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The nine image of the planetary deities is located in a matrix
arrangement in the Bay of Bengal. There is an entrance arch on the shores
and a pathway 100 yd (91 m) long leads to the sanctum. There is a pathway
and four stepways leading to the waters in the four cardinal
directions.
The major festivals celebrated in the temple are the ten-day Aadi Amavasai,
the full moon day on the Tamil month of Aadi (June - July) and Thai amavasai
during the Tamil month of Thai (January - February). During these days,
there are close to one lakh pilgrims who visit the place. The place is
commonly visited by pilgrims doing their rites for their forefathers. It is
also a part of popular tourist circuit in the region along with the
Ramanathaswamy Temple at Rameswaram and Adi Jagannatha Perumal Temple at
Thirupullanai.
The practise of offering nine different type of grains specific to
each of the nine planets is commonly followed in the temple. Unlike other
South Indian temples, where people are not allowed to touch the presiding
deities, pilgrims can do their own worship on the images.
The temple is open from 4:30 a.m. to 6:30 pm on all days.
Getting There
Navapashanam is located in
Devipattinam, 32.7 km via East Coast Road and NH87 from Uchipuli. The quickest way is go by taxi which takes 45 minutes.
Uchipuli is located on the
National Highway 49 (NH 49) or 85 that connects Kochi to Rameswaram. The
Uchippuli Railway Station (code UCP) is located on the
Rameshwaram-Ramanathapuram route.
In Uchipuli,
taxis, buses and autos are available easily. There are a number of
moderately priced hotels in the town.
The nearest domestic airport is
Madurai Airport, located in Madurai, 140 km northwest of Uchipuli. It is
about two hours
drive to Madurai Airport from Uchipuli. To make arrangements for a taxi from Airport
to Uchipuli, contact one the taxi operators and travel agents that have
counter in the Airport.
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