Vaideeshwaran Temple(Angaaraka/Mars):
It is 4 Kms. from Mayiladuthurai on the Chidambaram Road and 55 Kms from Kumbakonam. The Temple is dedicated to lord Shiva in the form of divine healer as Vidhyanathan. This Temple complex is huge and visited by several hundreds of pilgrims every day. The Temple houses Angaaraka or fierce planet Mars’s idol, he is worship here. On every Tuesday his Bronze idol is taken out in procession on a Ram.
The Temple also houses Subramanian shrine, the offerings from the piligrims are salt pepper, and jaggerry. The waters of the temple tank
are considered unique for healing purposes, especially for skin diseases.
The Nadi Shastra or the palm leaves indicating present past and future of all most all human beings is practiced around the Temple complex, surely one may try their luck in knowing more about themselves. Anything associated with faith or believes have two sides, therefore, I would leave it at that.
The Prasadam is sandal paste mixed with saffron and some pills made out of Ash from a homa Kundam opposite Lord Subramanian shrine. I was impressed by the size of the temple and by the number of devotees the Temple could attract.
People come over to this Temple to over come problems of health, marital issues, misfortune and some come for praying for good health, peace and happiness.
Budhan(Mercury) Temple at Tiruvenkadu
This Temple is 60 kms from Kumbakonam and 6 Kms away from Mayiladuturai, the presiding deity of the Temple is lord Shiva and is worshiped as Aghoramurthy. The Temple dedicated to lord Budhan occupies a prominent place in the temple, Budhan is known for wisdom, intellect, and beauty. A favorite place for children, seeking blessings for good education. The Temple complex is considered oldest as some of the shrines are in existence for over 3000 years.
Shani(Saturn) Temple(Tirunallar)
The Temple is 55 kms from Kumbakonam, it’s nearer to Karikkal, in Pudduchery. The place is visited by thousands to seek relief from ill effects of Saturn and especially once in 2 ½ years while Shani (Saturn) transits from one Zodiac to another.
The presiding deity is Shiva in Nataraja form, there are many legends associated with the temple, including that of king Nala, who is supposed to have been cured of the ill affects of Shani (Saturn) after he constructed the Temple and prayed here. I have noticed large number of devotes at this Temple who come from different parts of the country to offer prayers, especially those who have Shani (Saturn) passing through their Zodiac sign.
Ketu Temple, Keezhperumpallam
This place is just around Myiladuturai and around 57 Kms from Kumbakonam, the temple is located in a small village ….as legends have it, Ketu is supposed to be the tail legendary Sarpa that helped the Samudra Manthan or churning of ocean for Amrutha. Kethu is prayed for removal of ill effects of Ketu dosha….the devotes are blessed with prosperity. The presiding deity of the main temple is lord Shiva.
Raahu Temple, Tirunageshwar
The Temple is around 8 Kms from Kumbakonam. As the name suggests the presiding deity of the temple is lord Shiva in Nagesahwar form, a Temple dedicated to Rahu is part of the Temple complex, as Rahu is supposed to be the head for the legendry serpent, used for churning the ocean. He is prayed here seeking his blessings to ward of evil. Milk Abhishakam performed during Rahu kalam turns the idol into blue, I have surely witnessed it during Rahu Kalam, I cannot say at other times as I have not seen the Abhishakam at other times. The Temple is associated with legendary king Nala, who has supposed to have prayed here.
The entire Temple complex is built in 15 acres of land, it houses 12 deities , several Mantapams, The entire complex is walled with 04 Dwaras. The present Temple structure is of Chola period.
Sukra (Venus) Temple Kanchanur
The place is about 22 Kms from Kumbakonam. The presiding deity of the temple is Nataraja. A Temple dedicated to Sukra (Venus) is part of the shrine. It is said Bramha had a vision about the marriage between Shiva and Parvathi . A prayer to Shukra at the shrine is suppose to bestow long life, wealth, happiness, children, property and good education.
Guru Stalam,(Jupiter Temple) Alankudi
This place is 19 Kms away from Kumbakonam, the presiding deity is lord Shiva as Dakshinamurthy. The place is visited by thousands when Guru (Jupiter) transits the particular Zodiac sign. Guru is supposed to bless childless couples to have children , longevity of life, strength, Valour and good education.
The Temple complex has about 15 deities, the place has stone capsules indicating its present form dating to 11 century AD.
Suryanaar(Sun) Temple
The Temple dedicated to Surya(Sun) God is about 21 Kms from Kumbakonam at Tirumangalakkudi, the Temple houses eight other celestial bodies around it. The Temple has been constructed in the 11th century by Chola kings. The Makara Sankranti or the harvest festival is celebrated in a big way as the some move away from southern hemisphere to enter the northern hemisphere.
Chandra(Moon) Temple
The Temple dedicated to Chandra is at Tingaloor its closer to Tanjavoor and about 30 plus Kms from Kumbhakonam, the Chandra Temple has its own significance in terms of its effect on Zodiac system. A prayer at the temple is suppose to provide mental peace, long life and happiness. The presiding deity is lord Shiva.