The Twenty-Seven Nakshatra Temples

India Trip 2019 | Tamil Nadu

2 to 7 November 2018 – San Francisco, CA
Sign-up for India Trip 2019
Nakshatras are the stars in Vedic astrology of prime importance. Certain
temples are connected to specific nakshatras where their energy is at its The Twenty-Seven Nakshatra Temples
most intense. Devotees visit these nakshatra temples to do remedies Cost Per Person $4500
connected to these nakshatras. This temple trip is going to visit all the ($4,800 to $5,700 after 1 August 2018}
twenty-seven nakshatras with a view to know and understand them.
(Per person Twin sharing accommo-
This is a rare pilgrimage for Vedic astrologers. It has taken Komilla many dation – Please note Komilla will try
years to organize this trip as some of the temples are very obscure and her best to find you a roommate. Book
not easy to access. She has visited each of the temples and drawn this early if you want to share, otherwise
you will need to pay single room sup-
itinerary to get the best experience and connection to the 27 Naksha- plement)
tras. We will visit some grand Temples dedicated to the nakshatras like
Meenakshi temple and Chidambaram, however, the beauty of the trip
will be to visit small temples that are so beautiful and powerful – yet
remote. A trip not to be missed. Singe Room Supplement (optional)

We will do many rituals, pujas, abhishekas and prayer ceremonies during

this pilgrimage – these costs will be shared where we do a group pro-
gram. We also need to give Dakshina to the priests who perform them.
REFUND POLICY
The trip begins and ends in Chennai - Flights from many international NO refund AFTER October 1, 2018.
destinations land in Chennai.

Nakshatras in your Birth Chart

Each person has many connections to the
nakshatras in their birth chart. Although the
Moon’s position in a nakshatra is of prime
importance, the quality of the ascendant and
other planets is influenced by their nakshatra
position.

We can be potentially connected to 10 of the

27 nakshatras. About India Temples Trips
Collectively all the nakshatra temples will Komilla has been doing courses and
trips to India since 1999.
bless the devotees.
You will be introduced to the land of
Check out Komilla’s book on Nakshatra for further reading. the Jyotish on each different India Trip.
Your India adventure will take you to
The Nakshatras - The Stars Beyond the Zodiac historic landmarks with great meaning
within the Vedic Astrology world.
-Komilla Sutton
You will visit unique temples and pil-
grimages, broadening your knowledge
and exploring their deep connection to
Vedic Astrology.
Itinerary
SIGN-UP IMPORTANT DATES

Sign up early for the best price!

Prices increase at each of the fol-

lowing dates:

EARLY BIRD RATE:

To 8/01/2018 - $4,500

Period 2:
8/01/2018 to 9/01/2018 - $4,800

Period 3:
Day 1: Thursday, January 17 9/01/2018 to 10/21/2018 - $5,100
Chennai to Kanchipuram 80Kmms 2 Hour Drive
Period 4:
10:00 AM - Free transfer from Chennai to Kan- 10/26/2018 to 11/01/2018 - $5.400
chipuram. Pick up at Chennai at a central loca-
LAST CHANCE - Full Price:
tion – to be given later and drive to Kanchipuram. 11/01/2018 to Trip Start - $5,700
You will need to be at the pickup location before
10 am. Many flights land in Chennai in the early Please remember to book early -
hours – so you may need overnight accommoda- the trips fill up quickly.
tion. Komilla’s travel coordinator will be happy to
organize this for you.

On arrival at Kanchipuram, check in Hotel GRT

Regency.

4:00 PM - Ekambareswarar Koil. This is an import-

ant Shiva temple. It represents the earth element in Panchmahabhuta.

Day 2: Friday, January 18

Rohini Nakshatra Temple, Kanchipuram
9:00 AM – Pandava Dhootha
Perumal Koil Temple for Ro-
hini. This is one of the oldest
temples in Kanchipuram built
by the Pallavas in the 8th
century. We will do abhishek-
ham for an auspicious start to
our Nakshatra temple pilgrim-
age. Today Moon is in Rohini
nakshatra in its exaltation sign
of Taurus.

4:00 PM – Kamakshi Amman Temple – Kamakshi is a form of Goddess Parvati

and this beautiful temple is built by the Pallavas. This is a shakti peeth where
the navel of Sati Devi fell. There are 51 Shakti Peeth linking to the 51 alpha-
bets in Sanskrit. There is an important shrine here to Sage Durvasa, who is
one of the chief devotees to goddess Kamakshi. Sage Durvasa represents
the power of sattvic anger of the goddess, used to protect and correct her
devotees, and get the blessing of her power.

