NAVAGRAHASTHALAMS OF THONDAIMANDALAM TOURS

There are 9 temples at the outskirts of Chennai dedicated to the Navagrahams. Similar to Kumbakonam, our ancestors have built temples for all 9 planets in the ThondaiMandalam. The main deities of all these temples are Lord Shiva in different names. In few places the main deity, Lord Shiva Himself, represent the planet and so there is no separate shrine for the respective Graham in the temple.

KOLAPPAAKKAM SRI AGATHEESWARAR

Kolappaakkam has a beautiful Shiva temple where the main deity is Sri Agatheeswarar (also called Sri VaakeesaMahadhevar) and Goddess Sri Aanandhavalli. This temple is said to be over 1300 years old. This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai devoted to Sri Surya Bhagavan. The Sun God is given prominence in this temple, where all important deities of the temples are facing Surya Bhagavan shrine.

SOMANGALAM SRI SOMANAADHEESWARAR

Somangalam is an ancient, beautiful village having a temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Somanaadheeswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi Amman. This temple is devoted to Sri Chandra Bhagavan (Moon God). This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for those having any Dhosham related to Chandra Bhagavan. Sri Chandra Bhagavan has a separate shrine in the temple, facing west.

POONDHAMALLI SRI VAIDHEESWARAR

This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Angaaragan. Sri Angaaragans Paadham (foot mark) is found in the temple just outside the sanctum under the Panai (Palm) tree sculpted on stone. This temple is a Parihaara Sthalam for Chevvaai Dhosham. Special Poojas are done here on Tuesdays for Sri Angaaragan.

KOVUR SRI SUNDHARESWARAR

Kovur has a massive temple for Lord Shiva built by Kulothunga Chozha.The main deity of this temple is Sri Sundhareswarar (also called Thirumaeneeswarar) and Goddess Sri Soundharaambigai (also called Thiruvudai Naayagi). As Sri Mahalakshmi worshipped here in the form of a cow, the place came to be known as Kopuri (In Thamizh, Ko means cow). This temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) for Sri Budhan (Mercury).

PORUR SRI RAMANAADHESWARAR

The main deity Sri Ramanaadheswarar is too gigantic and beautifully decorated, facing east. The sanctum is built in Gajabrishta shape or Thoongaanai Maadam type which is popular in Chozha temple architecture. This temple does not have Rajagopuram at the entrance and Vimanam above the sanctum.

MAANGAADU SRI VELLEESWARAR

Maangaadu is a small beautiful village located at the outskirts of Chennai near Poondhamalli. While going from Chennai city on Mount Poondhamalli road, one has to take left from Kumananchaavadi junction to reach Maangaadu. Sri Kamakshi Amman temple is located very close to Maangaadu. This is a very ancient and beautiful temple for Lord Shiva. The main deity here is Sri Velleeswarar. There is no Ambaal in this temple, as Sri Kamakshi Amman is present nearby.

POZHICHALUR SRI AGATHEESWARAR

This beautiful temple is one among the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or ThondaiMandalam) dedicated to Lord Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan is said to have worshipped Lord Shiva here. As Sri Saneeswara had been giving ill effects to people, he had gained Dhosham out of it. Sri Saneeswara Bhagavan, wanting to be relieved of his dhoshams, prayed Lord Shiva for help.

GERUGAMBAAKKAM SRI NEELAKANDESWARAR

Gerugambaakkam has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva, which belongs to Chozha period. The main deity is Sri Neelakandeswarar and Goddess Sri AadhiKamakshi. This temple is one of the Navagraha temples of Chennai (or Thondai Mandalam) devoted to Sri Kethu Bhagavan. Special Poojas and Homams are performed to Sri Kethu Bhagavan during Raahu Kethu Peyarchi. This is also a Parihaara Sthalam for people having ill effects in their lives because of Kethus position in their Horoscope.

KUNRATHUR SRI NAAGESWARAR

Kunrathur has an ancient temple for Lord Shiva which is over 800 years old. The main deity is Sri Naageswarar and Goddess Sri Kamakshi. This temple was built by the famous poet Sri Sekkizhaar who wrote the popular PeriyaPuranam. Sekkizhaar was born in Kunrathur itself. This temple is also popularly called as Vada Thirunaageswaram.