Navagraha temples are temples devoted to Navagraha - the nine (nava) major celestial bodies (Grahas) of Hindu astronomy. These celestial bodies are named Surya (Sun), Chandra (Moon), Chevvaai/Mangal (Mars), Budhan (Mercury), Guru/Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (North Lunar Node) and Ketu (South Lunar Node). Many temples in South India contain a shrine dedicated to the Navagrahas. However, the term Navagraha temples refers to a cluster of nine separate temples, each an abode of one of the Navagrahams.
As the name suggests, Navagraha Temple (or the temple of the nine celestial bodies), is a worship place devoted to the nine planets of the solar system, namely Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), Buddha (mercury), Mangala (mars), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (Dragon’s head) and finally Ketu (Dragon’s tail). Each of these nine planets is represented by a shivalingam located within the temple (which total to nine). The nine lingams are covered by colored clothes, each color representing a different celestial body.
According to the inscriptions and recordings found on the walls of Navagraha temple, its origin dates back to the 18th century, to the reign of Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, son of Rudra Singha or Sukhrungphaa. A great earthquake destroyed a considerable portion of the temple a few centuries later, which was later rebuilt with ridged iron sheets. However, the Garbhagriha, built of brick, exists till date. Along with the temple, a tank was also excavated at some distance, to provide regular and easy water for the devotees who came to pay homage to the Gods. This tank, known as Silpukhuri, continues to supply water to the needy till date and is as full of water even today.
Surya Puja or Sun worship is an ancient practice of the Assamese people. A number of other temples are also present within the state for this purpose. Among them, the one worth mentioning is the Surya Mandir located atop the Surya Pahar hill in Guwahati. Navagraha temple is an important astrological and astronomical center in the state. In fact, scholars and the historians feel that the ancient name of the state i.e. Pragjyotishapura originated from this temple only. The word Prag means eastern region, while jyotisha means star astrology. Hence, the region is also called the ‘Eastern City of Astrology’.
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. Known to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease the Goddess.
Bhubaneshwari Temple
Above Kamakhya is another small temple, Bhubaneshwari, from where one can have a bird's eye view of the Guwahati.
Shiva Temple
The Shiva temple of Umananda, reached by motor boats and public ferries from Umananda Ghat, stands on an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra.
Guwahati Zoo
One must visit the Guwahati Zoo, which is the largest natural zoo of the country.
Getting There
Airport : Guwahati has its own airport. One can pick a bus or taxi to the temple.
Railhead : Guwahati is well linked to all the parts of India by rail lines. You can reach s by train from any part of India.
Road Transport : One can easily reach the Navagraha Temple by road from any part of Assam.
As the name suggests, Navagraha Temple (or the temple of the nine celestial bodies), is a worship place devoted to the nine planets of the solar system, namely Surya (the sun), Chandra (the moon), Buddha (mercury), Mangala (mars), Brihaspati (Jupiter), Shukra (Venus), Shani (Saturn), Rahu (Dragon’s head) and finally Ketu (Dragon’s tail). Each of these nine planets is represented by a shivalingam located within the temple (which total to nine). The nine lingams are covered by colored clothes, each color representing a different celestial body.
According to the inscriptions and recordings found on the walls of Navagraha temple, its origin dates back to the 18th century, to the reign of Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, son of Rudra Singha or Sukhrungphaa. A great earthquake destroyed a considerable portion of the temple a few centuries later, which was later rebuilt with ridged iron sheets. However, the Garbhagriha, built of brick, exists till date. Along with the temple, a tank was also excavated at some distance, to provide regular and easy water for the devotees who came to pay homage to the Gods. This tank, known as Silpukhuri, continues to supply water to the needy till date and is as full of water even today.
Surya Puja or Sun worship is an ancient practice of the Assamese people. A number of other temples are also present within the state for this purpose. Among them, the one worth mentioning is the Surya Mandir located atop the Surya Pahar hill in Guwahati. Navagraha temple is an important astrological and astronomical center in the state. In fact, scholars and the historians feel that the ancient name of the state i.e. Pragjyotishapura originated from this temple only. The word Prag means eastern region, while jyotisha means star astrology. Hence, the region is also called the ‘Eastern City of Astrology’.
Sightseeing near Navagraha Temple in Guwahati
Kamakhya Temple
Guwahati is particularly famous for its Kamakhya temple located atop the Nilachal hill, at a distance of 10 km from the railway station. Known to be the most revered among the tantrik shrines of Shakti worship in the world, Kamakhya, was built in the 10th century by the Koch king, Naranarayan. Animal sacrifice is a common practice here to appease the Goddess.
Bhubaneshwari Temple
Above Kamakhya is another small temple, Bhubaneshwari, from where one can have a bird's eye view of the Guwahati.
Shiva Temple
The Shiva temple of Umananda, reached by motor boats and public ferries from Umananda Ghat, stands on an island in the middle of the Brahmaputra.
Guwahati Zoo
One must visit the Guwahati Zoo, which is the largest natural zoo of the country.
Getting There
Airport : Guwahati has its own airport. One can pick a bus or taxi to the temple.
Railhead : Guwahati is well linked to all the parts of India by rail lines. You can reach s by train from any part of India.
Road Transport : One can easily reach the Navagraha Temple by road from any part of Assam.
Staying near Navagraha Temple (Guwahati)
Guwahati offers several private hotels ranging from luxury to budget-friendly ones. Fish is a major delicacy in Assam and one can savour mouthwatering curries in and around Paltan Bazar at cheap rates. There are excellent accommodation facilities in and around Guwahati in Assam.
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