Indian Temples: Navapashanam Temple | Devipattinam- Tamilnadu- Highlights

 


Navapashanam Temple | Devipattinam

1. Introduction

The Navapashanam Temple, located at Devipattinam near Ramanathapuram in Tamil Nadu, is a unique and ancient pilgrimage site dedicated to the Navagrahas (Nine Planetary Deities). Unlike traditional temples built on land, this shrine stands in the Bay of Bengal, where nine stone idols representing the Navagrahas are partially submerged in the sea.

Believed to have been consecrated by Lord Rama himself, the temple is a sacred stop for devotees travelling on the Rameswaram pilgrimage circuit, especially those performing ancestral or planetary dosha rituals.

2. History (In Detail)

Mythological Origins

According to legend, during his journey to Sri Lanka to rescue Goddess Sita, Lord Rama stopped at Devipattinam to perform the Navagraha Puja to seek the blessings of the planetary deities.

  • At this spot, Lord Rama is believed to have placed nine stone pebbles into the sea, symbolising the Navagrahas.
  • These stones later became the basis of the temple’s sacred layout, evolving into the Navapashanam we see today.

Historic Background

  • Devipattinam has been referenced in ancient Tamil literature and is known as a place associated with sea-based worship and pre-Vedic rituals.
  • The temple as it stands today is believed to have been maintained and restored periodically by:
    • Pandya kings
    • Local chieftains
    • Regional devotees who preserved the tradition of deity worship in the sea
  • Continuous erosion and cyclonic weather over centuries have made restoration essential, and local communities have played a vital role in preserving the stones.

Cultural Importance

  • The temple has been a centre for ancestral rites (tarpanam) and Navagraha Shanti rituals for hundreds of years.
  • It is considered one of the rarest places where the Navagrahas are worshipped in their natural elemental environment—water.

3. Significance

The Navapashanam Temple is regarded as one of the most spiritually powerful Navagraha shrines in India due to:

a) Unique Representation of Navagrahas

  • The stones placed in the sea form the only naturally consecrated (Swayambhu) Navagraha idols linked directly with Lord Rama.

b) Ritual Importance

Devotees come here to perform:

  • Navagraha Shanti
  • Naga Dosha and Shanthi rites
  • Pitru Tarpanam (ancestral rites)
  • Peace rituals during eclipses and Amavasya

c) Divine Energy of the Sea

The constant washing of the idols by tidal waves is believed to:

  • Purify negative karma
  • Neutralize astrological imbalances
  • Fulfill wishes related to family, health, marriage, and prosperity

d) Integral Part of Rameswaram Yatra

Pilgrims visiting Ramanathaswamy Temple often include Devipattinam as:

  • A preparatory ritual site
  • A place to complete essential Navagraha pujas


4. Temple Details (Full)

Location Structure

  • The nine idols (pashanams) are arranged in a 3×3 square layout, each representing one planetary deity.
  • A small pathway or platform helps devotees access the idols during low tide.
  • During high tide, the idols appear submerged, symbolizing the cosmic connection between the planets and the universe.

Navagraha Arrangement

Each stone corresponds to one of the Navagrahas:

  1. Surya (Sun)
  2. Chandra (Moon)
  3. Mangal (Mars)
  4. Budha (Mercury)
  5. Guru (Jupiter)
  6. Shukra (Venus)
  7. Shani (Saturn)
  8. Rahu
  9. Ketu

Sea Shrine (Bay of Bengal)

  • Devotees stand in knee-deep water to perform pujas.
  • Priests guide rituals, provide offerings, and recite Navagraha mantras.

Adjacent Shrines

Nearby structures include:

  • Thiruppu Devipatnam Temple dedicated to Devi Sri Durga, believed to have subdued the demon Mahishasura here.
  • Small shrines for deities connected to sea and wind elements.

Ritual Practices

Common rituals include:

  • Navagraha Abhisheka
  • Sesame lamp lighting
  • Coconut breaking
  • Pitru Tarpanam offered directly into the sea

5. Timings

Timings may vary based on tide conditions, but typically:

  • Temple and Ritual Access:
    6:00 AM – 6:00 PM

  • Best Timing for Rituals:
    Early morning (low tide)
    Amavasya and Pournami days are especially significant.

Note: During high tide, access to idols may be restricted.

6. Connectivity

By Air

  • Madurai International Airport – 150 km
  • Tiruchirappalli Airport – 220 km

Direct taxis and buses are available to Devipattinam and Ramanathapuram.

By Rail

  • Ramanathapuram Railway Station – 15 km
  • Well connected to:
    • Madurai
    • Rameswaram
    • Chennai
    • Tiruchirappalli

By Road

Devipattinam is connected by major roadways:

  • Ramanathapuram – 15 km
  • Rameswaram – 68 km
  • Madurai – 145 km

Frequent buses, private vans, and autos are available from Ramanathapuram.

7. Legacy

  • The Navapashanam Temple stands as one of India’s oldest surviving sea-worship shrines.
  • Its unique link to Lord Rama’s epic journey gives it monumental mythological significance.
  • It remains one of the few places where:
    • Navagrahas are worshipped in water
    • Ancestral rites are performed in an elemental setting
  • The temple continues to attract pilgrims seeking relief from astrological hardships and ancestral blessings.
  • Its cultural continuity, despite the challenges of nature, reflects the devotion of generations who preserved this sacred tradition.

The temple today symbolizes:

  • Faith rooted in natural elements
  • Timeless rituals
  • Divine connection between humans, nature, and celestial forces



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