The Navagraha Temples Tour Package, organized by the Kumbakonam division of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC), has successfully completed one year, with over 22,000 devotees availing the service. Buoyed by its popularity, officials are now considering increasing the number of services to accommodate more pilgrims.A Successful One-Year Journey
Launched on February 24, 2024, by State Minister SS Sivasankar, the package tour has become a preferred choice for devotees seeking a convenient and comfortable pilgrimage. The deluxe bus service, priced at ₹750 per ticket, operates daily, while the air-conditioned service, available from Friday to Sunday, is priced at ₹1,350 per ticket.
The tour covers nine significant Navagraha temples, offering devotees a hassle-free way to visit these sacred sites. The temples included in the package are Thingalur, Alangudi, Thirunageswaram, Suriyanar Koil, Kanjanur, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Keelaperumpallam, Tiruvenkadu, and Tirunallar.
Commemorating the First Anniversary
To mark the successful completion of one year, TNSTC officials organized special celebrations for devotees. Traditional music welcomed the pilgrims, and they were presented with sweets, water bottles, caps, keychains featuring miniature Navagraha temples, and flowers as tokens of appreciation.
The second-year journey was officially flagged off by TNSTC Kumbakonam Divisional Managing Director R. Ponmudi. Speaking at the event, he highlighted the widespread appeal of the service, noting that devotees from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka, as well as from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, and Singapore, have taken advantage of the tour package.
Future Expansion Plans
With the overwhelming response from devotees, TNSTC is now exploring the possibility of increasing the frequency of services to cater to the growing demand. Tickets for the tour are available both at physical counters and online, ensuring accessibility for all interested pilgrims.
As the tour package enters its second year, TNSTC aims to continue providing an affordable and well-organized pilgrimage experience, making it easier for devotees to visit the revered Navagraha temples.