Alangudi, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is the Navagraha temple for Jupiter, Guru or Brihaspati, set in the Apatsahayesvarar Shiva temple.
Your darshan is free. You come to pray to Jupiter for wisdom, learning, marriage and good fortune, and to ease a weak Jupiter in your chart. It is one of the nine planet temples on the Kumbakonam circuit, and it fills to huge crowds at Guru Peyarchi, when Jupiter changes sign, and on Thursdays.
Jupiter and Guru Peyarchi
Jupiter, Guru, is the teacher of the gods, so you come to Alangudi for wisdom, learning, a good marriage, children and prosperity, all the things a strong Jupiter is said to bless. The biggest event is Guru Peyarchi, when Jupiter moves from one sign to the next, about once a year, and lakhs of pilgrims reach Alangudi for it. You can arrange an abhishekam or an archana to Jupiter at the temple counter, in the yellow that Jupiter takes. Agree any priest's fee first, because that is a personal service, not the free darshan.
Free darshan and timings
- Your darshan is free and open to all.
- The temple opens in a morning window and again in the late afternoon and evening, with a midday break, so plan around the closed hours.
- Thursdays are Jupiter's day, and Guru Peyarchi is the huge festival, so both are very busy.
[Confirm the exact timings, the next Guru Peyarchi date, and any special pooja on the HR&CE listing and locally. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
How to reach
Alangudi is near Kumbakonam and Needamangalam in the Thanjavur region of Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli, and Kumbakonam has a railway station. You reach it by road on the Navagraha circuit, within an hour of Kumbakonam. Pair it with the other eight planet temples on a one or two day loop, and reach very early if you come for Guru Peyarchi.
What to carry
Carry a photo identity and modest dress for the shrine. Carry small cash for a pooja, lamps and the yellow offerings Jupiter takes, even where counters accept digital payment. Carry water and a hat, and be ready for an enormous crowd and a long wait if you visit at Guru Peyarchi.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Your biggest mistake would be paying a private site for a "Guru pooja booking," when your darshan is free and you arrange poojas at the temple counter. Next, do not come at Guru Peyarchi without a plan, into an enormous crowd. Do not ignore the midday closing. Do not miss the other eight planet temples nearby.
Questions people ask
Is Alangudi darshan free?
Yes, your darshan is free. You pay only for a pooja or lamps at the temple.
Which planet is this?
Jupiter, Guru or Brihaspati, in the Apatsahayesvarar Shiva temple at Alangudi.
Why do people come?
To pray for wisdom, a good marriage, children and prosperity, and to ease a weak Jupiter.
When is it busiest?
At Guru Peyarchi, when Jupiter changes sign, and on Thursdays.
Is there an official booking site?
No. It is a Tamil Nadu government HR&CE temple with free darshan, so arrange any pooja at the counter.