8:00 PM – Welcome Vegetarian dinner - included in the costs.

Overnight stay at Hotel GRT Regency, Kanchipuram.

Day 3: Saturday, January 19
Shravana Nakshatra Temple, Kanchipuram 40 Kms 1 hour drive
8:00 AM – Prasanna Venkatesa Perumal Koil for Shravana. In this temple,
Lord Vishnu stands among Shivalingas show that there is no difference
between Shiva and Vishnu. According to the myth – when Moon lost his
power and luster due to the curse, his wife who was connected to Shrava-
na nakshatra did long penance to Lord Vishnu at this temple and he gave
his blessing the Moon’s curse would get modified and he would regain his
energy.

4:00 PM – Kailasanathar Temple. It was built from 685-705AD by Nara-

simhavarman II ruler of the Pallava Dynasty. The low-slung sandstone
compound contains a large number of carvings. The structure contains
58 small shrines which are dedicated to various forms of Shiva. It is a stunning temple.

Evening Visit to Chitragupta Swamy temple. Chitragupta is the keeper of Aakashik records and connected to Ketu.

Overnight stay at Hotel GRT Regency, Kanchipuram.

Day 4: Sunday, January 20

Kanchipuram to Madurai via Swati Nakshatra Temple Swati Temple and Flight to Madurai
2 Hour Drive
7:00 AM – Check out of the hotel and drive to the temple. Prasanna
Kundhalambika and Tantreeswarar Koil is the temple for Swati Nakshatra.

6:00 PM - Fly from Chennai to Madurai. This time may be subject to

change. Flight is one hour.

Overnight Stay at JC Residency, Madurai.

Day 5: Monday, January 21

Workshop with Prof Jaya Sekhar and Komilla Sutton, Madurai

10:00 AM - 1:00 PM – Professor Jaya Sekhar workshop: Temple Architecture and its significance Part 1- Devaalaya
Silpa Sasthra: Dynamic Temple Architecture. The Universal, Planetary and Cosmic Energy that radiates in a Temple
from the Various facets of the Temple.

2:30 PM - Komilla Workshop on the Nakshatra temples, their remedies. Komilla’s book on the Nakshatras is a good
read on this trip.

Overnight Stay at JC Residency, Madurai.

Day 6: Tuesday, January 22 - Ashlesha Temple, Madurai
9:00 AM – Visit to the Sri Subramanya Swamy Temple at Thirupparankundram for Ashlesha
nakshatra.

Today is a very special day as it is Ashlesha nakshatra and Tuesday – we do the Abhisheka
at the “Utsavar Sanctum” (nearby the main sanctum). Visit the idol for Sage Parashara, he is
said to have visited this temple. – costs of puja to be shared.

5:00 PM – Dinner at Taj Mahal Hotel with spectacular views of Meenakshi temple and
Madurai. Cost included.

Overnight Stay at JC Residency, Madurai.

Day 7: Wednesday, January 23

Vishakha, Chitra and Magha Temples, Madurai - Full Day Program
7:00 AM – Kuruvithurai Pralayanathar Temple for Vishakha (one hour drive). This is a beautiful small temple, full of
serene positive energy.

Chittirairatha Vallabha Perumal Koil temple for Chitra. (30 min from Vishakha temple). Temple for Chitra is a large
and ancient temple. Outside the temple is a small temple for Guru Dakshinamurti.

Lunch at Highway restaurant – on your own.

4:00 PM - Mahalinga Temple for Magha - (1-1/2 hr from Chitra temple).

Overnight Stay at JC Residency, Madurai.

Day 8: Thursday, January 24

Meenakshi Temple for Mula, Workshop with Prof Jaya Sekhar, Madurai
8:00 AM - Meenakshi temple for Mula Nakshatra. This is one of the most spectacular temples in the ancient city of
Madurai. The temple complex has 4 nine-story gopurams (outer, raja), 1 seven-story gopuram, 5 five-story gopur-
ams, 2 three-story, and 2 one-story gold-gilded sanctum towers. It is a fabulous place to visit. We will have a guide
who will help us experience the best of the temple.

Lunch at the hotel - included in the costs.

2:00 PM to 5:00 PM - Prof Jaya Sekhar Workshop on Temples Architecture Part 2 - Installation of the Main Deity and
Energizing the Statue. Shastric procedure to visit and perform Puja in a Temple.

6:00 PM to 8:00 PM - Food Safari – exotic foods of Madurai. A wonderful culinary experience to sample the best
street food and little restaurants cooking their number one dish. We will experience street food too – but from
hygienic places. Madurai is the ideal place to taste a variety of food, as there are a lot of outlets that prepares exclu-
sive & mouth-watering dishes that you can never taste anywhere else. This will definitely be a culinary treat for the
tourists who love to explore new dishes. Included in the costs. Included in the costs.

