Devipattinam Navagraha Temple is an ancient Hindu temple located in the peaceful coastal village of Devipattinam, Tamil Nadu, about 15 kilometers from Ramanathapuram and 70 kilometers from Rameshwaram. This temple is part of three significant shrines mentioned in the Ramayana and according to the scriptures, this ancient temple was founded by Shri Rama and dedicated to Navagraha (Nine Planet Deities). In the Hindu religion, it is believed that Navagraha means nine deities who influence every human’s life on earth. These Navagrahas are named Surya, Chandra, Rahu, Ketu, Sukra, Shani, Guru, Mangal, and Budh. This religious gem is mostly visited on a trip to Rameshwaram and attracts pilgrims and tourists alike.
History Of Devipattinam Navagraha Temple
Image Source: Thilagavathi Prakasam for wikimedia commons
According to Ramayana, during Vanvasa (a journey to the forest), Lord Shri Rama had to rescue Devi Sita from the demon king of golden Lanka, Ravana. Shri Rama wanted to perform worship of Navagrahas, Shiva, Parvati, and Vinayak before starting the journey, so he performed it at the two coastal villages in Tamil Nadu. First, Lord Rama performed Vinayaka Pooja in Uppur and, second, Navagraha Pooja in Devipattinam. Shri Rama appeased the Navagrahas (nine planets) in this yagna and installed stones at a short distance from the sea surface. During stormy high tides, he controlled the waves by raising his hand. During this worship in Devipattinam, he installed the Navagrahas, also known as Navapashanam (stones). All these nine stones represent the nine planets.
Must Read: Places To Visit In Ramanathapuram
Navapashanam Navagrahas Temple
Image Source: Ssriram mt for wikimedia commons
According to the legend of the Navagrahas temple, Shri Rama wanted to perform worship of Shiva, Parvati, and Ganesha before undertaking the journey. After completing the Navagraha Pooja by installing the nine stones in the sea at Devipattinam and calming the stormy waves, he performed this worship. According to the legend of this temple, this temple is the place where Shri Rama was freed of the afflictions of planet Saturn. Legends of this temple also say that in ancient times, the goddess Parvathi killed the buffalo demon Mahishasura here. Brahma had given a boon to Mahishasura that no god or human could kill Mahishasura. Then all the deities gave all their powers and created a new avatar of Devi Parvati, the goddess Durga, who killed Mahishasura by cutting off his head. Therefore, it is believed that those who worship Devi Durga in this temple get relief from their karma and suffering.
Architecture of Devipattinam Navagraha Temple
Image Source: Iramuthusamy for wikimedia commons
All the Navagrahas (nine deities) are located a short distance away in the seawater near the seaside village of Devipattinam. Nine precious stones symbolize the nine planets, and all these submerged stones in the water can be seen from the beach of Tilakeshwar temple, also known as Navagrahs temple. In the beginning, pilgrims needed to walk into the sea to visit Navagraha and worship them, but now a strong bridge has been built to connect the Navagraha temple to the beach.
Suggested Read: Places To Visit In Rameshwaram
Spiritual & Astrological Significance
Image Source: lazyoldsun for wikimedia commons
Those who worship in this temple get many astrological and spiritual benefits from the god Shri Rama and the goddess Durga. It is believed that whoever worships in this temple, all his troubles go away. Lord Shri Rama, an avatar of Vishnu, laid the foundation of this ancient temple. The mythology of this temple believes that Rama glorified these nine deities in the form of stones with a blend of Nava Passanam. Therefore, these gods are believed to have the power to cure diseases. It is said that Shri Rama got relief from the planet Saturn after performing worship in this temple, and since then, pilgrims and tourists who worship here have found relief from diseases.
In this temple, Hindus perform tarpanam (religious rites) for their forefathers, and pilgrims or tourists often visit the nearby Thilakeshwar Temple. Thilakeshwar temple, also known as Navagrahs temple, is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati; where Shiva symbolizes Thilakeshwar and Goddess Parvati is named Soundaryanayaki. In Thilakeshwar temple, there is a beautiful statue of Goddess Parvati carrying weapons in eight hands. To perform worship, devotees take nine different types of grains to offer the Navagraha deities, like pulses, wheat, sesame seeds, and paddy. After offering grains, devotees walk around all the Navagrahas and offer their prayers to God. As these deities are present in the form of stones, that’s why this temple is also known as Navabhasanam (bhasanam means stones). It is believed that performing worship and offering prayers at the Navagraha Temple removes all the negative effects of the planets on a devotee’s life. Due to the temple being in the middle of the sea, all the devotees take a holy bath in the sea after worshipping Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati to get freedom from the sins of past lives or to bring salvation to their ancestors. Devotees also come here to seek blessings for marriage proposals, education, longevity, and prosperity.
