South-Indian Images of Gods and Goddesses c12.s1: I

c12.s1.1

Of the miscellaneous gods found in South-Indian temples, mention may be made of the Navagrahas or "the nine Planets" headed by the Sun. They are installed within the enclosed verandah round the central shrine of a temple with or without a special structure erected over them. The Sun stands in the centre and the others are fixed round him, each in a specified direction. The Planets are highly respected and scrupulously worshipped by the people, as they are believed to influence the destinies of human beings.