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Famous Shiva Temple, Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple

Keezhperumpallam Temple – Ketu

Even though the temple’s main deity (Moolavar) is Lord Shiva as Naganathaswamy, the Ketu shrine is significant; devotees offer worship to Ketu first before entering the main sanctum. Architecture of the Temple The temple has a 2‑tiered Rajagopuram (main gateway tower). It has two prakarams (precincts) surrounding the sanctum. Lord Shiva (Naganathaswamy) is the main deity (Moolavar). The Ketu idol/shrine is in a special prakaram (north prakaram) and Ketu faces west. The temple is located close to the Cauvery delta region; near river, near Poompuhar (ancient coastal town). How to Reach to Temple By Road: Keezhperumpallam is about 2 km from Poompuhar. Also, connected via road from towns like Mayiladuthurai and Sirkazhi. By Rail: Nearest major railway station is Mayiladuthurai (~25‑30 km away). By Air: The nearest airports are Trichy or maybe Madurai depending on your route/distance; however, not extremely close. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Thirunageswaram Temple – Rahu

The presiding deity is Lord Shiva as Naganatha Swamy, and his consort Giri Gujambikai. The temple also houses a separate shrine for Rahu Bhagavan along with his two consorts Nagakanni and Nagavalli. Architecture of the Temple The temple is built in Dravidian style with multiple prakarams and gopurams (gateway towers). There are four major gateways (gopurams) along the four sides, enclosing the outermost prakaram. The temple compound walls surround these. In the second precinct there is the Rahu shrine (Rahu sannidhi) in a specific corner, and mandapams (pillared halls) with ornate pillars, some in Nayak style. The hall in the path to main shrine has pillars with yali motifs (mythical creatures). There is a hundred pillar hall (100 pillars), particularly in the tank side / southern side of temple; large mandapams and a water head with four mandaps are noted. is also considered sacred and medicinal. How to Reach to Temple By Road: Thirunageswaram is approximately 6‑7 km from Kumbakonam. It lies on the bus route to Karaikal. Frequent buses are available from Kumbakonam. By Train: Thirunageswaram has its own small railway station connected via Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai etc. Or one can travel by train to Kumbakonam and then by road. By Air: The nearest major airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) International Airport (around ~100‑km or more) from Thirunageswaram. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Famous Shiva Temple, Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Thirunallar Shani Temple – Saturn (Shani)

This is one of the Navagraha temples, specifically associated with Lord Shani (Saturn). Devotees visit here from across the country seeking relief from Shani’s adverse effects. Architecture of the Temple The architecture is traditional Dravidian style, with a large rajagopuram (gateway tower), mandapams (pillared halls), and multiple shrines. Main shrine is for Dharbaranyeswarar, a form of Lord Shiva. There is also a separate sanctum/shrine for Lord Shani (Saturn). The sacred tank Nala Theertham is inside the temple premises. The tank is important both in legend and ritual — devotees take bath before worship. Idols and images of various deities in the corridors include Shiva, Parvati, and many other gods and sages. Also statues or representations of King Nala too. How to Reach to Temple By Road: Thirunallar is about 7 km from Karaikal. Buses and taxis are available from Karaikal. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Karaikal Railway Station (~6 km). Also larger stations like in Mayiladuthurai, etc., serve people who then travel by road. By Air: Nearest airports include Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) and possibly Pondicherry; travel by road or rail from there. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Vaitheeswaran Koil – Mars (Mangal)

Shiva is worshipped here as Vaidyanathar or Vaitheeswaran — “The Divine Healer” (Vaidya = doctor, Ishvara = lord). Architecture of the Temple The temple is built in Dravidian style. It has a five‑tiered main gopuram (rajagopuram) plus two inner gopurams. Large precincts (prakarams). The main shrine (garbhagriha) holds the self‑manifested Shiva Lingam facing west, which is somewhat unusual (many temples have deities facing east). There is a shrine of Thaiyal Nayagi (the consort goddess) in the second precinct. Neem (margosa) tree (Sthala Vriksha) inside temple grounds, believed to have medicinal properties. Temple has multiple mandapams (pillared halls), sculpture work, metal images of deities such as Nataraja, Angaraka etc. is also considered sacred and medicinal. How to Reach to Temple Located in Vaitheeswaran Koil village, between Sirkazhi and Mayiladuthurai in Tamil Nadu. By road: There are frequent bus services from nearby towns such as Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam. It’s well connected. By train: Nearest railway stations are Mayiladuthurai, Chidambaram, etc. Also, there is a small local station at Vaitheeswaran Koil. By air: The nearest airports are Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) (domestic) and possibly Chennai for international flights; travellers then go by road/rail. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Famous Shiva Temple, Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Kanjanur Temple – Venus (Shukra)

It is one of the Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu, associated with Sukra (Venus). Architecture of the Temple Follows Dravidian architecture: five‑tiered Rajagopuram (main gateway tower), two prakarams (closed precincts). The main sanctum houses the Shiva Lingam (Agniswarar), with consort shrine for Karpagambal. There are other sub‑shrines, including ones for Nataraja, Sivakami, etc. The temple has a special hall or Sabha: Nataraja Sabha named Mukti Mandapam, where Shiva’s cosmic dance (Thandavam) is celebrated. The temple tank(s): known theerthams, such as Agni Theertham etc. How to Reach to Temple It is about 18 km northeast of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam‑Aduthurai / Kallanai road. Nearest major railway station: Kumbakonam. Nearest airport: Tiruchirapalli International Airport (Trichy), approx ~120‑125 km away Temple Timings Temple Location

