Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple

Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple - North lunar node

The Thirunageswaram Naganathar Templealso known as Rahu Stalam is located in the village of Thirunageswaram, in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu. This ancient temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and it is worshipped as Naganathar and his wife is worshipped as Piraisoodi Amman.But the temple has a separate shrine for Rahu.This temple is known for its special rituals where devotees seek relief from Rahu-related issues such as fear, mental distress, and obstacles in life.Thirunageswaram Naganathar Templeis known for its ritual “milk abhishekam”, where milk poured over the Rahu idol reportedly changes color to blue, a miracle that draws devotees from across the country.

Historical Origins :Thirunageswaram Naganathar Temple was built by Aditya Chola Iin the 10th century A.D. Then many rulers modified the temple with their own additions. The most prominent is the ornamental entrance built during the Nayak Period.
Architectural Style: : This temple highlights the beauty of classic Dravidian architecture with a 4 Gateway Gopuram with numerous shrines like Naganathar, Rahu, and Piraisoodi Amman being the most prominent.
Main Deity: Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Naganathar, with a special shrine dedicated to Rahu.
Spiritual Beliefs: It is said that worshipping here is believed to reduce the negative effects of Rahu and bring peace and clarity to devotees.

Key Festival: There are many festivals celebrated in this temple like Brahmotsvam celebrated for 10 days in the Tamil month of Karthigai (November–December), Kandasashti festival during October or November, Shivaratri, Navaratri.
Prime Location and Nearby Attractions: It is located on the outskirts of Kumbakonam, easily accessible for those visiting other temples in the arealike the Kanjanur Sukran Temple and Alangudi Guru Temple.
Ritual Timing: The temple rituals are performed 6 times a dayfrom5:30 amto 10 pm. Each ritual has four steps: abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering), and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps). There is a separate timing for the Rahu Abhishekam and it is performed twice in a day at 11:30 am and 5:30 pm and additionally twice at various times in the day.