This Food Safari is done by taking our guests to different food outlets in Auto Rickshaw, Cycle Rickshaws, Public bus
for an experience, by walk sometimes, by Van if required, to save time as well as to make the evening as interesting as
possible. Our exclusive food tour will stimulate your taste bud for more.

We will also experience Madurai life.

Overnight Stay at JC Residency, Madurai.

Day 9: Friday, January 25

Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra Temple on the way to Karaikudi
8:00 AM - Sri Brahmapureeswarar Meenakshi Sundare-
swarar) Temple for Uttara Ashadha Nakshatra. Brahma
visited this temple after Shiva cut off his fifth head. It is a
very powerful temple that devotees go when they need
blessings to have children or if marriage is blocked. Uttara
Ashadh nakshatra is first in the position of all the other 26
stars. All other 26 nakshatra deities offer special Pooja to
Uttara Ashadha when the Moon is in their nakshatras.

Evening Visit to painted havelis of Chettinad and saree

weaving center. 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 at Chettinad Mansions – dinner included in the cost.

Due to Republic day holiday. Our stay in Karaikudi is divided into two hotels on 25 January and 26th January.
Day 10: Saturday, January 26
Pushya Nakshatra Temple, Karaikudi - Long Day | 2 Hour Drive to Temple
8:00 AM Akshayapureeswarar Temple for Pushya Nakshatra and Saturn. A very special day
as it is Saturday. Akshayapureeswarar Temple is the temple where Lord Saturn went after his
legs were broken, to pray to Lord Shiva. His prayers were successful and his legs healed. This
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 still visit
this temple regularly to pray in his invisible form.

We will need to check out of our hotel and then go to the temple.

Overnight Stay at Bangala Karaikudi. Dinner included in the cost.

Day 11: Sunday, January 27

Uttara Bhadra and Ardra Temple Then Drive to Trichy | Full Day Program
7:00 AM - This is a full day programme as we visit two temples, then travel on to Trichy Sahasra
Lakshmeeswarar Koil Temple for Uttara Bhadra. This is the temple where Goddess Lakshmi wor-
shipped Lord Shiva with 1000 lotuses and hence it is called Sahasra Lakshmeeswarar. It is a small but
very powerful temple, the priest is very special and his chanting voice extremely powerful. This is a
remote temple that is 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. Costs to be shared.

Lunch at the temple arranged by the priest

3:00 PM - Abhaya Varadeeswarar Koil for Ardra Nakshatra and for Rahu Ketu. It is located at Adiramapattinam, a dis-
tance of 12 Kms from Pattukottai in the Tanjore District. ( 2 hours)

Drive to Trichy (about 3 hours from Ardra temple).

Overnight at Hotel Sangam, Trichy | Dinner included in the costs.

Day 12: Monday, January 28
Purva Bhadra & Uttara Phalguni Temples + Ganesha Ucchi Pillayar Temple, Trichy
6:30 AM - Sri Tiruvaneshwar Temple for Purva Bhadra – according to
the temple Sthala Purana story Kala Bhairava created the seven week-
days 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 is such a good condition. This temple was built in 1000 AD and
it is believed the Indra worships here with Airavat, his white elephant in
the formless form. 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 dis-
putes. Devotees come to seek blessings as soon as their marriage
is finalized.

5:00 PM - Ganesha Ucchi Pillayar Rockfort temple on the hilltop

– This 7th century temple is mystical with spectacular views of
Trichy.

Overnight at Hotel Sangam, Trichy.

Day 13: Tuesday, January 29

Revathi and Swati Temples, Trichy 2 Hour Drive to Temple
7:00 AM - Kailasanathar Koil for Revathi blesses all devotees. Usually, they offer 27 items at
this temple, one for each Nakshatra. The shops outside the temple will sell these items and
they can be bought according to our budgets. Kailasanathar Koll Temple helps all who visit to
overcome negativity and health issues. It is a special place to worship Varuna.

4:00 AM - Jambukeswara is the temple for Swati

Nakshatra and represents the water element of the
Panchamahabhuta, five great element temples. It will
be followed by a visit to Srirangam, the spectacular
temple for Lord Vishnu.

Overnight Stay at Hotel Sangam, Trichy.

Day 14: Wednesday, January 30
Trichy to Kumbakonam | Visiting Purva Ashadha & Brihadeshwara
7:00 AM - Sri Akashapureeswarar Temple for Purva Ashadha (2-hour
drive from Tichy) – People visit this temple to pray for success in busi-
ness. Visiting the temples will enable early marriage and get peace and
prosperity in your life. The temple is only open for few hours in the
morning hence we need to leave early.

