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Suryanar koil temple history
The history of the temple goes thus: Kalava Muni, once became aware of the fact that he was to suffer of leprosy. In order to free himself of the dreadful disease, the sage resorted to the worship of the Navagrahams. The nine planets on being pleased by the Muni's devotion, absolved him of the terrible disease. Lord Brahma, the creator became cross with the planets for failing in discharging their duty in accordance with the law of Karma with regards to Kalava Muni. As a result, he cursed the planets that they be afflicted by leprosy and banished them to earth. However on their imploring, Lord Brahma advised them to take a in dip in the holy river Cauvery and offer prayers to Lord Shiva (Prananadheswarar) and Mother Parvati (Manglanaayaki) at Thirumangalakudi. He also instructed them to them to take their food on Velerukku leaf.
The Navagrahas followed the instructions of Lord Brahma and invoked the blessings of Lord Shiva. Lord Shiva who was pleased with the worship blessed them that they be enshrined in nine separate sanctums in the Suryanar temple. He also decried that whosoever worship the Navagrahas there will be free of their problems.