Tamil Nadu has one of the most systematic planetary shrine circuits in the Hindu world: nine temples, each dedicated to one of the nine Navagrahas (planetary deities), clustered within a 50 km radius of Kumbakonam in the Kaveri delta region. The entire circuit can be completed in 2–3 days.
The nine temples and their planets
Suryanar Kovil (Surya / Sun) — Kumbakonam, 18 km. The presiding deity is Suryanar. Offerings: wheat, jaggery, red flowers. Sunday.
Thingalur (Chandra / Moon) — Kumbakonam, 18 km. Kailasanathar temple with Chandran shrine. Offerings: white rice, milk, white flowers. Monday.
Vaitheeswaran Koil (Angaraka / Mars) — Sirkazhi, 55 km from Kumbakonam. The most powerful Mars shrine in India. Offerings: sesame, red flowers. Tuesday.
Thiruvenkadu (Budha / Mercury) — Sirkazhi, 55 km. Swetharanyeswarar temple. Offerings: green gram, green flowers. Wednesday.
Alangudi (Guru / Jupiter) — Kumbakonam, 23 km. Apatsahayeswarar temple. Offerings: Bengal gram, yellow flowers. Thursday.
Kanjanur (Shukra / Venus) — Kumbakonam, 22 km. Agneeswarar temple. Offerings: white rice, white flowers. Friday.
Thirunallar (Shani / Saturn) — Karaikal, 60 km from Kumbakonam. The most visited of all nine. Offerings: sesame oil lamps, black sesame. Saturday.
Thirukkaravasal (Rahu) — Kumbakonam, 30 km. Naganathaswamy temple. Offerings: blue flowers, durva grass. Wednesday / Rahu Kalam.
Keezhperumpallam (Ketu) — Sirkazhi, 52 km from Kumbakonam. Naganathaswamy temple. Offerings: multi-coloured flowers. Wednesday / Ketu Kalam.
Completing the circuit
Most devotees base themselves in Kumbakonam and travel by hired taxi across 2–3 days. The JourneyChoice Navagraha Dosha guide includes a recommended day-by-day circuit plan with timing, offering details, and what to do at each shrine for the specific planet causing your affliction.