CHENNAI NAVAGRAHA TEMPLES

Chennai Navagraha Temples - a Glance

There are 9 temples of Chennai dedicated to the Navagrahams. Similar to Kumbakonam, have built temples for all 9 planets in the then Thondai Mandalam.

All these temples are built with the purpose that in those days traveling all the way to Kumbakonam from this part of the country was highly tedious.

All of them belong to the Chozha period with brilliant architecture and divinity. Few of these temples are in the state of neglect where others still look fresh and new even after centuries.

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.

Here is the list of the Navagraha temples located in Chennai. 

Sri Agastheeswarar Temple (Kolappakkam) - Surya

Sri Somanatheeswarar Temple (Somangalam) - Chandra
Sri Vaitheeswaran Temple (Poonamalle) - Angaraka
Sri Thirumeyneeswarar Temple (Kovur) - Bhudhan
Sri Ramanatheswarar Temple (Porur) - Guru
Sri Velliswarar Temple (Mangadu) - Sukra
Sri Agastheeswarar Temple (Pozhichalure) - Sani
Sri Nageswarar Temple (Kundrathur) - Raagu
Sri Neelakanteswarar Temple (Gerugambakkam) - Kethu

Kolappaakkam Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (SUN)

 This temple is situated in Kolapaakam and is treated as Navagraha Sthalam with the specialty of Sri Suriyan (SUN) which is the supreme power for all the other Grahas.  

Somangalam Sri Somanaadheeswarar Temple (MOON)

 
This temple is situated in Somangalam and this temple is famous for Sri Chandran which is also an important graha in earth.

Poondhamalli Sri Vaidheeswarar Temple (Uthara Vaidheeswaran Koil - MARS)

 This temple is situated Poonamalli near bus stand and this temple is more famous for Angaaragan. There is a place called Vaitheeswaran temple in south tamilnadu famous for Angaaragan. And this place is in Upper part of Tamilnadu. It is also said that the special pooja performed in the southern part of temple can also be done in this particular temple as well.

Kovur Sri Sundhareswarar Temple (MERCURY)

 This temple is situated in Kovur in Chennai. Sundhareswarar temple is a special temple for Sri Budhan. The special poojas and Parikaras related to Sri Budhan are done in this temple. 

Porur Sri Ramanaadheswarar Temple (Uthara Raameswaram - JUPITOR)

 
In chennai this temple stays to be a very special temple for Sri Guru and can also be called as Guru Sthalam and is situated in Porur.

Maangaadu Sri Velleeswarar Temple (VENUS)

 
In chennai Velleeswarar temple is popularly known as the Sukran Sthalam. This temple is situated in Mangadu. In Maangadu Amman temple is more famous along with this great specialty.

Pozhichalur Sri Agatheeswarar Temple (Vada Thirunallaaru - SATURN)

 
Saneeswarar temple is very famous all over India as Saneeswarar plays a vital role in the astrology of every person. This Saneeswarar temple is located in Pozhichalur.

Kunrathur Sri Naageswarar Temple (Vada Thirunaageswaram - RAGHU)
 

There is a special temple for Raagu in South Tamilnadu called Thirunaageswaram. This temple which is situated in chennai is supposed to be called as Sri Raaghu sthalam in Chennai and this temple is situated in Kundrathur. 

Gerugambaakkam Sri Neelakandeswarar Temple (KETHU)

 
This temple is situated in Gerugambaakam which also comes under the Thondai Naadu of the olden days. This temple is famous for the Navagraha Sri Kethu and also called as Neelakandeswarar temple which means the blue necked lord shiva.