The nine Navagraha temples of the Kumbakonam region are among the most visited pilgrimage sites in Tamil Nadu. Each is dedicated to one of the nine celestial bodies — the Sun, Moon, Mars, Mercury, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Rahu and Ketu — and devotees visit all nine to seek relief from planetary influences and blessings for the family. Bakkiya Tours & Travels arranges the complete Navagraha circuit from Virudhachalam, close to the temple belt, so the whole tour is smooth, well-timed and unhurried.
The nine Navagraha temples
The classic Navagraha Sthalams, all within easy reach of Kumbakonam:
- Sun (Surya) — Suryanar Kovil, near Kumbakonam.
- Moon (Chandra) — Thingalur (Kailasanathar temple).
- Mars (Angaraka) — Vaitheeswaran Koil.
- Mercury (Budha) — Thiruvenkadu (Swetharanyeswarar temple).
- Jupiter (Guru) — Alangudi (Apatsahayeswarar temple).
- Venus (Shukra) — Kanjanur (Agneeswarar temple).
- Saturn (Shani) — Thirunallar (Dharbaranyeswarar temple), in Karaikal.
- Rahu — Thirunageswaram (Naganathaswamy temple).
- Ketu — Keezhaperumpallam (Naganathaswamy temple).
Many devotees give special importance to Thirunallar, the Saturn temple, and time their visit for a Shani-related day.
Suggested 2-day route
The nine temples are usually covered comfortably over two days from a Kumbakonam or Thanjavur base:
Day 1
Suryanar Kovil (Sun) → Thingalur (Moon) → Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars) → Thiruvenkadu (Mercury) → Keezhaperumpallam (Ketu).
Day 2
Thirunageswaram (Rahu) → Thirunallar (Saturn) → Kanjanur (Venus) → Alangudi (Jupiter).
We fine-tune the order to match darshan timings, your starting point and any temple you want to spend extra time at. A one-day express circuit is also possible for those short on time.
What the package includes
- A private, air-conditioned car, Tempo Traveller or coach with an experienced driver who knows the temple belt.
- A route planned around each temple's opening and darshan hours.
- Pickup from Virudhachalam, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chidambaram or your preferred point.
- Comfortable stays arranged near the circuit if you're travelling over two days.
- Guidance on the order of worship and local customs at each shrine.
Good to know before you go
Dress modestly — traditional attire is appreciated at these temples. Carry small denominations for archanai and offerings, and keep light footwear you can slip on and off easily. Mornings are cooler and less crowded. If a particular planetary remedy or parikaram matters to you, tell us in advance and we'll plan the timing around it. Travelling with elders is easy on this circuit — the temples are close together and we keep the pace gentle.
Areas we serve
Bakkiya Tours is based in Virudhachalam, in Cuddalore district, and we arrange pickups right across the region — Cuddalore town, Chidambaram, Neyveli, Panruti, Ulundurpet, Tittakudi, Kattumannarkoil, Vadalur and the surrounding villages. From here we run trips throughout Tamil Nadu and into neighbouring Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, as well as pilgrimages and holidays further afield in India. Being a local company means we can collect you from your doorstep, start early without a long dead-run, and be genuinely on hand throughout your journey. Tell us where you're starting from and we'll arrange a convenient pickup.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Navagraha temple tour take?
Most devotees cover all nine temples comfortably over two days from a Kumbakonam or Thanjavur base. A one-day express circuit is possible if you're short on time, though it makes for a long day.
Where does the tour start?
We can start from Virudhachalam, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur, Chidambaram or wherever suits you. Because we're based in Virudhachalam, close to the temple belt, pickups across the region are easy.
Which temple is for Saturn (Shani)?
Thirunallar, near Karaikal, is the Saturn (Shani) temple, and it's the one many devotees give special importance to. We can plan your visit for a Saturday or a Shani-related day if you wish.
Is the Navagraha tour suitable for senior citizens?
Yes. The nine temples are close together and the route is gentle, which makes it one of the easier pilgrimages for elders. Our drivers help at each stop, and we can adapt the pace to suit.
Can you arrange the tour around a specific date or remedy?
Yes. If a particular parikaram, star day or Shani timing matters to you, tell us when you book and we'll plan the route and timings around it.
Book your Navagraha pilgrimage
Send us your dates and starting point on WhatsApp and we'll plan the full nine-temple circuit around the darshan timings.
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