Panch Mahabhoot Temples
The cosmic world is made of Panch Mahabhoot or five gross elements. They are also referred to as panch tattva.Whether it is the individual human body or the larger cosmic body; essentially, they are made of five elements or the pancha bhutas – earth, water, fire, air and akasha. Pancha (Five) Bootham (Elements) Sthalam (Place) dictates five temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, each representing the manifestation of the five prime elements of nature – The temples are located in, Tamil Nadu (four) and Andhra Pradesh (one). The five elements are believed to be enshrined in the five shivlingam and each of the lingams representing Shiva in the temples has five different names based on the elements they represent.
Shiva is said to have manifested himself in the form of-
NavGraha Temples
The Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu are a cluster of 9 small Navagraha Temples dedicated to 9 celestial planets dating from the Chola dynasty near Cauvery delta region of Kumbakonam – Thanjavur Tamil Nadu. The whole astrology lies on these Navagrahas. Astrology is based on the belief that the planets influence human beings and events in the world all the seven planets except Rahu and Ketu were considered as gods and they had different qualities, this is believed that these planets controls our life. Traditionally these are Shiva temples with a shrine for one of the planets. But in most of the temples, Shiva has taken backseat giving prime importance to the planet these stalam are Surya, Chandra, Mangala or Angaraka, Bhudha, Guru, Shukra, Shani, Rahu and Kethu.
| Planet Represents | Temple Name | Location Village |
| Mars or Mangal in Hindi | Vaidyanatha Swamy,jatayu kudlam | Vaitheeswaran kovil |
| Mercury or budh in Hindi | Swetharanyeswarar Temple | Thiruvenkadu |
| Moons ‘south Node or ketu | Sri Naganathaswamy Temple | Keezhaperumpallam |
| Saturn or Shani in Hindi | Dharbaranyeswaraswamy Temple | Thirunallar |
| Sun or Surya in Hindi | Suryanar Kovil | Suryanar Kovil |
| Venus or Sukra in Hindi | Sri Agneeswarar Temple | Kanjanur |
| Moon’sNorth node/Uranus Rahu | Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple | Thirunageswaram |
| Jupiter or Guru in Hindi | Dhakshanamoorthy/ Guru Bhagavaan | Alangudi |
| Moon or Chandr in Hindi | Shri Kailasanathar Temple – Chandran | Thingaloor |
Navgrah legend,
Sage Kalava was suffering from serious ailments along with leprosy. He prayed to the Navagrahas, the nine planet deities. The planets were pleased by his devotion and offered cure to the sage. Brahma, the Hindu god of creation, was angered as he felt that the planets have no powers to provide boons to humans. He cursed the nine planets to suffer from leprosy and were sent down to earth in Vellerukku Vanam, the white wild flower jungle – the modern time Suryanar Kovil. The planets prayed to Shiva to relieve them off the curse. Shiva appeared to them and said that the place belonged to them and they would have to grace the devotees worshipping them from the place. Each temple is located in a different village, and is considered an abode of one of the Navagrahas. However, eight among these temples are dedicated to Shiva. The Surya temple is the only one dedicated to the Graham. In fact, it is dedicated entirely to the worship of the Sun-God and the other navagrahas, the former being the object of worship as the principal deity and the latter as attendant deities. It was built around the 11th or 12th century. The other temples were built earlier, ranging back to 7th-9th century.
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Warm welcome on arrival at Chennai airport/railway station and head towards Mahabalipuram or Mamallapuram, a historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site; on reaching Mahabalipuram, check into the hotel and visit the famous SHORE TEMPLE, SEASHORE BEACH, FIVE RATHAS (PANCHA PANDAVA RATHAS), MAHISHAMARDINI CAVE, LIGHT HOUSE, ARJUNA’S PENANCE AND BUTTER BALL. Back to your hotel room to catch up with peaceful sleep.
