Significance of Nava Grahas
In Hinduism, there are nine planets which are of great significance. These planets are: Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Mangala (Mars), Budha (Mercury), Guru (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu and Ketu (The two nodes of the eclipses – the solar and the lunar). Surya is in the center and other planets are all around. These planets play a big role in Hindu Astrology. They are believed to affect the physical and mental condition of human beings and are considered to have both a malevolent as well as benevolent influence in ones’ life. The Lords of these planets are named after the planets themselves and they are worshipped to bring forth their blessings in the form of protection for more peaceful and happy life and success in various undertakings.

Day 01 : Arrive Kumbakonam
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Tanjore/Trichy/Kumbakonam and transfer to the hotel. After freshening up, visit Thingaloor temple (moon temple) and Swamimalai (one of the six abodes of lord Muruga), then visit Alangudi (Jupiter temple). Return to the hotel. Evening option to visit Darasuram. Overnight stay at Kumbakonam.

Chandra (Moon) Tingaloor Koil
This temple dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.

Guru (Jupiter) Alangudi
This is regarded as a Guru Sthalam or Jupiter where Lord Dakshinamurthy is held in great reverence. The shrine attracts large number of devotees when Jupiter transits between zodiac signs. Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, is said to have been reborn on the banks of the Amrita Pushkarini within the temple precincts before being reunited with Shiva.

Day 02 : Kumbakonam - Vaitheeswaran by road (55km)
Early morning visit the Tirunageswaram (Rahu temple), Suriyanar Temple (Sun Temple), Kanchanoor (Venus temple) followed by Vaitheeswaran Koil (Mars temple). Overnight stay at Vaitheeswaran.

Tirunageswharan (Rahu)
This temple known is for its shrine to Rahu. A legend has it that the mythological serpents Adiseshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Legend also has it that King Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Thirunallar. The belief is that worship should be performed during Rahukalam.

Surya (Sun) Suryanar Koil
Suryanar Koil was built by King Kulothunga Chola I in the year 1100 AD. This temple is dedicated to Sun God Surya who is known as the giver of health, success and prosperity.

Shukran (Venus) Kanchanoor
This temple is dedicated to Shukran or Venus. This shrine is also referred to as Palaasavanam, Brahmapurai and Agnisthalam. Brahma is said to have had a vision here of Shiva's wedding with Parvati. Men visit to pray for the well being of their wives.

Chevaai (Mars) Vaitheswaran Koil
Here there is a special shrine dedicated to Ankarakan or Chevvai or Mars. The belief is that if prayers are offered to Ankarakan, he will bestow valor, victory and strength to the person. Upon entering the temple, devotees first go the Siddhamrita tank. The water is said to have curative properties for various skin ailments. There is also a widespread belief that a visit here would remove obstacles that delay marriage.

Day 03 : Vaitheswaran - Kumbakonam /Tanjore/Trichy
Early morning visit to Thiruvenkadu (Mercury temple), Keezhperumpallam (Ketu temple) and Thirunallar (Saturn temple). Later drop to the Tanjore/Trichy/Kumbakonam railway station.

Budhan (Mercury) Tiruvenkadu
It is said that the oldest part of the temple is more than 3000 years old. Dedicated to Budhan or Mercury this temple in Thiruvenkadu makes up the last of the Navagraha Temples. Budhan is said to bestow wisdom and intellect.

Keezhperumpallam (Ketu)
This is an ancient Shaivite temple and legend has it that Kethu, the other planetary node of the nine celestial bodies worshipped Shiva here. Rahu and Kethu are associated with the legend of the serpent that helped Lord Shiva churn the milky ocean. There is a shrine dedicated to Kethu in this temple.

Shani (Saturn) Tirunallar
This is the only temple that is dedicated to Lord Sani or Saturn. When the planet Saturn transits between zodiac signs, literally millions throng this shrine. The legendary King Nala is said to have been relieved of his afflictions, which were due to the malefic influence of Saturn after worship in this temple. Of the numerous tanks theertams, the Nala theertam is the most important one. By bathing here, it is believed that one is washed off all kinds of misfortune and afflictions.

