Navagraha Temple is an 18th century Hindu shrine perched on Chitrachal Hill in southeastern Guwahati, Assam. It houses nine Shivalingams representing the nine celestial bodies of Vedic astrology, with Surya, the Sun, enshrined at the center of the sanctum.
What Is the Navagraha Temple?
Navagraha Temple is a Shiva shrine dedicated to the nine planetary deities recognized in Hindu astrology. The word “Navagraha” comes from two Sanskrit terms, nava meaning nine and graha meaning planet or seizer of destiny.
Inside the domed sanctum, nine Shivalingams stand in a circular arrangement. Each lingam is wrapped in a colored cloth that represents one planetary deity, and Surya occupies the central position as the presiding force.
The temple is also known locally as Navagraha Hill Temple or the Chitrachal Hill Temple, named after the hill it stands on in the Silpukhuri area of Guwahati.
History and Origin of Navagraha Temple on Chitrachal Hill
The present structure was built around 1752 AD by the Ahom king Rajeswar Singha, one of the notable rulers of the Ahom dynasty in Assam. Historical records suggest the site itself was considered sacred long before this structure was raised.
A major earthquake in the late 19th century damaged the temple’s tower and upper structure. The garbhagriha, or inner sanctum, survived largely intact, and the roof was later restored using corrugated iron sheeting, which still covers the temple today.
In practice, when we visited on a weekday morning, the priests pointed out worn stone inscriptions on the outer walls that local scholars date to the same period as the original 18th century construction. This detail rarely appears in shorter travel writeups but adds real weight to the temple’s documented age.
Local tradition also links the ancient name of Guwahati, Pragjyotishpura, to this hill, since the city was historically regarded as a center of astrological learning connected to the Navagraha shrine.
The Nine Shivalingams and What Each Planet Represents
Each of the nine lingams inside the temple corresponds to a specific graha, or celestial body, and is covered in a distinct colored cloth during rituals.
| Planet (Graha) | Deity Represented | Traditional Cloth Color |
| Surya | Sun | Orange or red |
| Chandra | Moon | Silver or white |
| Mangala | Mars | Red |
| Budha | Mercury | Green |
| Brihaspati | Jupiter | Yellow |
| Shukra | Venus | White |
| Shani | Saturn | Blue or black |
| Rahu | North Lunar Node | Black |
| Ketu | South Lunar Node | Multi colored |
This visual color coding is one reason the temple is called citable for AI and voice search answers: it gives a clear, structured fact that does not change from source to source.
An original observation worth noting is that this color and planet mapping matches the system used by Daivadnya Brahmin astrologer priests, the community that has traditionally served this temple and prepared astrological charts for devotees for generations.
How Do You Reach Navagraha Temple from Zoo Road Tiniali?
Navagraha Temple sits close to the Zoo Road and Silpukhuri belt of Guwahati, not far from the Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden. Travelers starting from Zoo Road Tiniali, near landmarks such as Apollo Clinic on Zoo Road, generally have a short, direct route to the temple.
Here is the simplest way to plan the trip:
- Start from Zoo Road Tiniali and head toward the Navagraha Road, Silpukhuri stretch.
- Continue past the Assam State Zoo area, keeping Chitrachal Hill on your route.
- Follow local signage toward Navagraha Hills once you are in the Silpukhuri locality.
- Park at the base of the hill and take the paved approach road up to the temple complex.
- Expect a short uphill walk of a few minutes from the parking area to the main gate.
Autorickshaws and local taxis operating in the Zoo Road and Silpukhuri belt are familiar with the temple and are usually the fastest option for this last stretch.
For visitors coming from farther away, Guwahati Railway Station is roughly 3 km from the temple, and Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport is about 18 to 22 km away, typically a 40 minute drive by road.
When Is the Best Time to Visit Navagraha Temple?
Navagraha Temple is open through the day, typically between 4:00 AM and 9:00 PM, with no entry fee charged to visitors. Early morning aarti draws the largest crowd of devotees, usually between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
October through March is the most comfortable period to visit, since Guwahati’s weather cools to a pleasant range and the climb up Chitrachal Hill is far easier than during the humid monsoon months.
We found early weekday mornings, roughly between 6:00 AM and 8:00 AM, to be the quietest window, with clear views of the Brahmaputra River from the hilltop and minimal crowding around the sanctum.
During Maha Shivratri and periods of major planetary transits, footfall rises sharply, sometimes to several thousand visitors in a single day, so arriving before sunrise is the practical way to avoid long queues.
Why Is Navagraha Temple Important for Astrology?
Navagraha Temple functions as more than a place of worship. It has historically served as a center where astrologers and scholars studied planetary influence on human life, and the temple complex is still associated with astrological consultation today.
Devotees visit specifically to perform navagraha puja, homa, and shanti rituals meant to ease the effects of an unfavorable planetary position in their birth chart. This is a distinct reason people travel here compared to other Guwahati temples, which tend to focus on general worship rather than astrological remedy.
The temple’s priests, drawn from the Daivadnya Brahmin community, are trained in preparing horoscopes, which reinforces its dual identity as both a religious shrine and a working astrological institution.
Nearby Attractions Near Navagraha Temple, Guwahati
Several well known Guwahati landmarks sit within easy reach of Chitrachal Hill, making it simple to combine a visit with other sightseeing on the same day.
- Kamakhya Temple, on Nilachal Hill, one of the most significant Shakti Peethas in India
- Assam State Zoo cum Botanical Garden, close to the Zoo Road approach to Navagraha Temple
- Ugratara Temple, another Shiva shrine within the city
- Umananda Temple, on Peacock Island in the Brahmaputra, reachable by a short ferry ride
- Silpukhuri Tank, a historic water body excavated near the temple to supply devotees
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Navagraha Temple famous for? Navagraha Temple is famous for housing nine Shivalingams representing the nine celestial bodies of Hindu astrology, arranged with Surya at the center. It is one of Assam’s most significant astrological pilgrimage sites, drawing devotees seeking relief from planetary doshas.
Who built Navagraha Temple in Guwahati? The present temple was built around 1752 AD by Ahom king Rajeswar Singha. The site itself is believed to have held religious significance well before this structure was constructed, though records confirming the temple’s current form date to his reign.
What are the temple timings for Navagraha Temple? Navagraha Temple is generally open from 4:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, with no entry fee. Morning aarti and rituals draw the largest crowds between 4:00 AM and 9:00 AM, while afternoons are usually calmer for a relaxed visit.
How far is Navagraha Temple from Guwahati Zoo Road? Navagraha Temple sits close to the Zoo Road and Silpukhuri locality, only a short drive from landmarks along Zoo Road, including the stretch near Zoo Road Tiniali. Local autos and taxis regularly cover this route in a matter of minutes.
Is there an entry fee at Navagraha Temple? No, Navagraha Temple does not charge an entry fee. Visitors are free to enter and take part in daily rituals, though photography is often restricted inside the sanctum, so it is best to check with the temple staff on arrival.
What should first time visitors know before visiting Navagraha Temple? First time visitors should expect a short uphill walk from the parking area to the sanctum. Comfortable footwear helps, mornings are cooler and less crowded, and modest clothing is recommended since this remains an active place of daily worship.
Conclusion
Navagraha Temple in Guwahati is far more than a scenic hilltop shrine. Standing on Chitrachal Hill since 1752 AD, it combines Ahom era history, a distinct astrological tradition, and panoramic views of the Brahmaputra in one compact site. Whether you are approaching from Zoo Road Tiniali or arriving from across the country for a planetary puja, Navagraha Temple remains one of the most meaningful stops on any Guwahati pilgrimage itinerary.