Nakshatras are the stars in Vedic astrology of prime importance. There are temples in Tamil Nadu, India that connect to specific Nakshatras where their energy is most intense. Devotees visit these Nakshatra temples to do remedies related to these Nakshatras.
During this Nakshatra Temple Trip, we will visit all twenty-seven Nakshatras to know and understand them. This trip is a rare pilgrimage for Vedic astrologers. It took Komilla many years to organize this trip as some temples are obscure and inaccessible. Finally, however, she visited all the Nakshatra temples to create this exceptional itinerary for the best experience and connection to the 27 Nakshatras.
We will visit some Grand Temples dedicated to the Nakshatras, such as the Meenakshi and the Chidambaram temples. However, the beauty of this trip will be in the visits to smaller temples that are gorgeous and powerful – yet remote.
"A trip not to be missed."
We will do many rituals, pujas, abhishekas and prayer ceremonies during this pilgrimage – everyone will share in the costs when we do a group program. We also need to give Dakshina to the priests who perform them.
The trip begins and ends in Chennai - Flights from many international destinations land in Chennai.
8:00 AM | Leave for Kanchipuram | 80 Kms - 2-1/2 Hour Drive
On arrival at Kanchipuram, we will visit the Kailasanathar Temple. From 685-705 AD, Narasimha Varman II, ruler of the Pallava Dynasty, built this temple. The sandstone compound contains a large number of carvings. The structure has 58 small shrines dedicated to various forms of Shiva. It is a stunning temple. There is a rare idol of Jyeshta Devi, connected to Jyeshta Nakshatra.
Check-in Hotel GRT Regency: The GRT Regency is an executive GRT Hotel, the best place to stay in Kanchipuram.
LUNCH | (included)
4:00 PM
Pandava Dhootha Perumal Koil Temple for Rohini
The Pandava Dhootha Perumal Koil Temple is one of the oldest temples in Kanchipuram, built by the Pallavas in the 8th century.
Ekambareswarar Koil br
The Ekambareswarar Koil is an important Shiva temple. It represents the earth element in Panchmahabhuta.
8:00 PM DINNER | Welcome Vegetarian Dinner (included)
Overnight stay - The GRT Grand Hotel, Kanchipuram
9:00 AM | Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Koil for Shravana
In this temple, Lord Vishnu stands among Shiva Lingas, showing no difference between Shiva and Vishnu. According to the Sthala Purana - Moon lost his power and luster due to the curse, and his wife did a long penance to Lord Vishnu at this temple. Lord Vishnu gave his blessing; the Moon's curse would get modified, and he would regain his energy.
LUNCH (included)
4:00 PM | Kamakshi Amman Temple
Kamakshi is a form of Goddess Parvati. The Pallava built this beautiful temple. It is a Shakti Peeth where the navel of Sati Devi fell. There are 51 Shakti Peeth for the goddess Durga, and Kamakshi is very important.
DINNER (included)
EVENING | Chitragupta Swamy Temple
Chitragupta is the keeper of Aakashik records and is connected to Ketu.
Overnight stay at Hotel GRT Regency, Kanchipuram
7:00 AM | Drive to Chennai Airport
11:45 AM | Fly from Chennai to Madurai
This time may be subject to change. The flight is one hour. Flight is included in the costs.
** There are baggage weight restrictions on Indian flights – you may need to pay for excess baggage if it exceeds the limit. ** Komilla will let you know of the baggage limitations after you book.
LUNCH (included)
4:00 PM | Meenakshi Temple for Mula Nakshatra
This temple is one of the most spectacular temples in the ancient city of Madurai. The temple complex has four nine-story gopurams (outer, raja), one seven-story gopuram, five five-story gopurams, two three-story, and two one-story gold-guided sanctum towers. It is a fabulous temple to visit. We will have a guide who will help us experience the best of the temple.
DINNER (included)
Overnight Stay at Courtyard by Marriott
7:00 AM
Kuruvithurai Pralayanathar Temple for Vishakh | One-Hour Drive
This is a beautiful small temple, full of serene positive energy.
Chittirairatha Vallabha Perumal Koil temple for Chitra | 30 Minute Drive
The Temple of Chitra is large and ancient. Outside the temple is a smaller temple for Guru Dakshinamurti.
