The Nava Tirupathi is a set of nine Hindu temples dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located along the banks of the Thamirabarani River in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Unlike the Kumbakonam Navagraha temples dedicated directly to the planetary deities, here Lord Vishnu himself is worshipped as the embodiment of the nine planets.
| Planet (Graha) | Temple Name | Location | Deity | Significance |
| Sun (Surya) | Srivaikuntanathan Perumal | Srivaikuntam | Vaikuntanathan | The sun’s rays fall directly on the deity on specific days in April and October. |
| Moon (Chandra) | Vijayaasana Perumal | Natham | Vijayaasanar | The Lord sits majestically under the hood of Adisesha; believed to grant moksha. |
| Mars (Angaraka) | Vaithamanidhi Perumal | Thirukolur | Vaithamanidhi | The birthplace of Madhurakavi Alwar. Kubera regained his lost wealth here. |
| Mercury (Budha) | Kaaichina Vendhan Perumal | Thiruppuliangudi | Kaaichina Vendhan | Features a massive, 12-foot reclining deity where the Lord’s feet are viewed through a window. |
| Jupiter (Guru) | Aadhinathan Perumal | Alwarthirunagari | Aadhinathan | The grand finale and the birthplace of Nammalvar. Features a famous, ancient tamarind tree whose leaves never close. |
| Venus (Shukra) | Makara Nedunkuzhaikathan | Thenthiruperai | Makara Nedunkuzhaikathan | Famous for the deity who wears magnificent fish-shaped earrings. |
| Saturn (Shani) | Mayakoothar Perumal | Perungulam | Mayakoothan | Famous for Lord Vishnu performing a victory dance over an asura. |
| North Node (Rahu) | Devapiran Perumal | Twin Tirupathi (North) | Devapiran | The first of the “Twin Temples” (Irattai) located in a dense forest area. |
| South Node (Ketu) | Aravindalochanar Perumal | Twin Tirupathi (South) | Aravindalochanar | The second twin temple, located right next door, famous for the lotus pooja. |
The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary & Route
Because these temples are clustered so closely together, completing the entire circuit in one day is the standard practice.
- The Strategy: The temples close strictly between 12:00 PM and 4:00 PM. You must start your day exactly at 7:00 AM at Srivaikuntam.
- Morning Leg (7:00 AM – 12:00 PM): Knock out Srivaikuntam, Natham, Thirupuliangudi, the two Irattai Tirupathis, and Perungulam.
- Lunch Break: Rest and eat in the nearby towns.
- Evening Leg (4:00 PM – 6:30 PM): Finish the circuit with Thenthiruperai, Thirukolur, and end the day with the grand darshan at Alwarthirunagari.
Logistics & Basecamp Setup
- The Best Basecamp: The absolute best place to stay is Tirunelveli. It is a major city with excellent hotels, food, and railway connectivity, located just 30 to 40 minutes away from Srivaikuntam (the starting point).
- Transportation: Do not rely on local buses to hit all 9 in one day. Hire a dedicated taxi from Tirunelveli for the entire day (most local drivers know the exact sequence by heart).
- Planning your trip? Check current hotel availability and budget stays in Tirunelveli on MakeMyTrip here.
Expand your spiritual journey: Every temple on this route is a vital part of the supreme 108 Divya Desams Circuit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tradition dictates starting at Srivaikuntam (Sun) and ending at Alwarthirunagari (Jupiter). Local taxi drivers are well-versed in this exact geographical flow.
No. Unlike Shaivite temples, these Vishnu temples do not have separate sub-shrines for the planetary deities. The presiding Lord Vishnu himself is worshipped as the respective planet.
Strict Tamil Nadu temple protocols apply. Dhotis or formal pants for men (no shorts). Sarees, half-sarees, or modest salwar kameez for women.