The Navagrahas are the nine celestial bodies in Hindu astrology that are considered to influence human lives and earthly events. Here’s a brief etymology of each:

Etymology: The word “Surya” is derived from the Sanskrit root “sū” meaning “to shine” or “to illuminate.” Surya is the primary source of light and energy in the solar system and represents the soul, vitality, and leadership.

Etymology: “Chandra” comes from the Sanskrit root “chand” meaning “to shine” or “to be bright.” The Moon is associated with emotions, mind, and fertility, reflecting its role in controlling the tides and cycles.

Etymology: “Mangala” means “auspicious” or “beneficial” in Sanskrit. Despite its name, Mars is associated with energy, courage, and aggression, as well as conflicts and warfare.

Etymology: “Budha” is derived from the Sanskrit word “budh,” which means “to awaken” or “to be aware.” Mercury is the planet of intellect, communication, and reasoning.

Etymology: “Brihaspati” is a combination of “Brih” meaning “large” or “great” and “pati” meaning “lord” or “master.” Jupiter is considered the teacher of the gods and represents wisdom, knowledge, and expansion.

Etymology: “Shukra” means “bright” or “clear” in Sanskrit. Venus represents love, beauty, wealth, and sensual pleasures, and it is also associated with the asura (demon) preceptor in Hindu mythology.

Etymology: “Shani” comes from the Sanskrit root “śana,” meaning “slow” or “gradual,” reflecting Saturn’s slow movement across the zodiac. Saturn is the planet of discipline, responsibility, and karma.

Etymology: The origin of “Rahu” is not clearly defined, but it is often associated with the concept of “grasping” or “seizing,” reflecting Rahu’s mythological role as a shadowy planet that causes eclipses and represents obsession, confusion, and materialism.

Etymology: “Ketu” comes from the Sanskrit word for “comet” or “banner,” symbolizing a flag or a sign. Ketu is the south node of the Moon and represents detachment, spirituality, and past karma, often bringing about transformation.

These planets, while named after celestial bodies, also have deep symbolic meanings in Vedic astrology, influencing various aspects of life and spirituality.

Nava Graha, Kumbakonam

As per Hindu 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 Vellurukku 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. This is the only temple where there are separate shrines for each of the planet deities.

Suryanar Kovil is located to the East of Kumbakonam, 2 km (1.2 mi) from Aduthurai and the Kumbakonam – Mayiladuthurai road. The temple has direct connectivity from lower Anicut and Thiruppanandal. Kanjanoor, the temple for Sukran, is located 3 km (1.9 mi) from Suryanar Kovil in the Aduthurai – Kuthalam road. Thingalur is located 35 km (22 mi) to the west of Kumbakonam in the Kumbakonam – Tiruvvayyaru Road. Vaitheeswaran Kovil is located 50.5 km (31.4 mi) away from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Sirkazhi Road and 14.5 km (9.0 mi) away from Mayiladuthurai. Swetharanyeswarar Temple is located 24 km (15 mi) from Mayiladuthurai and 13 km (8.1 mi) to the East of Vaitheeswaran Kovil. Ketu Stalam is located close to Poompuhar, 9 km (5.6 mi) to the South of Thiruvenkadu and 23 km (14 mi) to the South West of Vaitheeswarn Kovil. Alangudi is located 18 km (11 mi) to the South of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Mannargudi road. Rahu Stalam is located 6 km (3.7 mi) to the West of Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Karaikal road and Saniswarar temple is located 46 km (29 mi) further on the same road.[3] Out of the nine temples, six are located on the northern bank of river Kaveri, while the remaining three in the southern bank. Padal petra stalam – where the three of the most revered Nayanars (Saivite Saints), Appar, Sundarar and Tirugnana Sambandar have glorified the temples in Tevaram during the 7th-8th centuries.

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