LUNCH Highway Restaurant (Costs not included - direct payment for the lunch)
4:00 PM Mahalinga Temple for Magha | One-and-a-Half-Hour Drive
DINNER Dinner included
Overnight Stay at Courtyard by Marriott
8:00 AM Sri Subramanya SwamyVisit to Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple at Thiruparankundram for Ashlesha Nakshatra.
We do the Abhisheka at the "Utsavar Sanctum" (near the main sanctum) will take one-and-a-half hours.
Sage Parashara | Visit the idol for Sage Parashara; he is said to have visited this temple.
LUNCH On our own - the afternoon is free.
5:00 PM DINNER | Taj Gateway Pasumalai Hotel
You will enjoy spectacular views of Meenakshi temple and Madurai from here.
Included.
Overnight Stay at Courtyard by Marriott
6:00 AM | Sri Tiruvaneshwar Temple for Purva Bhadra
According to the temple Sthala Purana story, Kala Bhairava created the seven weekdays when Moon was in Purva Bhadra nakshatra. This is a remote village where we drive through the green farms to get to it. The temple is old and not in such good condition. Sri TIruvaneshwar temple was built in 1000 AD, and Indra worships here with Airavat, his white elephant in the formless form. The donation of clothes at this temple is especially auspicious.
Mangalyeswarar Koil for Uttara Phalguni is known to grant wishes for those who want to get married. It also heals family disputes. Devotees come to seek blessings as soon as their marriage is finalized.
LUNCH Included
5:00 PM | Ganesha Ucchi Pilliar Rockfort Temple on the Hilltop
This 7th-century temple is mystical, with spectacular views of Trichy. There are 437 Steps cut into the rock to reach this hilltop temple.
DINNER Included
Overnight Stay at Courtyard by Marriott
7:00 AM
Kailasanathar Koil for Revati blesses all devotees. Usually, they offer 27 items in this temple, one for each Nakshatra. The shops outside the temple will sell these items, which we can purchase according to our budgets. Kailasanathar Koil Temple helps all who visit to overcome negativity and health issues. It is a special place to worship Varuna.
LUNCH Included
4:00 PM | Jambukeswara Temple
Jambukeswara is the temple for Swati Nakshatra and represents the water element of the Panchamahabhuta, five great element temples.
Sri Rangam
A visit to Sri Rangam, the spectacular temple for Lord Vishnu, will follow.
DINNER Included
Overnight stay at the Courtyard by Marriott
8:00 AM | Sri Brahmapureeswarar Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple for Uttara Ashadha
Brahma visited this temple after Shiva cut off his fifth head. It is a powerful temple that devotees go to when they need blessings to have children or if marriage is blocked. Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra is in the first position of all other 26 stars. All other 26 Nakshatra deities offer special Pooja to Uttara Ashadha when Moon is in their Nakshatras.
LUNCH Included
3:00 PM | Karpaga Vinayagar Temple "Ganesh Temple" in Pillaiyarpatti & Kundrakudi Murugan Temple
These are two very important temples for Lord Ganesha and Lord Murugan.
From "The Bangala", it will take 30 min-40 min drive to 'Kundrakudi Murugan Temple' and from that Murugan Temple, it will take another 15 min drive to 'Karpaga Vinayagar – Ganesh Temple' in Pillaiyarpatti.
The Kundrakudi Murugan Temple is located on the top of the hill, and there will be around 150- 200 steps.
Both temples are spectacular.
DINNER Included
Overnight stay at the The Bangala
8:00 AM | Akshayapureeswarar Temple for Pushya & Saturn
Akshayapureeswarar Temple is where Lord Saturn went after his legs were broken to pray to Lord Shiva. His prayers were successful, and his legs healed. The Akshayapureeswarar is a temple where people go for Pushya Nakshatra and Saturn. Lord Saturn is with his two wives, Jyeshta Devi and Manda Devi, dressed in their wedding gear. Saturn is said to visit this temple regularly to pray in his invisible form.
LUNCH & DINNER Included
EVENING | Free or Optional
Optionally, visit the Painted Havelis of Chettinad and the saree weaving centre. Chettinad is famous for handwoven cotton sarees – we will visit one of the best places to buy them. Chettinad Havelis represent the faded grandeur of wealthy traders of Chettinad. Now they have all moved out – their Havelis survive in their faded grandeur.
