Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple the famous Navagraha pilgrimage in Thanjavur District
This article related to famous navagraha temple in Thanjavur and iew the full details including address and about Rahu bagavan in Thirunageswaram temple. Shiva sthalam in Tamilnadu details are given
Introduction of Thirunageswaram Naganatha Swamy Temple in Thanjavur District
Thirunageswaram Temple is one of the Navagraha temple located near 7 kms from Kumbakonam and 2 kms from Uppiliappan Kovil. The temple is dedicated to Rahu Bhagavan . The Main Idol of this temple was Lord Shiva as "Nageswarar" or "Naganatha Swamy" and Lord Parvathi as "Girigujambikai". In this temple, Ambal is decorated as a small girl in the morning time, young lady in noon time and Lady in evening time. With Goddess, Lord Lakshmi and Saraswathi blessings with Ambal . This temple is important tourist spot in Thanjavur district
The area of this temple is 630 ft to 800 ft. The temple is one of the "Panchakrosa Sthalam". The inner mandapam of this temple is built by Seikkizhar, Outer mandapam by Gocinda Diksithar and King Sambunali built "Surya Pushkarani" and all other works done by Annamalai Chettiar around 17th century A.D.
There are 12 theerthams in this temple are Surya theertham, Yama theertham, Chandra theertham, Agni theertham, Durga theertham, Gowthama theertham, Paarasara theertham, Indra theertham, Bruhu theertham, Kanva theertham and Vashista theertham. Naganatha Swamy (Naga – Snake, Natha – God) temple is located south of the Cauvery river.History of Thirunageswaram Temple
Sukracharya was the asuran command to consumed the nectar from Lord Vishnu distributing Amirtham. Lord Surya and Chandran noticed this and complaint to Lord Vishnu. Lord Vishnu got anger, he cut the asuran's head in his "Chakra". The head flew away and joined with snake's body. This snake body called as "Rahu Bhagavan". Then the snake head flew away and joined with asura's body. Later he called as "Ketu Bhagavan".
The Mythological Serpents Aadi seshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotagan worshipped Shiva in this temple. Nala worshipped in this temple. Sushila was the saint. Once Ragu did mistake depend on Sushila. So saint Sushila cursed Rahu. Rahu visit the Siva temple in Thirunageswaram in first quarter of the night, Sanbakaranyam in second quarter, Thirupamburan in third quarter, Nagaikaraonam in fourth quarter, Usha time in the fifth quarter. In last quarter, at the Holy Senbaka (Champak) forest in Thirunageswaram, Rahu prayed Naganatha swamy and relieved his curse in this temple.
In this temple, there are two shrines for Lord Shiva was Naganatha swamy and Ardhanareeswarar. There are two goddess in this temple are Piriyanivanudalumai and Girugujambigai. For Lord Piriyanivanudalumai, there is no idol for her in this temple. When Indra was cursed by Gowthama Muni, he prayed Parvathi here and standing with Punugu. Day by day upto neck, the idol covered the Goddess. At time Indra arrived the temple, but her face only visible to devotees still now.Thirunageswaram Temple
Rahu is the powerful and strength one's power and he is the god of converting even an enemy into a friend. Rahu is a serpent (Naga) God and he is blessings with his two wives "Nagavalli and Nagakanni" in this temple.
The Devotees whom having "Rahu Dhosam" in their horoscope, they have delayed in marriage, loss of business, struggles with partners, poor performance in studies, poor social status, disagreement with partners, delays in getting childrens, diseases that cannot be cured, unlucky etc.
Lord Rahu faces in South-west corner in this temple. There are three dhosams belongs to Rahu are Kalasarpa dhosam, Kalathra dhosam and Sarpa dhosam is said to be cause for one's good position, status, business, faithfulness, mantra power etc. The Devotees offered Mantharai flower, black cloth, rice mixed with Urad dhal powder, komedagam gem and Milk abhisegam done to Rahu bagavan. Rahu is ruled by Goddess Durga and his vahanam is Lion.
In Birth chart, if Rahu is placed in fifth and ninth positions means they suffered from delayed pregnancy and infertility make "Puthiradhosam". In Rahu Peyarchi, when people get Rahu in the 1st, 4th, 5th, 7th, 9th, 10th and 12th positions from their Rasi, they will struggle with life in difficulties. People who have Rahu Dasa and Rahu Bhukthi are advised to come this temple to pariharam.
Rahu and Ketu are like twins. Rahu is seen in Human face with Snake body and Kethu is seen in Snake face with Human body. Lord Surya and Chandra were the enemies for Rahu and Ketu. During Rahukalam time, Milk Abhisegam is offered to Rahu. When Milk poured over Rahu Idol, the idol turns blue which is clearly visible in this temple and again turns white, while stop pouring milk. It is miracle and devotees performed this pooja.
In this temple only, Rahu have face to bless than the other temples. There are 6 poojas offered daily for Rahu at 6 am to 9am, 1 pm to 5pm and 7 pm to 9 pm. They are Ushakkala pooja at 6 am, Kalasandhi pooja at 9 am, Uchikkala pooja at 1 pm, Saya ratchai pooja at 5 pm, Irandam kala pooja at 7 pm and Arthajama pooja at 9 pm in this temple.
The temple has several praharams and mandapams. Vinayaga temple, Bali peedam, Nandeewarar mandapam and Thwaja Sthambam are occupied in front of the temple. In this temple, Suryan, Vinayagar, Gautamar, Nalan, Pandavar, Indran, Brahma, Adi seshan, Nargunan etc have prayed and benefitted at this temple. The holy tree of this temple are "Senbaka"(Champak).
Thirugnanasambandar, Thirunavukkarasar, Sundaramurthy Nayanar, Arunagiri Swamigal, Singaravelu pillai sung a song for Lord Shiva in this temple. The Piraiani Nudalaal Ambal shrine is situated in this temple.
During Pradoshams, special abhisegam for Nandi, Milk abhisegam for Rahu during Rahu kalams, special homam during Rahu peyarchi are occurred. In Deepavali, Navarathri, Sivarathri, Kandashasti, Kartigai, sekkizhar Vaikasi pooja, Thiruvathirai, Brahmotsavam pooja are grandly celebrated in this temple.Temple Timings
: 6 am to 1 pm and 4 p m to 9.30 pmAddress of the temple
Sri Naganatha Swamy Temple,
Sri Raaghusthalam,
Thirunageswaram – 612204,
Kumbakonam Taluk,
Thanjavur District,
Phone No: 0435-2463354