ELEMENTS : EKAMBARESWARAR ( earth element Prathvi tatve ) SRI KALAHASTI (air element Vayu Tatv)
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After some breakfast, we will start our drive to Tirupati
Enroute stop at the Temple Town of Kanchipuram and visit EKAMBARESWARAR TEMPLE (Ekambaranathar Temple). It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the five elements, the Pancha Bhoota Stalas, and specifically the element of earth, or Prithvi. Shiva is worshiped as Ekambareswarar or Ekambaranathar, and is represented by the lingam, with his idol referred to as Prithvi lingam. The temple complex covers 25 acres, and is one of the largest in India. This temple is the largest and one of the most prominent tourist attractions in the city.
Later on the way visit SRI KALAHASTI TEMPLE (dedicated to Lord Shiva), here Shiva is said to have manifested himself in the form of- Vayu Lingam representing air
Sri kalasthii This temple is also famous for Rahu-Kethu Pooja. It is believed that performing this Pooja will ward the people from astrological effects of Rahu and Kethu
Continue drive to Tirupati. Upon arrival check-in at hotel and pay a visit to TIRUMALA VENKATESHWARA TEMPLE to seek lords blessings. The main deity is Lord Venkateshwara – incarnation of Vishnu. The day ends with an overnight stay at Tirupati.
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After breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Vellore. Arrive and visit VELLORE FORT, regarded as one of the best historical monuments in Vellore. The fort houses the Jalakanteswarar Hindu temple, the Christian St. John’s Church and a Muslim mosque, of which the JALAKANTESWARAR TEMPLE is famous for its magnificent carvings. The first significant military rebellion against British rule erupted at this fort in 1806. It is well-maintained by the government.
Later visit SIRIPURAM GOLDEN TEMPLE, the largest Golden temple in the world, with over 1.5 tons of gold used. All the gold work was done by artisans specializing in temple art using gold. Every single detail was manually created, including converting the gold chunks into gold foils. Check-in at hotel for an overnight stay at Vellore.
ELEMENT: ARUNACHALESHWAR (fire element, Agni Tatve) NATARAJAR TEMPLE ( Sky element , aakash Tatve)
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After an early morning breakfast check-out from the hotel and drive to Chidambaram. Enroute visit Thiruvannamalai, located at the base of Annamalai hills. ARUNACHALESHWAR or ANNAMALAIYAR TEMPLE signifies one of the five elements, the Pancha Bootha Stalams, the element of fire or Agni.
The temple complex is one of the largest temple complexes in India as it is stretched across 10 hectares of land. The temple has numerous shrines, with those of Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman being the most prominent. The Karthigai Deepam festival is celebrated during the day of the full moon between November and December, and a huge beacon is lit atop the hill. It can be seen from miles around, and symbolizes the Shiva lingam of fire joining the sky.
After the temple tour at Thiruvannamalai, continue driving to Chidambaram. On arrival check in to your hotel and proceed to visit THILLAI NATARAJAR TEMPLE. It is in the mains of the temples in Shaivism, which has signified and fostered performance in art, sculptures, architecture, and worship over two millennia. It represents one of the five Pancha Bootha Stalams, the element of sky or akasha. The sculptures of Chidambaram inspired the postures of a dance form called Bharat Natyam. The day ends with an overnight stay at Chidambaram.
PLANET COVERED: MANGAL ( Mars) ,BUDH( Mercury) , KETU, (Moons ‘south Node)
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After an early morning breakfast proceed to visit three of the nine Navagraha Temples.
Drive to VAITHEESWARAN KOVIL or PULLIRUKKUVELUR (27km from Chidambaram), a Hindu temple dedicated to the Lord Shiva. It is one of the nine Navagraha (nine planets) temples and is associated with the PLANET MARS (Angaraka). It is also believed that Lord Rama performed the last rites to Jatayu here. The nectar with which the Sidhas worshipped Shiva is said to have flown into the Sidhamrita Theertham.
Later visit SWETHARANYESWARAR TEMPLE, a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thiruvenkadu (16km from Vaitheeswaran Kovil). It is one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, BUDHA.
Than Visit the NAGANATHA SWAMY TEMPLE or Kethu Sthalam is a Hindu temple in the village of Keezhaperumpallam (8km from Thiruvenkadu). The presiding deity is Ketu, a shadow planet. However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Naganatha Swamy” or Shiva. The temple is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage – it houses the image of KETU.
