K VIJAY ANAND
Chennai, Oct 5:
Devotees looking for Navagraha temples need not travel to the Cauvery delta. Chennai and its suburbs have nine shrines associated with the nine planetary deities. Here are five prominent temples in the circuit.
Agastheeswarar Temple, Kolapakkam – Surya: Dedicated to Lord Agastheeswarar, the temple is regarded as the Surya sthalam and is associated with the Sun God.
Ramanatheeswarar Temple, Porur – Guru: The temple is considered the Guru or Jupiter sthalam. Devotees traditionally seek blessings for knowledge, education and prosperity.
Vaitheeswarar Temple, Poonamallee – Angaraka: Associated with Mars or Angaraka, the temple is a popular destination for devotees offering prayers related to Chevvai.
Sundareswarar Temple, Kovur – Budha: The Kovur temple is regarded as the Budha sthalam and is traditionally associated with intellect, communication and education.
Agastheeswarar Temple, Pozhichalur – Shani: Regarded as the Shani sthalam of the Chennai Navagraha circuit, the temple attracts devotees offering prayers to Saturn.
The other shrines in the Chennai-region circuit are associated with Chandra at Somangalam, Shukra at Mangadu, Rahu at Kundrathur and Ketu at Gerugambakkam.