[Kanjanur]]
| [[File:Kanjanur Sukkiran Temple.jpg|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple]]
| [[Shani]]
| [[Saturn]]
| [[Saturday]]
| [[Karaikal]]
| [[File:Thirunallar Sani temple.JPG|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
| [[Rahu Stalam]]
| [[Rahu]]
|
|
| [[Tirunageswaram]]
| [[File:Tirunageswaram3.JPG|130px|center]]
|
|-
| style="background-color: {{Justice Party (India)/meta/color}}" |
|[[Nagannathaswamy Temple, Keezhaperumpallam]]
| [[Ketu (mythology)|Ketu]]
|
|
|[[Keelaperumpallam]]
| [[File:Kethu sthal.JPG|130px|center]]
|
|}

==History==
The [[Suryanar Kovil]] was built during the reign of [[Kulothunga Chola I|Kulottunga Choladeva]] (AD 1060-1118) and was called Kulottungachola-Marttandalaya. The current granite shrine is believed to have been built by the [[Vijayanagara Empire]]. In modern times, all the temples are maintained and administered by the [[Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department]] of the [[Government of Tamil Nadu]].<ref name=A/> The Suryanar temple is mentioned in the songs of [[Muthuswami Dikshitar]], who has composed a song starting with "Suryamurthe" in Saurashatra [[raga]]m.<ref>{{cite news|title=The 12 splendid suns|url=http://www.thehindu.com/features/friday-review/music/the-12-splendid-suns/article4204129.ece|work=The Hindu|date=16 December 2012|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>

The temple of Thingalur is associated with the legend of [[Appar]] bringing back the life of the son of Appoothi Adigal. The idol of moon is made of black granite and clad in pure white.<ref name=A/>

[[Vaitheeswaran Koil]] has five inscriptions mainly belonging to the period of [[Kulothunga Chola I]] (1070-1120 [[Common Era|CE]]).<ref>{{cite book |last=C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre |first=. |title=Sacred tanks of South India |year=2002 |publisher=C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=Q3jXAAAAMAAJ&q=vaitheeswaran+koil+history|page=321}}</ref> The inscription on the steps of Subramanya shrine records the shutter of the sluice at Sattainathapuram measures 35 inches in length and 8 inches in breadth.<ref name="PV">{{cite book |last=Ayyar |first=P. V. Jagadisa |title=South Indian shrines: illustrated |year=1991 |publisher=Asian Educational Services |location=New Delhi |isbn=81-206-0151-3|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=NLSGFW1uZboC&q=vaidyanathaswamy+temple&pg=PA261|pages=260–261}}</ref> The one on the right of the temple tank indicates the tank, Nachiyar shrine, and its hall were completely renovated when Kanderayar was governing the ''Sigali Simai'', and during the management of the temple by Muthukumaraswami Tambiran, a disciple of Sivagnanadesikar-Sambandar of the Dharmapuram Adheenam.<ref name="PV"/> On the wall of the second precinct, the inscriptions state that the courtyard of Thayalnayagi shrine, the sacred steps and Tattisuri hall were built during Tamil year 4868 corresponding to 1689 CE.<ref name="PV"/> On the floor near accountant's seat registers a deed granted by Sankarabaragiri Rengopanditar by Ambalavanatambiran, an agent of the temple.<ref name="PV"/> The Easter gateway inscription indicates the gift of taxes from Manipallam in Tiruvalipparu.<ref name="PV"/>

==Architecture==
There is no specific architecture pattern that uniquely identifies these temples. But all of the temples have a rectangular plan with compound walls, pierced by a tiered raja [[gopuram]] (entrance tower). Leaving the Suryanar Kovil, the central shrine is usually that of Shiva in the form of [[lingam]] and the shrine of the planetary deity is located in the precinct around the main shrine.<ref name=dinamalar/> All the other eight shrines of the Navagrahas are arranged facing the shrine of Suryanar.

==Worship and festivals==
The temple priests perform the ''[[puja (Hinduism)|pooja]]'' (rituals) during festivals and on a daily basis. Like other Shiva temples of Tamil Nadu, the priests belong to the [[Shaivism|Shaivaite]] community, a Brahmin sub-caste. The temple rituals are performed six times a day; Ushathkalam at 5:30 a.m., Kalasanthi at 8:00 a.m., Uchikalam at 10:00 a.m., Sayarakshai at 6:00 p.m., Irandamkalam at 8:00 p.m. and Ardha Jamam at 10:00 p.m. Each ritual comprises four steps: ''abhisheka'' (sacred bath), ''alangaram'' (decoration), ''neivethanam'' (food offering) and ''deepa aradanai'' (waving of lamps) for Suryanar, Ushadevi and Chayadevi. The worship is held amidst music with ''[[nagaswaram]]'' (pipe instrument) and ''[[tavil]]'' (percussion instrument), religious instructions in the [[Vedas]] read by priests and prostration by worshippers in front of the temple mast. There are weekly rituals like ''{{lang|te-Latn|somavaram}}'' and ''{{lang|te-Latn|sukravaram}}'', fortnightly rituals like ''[[pradosha]]m'' and monthly festivals like ''[[amavasya|amavasai]]'' (new moon day), ''kiruthigai'', ''[[pournami (festival)|pournami]]'' (full moon day) and ''sathurthi''.<ref name=dinamalar>{{cite web|title=Sri Suriyanar temple|url=http://temple.dinamalar.com/en/new_en.php?id=739|publisher=Dinamalar|year=2011|access-date=13 September 2015}}</ref>

The temples are a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in Tamil Nadu. The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers. As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practises of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple.<ref name=A/>

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
* [https://www.google.com/maps/d/embed?mid=12vSMV8--TyeBTFgAwBf76MW7AtI&hl=en Navagraham temples in Tamil Nadu (Google Maps link)]
* [http://templesyatra.com/kumbakonam-navagraha-temples-travels.html Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu (Kumbakonam)]

[[Category:Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu| ]]
[[Category:Hindu temples in Thanjavur district]]
[[Category:Navagraha]]