Navakailasam Temples

Navakailasam temples are nine temples for Lord Shiva along the banks of River Tamirabharani. Each of the Navakailasam temples has a significance for Navagrihas also. 

According to Sthala Puranam, Sage Romasa prayed to His Guru - Sage Agasthya for attaining salvation. Sage Agasthya gave nine lotus flowers to place on River Tamirabharani and asked Sage Romasa to establish and worship the Shiva Linga in each of the places where the lotus docked on the river banks.

The nine temples are in:

Papanasam

Cheran Mahadevi

Kodaganallur

Kunnathur

Murappanaadu

Sri Vaikuntam

Then Thirupperai

Serndhapoo Mangalam

Rajapathi

Devotees wishing to tour the Navakailasam temples can easily do so in a day or day and a half. Since some of these temples are in small villages close to the river banks, it is better to contact the priest prior to visit and confirm the temple timings. Information scanned from some pamphlets are provided below for reference. A trip to Navathirupathi temples and Navakailasam temples can be completed in two to three days. 

Navagriha Sthalams and Details

Thirunallaru Darbaranyeswarar

The town of Thirunallaru is situated in the Nagapattinam district close to the town of Nagapattinam itself. The main deity of the temple is the Lingam Darbaranyeswarar and the name of the Ambal is Pranambikai.

The Sthala vriksham of this temple is Darba (grass) and this temple is a famous Navagriha kshetram for Saneeswarar.

According to legends, Saneeswarar had promised Darbaranyeswarar that he would be kind in his treatment of Darbaranyeswarar 's devotees.

King Nala who was afflicted by Kalipurusha and lost his kingdom and separated from his family was advised by a sage to visit Darbaranyeswarar and pray to The Lord for relief. Nala is said to have bathed in the pond Nala Theertham before offering his prayers. Blessed with Nala's devotion, Darbaranyeswarar answered his prayers. Nala was soon reunited with his family and regained his kingdom.