Day 01 : Chennai - Tirupati by road (140km/3-4hrs)
Meeting and assistance on arrival at Chennai airport/railway station and proceed to Tirupati. Upon arrival at Tirupati, check into the hotel. Darshan at Tirupati as per prior arrangements. Overnight stay at Tirupati.

Tirupati is known as the abode of Lord Vishnu who is also known as Lord Venkateswara or Balaji or Srinivasa. The hill where the Sri Venkateswara temple is situated is known as Tirumala. Tirupati town is at the base of the hills. The Tirumala hills, comprising of the seven hills, is said to resemble a snake with Tirumala forming the hood. Though there is a 20 km motorable road upto the temple, many pilgrims prefer walking the 16 km path. The walk up the hill takes three to four hours. This temple dedicated to the Moon or Chandran in Sanskrit and Thingal in Tamil, a visit to this temple is said to grant a comfortable and long life. In astrology, Chandran is the planet that removes stress and sorrow.

Sri Venkateswara Temple, the sanctum sanctorum is adorned by the Venkateswara idol, which stands at a height of eight feet. The idol, which is believed to be self manifested bears a clear impression of Goddess Lakshmi on the right side of his chest. His two upper arms hold a (conch-shell) sankha and (disk) a chakra each. His lower left hand is turned inward, the palm of his lower right hand is turned outward offering blessings. It is believed that the deity is so benevolent that he grants the wish of anyone who offers him something.

Day 02 : Tirupati - Tiruthani - Chennai by road (70km/2hrs).
After darshan at Tirupati, proceed to visit the Tiruttani temple, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga. After the temple visit drive to Chennai. Overnight stay at Chennai.

Thiruttani Temple is a very old one and scriptures trace the temple's existence as early as two thousand years ago. It is believed that Lord Subramanya took Tiruthani as his abode, after vanquishing the demon called Soorapadman at Tiruchendur. Here, the swamy is known to be in a very tranquil state. The beautiful temple of Lord Muruga at Tiruttani crowns a single rock 700 feet above sea level. It is situated amidst a range of hills with a dramatic panoramic view. The hill is called Thanikai Malai and here Lord Muruga is known as Thanika Chalam.

Day 03 : Chennai - Madurai by flight/train
Morning drop to the Chennai railway station/airport. Meeting and assistance on arrival at Madurai airport/railway station and transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon visit Pazhamuthircholai around 20 km from Madurai and later in the evening Tiruparankundaram just outside Madurai town. Both the shrines are among the six abodes of Lord Muruga. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Pazhamudircholai is located around 20 km from Madurai, on a small hillock surrounded by a jungle. The temple construction that stands today is of a much recent origin and lacks elaborate facades and walls. The idol of Lord Muruga in a standing posture has a single face and four hands with Valli and Teyvayanai on both sides. A small spring known as Noopura Ganga runs near this temple. The water of this mountain spring is considered to be sacred and devotees of the temple do not fail to take a bath in this holy spring.

Thiruparankundram
offers a mystic beauty. It is carved in rock and it is here the lord married Devianai, the divine daughter of the king of heaven, Indra. In the main shrine, apart from Lord Muruga deities of other gods and goddesses are housed. Outside the temple there is a beautiful pond where, according to the temple tradition, the fish is served with salt and rice flakes by the devotees.

Day 04 : Madurai - Palani - Madurai by road (115km/3 hrs x 2)
Early morning proceed to Palani and return to Madurai by nightfall. Overnight stay at Madurai.

The temple at Palani is an ancient one, located around 75km from Kodaikanal. Situated at an elevation of 1500 feet above sea level and is reached by a cable car. The deity of Palani is known as Dandayudhapani Swami, the Lord having the Staff in his Hand. The deity at the sanctum sanctorum is made out of amalgamation of nine minerals popularly called Navabashana. The deity is in a standing position with a baton in his hand.

Legend Lord Shiva challenged his sons Lord Ganesha and Lord Muruga to encircle the world and whoever completed the task first would win a mango as a prize. Lord Muruga set off at a great pace on his peacock, while Lord Ganesha went round his divine parents indicating that they were the universe, and thereby won the prize Mango. Lord Muruga in his frustration, clad only in a hermit's garb and carrying the staff dandam left Mount Kailasa and settled here as a recluse in peace and solitude.

