“T he ancient practice of planetary worship has been observed in various cultures and civilizations for thousands of years. From the Babylonians to the Greeks and Romans, people have looked to the planets as celestial beings that hold great power and influence over human affairs. One way in which this worship was manifested was through the creation of planetary temples.Planetary temples were sacred spaces dedicated to a particular planet or celestial body.

These temples were often constructed in alignment with the movements of the planet they represented and were believed to harness the power and energy of the planet for various purposes such as healing, fertility, and protection. Each planetary temple was unique in its design and purpose, reflecting the characteristics and attributes associated with the planet it honored. For example, the Temple of Jupiter in Rome was grand and imposing, reflecting the power and authority associated with the planet Jupiter, while the Temple of Venus in Pompeii was adorned with intricate frescoes and mosaics that celebrated the beauty and sensuality of the goddess Venus.

Planetary Worship in Ancient Times

Brief overview of the history of planetary worship in various cultures and civilizations, including the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, and Egyptians
Explanation of the beliefs and practices associated with planetary worship, such as the idea that the planets held power over human affairs and could be appeased or invoked through offerings and rituals

The Purpose and Design of Planetary Temples

Explanation of the purpose of planetary temples, including their use for healing, fertility, protection, and other purposes

Description of the unique design and features of each planetary temple, highlighting the characteristics and attributes associated with the planet it represented

Examples of notable planetary temples, such as the Temple of Jupiter in Rome and the Temple of Venus in Pompeii

The Significance of Planetary Temples Today

Discussion of the relevance and importance of planetary temples in modern times, including the role they can play in connecting us to ancient wisdom and traditions

Exploration of how planetary worship and the use of planetary temples can enhance our spiritual practices and deepen our understanding of the cosmos and our place in it

Visiting Planetary Temples

Practical information and tips for visiting planetary temples, including location, opening hours, and cultural etiquette

Reflection on the transformative experiences that can arise from visiting these sacred spaces and connecting with the energy of the planets they represent.

Navagraha Temples in Kerala:
Navagraha temples are not very common in Kerala, but there are a few that are worth visiting. The Kilimarathukavu Navagraha temple is unique in its elliptical structure, which resembles a galaxy. The temple is dedicated to all nine planets, and it is believed that visiting this temple can help alleviate the negative effects of planetary positions in one's horoscope.

Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu:
Tamil Nadu is home to some of the oldest and most revered Navagraha temples in India. Legend has it that the Sage Kalava was cured of serious ailments and leprosy after he prayed to the nine planetary deities. As a result, the planets were cursed by Brahma and sent to earth, where they prayed to Lord Shiva for relief. Each temple in this cluster of Navagraha temples is dedicated to a specific planet, with eight of them being dedicated to Lord Shiva.

The Surya temple, located in Thanjavur district, is the only temple dedicated solely to the Sun God. It was built around the 11th or 12th century, while the other temples date back to the 7th-9th centuries. Other temples in this cluster include the Chandra Navagrahastalam in Thingalur, the Angaarakan Navagrahastalam in Vaitheeswaran Kovil, the Budha Navagrahastalam in Thiruvenkadu, the Guru Navagrahastalam in Alangudi, the Sukra Navagrahastalam in Kanjanur, the Shani Navagrahastalam in Thirunallar, the Raahu Navagrahastalam in Thirunageswaram, and the Ketu Navagrahastalam in Keezhperumpallam. Navagraha Temples in Chennai Kundrathur: Another cluster of Navagraha temples can be found in Chennai, in and around Kundrathur.

These temples were founded by Thiyagaraja Gurukkal and Bhuvaneshwari, and their family published a small book of Navagraha stalam puranam to inform people about these temples. The temples in this cluster include the Agatheeswarar Temple dedicated to Suryan in Kolapakkkam, the Somanaadheeswarar Temple dedicated to Chandran in Somangalam, the Vaidheeswaran Temple dedicated to Angaragan in Poovirundhavalli, the Sundareswarar Temple dedicated to Budhan in Kovur, the Ramanaadheeswarar Temple dedicated to Guru in Porur, the Velleeswarar Temple dedicated to Sukran in Mangadu, the Agatheeswarar Temple dedicated to Shaneeswaran in Pozhichalur, and the Neelakandeswarar Temple dedicated to Kethu in Gerugambakkam. The Nageshwarar Temple in Kundratthur is dedicated to Rahu.

Navagraha Temple in Guwahati:
Located on top of Chitrasal Hill (or Navagraha Hill) in Guwahati, Assam, this temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. It features nine Shivalingams, each representing one of the celestial bodies and covered with a colored garment symbolic of that body. In the center is a Shivalingam representing the Sun.

Navagraha Temple in Madhya Pradesh:
This historical temple is located inside the Bada Ganpati Temple in the city of Ujjain. It has been there for hundreds of years and is said to provide relief to devotees during their Shani-Sade Sati period, which is considered a dreaded phase in one's life. Devotees offer mustard oil and flowers to Lord Shani while praying to all nine planets and doing Parikrama of the Navagraha stones. Navagraha temples in Karnataka In Karnataka, the Navagraha temples are located in various parts of the state.

Some of the prominent ones are:

Navagraha Temple, Bangalore :
This temple is located in the city of Bangalore and is dedicated to the nine planets. It is believed that worshipping at this temple can help one overcome the malefic effects of planetary positions.

Navagraha Temple, Hubli :
This temple is located in the city of Hubli and is dedicated to the nine planets. It is believed that worshipping at this temple can help one overcome the malefic effects of planetary positions.

Navagraha Temple, Mudgal :
This temple is located in the town of Mudgal in the Raichur district of Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the nine planets. It is believed that worshipping at this temple can help one overcome the negative effects of planetary positions.

Navagraha Temple, Basaralu :
This temple is located in the town of Basaralu in the Mandya district of Karnataka. It is dedicated to Lord Shiva and the nine planets. It is believed that worshipping at this temple can help one overcome the malefic effects of planetary positions. Navagraha temples are an integral part of Hinduism and are dedicated to the nine celestial bodies or planets.

These temples are spread throughout India and are revered by devotees seeking blessings and relief from the negative effects of planetary positions. Each temple is associated with a specific planet and has unique traditions, rituals, and beliefs. These temples attract devotees from all over the country and are an important aspect of Indian spiritual and cultural heritage. Whether it's the famous Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu, the Navagraha temple in Guwahati, or the Navagraha temple in Uttar Pradesh, each one offers a unique spiritual experience for visitors. These temples serve as a reminder of the importance of balance in life and the need to appease the planetary gods for a happy and prosperous life.