An ancient Hindu temple called Navapashanam Temple is situated in Devipattinam, Tamil Nadu, about 15 kilometers from the Ramanathapuram district and 70 kilometers from Rameshwaram. One of the three significant shrines mentioned in the Ramayana is the temple. According to temple scriptures, it is find by Sri Rama and is dedicated to the Navagrahas, or nine planet deities. When traveling to Rameshwaram, people typically stop by the temple. The temple is revered as divine and is thought to have existed since the Puranic era.
The Navapashanam Navagrahas Temple’s history
The epic Ramayana states that Sri Rama traveled to Lanka in order to rescue Sita Devi from the clutches of Lanka’s king, Ravana. He performed the Navagraha Pooja in Devipattinam and the Vinayaka Pooja in Uppur prior to starting the journey. In order to placate the Graha Devatas, Sri Rama installed stones a short distance below the surface of the ocean during the pooja. With a mere lift of his hand, he could control the stormy sea’s high tides. In Devipattinam, he erected Navagrahas known as Navabashanam (stones). “The nine stones symbolize the nine planets.”.
The Navapashanam Navagrahas temple legend
The temple legend states that before facing Ravana, who had kidnapped his wife Sita, Sri Rama wished to worship Shiva, Parvathi, and Ganesha. He installed nine different stones, each representing one of the nine celestial bodies, in order to worship the nine planets (Navagrahas) after completing these poojas at Devipattinam. After finishing his pooja and calming the waves, Sri Rama placed the stones in the sea.According to legend, this temple was where he eliminated the afflictions caused by the planet Saturn.
The legend of Goddess Parvati is known in Devipattinam for killing the buffalo demon Mahishasura here. As per what people believe, Brahma grants boon Mahishasura get killing from humans or gods. Subsequently, he terrified all three realms, forcing them into hiding. Then, the Gods bestowed upon Goddess Durga (an avatar of Goddess Parvati) all of their powers.The Goddess vanquished Mahishasura by severing his head, providing solace from suffering and making her worship at this temple necessary.
Navagrahas Temple Design
The installed stones represent the nine planets, and the location of the nine planets is near the village’s shoreline, a few meters into the sea. The Navagrahas, also known as the Thilakeshwar Temple, are visible close to the beach and partially submerged in the sea, next to the bathing ghat. In the past, pilgrims who wanted to see the Navagrahas Temple had to walk into the sea. Subsequently, the submerged Navagrahas Temple was connected by a cement bridge.
Temple of Navapashanam Navagrahas: Significance
Vishnu in the form of Sri Rama installed the temple. These deities say that they have the ability to heal illnesses because they trust that Sri Rama consecrated them in the form of stones using a mixture known as NavaPassanam. They believe that Sri Rama had been freed from Saturn’s influence (Shani Devta). This is where Shiva and Goddess Parvati blessed him.
Hindus honor their ancestors with Tarpanam, or religious rites, and devotees visit the Thilakeshwar Temple, dedicated to Shiva and Goddess Parvati, where Shiva also known to as Thilakeshwar and Goddess Parvati as Soundaryanayaki. Another stunning image of Goddess Durga with eight arms full of weapons is special in this temple shrine.
The nine types of grains that devotees offer to the Navagraha deities are wheat, paddy, pulses, and til. They make their way around the Navagrahas and pray. This temple also says Navabashanam (bashanam means stones) because these deities are portraying as stones.
People believe in praying at the Navagrahas Temple to eliminate the negative effects of the planets and the suffering they cause. Here, people perform Tarpanam for their ancestors, take a holy dip in the sea, and offer prayers for ancestors to achieve Moksh (salvation) and to be freed from the sins of their previous birth.
In addition, devotees come here to have their prayers answered regarding marriage proposals, children, longevity, wealth, and education.
The advantages of worshiping at the temple of Navapashanam Navagrahas
The devotees can carry out the different poojas on their own, and they think it will bring wealth, peace, and forgiveness of sin
Worshippers experience alleviation from suffering brought on by unfavorable planet positions in their natal chart.
Release from curses associated with snakes: Kaal Sarpa Dosha.
Assists in overcoming ancestor curses—Pitru Dosha.
Release from the bad karma of a previous life that caused the Sharpit Dosha-Curse.
Holidays Celebrated at the Temple of Navapashanam Navagrahas
The two most significant holidays observed here are Thai Amavasya (January–February) and Adi Amavasya (July–August). During the festival, over a lakh devotees crowd the temple.
Navapashanam Navagrahas Temple Timings:
Morning hours: 4:00 am–1:00 pm
Evening: 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
How to Get to the Temple of Navapashanam Navagrahas
The closest airport to the temple is located 115 kilometers away in Madurai.
The closest train station is located 14 kilometers from the temple at Ramanathapuram.
Buses stop at Devipattinam on their way to Karaikudi.
Visit the official website of Liturgical Temples to learn more about historical locations and temples. This website presents well-researched information gathered from reliable sources.