- May 3, 2026
| Navagraha | Presiding Deity / Goddess | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Sun (Surya) | Agastheeswarar – Anandavalli | Kolapakkam |
| 2. Moon (Chandra) | Somanatheeswarar – Kamakshi | Somangalam |
| 3. Mars (Angaraka / Chevvai) | Vaitheeswarar – Thaiyalnayagi | Poonamallee |
| 4. Mercury (Budhan) | Sundareswarar – Soundambigai | Kovur |
| 5. Jupiter (Guru) | Ramanatheeswarar | Porur |
| 6. Venus (Sukran) | Velleeswarar | Mangadu |
| 7. Saturn (Sani) | Agastheeswarar – Anandavalli | Pozhichalur |
| 8. Rahu | Nageswaraswamy – Kamakshi | Kundrathur |
| 9. Ketu | Neelakandeswarar – Adhi Kamakshi | Gerugambakkam |
Around Chennai, there are nine ancient Shiva temples that are considered equivalent to the famous Navagraha temples of Kumbakonam. These temples are collectively known as the “Chennai Navagraha Temples.” Most of these shrines are located around Porur, Kundrathur, and Poonamallee in the Thondai Nadu region.
You no longer need to travel all the way to Kumbakonam to seek relief from planetary doshas and receive divine blessings. All these nine temples can be visited within a single day in Chennai itself. Here is a complete spiritual guide based on historical significance and devotional experiences.
Main Deity: Sri Agatheeswarar
Goddess: Sri Anandavalli
Special Significance: After Lord Shiva destroyed Yama to protect Markandeya, Surya Bhagavan worshipped Lord Shiva here to absolve himself of the associated sin. Devotees facing Sun-related doshas or Pitru Dosha visit this temple for remedies and blessings.
Main Deity: Sri Somanatheeswarar
Goddess: Sri Kamakshi
Special Significance: Chandra Bhagavan worshipped Lord Shiva here to regain his lost radiance after being cursed. Those seeking peace of mind or praying for their mother’s health especially visit this temple on Mondays.
Main Deity: Sri Vaitheeswaran
Goddess: Sri Thaiyalnayagi
Special Significance: This temple is considered equivalent to the famous Vaitheeswaran Koil near Kumbakonam. Angaraka (Mars) worshipped here and bathed in the sacred temple tank to cure himself of severe disease. Devotees pray here for relief from Chevvai Dosha, land disputes, and debt-related problems.
Main Deity: Sri Sundareswarar
Goddess: Sri Soundaryambigai
Special Significance: This temple is associated with Budha Bhagavan, the deity governing intelligence and education. Saint Tyagaraja composed the famous “Kovur Pancharatnam” in praise of this deity. Special prayers are conducted on Wednesdays for academic success, business growth, and memory improvement.
Main Deity: Sri Ramanatheeswarar
Goddess: Sri Sivakamasundari
Special Significance: Lord Rama worshipped the Shiva Lingam here while searching for Sita. Guru Bhagavan is seen here in a meditative posture facing Lord Shiva. During Guru Peyarchi, lakhs of devotees gather at this temple.
Main Deity: Sri Velleeswarar
Goddess: Sri Kamakshi (in penance posture)
Special Significance: When Goddess Kamakshi performed penance at Mangadu, Sukra Bhagavan worshipped Lord Shiva here and regained his lost eyesight. Devotees visit this temple for relief from Venus doshas, prosperity, artistic excellence, and wealth.
Main Deity: Sri Agastheeswarar
Goddess: Sri Anandavalli
Special Significance: This temple was established by Sage Agastya. Saturn worshipped Lord Shiva here to remove the sins caused by the suffering he brings to living beings and transformed into “Mangala Sani.” People affected by Ezharai Sani and Ashtama Sani light sesame oil lamps here and pray for relief.
Main Deity: Sri Nageswaraswamy
Goddess: Sri Kamakshi
Special Significance: Devotees facing Rahu Dosha, Kala Sarpa Dosha, or marriage delays visit this temple and participate in Rahu Kala poojas. Offering black gram and blue-colored cloth is considered auspicious.
Main Deity: Sri Neelakandeswarar
Goddess: Sri Anandavalli
Special Significance: Those affected by Ketu Dosha or seeking spiritual wisdom worship here by offering horse gram and silk vastram to the deity.
If you wish to visit all nine temples in a single day, it is best to begin your journey early in the morning.
Recommended Temple Route:
Pozhichalur (Saturn) ➡️ Kolapakkam (Sun) ➡️ Gerugambakkam (Ketu) ➡️ Porur (Guru) ➡️ Kovur (Mercury) ➡️ Mangadu (Venus) ➡️ Kundrathur (Rahu) ➡️ Somangalam (Moon) ➡️ Poonamallee (Mars)
Temple Timings:
Generally, these temples remain open from:
Timings may vary during special occasions such as Pradosham, Krithigai, and Sani Peyarchi festivals.
It is truly a blessing that Chennai itself is home to these spiritually powerful Navagraha Shiva temples. Those facing challenges due to planetary doshas or seeking mental peace should visit these sacred temples at least once and receive divine blessings.
Which among these nine temples is your favorite? Share your thoughts in the comments!