Day 05 : Madurai - Tiruchendur - Madurai by road (220km/5hrs x 2)
Early morning drive to Trichendur and after darshan, return to Madurai. Overnight stay at Madurai.

Trichendur is one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga. This is the only temple of Lord Muruga to be located on the seashore. His shrines are always situated amidst mountains and forests.

Legend is after the final battle on the beach at Tiruchendur, Lord Muruga felt remorse for his role in slaughtering Surapadma's demonic army. He therefore built a shrine nearby to his father Lord Siva and worshipped him there. Technically, therefore, the temple is dedicated to Lord Siva, yet the mulasthanam deity is Lord Muruga.

Day 06 : Madurai - Tanjore by road (170km/4-5hrs)
Morning drive to Tanjore and upon arrival, check into the hotel. In the afternoon visit Swamimalai, one of the six abodes of Lord Muruga, situated approximately at a distance of 35 km and return to Tanjore. Overnight stay at Tanjore.

Swamimalai according to Hindu belief, it is here that Lord Muruga preached his own father, Shiva the meaning of the mantra OM. This place is considered very sacred as he became a guru to his own father who is considered as the lord of the universe.

Day 07 : Tanjore - Trichy by road (55km/1 hr)
Morning drop in time to Trichy airport/railway station for your onward journey.

Day 01 : Bangalore – Tirupati – Kalahasti – Tirupati (250km+ 50kms x 2 way)
Depart from Bangalore early morning and drive to Tirupati.Upon arrival at Tirupati check in to the hotel. After lunch drive to visit the Kalhasti Temple, one of the five Pancha Bootha temples. Later in the evening return to Tirupati. The Tirumala temple visit as per prior arrangements either late in the evening or next day early morning. Overnight stay at Tirupati.

Sri Kalahatheeswarar Temple Kalahasthi.
This is one of the five 'Panchabootha sthala' representing one of the five elements – air (Vayu Lingam).

Legends of Kalahasti
A spider, an elephant and a snake were devotees of Lord Shiva. The spider wove beautiful objects with its silk like web and offered them to the Lord in prayer, the elephant brought water and washed the idol and offered the flowers, while the snake brought precious stones and adorned the idol with them.
The elephant seeing these precious stones adorning the Lord cleared them away and after washing the Lord decorated Him with flowers and leaves. From this ensued an affray between the elephant and the snake. The snake bit the elephant and the elephant trampled the snake. The spider got caught in the middle of this brawl and all three died. Because of the devotion with which each one of them had spent their days worshipping, the Lord made these three souls to merge in him and took the name Sri-Kala-Hasthi which denotes the conjoining of the spider (Sri), the snake (Kala), and the elephant (Hasthi) thus becoming Sri Kalahatheeswarar.

Tirupati is known as the abode of Lord Venkateswara or Balaji or Srinivasa as the presiding deity Vishnu is known. The hill where the The Sri Venkateswara temple is situated is known as Tirumala. Tirupati town is at the base of the hills. The Tirumala hills comprising of the seven hills, is said to resemble a snake with Tirumala forming the hood.

Sri Venkateswara Temple, the sanctum sanctorum is adorned by the Venkateswara idol, which stands at a height of eight feet. The idol is believed to be self manifested the deity bears a clear impression of Goddess Lakshmi on the right side of his chest. His two upper arms hold a (conch-shell) sankha and (disk) a chakra each. His lower left hand is turned inward, the palm of his lower right hand is turned outward offering blessings.

Day 02 : Tirupati – Tirumala – Tirupati - Kanchipuram (110Kms/3 hrs)
Early morning proceed to Tirumala for darshan and return to Tirupati. After breakfast visit the Sri Padmavati temple at Trichanoor and drive on to Kanchipuram. On arrival at Kanchipuram, check in to the hotel. After lunch visit Vardharaja Temple. Later in the evening visit, Ekambareswarar Temple, one of the five Pancha bootha temples and the Kamakshiamman Temple. Overnight stay at Kanchipuram.

Sri Ekambaranathar Temple, Kanchipuram.
This is one of the five 'Panchabootha sthala' representing one of the five elements – earth (Pritvi Lingam).