LUNCH - Vegetarian Lunch at Ideal River Resort. Cost included in the

program.

4:00 PM - Brihadeshwara Temple is a superb example of South Indian

architecture. Built in 1100 AD, it is now a world heritage site. It has one of
the largest Vimana in south India towering over the temple. The naksha-
tra for the temple is Shatabhishak.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 15: Thursday, January 31

Punarvasu Temple, Kumbakonam | 45 Minute Drive
9:00 AM - Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi for Punarvasu. This is also a temple for Jupiter
and Guru. Today is Thursday, a special day to visit the temple.

5:00 PM - Shweta Ganesha Temple, white Ganesha temple. This temple is very close to our
hotel and has a beautiful spiritual energy. Lord Ganesha idol is made of white marble and is
supposed to resemble the froth from the churning of the oceans.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 16: Friday, February 1

Ashwini Temple, Kumbakonam | 1/2 Hour Drive

6:00 AM - Shri Piravi Marundeeswarar for Ashwini. We visit it on Friday. It is a beautiful old temple – on Fridays, the
ladies come to pray for long marriage. They light lamps and offer flowers – the temple is shining with hundreds if not
thousands of lights. The energy is so powerful and special.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 17: Saturday, February 2 – Hasta and Purva Phalguni Temples, Kumbakonam One Hour Drive
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 confu-
sion for devotees. Great Siddhas visit this temple in their astral bodies so they
have the powerful energy for learning and wisdom. This temple is old and
remote.

Sri Kalyanasundareswarar Swamy Temple - for Purva Phalguni. (One hour from
Hasta). This temple is famous to give blessings for marriage and love. Couples
visit this temple after marriage to seek the blessing of the deities.

5:00 PM - Visit to Adi Kumbeshwara temple – then visit the shops outside the
temple.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 18: Sunday, February 3

Bharani, Krittika and Mrigasira Temples, Kumbhakonam | Full Day Program
7:00 AM - This is a full day programme as we visit three temples Gaathra
Sundareswarar Koil for Krittika Nakshatra. Gaathra Sundareswarar Koil at
Kanjanagaram, (1-1/2 Hour Drive)

Sri Agneeswarar Temple for Bharani. (30-40 Minute Drive - from Gaathra
Sundareswarar Koil)

Both Bharani and Krittika temples are old and not in good repair. The
priests requested that we come again in order to bring attention to these
beautiful and powerful Nakshatra Temples.

LUNCH - Vegetarian lunch at Neemrana Bungalow on the beach Tranque-

bar. Cost included in the program.

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 every day.”. Special poojas are held during Rahu Kalam
on Sundays at this temple and the goddess is also called Rahu
Kala Durga. We are visiting on Sunday and Rahu Kalam is from
4.30 pm to 6:00 pm – so we will visit during that time and can
watch the special ceremonies.

Devotees make archana prayer to get a remedy for various

issues by using different flowers like senthamarai for money,
malligai for peace, Sevanthi for debt clearance, several for
united family, manoranjitham for the reunion of couples, mari-
kolunthu for the union of relationships, sembaruthi for busi-
ness, Roja for marriage. These flowers will be available outside
the temple if you would like to do any of these remedies.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 19: Monday, February 4
Anuradha and Jyeshta, Kumbakonam
8:00 AM - Shri Mahalakshmiswarar Temple for Anuradha. This is
an old temple which has a special Ganapati temple within which is
known as Selva Ganapati. People come to worship Lord Ganesha
and ask for blessings to relieve them from their problems. (1-1/2
Hour Drive)

4:00 PM - Sri Varadarajaperumal Temple and Pashupradeeshwarar

temple – there are two temples for Jyeshta – one for Lord Vishnu
and another for Lord Shiva. They are both old and beautiful close to
the hotel. Not in the best condition but the spiritual energy is very
powerful.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 20: Tuesday, February 5

Dhanishta and Swamimalai Temple, Kumbakonam | 2 Hour Drive to Temple

8:00 AM - Shri Brahammagnana Pureeswarar for Dhanishta – Today the Moon is in Dhanishta so it is a special time to
visit this temple. The temple is in a state of disrepair and it is part of the aim of the trip to visit neglected temples and
show our support for them.

4:00 PM - Swaminathaswamy Temple is one of the most important temples for Lord Murughan and Mars. This is
where Lord Murugan gave the mantra Aum to his father Lord Shiva. We visit on Tuesday so good day to ask the bless-
ing from Lord Murugan.

