Navagraha Sthalas

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.