Nakshathiram Temples or Birth Star Temples

Birth stars are as important as the celestial planets in Astrology.  Like it is important to visit the temples dedicated to the Navagrahas or celestial planets, it is also important to visit temples dedicated to ones Birth star or Janma Nakshatram.  I have already written about two (Lakshmipureeswarar Koil at Thiruninriyur for Anusham and Karkadeswarar Koil at Thirundudevankudi for Ayilyam or Ashlesha) of the 27 temples that are dedicated to each of the Nakshatras. It is said that visiting the temple corresponding to your Birth star at least once a year removes obstacles and ensures happy life. Click here for the full list

Gnayiru Gramam, Suryan Sthalam

Pushparatheswarar Temple at Gnayiru Gramam is one of the Navagraha temples around Chennai dedicated to Suryan.  The village itself gets its name from Suryan or Sun God, Gnayiru in Tamil means Sun.

Thee are a few interesting legends behind this temple.  A Chola King was returning after successfully waging a war on a kingdom in Andhra Pradesh.  He camped at Cholavaram.  He was a staunch Shiva devotee and went in search of lotus to perform his daily pooja.  During his search he saw a pond full of lotuses.  One of the flowers was taller, bigger and more beautiful than the rest.  The King wanted this flower for the pooja and tried to reach the flower.  As the King neared the flower it moved away and was elusive.  After several futile attempts, the King was very angry and threw his sword at the flower.  Click here to read more

Naganatheshwara Temple, Bangalore

Sri Pancha Lingaeshwara Temple or Naganatheshwara Temple at Begur, which is about 25 Kms from MG Road. This small hamlet is off Bomanahalli on Hosur Road.  This temple is believed to be 1300 years old and has been built by Sri Kulutunga Raja the First of Chola Dynasty, and Sri Rajasimhanandi of Talakad Ganga Dynasty.

Nageshwara Swamy is the Presiding Deity of this temple and His consort is Parvati.  Nageshwara Lingam is the most important and the oldest amongst the five lingams in this temple.  A unique feature of this temple is that there is an idol of Suryan facing the Nageshwara Lingam ie facing west.  There are idols of Vinayakar, Chamundeswari, Kala Bhairavar, Vishnu, Chandran and Kasi Vishwanathar.  There are carvings of Ashta Dhika Palakas. Click to read more