Nava Kailasam Temples in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi Districts in Tamil Nadu - Information about Navakailasam Temples

Navakailasam are nine temples dedicated to Shiva associated with the Navagrahas or nine planets. Of the Nava Kailasam temples, seven temples are located in Tirunelveli Distrct and the rest two are located in Thoothukudi (Tuticorin) District. Here is a detail information about cluster of nine temples dedicated to Shiva:

Story of Nava Kailasam Temples

Sage Uromacha was an ardent devotee of Shiva and a disciple of Sage Agastya. Sage Uromacha did intense penance to attain moksha or liberation. Shiva asked Sage Agasthyar to help his disciple attain moksha.

Sage Agastya put nine flowers in Thamiraparani River. He then asked his disciple to install a Shivling and offer prayers on the nine spots on the riverbank where the nine flowers landed.

Sage Uromacha installed nine Shivlings on the banks of Thamiraparani River and finally took a holy dip at the spot where Thamiraparani River merges with the sea. The sage thus attained Moksha.

The nine Shivlings installed by the sage came to be known as Navakailasam Temples.

Navakailasam Temples:

All shrines are dedicated to Shiva. Devotees can get blessings of a Navgraha in each of the temple.

1. Papanatha Swamy Temple at Papanasam in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Surya or Sun)
2. Kailasanathar Temple at Cheran Mahadevi in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Chandra or Moon)
3. Sivakamiyammai Sameda Kailasanadhar Temple at Kodaganallur in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Chevvai or Mangal or Mars)
4. Kotha Parameswarar Temple at Kunnathur in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Rahu)
5. Kailasanathar Temple, Murappanadu in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Guru or Brihaspati)
6. Kailasanathar Temple, Thiruvaikundam in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Shani Bhagavan)
7. Kailasanathar Temple, Thenthirupperai in Thirunelveli (Navgraha Buda)
8. Kailasanathar Temple, Raajapathy in Tuticorin (Navgraha Kethu)
9. Kailasanathar Temple, Serndhapoomangalam in Tuticorin (Navgraha Shukra)