Overnight stay at Bangala Karaikudi
8:00 AM | Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar Koil Temple for Uttara Bhadra
The Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar Koil Temple is where Goddess Lakshmi worshipped Lord Shiva with 1000 lotuses; hence, it is called Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar. It is a small but powerful temple; the priest is very special, and his chanting voice is extremely powerful. This is a remote temple far off any tourist map, yet people come here to worship to gain the blessing of Lord Shiva.
According to the myth, Sages Angiras, Ahir Budhnya, Vishvakarma and Agni come to pray in their invisible form regularly. This temple is also connected to Lords Surya and Agni; therefore, doing Homa (Fire Ceremony) is important. We will do Homa to Lord Shiva here.
LUNCH | Arranged at the temple by the prienst
DINNER Included
Overnight stay at the Bangala Karaikudi
9:00 AM |Sri Akashapureeswarar Temple for Purva Ashadha
People visit this temple to pray for business success. Visiting the temples will enable early marriage as well as peace and prosperity.
LUNCH | Ideal River Resort Included
4:00 PM | Sri Varadaraja Perumal Temple for Jyeshta
Shri Brahammagnana Pureeswarar for Dhanishta | This temple remains in a state of disrepair, and it is part of the trip's aim to visit neglected temples and show our support to them.
DINNER Included
Overnight stay at the Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam
8:00 AM | Sri Krupakupareswarar Temple for Hasta
Sri Krupakupareswarar grants mercy to all who visit him, and he gives peace of mind and clears confusion for devotees. Great Siddhas visit this temple in their astral bodies, so has powerful energy for learning and wisdom. Temple is old and remote.
Sri Kalyanasundareswarar Swamy Temple – For Purva Phalguni (One hour from Hasta). This temple is famous for giving blessings for marriage and love. Couples visit this temple after marriage to seek the blessing of the deities
LUNCH Thali Lunch at Anna Lakshmi Restaurant in Quality Inn Viha | Included
4:00 PM | Agnipureeshwarar for Shatabhishak Temple
Here Agni worshipped Lord Shiva. A Rare form of Sri Agni (fire God) with two faces, seven flames, seven hands, four horns and three feet is worshipped at the temple.
DINNER Included
Overnight stay at the Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam
7:00 AM | Full Day Programme - We will visit three temples.
Gaathra Sundareswarar Koil for Krittika Nakshatra. Gaathra Sundareswarar Koil at Kanjanagaram,
Sri Agneeswarar Temple for Bharani (30-40 min drive from Gaathra Sundareswarar Koil). Bharani temple is old and not in good repair. The priests requested us to come again to bring attention to this beautiful and powerful Nakshatra temple.
LUNCH | Vegetarian lunch at Neemrana Bungalow on the Beach Tranquebar | Included
4:00 PM | Kathiramangalam Vana Durga for Mrigasira
The presiding deity is Shri Vana Durga Parameswari Amman. It is believed that she visits Kashi during the nights and comes back during the day.
Devotees make Archana prayer to remedy various issues by using flowers like Senthamarai for money, Malligai for peace, Sevanthi for debit clearance, Sevvarali for united family, Manoranjitham for couples, Marikolunthu for relationships, Sembaruthi for business, Roja for marriage. These flowers will be available outside the temple if you want to partake in any of these remedies.
DINNER Included
Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam
CHECK OUT | Move to the Mantra Koodam
9:00 AM | Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi for Punarvasu.
This is also a temple for Jupiter and Guru. We will do a special Shasti Purti puja here for one of our guests.
LUNCH | Mantra Koodam Included
4:00 PM | Shri Mahalakshmiswarar Temple for Anuradha
This old temple is a special Ganapati temple known as Selva Ganapati. People come to worship Lord Ganesha and ask for blessings to relieve them from their problems.
DINNER Included
Overnight at the Mantra Koodam Hotel, Kumbakonam
6:00 AM | Shri Piravi Marundeeswarar for Ashwini.
THe Ashwini is a beautiful old temple –The energy is so powerful and special.
LUNCH | On the way | Not Included (direct payment for lunch)
8:00 PM | Farewell Dinner | Included
Overnight at the Mantra Koodam Hotel, Kumbakonam
8:00 AM | Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram, for Ardra
This is a spectacular temple where Sage Patanjali came down to watch the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva. It represents the Aakash element and represents wisdom and knowledge. The main festival of this temple is when the full Moon is in Ardra Nakshatra.