Overnight at Indeco Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 21: Wednesday, February 6
Shatabhishak Temple, Kumbakonam
8:00 AM - Agnipureeshwarar for Shatabhishak temple. Today the Moon is
in Shatabhishak so it will be a special day. Here is where Agni worshipped to
Lord Shiva. It is a rare form of Sri Agni (fire God) with two faces, 7 flames, 7
hands, 4 horns and 3 feet.

1-1/2 Hour Drive from Indeco, Kumbakonam.

We check out from our hotel and move to the Mantra Koodam Hotel.

7:00 PM - Farewell Vegetarian Dinner.

Overnight at Mantra Koodam Hotel, Kumbakonam.

Day 22: Thursday, February 7

Chidambaram Enroute to Pondicherry
8:00 AM - Nataraja Temple, Chidambaram for Ardra Nakshatra. 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 the wisdom and knowledge. The main festival of this temple
is when the full Moon is in Ardra nakshatra.

LUNCH - Lunch with the priest | Deekshithar Subramania Swami.

6:00 PM - Visit to Manakula Vinayaka Temple and meet with elephant Lakshmi.

Overnight Stay at Annamalai Hotel, Pondicherry.

Day 23: Friday, February 8

Pondicherry – Last Day | Transfer to Chennai Airport
8:00 AM - Irumbai Mahakaleshwar Temple -
Navagraha are all with their wives and beautiful
Kerala style painted frescos.

Shri Vishwaroopa Maha Saneeswara Bhagavan

Temple – this has the twenty-seven naksha-
tras and their deities, Navagraha, 27 ft tall Lord
Saturn and the 12 rashis. Trees connected to
all- nakshatras, planets and rashis.

LUNCH - Lunch at Annamalai. (Included in costs)

3:00 PM - Transfer to Chennai International Airport - 3 Hour Drive

Book flights leaving after 10:00 pm.
HOTEL INFORMATION
CITY HOTEL WEBSITE

Kanchipuram GRT Regency https://grthotels.com/kanchipuram

Madurai JC Residency http://www.jcresidency.com/jc_madurai/
Chettinad Chettinad Mansion http://chettinadmansion.com/
Chettinad Bangala http://www.thebangala.com/
Trichy Sangam http://sangamhotels.com/
Kumbakonam Indeco Hotel http://www.indecohotels.com/swamimalai.html
Kumbakonam Mantra Koodam - CGH http://www.cghearth.com/mantra-koodam
Pondicherry Annamalai International http://www.hotelannamalai.com/

ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation for Twin Sharing Basis - See Hotel List Above
Check-in: January 17th - Check-out: February 8th

Per Person Cost Includes:

• Accommodation – Check in on 17 January and Check out on 8 February | twin sharing basis.
• Breakfast will be provided at the hotel.
• Workshops with Prof Jaya Sekhar and Komilla on 21st and 24th of February.
• Breakfast will be provided at the hotels.
• Air-conditioned Tempo Traveler with Experienced driver as per the programme.
• Dinner on 18th January (GRT- Welcome Dinner), 22nd January (Taj Gateway), 25th January (Chettinad Mansion), 26th January
(Bangala), 27th, 28th & 29th January (Sangam, Trichy) and on 6th February (Mantra Koodam - Farewell dinner)
• Lunch on 21st January (JC Residency | Workshop), 24th January (JC Residency), 27th January (Temple Priest -Theeyathur), 30th
January (Ideal River view), 3rd February (Bungalow on the Beach), 4th February (Indeco) and 8th February (Annamalai).
• Food Safari Tour in Madurai on 24th January (6 pm to 8 pm).
• Complimentary mineral water bottle in the Vehicle.
• All Taxes.
• Transfer from Pondicherry to Chennai Airport on the 8th February.
• Flight (economy) from Chennai to Madurai on 20th January.

NOT Included in Per Person* Cost:

• Cost of Travel to India.
• Insurance.
• Transfers not specified before or after the trip.
• Lunch and Dinner at the hotels except what is mentioned above.
• Entrance fees at historic sites, camera fees, tips, etc.
• Personal puja costs, group pujas costs will be shared.
• Tips – During check in / check out at the hotel / Restaurant / Drivers, etc.
• Personal expenses like phone, laundry, porterage, Wi-Fi.
• Hotel on 16th January or 8th February | Early check-in and late checkout at the hotels.
• Dakshina for the Temple Priests, Archana, Flowers, Garlands for the deities, Abhishekams, Homams and cost for any Pooja related
arrangements at the temples.

* NOTE: Per Person Cost of the trip includes a SHARED ROOM. If you want to have your own room, please purchase a
“Single Room Supplement”.