Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple

Getting there

• By air

  Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the nearest commercial airport to Kumbakonam.

• By train

  Kumbakonam railway station provides rail connectivity across South India.

• By road

  The temple is in Thirunageswaram, on the Kumbakonam to Karaikkal highway. It is about 5 km from Kumbakonam and 47 km from Thanjavur.

Why devotees come here

Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple stands in the town of Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. It is one of the Navagraha Stalas, the temples linked to the nine planets, and this one is linked to Rahu. Shiva is worshipped here as Naganathar.

Thirunageswaram is one of the Navagraha Stalas, the Shiva temples associated with the nine planetary elements, and this one is specifically linked to Rahu. Shiva is worshipped here as Naganathar, shown as a lingam, and his consort Parvati is Piraisoodi Amman. As per Hindu legend, Adisesha, king of serpents, did penance at this place, which was called Senbaranya Kshetram for its many senbaga trees.

Aditya Chola I is thought to have started the temple in the 10th century, and later rulers made their own additions. It shows the Chola style of architecture, with four gateway towers known as gopurams. The Rahu shrine stands in the north-eastern corner of the second precinct. The campus covers 630 ft north to south and 800 ft east to west, with concentric lanes and four major streets around its sides.

Festivals

• Karthigai month, November to DecemberBrahmotsavam

  The prime festival of the temple, celebrated for ten days.

• Once every 1.5 years, when Rahu changes raasiRahu Peyarchi

  Marks the day Rahu moves from one raasi to the next.

• Nine days, ending on VijayadasamiNavarathri

  Naganathar and Girigujambigai are taken in a horse chariot procession on the final day.

Tips for your visit

• The temple tank, Sula Theertham, is believed to clear sins when devotees bathe in it.
• Pilgrims come from distant places for the Rahu ablution during Rahukaalam, when the milk turns blue.
• The second precinct, which has a granite floor, is where the Rahu shrine stands.

Questions people ask