Suggested Read: Hotels In Ramanathapuram
The Significance Of Navapashanam Navagraha Temple
Image Source: Solariseknight for wikimedia commons
This ancient temple helps to overcome the curses of our ancestors, says Pitru Dosha, and also gives relief from snake-related curses- Kaal Sarpa Dosha. Devotees get relief from any affliction caused by the adverse placement of the planet in the birth chart. There is also a belief that devotees perform worship by themselves and get prosperity, peace, and the absolution of sins. Pilgrims and devotees get relief from Shapit Dosha (curse) due to bad karma from past lives by performing worship in the temple.
There are two most important festivals and rituals celebrated in this Navapashanam Navagraha Temple. First, Adi Amavasya is celebrated between July and August, second, Thai Amavasya is celebrated between January and February. Over a million devotees visit the place during these festivals.
How To Reach
Image Source: AbhinaySriram for wikimedia commons
To worship at the Devipattinam Navagraha Temple, visit the coastal village of Devipattinam, Tamil Nadu, which is easy to reach. The temple is about 67 kilometers away from Rameshwaram, the ancient city of Tamil Nadu. If you are travelling by air, the nearest airport to Devipattinam is Madurai, which is 115 kilometers away from the temple. You can take a bus or taxi from there to complete the remainder of your journey. If you are comfortable on train journeys, then Ramanathapuram is the nearest railway station, which is just 14 kilometers from the temple. If you prefer travelling by road, buses travelling to Karaikudi stop at Devipattinam.
Further Read: Jambukeswar Temple
Devipattinam Navagraha Temple connects all the devotees, pilgrims, and tourists with the ancient history of the temple through its architectural designs and mythology. The old rituals of the temple and the worship of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati give numerous spiritual benefits to their devotees and pilgrims. Through its unique blend of religious presence and ancient beauty, this temple attracts pilgrims and tourists alike. The presence of deities and goddesses loudly speaks to their religious and spiritual importance. Devipattinam Navagraha Temple is a must-visit place if you are a devotee of Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Shri Rama, or if you are facing problems caused by the uncertainty of planets or want some peace and spiritual relief. Plan your visit to the temple and book your trip to Rameshwaram
For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here.
Cover Image Credit : Timothy A. Gonsalves for wikimedia commons
Frequently Asked Questions About Navapashanam Navagraha Temple
What is Devipattinam Navagraha Temple famous for?
The Devipattinam Navagraha Temple is famous for Navabhasnam (stones). There is a belief that Lord Rama performed worship here to get away from Saturn (Sani) by installing nine stones at some distance near the seaside. Whoever worships here gets away from Navagraha's negative energy.
What are the benefits of worshiping at Devipattinam Navagraha Temple?
There are numerous spiritual and religious benefits to performing worship at Devipattinam Navagraha Temple, such as relief from negative energy caused by the adverse placement of planets in the birth chart. Also, devotees get relief from Shapit Dosha, Pitra Dosha, and Sarpa Dosha.
What is the history of Navapashanam?
During the worship performed by Shri Rama, he installed nine stones below the surface of the ocean, which represent the nine different deities, such as Surya, Chandra, Rahu, Ketu, Sukra, Shani, Guru, Mangal, and Budh, also known as Navapashanam.
How to reach Ramanathapuram from Rameshwaram?
To reach Ramanathapuram from Rameshwaram, you have to travel by the fastest train, named 16849 TPJ RMM Express. This is the fastest train that runs between these two places, and it covers the distance in 1 hour 45 minutes. The train operates every single day of the week.
What type of material is used in Navapashanam?
The Navapashanam is created by blending nine different gems named organic copper bhasma, rare sulphur copper rhinestone, green stone, nilpana gemstone, lajvart, ruby, pearl, and pink rhinestone. All these materials are used in Navapashanam.
People Also Read:
Kali Bari Temple Mridanga Saileswari Temple Chamundeshwari Temple
