Near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Suryanar Kovil is the foremost of the nine Navagraha Sthalas — the temples of the Kaveri delta each sacred to one of the nine celestial influences (grahas). Uniquely among them, Surya, the Sun-god, is himself the presiding deity here rather than Shiva, worshipped with his consorts and surrounded by shrines to all nine planets.
Built in the Chola era, the temple is thronged by devotees seeking the Sun's blessing for health, vitality, and success, especially on Sundays and at Ratha Saptami. Suryanar Kovil is the radiant heart of the Navagraha pilgrimage.