After temple visit, drive to Tharangambadi. Arrive in Tharangambadi. Visit the DANISH FORT AT THARANGAMBADI – the fort closes by 6 PM – and enjoy the lovely beach in the evening. In the evening walk around the place exploring the Danish houses/churches. Overnight stay at Tharangambadi
PLANET COVERED: SHANI (Saturn), SURYA (Sun), SUKRA (Venus), RAHU(Moon’s North node/Uranus)
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After an early morning breakfast check out from the hotel and proceed to visit another four of the nine Navagraha Temples.
Proceed to Thirunallar which is 17km from Tharangambadi and visit SRI DHARBARANYESWARA SWAMY TEMPLE, a Hindu temple dedicated to LORD SHANI (Saturn). The presiding deity is Lord Siva, Dharbaranyeswara and the place Thirunallar was historically called Dharbaranyam.
Later visit SURYANAR KOVIL, a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Hindu Sun-God (Surya), located in Suryanar Kovil village 46km from Thirunallar.
Later visit SRI AGNEESWARAR TEMPLE, a Hindu temple in the village of Kanjanur, 3.2 km from Suryanar Kovil. The presiding deity is SUKRA (Venus). However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Agniswarar” or Shiva.
Also visit TIRUNAGESWARAM NAGANATHAR TEMPLE also known as Rahu Stalam is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Thirunageswaram, a village 14 km from Kanjanur. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, RAHU(Moon’s North node/Uranus).
Upon arrival at Kumbakonam, check-in to the hotel for an overnight stay.
PLANET COVERED: GURU (Jupiter) CHANDRA(moon) ELEMENT : SRI JAMBUKESHWARAR TEMPLE, (Water, Jal )
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Morning drive to Trichy (Tiruchirapalli) enroute you visit ALANGUDI APATSAHAYESVARAR TEMPLE, a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Alangudi 18 km from Kumbakonam, The temple is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage – it houses the image of GURU (Jupiter)
Later on the way to Trichy, visit AIRAVATHEESWARA TEMPLE, dedicated to Lord Shiva, at Darasuram (UNESCO World Heritage Site)
After visit THE CHANDIRANAAR TEMPLE (also called Kailasanathar temple or Thingalur temple) is a Hindu temple in the village of Thingalur 33 km from Kumbakonam. The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples – it houses the image of MOON (called Thingal locally).
You can also visit THANJAVUR BRIHADEESHWARA TEMPLE (UNESCO World Heritage Site) on the way. After visit proceed to Trichy; reach at Trichy, after check in at hotel, you can visit SRI JAMBUKESHWARAR TEMPLE, one of the five Pancha Bootha Stalams, the element of water or Neer in Tamil. Night stay at Trichy
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After taking breakfast in the morning, travel to Madurai. At Madurai visit MEENAKSHI SUNDARESHWAR TEMPLE one of the largest temple complexes in India built between the 16th and 18th centuries. Apart from the estimated 33 million sculptures there, the temple is absolutely absorbing with the endless rounds of ceremonies, prostration of countless devotees and glittering market stalls.
TIRUPARANKUNDRAM MURUGAN TEMPLE a Hindu temple and one of the Six Abodes of Murugan, built in rock-cut architecture by the Pandyas during the 6th century. Also visit the TIRUMAL NAYAK’S PALACE a highly decorative monument. Its enormous roofed arcade supported by 48 foot high stone pillar, still stands. Later drop at Madurai airport/railway station for your onward Journey
Please Note
If you are planning to special puja in these temples, please allot more time in your tour Programme . Popular temples like Shani, Rahu, Guru and Surya has special Darshan tickets. One can buy them to beat the rush. Shani and Rahu temples are most crowed each day is auspicious to one god. For example, Saturday is auspicious for Shani and Thursday for Guru. Expect more people in these temples on these special days. General Opening time of all temples are at 6.30 AM and close around 1.30PM. Opens again around 4.00 PM till 9 PM. However need to recheck and reconfirm once on tour
