Navagraha temples
Navagraha temples are temples devoted to the nine (nava) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These celestial bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Chevaai/Mangal(Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru/Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). Many temples in South India contain a shrine dedicated to the Navagrahas. However, the term Navagraha temples refers to a cluster of nine separate temples, each an abode of one of the Navagrahams.
Navagraha Temple in Assam
The Navagraha Temple is found on the top of Chitrasal Hill (or Navagraha Hill), in Guwahati city, Assam. Enshrined in this temple are nine Shivalingams, representing the nine Celestial bodies, each covered with a colored garment symbolic of each of the celestial bodies, with a Shivaligam in the centre symbolising the Sun. The Navagraha temple was built by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha (1751-1769), son of Rudra Singha or Sukhrungphaa in late 18th century. It had been renovated in the modern times in the late 70's and 80's.
Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu
There is a cluster of Navagraha Temples dating from the Chola dynasty near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. Each temple is located in a different village. Each of these temples is considered an abode of one of the Navagrahams. However, the majority of these temples are dedicated to Shiva. The Surya temple is the only one dedicated to the Graham. The Surya temple was built around the 11th or 12th century C.E. The other temples were built earlier, ranging back to 7th-9th century.
- Surya Navagrahastalam -- Tirumangalakkudi--(or) Sooriyanar Kovil
- Chandra Navagrahastalam -- Tingaloor
- Angaarakan Navagrahastalam -- Puttirukku Velur--(or)Vaitheeswaran Kovil
- Budha Navagrahastalam -- Tiruvenkaadu
- Guru Navagrahastalam -- Aalangudi
- Sukra Navagrahastalam -- Kanjanoor
- Shani Navagrahastalam -- Tirunallar
- Raahu Navagrahastalam -- Tirunageswaram
- Ketu Navagrahastalam -- Keezhperumpallam