Navagraha-Sthalas is one of the famous religious centres situated in the Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. Navagraha-Sthalas refers to the place of 9 planets, where Nava stands for nine, Graha for planet and Sthala for place. The region is known for its religious shrines that are named after nine planets. All these shrines are located close to each other in an arrangement at Kumbakonam town.
These temples are dedicated to nine celestial bodies featuring the sun, the moon, the planets and the two shadow planets (Rahu and Ketu). Most of these temples have been constructed between 500 and 1000 A.D.
Suryanaar Koyil Temple, built in the 12th century, is the most recent addition to the circuit of Navagraha Temples. It is believed that these shrines dedicated to heavenly bodies have a significant implication on astrological calculations.
Navagraha-Sthalas has a rich cultural heritage and hosts various festivals throughout the year. Among the notable festivals celebrated here are Deepawali, Makara Pongal and Aadi Bhramotsavam. Tourists also visit Navagraha-Sthalas to understand and study astrological mythology.
How To Reach :
By Road/Bus :
Tamil Nadu road transport corporation buses connect Thanjavur and all the Navagraha sthalas temples with other major cities in the state. Regular bus services are available from Tiruchy and Madurai to Navagraha Sthalas. It is well linked with other cities by private tourist buses as well. It is connected to Trivandrum, Kanyakumari, Madurai, Chennai and Bangalore
By Plane/Air :
Navagraha Sthalas is situated in Thanjavur district, located in and around. Suryanarcoil is situated 15 km away from Kumbakonam. Thingalore is located 3 km from Thiruvayuru. Vaitheeswarancoil, Thiruvengadu, Alangudi, Kanchanur, Thirunallar, Thirunageswaram and KIzhaperumpallam are all placed close to Tanjavur. Trichy international airport 58 km away from Thanjavur is the nearest airport. Trichy is connected to Chennai by regular flights. Chennai (345 km) and Banglore (390 km) are other major airports nearby. These airports are well connected with most of the cities in India and many cities abroad.
By Train/Rail :
Trichy Junction is the nearest rail head, which is at a distance of 58 km Thanjavur. Tiruchy Junction is an important railway station in Trivandrum – Chennai route via Madurai. Regular train facilities are there from Tiruchy to Madurai and Chennai.