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Famous Shiva Temple, Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Alangudi Temple – Jupiter (Guru/Brihaspati)

This temple is one of the Navagraha (nine planetary) temples of Tamil Nadu, specifically associated with Guru (Jupiter / Brihaspati). Architecture of the Temple Style: Classic Dravidian architecture. The temple complex is about two acres in size. The entrance has a 5‑tiered Rajagopuram (gateway tower). There are two prakarams (precincts) surrounding the sanctum. Main Sanctum: Lord Shiva as Abathsahayesvarar (lingam). The shrine of Guru (Jupiter) is present here, often identified with or through Lord Dakshinamurthy. Other shrines: The consort goddess Elavarkuzhali, plus shrines for Vinayaka, Murugan, etc. There are water bodies (theerthams) within or near the temple premises. How to Reach to Temple By Road: Alangudi is about 17 km from Kumbakonam, on the road toward Mannargudi / Needamangalam. Buses and taxis are available from Kumbakonam or nearby towns. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Needamangalam (about 7 km). Also Kumbakonam is major station nearby (~16‑17 km). By Air: Nearest major airport is Tiruchirappalli (Trichy). From there one has to take road transport via towns like Kumbakonam. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Thiruvenkadu Temple – Mercury (Budha)

The main deity is Lord Shiva in the form Swetharanyeswarar (“Lord of the White Forest”). His consort is called Brahma Vidya Ambal. Architecture of the Temple Style: Dravidian architecture. The temple has granite walls enclosing the complex, with beautiful stone carvings and multiple shrines. Features: Water bodies: as mentioned (three theerthams). A five‑tiered Raja Gopuram (main entrance tower). Multiple entrances (east and west) within the complex. Several mandapams, pillared halls. Inscriptions from Chola period. Beautiful bronze images and sculptures. Shrines: main Shiva shrine with Swetharanyeswarar, separate shrine for Budha (Mercury), also Aghora Murthi and Nataraja, among others. How to Reach to Temple By Road: Thiruvenkadu is connected by road. It lies about 13‑15 km from Sirkazhi, about 24‑25 km from Mayiladuthurai. By Rail: The nearest railway station is Sirkazhi. Also, Kumbakonam is a major railhead not too far away. By Air: Nearest major airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) (~150 km), also accessible from Chennai or Pondicherry but farther. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Vaitheeswaran Koil – Mars (Mangal)

It is also one of the Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu, specifically associated with the planet Mars (Angaraka). Architecture of the Temple The temple is built in the Dravidian style of architecture. It features a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower) and spacious inner corridors (prakarams). The main deity is Vaidyanatha Swamy (Shiva Lingam) facing west, which is rare in Hindu temples. Other deities include Thaiyal Nayagi (Parvati), Subramanya (Muthukumara Swamy), Dhanvantari, and Angaraka (Mars). The temple complex includes mandapams, sacred shrines, and beautiful stone carvings. Temple Tree (Neem) near the entrance is also considered sacred and medicinal. How to Reach to Temple By Road: Vaitheeswaran Koil is well connected by buses and taxis from Chidambaram, Mayiladuthurai, Kumbakonam, and Thanjavur. By Train: Nearest railway station is Vaitheeswaran Koil railway station or Mayiladuthurai Junction (~10 km). By Air: Nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) International Airport (~150 km away). Chennai Airport is about 250 km. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Mandirs in Tamil Nadu, Navgrah temple, Some hidden gems

Thingalur Temple – Moon (Chandra)

he main deity or presiding power is Lord Shiva in the form Kailasanathar, with his consort Periya Nayagi Amman. There is also a separate shrine for Chandra (Moon). Architecture of the Temple Style: Dravidian temple architecture. Structure: A Rajagopuram (temple tower) of several tiers (three‑tiered or five‑tiered per different sources) at the entrance. The temple has closed precincts (prakarams). Sanctum (garbhagriha) houses a Shiva Lingam made of black granite with 16 sides. There is a separate shrine for Chandra (Moon), whose idol is also made of black granite and is usually clad or decorated in white cloth, symbolic of the moon. Temple tank called Chandra Pushkarani or Chandra Theertham is present. How to Reach to Temple Thingalur is located between Tiruvaiyaru and Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district. It is about 33 km from Kumbakonam, and about 18 km from Thanjavur. Nearest railway stations: Kumbakonam, Thanjavur. Nearest airport: Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) International Airport is the closest major airport. By road: Well connected by local roads, buses etc. The temple is just about 1 km off the main highway between Tiruvaiyaru and Kumbakonam. Temple Timings Temple Location

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Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam – Sun (Surya)

The temple also houses shrines for the remaining eight planetary deities. Architecture of the Temple The temple follows Dravidian architecture, with a tall five-tiered Rajagopuram (entrance tower) and beautiful sculptural details. The main shrine houses Surya Bhagavan with his consorts Usha and Pratyusha. There are individual shrines for each of the other Navagrahas, all positioned to face Surya’s sanctum. The temple complex includes mandapams (pillared halls) and a sacred tank (Surya Pushkarini) used for ritual bathing., Gopis, or other deities, depending on tradition. How to Reach to Temple By Road: The temple is 15 km from Kumbakonam and 20 km from Mayiladuthurai. It is well-connected by local buses and taxis. By Train: The nearest railway station is Aduthurai, located just 2 km from the temple. By Air: The closest airport is Tiruchirapalli (Trichy) International Airport, about 100 km away. Temple Timings Temple Location

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