Wrathful and fiery with his lower body in the form of a
snake, Rahu, the graha can give a person rich prosperity or plunge them in deep
troubles. Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu sthalam, the temple in the
outskirts of Kumbakonam, is dedicated to Lord Rahu. The presiding deity as in other
Navagraha temples is Lord Shiva, in the form of Naganathaswamy, the one who
gave boons to the serpents. Adishesha, Takshaka, Indra, Sage Gautama, King Nala
are all believed to have worshipped at the shrine here. The temple is believed
to have built by Aditya Chola I in the
10th century. The inner mantapa was built by Seikkizhar. Govinda Dikshitar a
minister to Acchuthappa Nayak in 17th century, constructed the outer mantapa.
Surya Pushkarani was built by King Sambumali. The roof work was done by Arimalazham
Annamalai Chettiar.
Location TamilNadu, Thanjavur, Chennai
Legend
Mythology states that, the king of snakes, Adisesha did
penance at this place. Shiva pleased by the worship, gave a boon to the king of
Serpents and hence he is called Naganathar. Many serpents, including Adishesha,
Takshaka and Karkotaka, have worshipped Shiva here, hence the name
"Tirunageswaram".The legends regarding the temple also states that
Rahu worshipped Lord Shiva here to relieve him of curse. Rahu also received a
boon from Shiva that he could stay here and bless his devotees.
This Temple is part of the famous Navagraha Yatra.
Architecture
Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is built in Dravidian style
architecture with four gateways having gopurams adorned with sculptures. The
temple complex inside its walls encompasses various shrines, garden, broad
pathways, ornamental halls, carved pillars, vast pillared mantapams etc. The
shrine of the presiding deity of Lord Shiva is in the inner sanctum. Rahul
Bhagvan is seen with his consorts and unlike other temples, is with a human
face. Surya pushkarani, the sacred theertha is square shaped and built in Chola
style.
Culture
Kumbakonam has a salient place in the history of South India
as it served as the capital for medieval Cholas. The place is known for its
temples and monasteries. The place is famous for Mahamaham festival celebrated
at the Mahamaham tank once in 12 years.
Darsan Info
Temple timings 06:00
AM to 9:00 AM, 01:00 PM to 05:00 PM, and 07:00 PM to 09:00 PM.
Locals believe that the worship during morning, afternoon
and evening at the three Nageswaran temples namely Nageswaran Temple,
Tirunageswaram and Thirupampuram respectively will be beneficial for the
devotees
Darsan Dresscode
Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing.
Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu
Famous Festival
March - Shivaratri
October - Navratri
November - Brahmotsvam
December - Thiruvathirai
Temple Rituals
Sri Naganathaswamy Temple conducts six pujas daily- Ushakala
puja, Kalasandhi puja, Uchikala puja, Sayaratchai puja, Irandam Kala puja and
Arthajama puja.
Special Rituals
Milk abhishekam to Rahu on Sundays during Rahu Kaalam is
said to alleviate the adverse effects of Rahu. The milk which is poured over
the idol turned blue.
Additional Info
Small eateries are there in the vicinity.
Restaurants are also available at Kumbakonam which is 7kms
from Sri Naganathaswamy Temple.
Supermarket : Available
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