Legend
Once Goddess Parvathi in a playful mood closed the eyes of Lord Paramasivan. This created darkness in the whole universe and everything came to an abrupt stop. Lord Shiva opened his third eye and gave light to the whole universe. To make her realize the folly of her action, Lord Shiva renounced Goddess Parvathi. She then left her abode in 'Kailash' and came down to Kanchipuram. Where she pined to be reunited with her Lord. In order to atone for her sin, she molded a Siva lingam out of sand and installed it under a mango tree on the bank of River Kampa. She prayed to the Lord requesting that she be forgiven and taken back. Lord Shiva wanted to test her devotion and caused the river to swell. Parvathi fearing that the Siva lingam would be washed away clasped it to her bosom to protect it. Lord Shiva was pleased with her devotion and took her back to her rightful place.

Kamakshi Amman Temple is dedicated to Goddess Kamakshi a divine form of Parvati. This is one of the three important Shakti Peetams, the other two being Madurai and Kasi.The beautiful deity of the Devi is in the Padmasana posture, a yogic posture signifying peace and prosperity. The goddess holds a sugarcane bow and lotus and parrot in the lower two of her arms (Many of the Hindu god forms generally have four arms) and has the two divine instruments Pasa and Angusa in her upper two arms. The Goddess also has a Chandraperai (a shape of moon like structure) in her forehead.
She is worshipped as Rajarajeshwari, Maha Tripurasundari and Lalitha Kameshwari.

Day 03 : Kanchipuram - Tiruvannamalai (140 km/3-4 hrs)
Morning proceed to Tiruvannamalai enroute visit the Sri Narayani Temple at Sripuram near Vellore and upon arrival at Tiruvannamalai check in to the hotel. Later visit the Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple at Tiruvannamalai, one of the five Pancha bootha temples. Overnight stay at Tiruvanamalai.

Sri Arunachaleswarar Temple, Thiruvannamalai.
This is one of the five 'Panchabootha sthala' representing one of the five elements – fire (Thejo sthalam). This temple lies at the foot of Arunachala hill.

Legend
Once there was a dispute between Lord Brahma and Lord Vishnu as to who was superior. Lord Shiva in order to put an end to this dispute appeared before them as fire in the shape of a glowing pillar. So they decided to search for the 'Aathi' (beginning) and the 'Antham' (end) of this 'Jyothi' and whoever succeeded first would be declared the superior god.

Lord Brahma took the form of a swan and flew upwards in search of the beginning and Lord Vishnu took the form of a 'Varaha' (wild boar) and went burrowing in the earth in order to find the end. Each failed in his attempt to find the beginning or the end. Brahma did not want to concede defeat. While coming down he saw a petal of 'Thalampoo' floating in the air. He asked the flower to be his witness that he had seen the beginning. The flower agreed to his request. They arrived together and found Lord Vishnu and told him that Brahma had seen the top and this flower 'Thalampoo' was the witness. At this juncture the 'Jyothi' transformed itself as Lord Shiva, who admonished Brahma for telling lies and the 'Thalampoo' for bearing false witness. He also decreed that no temples would be dedicated for Lord Brahma and that 'Thalampoo' should never be offered in worship. Brahma and Vishnu realizing their mistake prayed to Lord Shiva to remain there as a 'Jyothi lingam'.

Day 04 : Tiruvanamalai - Chidambaram (160km/ 3-4 hrs )
Morning depart to Chidambaram. Upon arrival at Chidambaram check in to the hotel. In the evening visit the Sri Natrajar Temple. Over night at Chidambaram.

Sri Natarajar Temple, Chidambaram.
This is one of the five 'Panchabootha sthala' representing one of the five elements – space (Akasha sthalam)

Legend
Rishi Madyandinar had a son. He, under the direction of his father, came to the forest of Thillai and worshipped the 'Lingam', which had appeared there. He usually got up early before daybreak to collect flowers with which to perform his pooja. One morning he could not collect the flowers as it was dark, cloudy and he could not see the flowers and was grief stricken. Lord Shiva on seeing his devotee grief stricken took pity on him and gave him the eyes and limbs of a tiger so that he could see in the dark and climb trees easily to collect the flowers. Thus he came to be known as 'Vyagrapadar' and the forest where he lived as 'Vyagrapuram' or 'Puliyoor'.