LUNCH | Saradharam Included
LAST DAY
TRANSFER TO CHENNAI AIRPORT.
*** IMPORTANT Book flights that leave after 11:00 PM ***
NOTE: All meals included within your trip purchase are vegetarian.
Date | Location | Hotel | Lunch | Dinner |
---|---|---|---|---|
24 JAN | Chennai | Grand Hotel by GRT | No | No |
25 JAN | Kanchipuram | GRT Regency - an executive 3-star hotel | GRT Regency | GRT Regency |
26 JAN | Kanchipuram | GRT Regency | GRT Regency | GRT Regency |
27 JAN | Madurai | Courtyard by Marriott | Courtyard by Marriott | Marriott |
28 JAN | Maduri | Courtyard by Marriott | No | Marriott |
29 JAN | Madurai | Courtyard by Marriott | No | Taj Gateway Pasumalai |
30 JAN | Chettinad | The Bangala | The Bangala | The Bangala |
31 JAN | Chettinad | The Bangala | The Bangala | The Bangala |
1 FEB | Chettinad | The Bangala | Lunch - By Priest Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar Temple | The Bangala |
2 FEB | Trichy | Courtyard by Marriott | Marriott | Marriott |
3 Feb | Trichy | Courtyard by Marriott | Marriott | Marriott |
4 Feb | Kumbakonam | Indeco Hotel | Ideal River View | Indeco |
5 FEB | Kumbakonam | Indeco Hotel | Anna Lakshmi, Quality Inn VIHA | Indeco |
6 FEB | Kumbakonam | Indeco Hotel | Bungalow on the Beach | Indeco |
7 FEB | Kumbakonam | Mantra Koodam | Mantra Koodam | Mantra Koodam |
8 FEB | Kumbakonam | Mantra Koodam | No | Mantra Koodam |
9 FEB | DEPARTURE | NO Hotel | Sardaram | No |
Download PDF of Itinerary Details...
*** IMPORTANT *** To purchase a Shared Room, you must pre-arrange it with a friend. Due to the different levels of caution people choose regarding Covid, everyone who wishes to share a room must make that agreement before selecting the "shared-room" option.
Note: Arrangements between those who wish to share a room must be made by them ahead of the purchase - because of Covid, there will be no matching up after the purchase.
*** DOES NOT INCLUDE AIRFARE ***
$3,950
Now through August 30, 2023 - $3,950 | After August 30,2023 - $4,300
(There is no set end date to purchase and is dependent only on availability, such as if someone were to cancel.)
$4,750
Now through August 30,2023 - $4,750 | After August 30,2023 - $5,150
(There is no set end date to purchase and is dependent only on availability, such as if someone were to cancel.)
CANCELLATION POLICY
$250.00 service charge on all refunds - no refunds are available after August 30, 2023.
COVID POLICY
Covid is a known illness that periodically surges and declines based on new variants. We will be taking precautions during the trip, but you must judge the risks of traveling for yourself. Unfortunately, refunds are unavailable after August 30, 2023, despite surges or new variants.
*** IMPORTANT *** It is vital to purchase Travel Insurance as you purchase your airline ticket. Travel Insurance is not only beneficial for the times we are in due to Covid but in all cases, should you become too ill or injured to board a plane to fly home. In addition, Travel Insurance typically includes air ambulance transportation back home - be sure to check your policy, though, as each policy may differ in what it contains.
It also may be possible to find an insurance company or, depending on your credit card agreement, to purchase insurance for your India Trip - but you must do this on your own. Unfortunately, there is no way for us to indemnify your trip purchase.
*** IMPORTANT *** To purchase a Shared Room, you must pre-arrange it with a friend. Due to the different levels of caution people choose regarding Covid, everyone who wishes to share a room must make that agreement before selecting the "shared-room" option.
$250.00 service charge on all refunds - refunds are unavailable after August 29.
Covid is a known illness that periodically surges and declines based on new variants. We will be taking precautions during the trip, but you must judge the risks of traveling for yourself. Unfortunately, refunds are unavailable after August 29, 2022, despite surges or new variants.
Komilla has been doing courses and trips to India since 1999.
You will be introduced to the land of the Jyotish on each different India Trip. Your India adventure will take you to historic landmarks with great meaning within the Vedic Astrology world.
You will visit unique temples and pilgrimages, broadening your knowledge and exploring their deep connection to Vedic Astrology.