Navapashanam temple, Hindu temple in Devipattinam, India
Navapashanam temple features nine stone installations representing planetary deities arranged in a square pattern near the Bay of Bengal. The central stone sculpture symbolizes the Sun and serves as the focal point of the site.
The temple was established to honor the nine planetary deities of Hindu astrology and has deep roots in the local religious practices of Devipattinam. Administrative control shifted from the Sivaganga Devasthanam to the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of Tamil Nadu government in December 2015.
Visitors bring nine different types of grains as offerings to honor the connection between farming and the celestial bodies in Hindu tradition.
The stone sculptures stand partially submerged in seawater, so visitors should wear water-resistant clothing and shoes when performing ritual baths before ceremonies. The site is most accessible during low tide when the area remains more navigable.
The nine stone sculptures are exposed directly to salt water and ocean waves, which slowly weather the stone and give the site a timeless, weathered appearance. This natural erosion becomes part of the story written into each sculpture over time.
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