Temple

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.

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.

Darsan Info

Darsan Dresscode

Devotees are advised to wear clean and traditional clothing. Western attire are not allowed in the temples of Tamil Nadu

Famous Festival

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.

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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