During this time, the rishis living in the forest known as 'Tharukavanam' became very arrogant as they had mastered all the 'Vedas', 'Agamas' and 'Shastras' Lord Shiva wished to show these rishis their limitations and appeared as a handsome mendicant with Vishnu as his wife 'Mohini'. This created chaos in 'Tharukavanam' as the wives of the rishis fell under the spell of this charming, handsome mendicant while the youthful rishis fell for the allure of Mohini. The older rishis became very angry and wanted to destroy the pair. They raised a sacrificial fire ('Homam') from which appeared a tiger which was directed at the pair. Lord Shiva killed the tiger, peeled off its skin and tied it around his waist. Then the rishis produced a poisonous serpent, which Lord Shiva caught and wore around his neck. The rishis also sent a demon 'Muyalakan' against Lord Shiva whom he crushed under his feet. Then the rishis sent the sacrificial fire against him which he put on his left hand. The rishis having lost the fight sent the Vedic 'mantras' which the Lord wore around his ankles. At this the rishis conceded defeat and the Lord revealed himself by dancing the 'Oorthava thandavam' with his matted hair unfurling in all eight directions and the world reverberating to his steps.

Lord Vishnu described this incident to Adishesa, the serpent on which Lord Vishnu reposes. Adishesha wished to see this dance and taking leave of Lord Vishnu went and prayed to Lord Shiva to grant him the honour of witnessing his dance. Lord Shiva advised Adhishesha to go to Vyagrapuram where he would one day perform this dance. On the auspicious day, the celestial beings arrived at Thillai along with other Rishis and assembled where Vyagrapadar had his temple. Then Lord Shiva appeared with one of his right hands beating the drums and the other hand bestowing grace. With his left hand holding the fire and the other pointing to his right leg trampling Muyalakan under the foot, He appeared with his left leg raised in a dancing pose. The guardian of the forest in Thillai, Goddess Kali, refused to allow Lord Shiva to dance in her domain. Lord Shiva therefore challenged her to a dance competition on condition that if he won then she would be banished from that area. The competition began. While Naradha played the veena, Nandikeswara played the drums and other celestial musicians accompanied with their instruments Lord Shiva danced with his hair flung in all directions. With the 'Vedas' as his anklets, the serpent as his waist band, the tiger skin as his attire with Ganga and the crescent moon on his crest, He performed the 'Ananda thandavam'. At one stage Lord Shiva took a pose with his left foot raised above his head but modesty prevented Goddess Kali matching the same pose. Thus she lost the competition and had taken residence in the northern end of Chidambaram in the Thillaiamman temple.

Day 05 : Chidambaram - Trichy (170 kms)
Early morning depart to Trichy enroute visit Kumbakonam and Papanasam Upon arrival at Trichy, check into the hotel and later visit the Sri Jambukeswarar Temple, one of the five pancha bootha temples,. Overnight stay at Trichy.

Sri Jambukeswarar Akilandeswari Temple, Thiruvanaikoil
This is one of the five 'Panchabootha sthala' representing one of the five elements - water. Thiruvanaikoil and Srirangam are in the banks of river Cauvery. Literally these two places form an island, surrounded by river Cauvery and river Coleroon. The temple is named after the elephant which is believed to have worshipped Lord Siva here. The Shivalinga ('Swami') here is called as 'Appu Linga'. Even today you can see water oozing out near the Shivalinga idol in the temple. The goddess of this temple is 'Akilandeswari'.

Sri Ranganathaswami Temple, Srirangam
Srirangam is the foremost of the eight self-manifested shrines of Lord Vishnu. It is a 600 acre island town enclosed within the seven walls of the gigantic Sri Ranganathaswami Temple. There are 21 gopurams, among which the Rajagopuram is the largest in South India. Originally, there was just a small shrine where the temple is today, but it was added on and expanded by various dynasties like the Cholas, Cheras, Pandyas, Hoysalas, the Vijayanagar Kings and Nayaks of Madurai and today Srirangam stands as the biggest temple complex in the country.

Day 06 : Trichy – Bangalore (420kms)
Morning visit Srirangam temple and after lunch depart to Bangalore for the onward journey.