Sri Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Stalam), Tirunageswaram - Specialty

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Stalam), Tirunageswaram - Specialty

The presiding deity of Thirunageshwaram Naganathar Swamy Temple is Lord Shiva, worshiped by the name Lord Naganatha Swamy (Lord Shiva), who is in the form of Lingam, an infinite nature of Lord Shiva. The special feature of this temple is that, this is the only temple where Lord Rahu can be seen with his consorts. The other deities of the temple are Pirayani Amman (Parvathi), Giri-Gujambigai (Parvathi), housed in a separate shrine.

Goddess Girigujambal was also said to be worshipped Lord Shiva at this temple and still believed to be worshiping him along with goddesses Lakshmi, Saraswathi, Ganesha, Muruga, and Shasta. And Lord Maha Bhairava is said to be guarding the Goddess Girigujambal, who is in the form of Meru and hence no ablutions are performed.

Shrine of Lord Ganesha was believed to be installed by Sadasiva Brahmendra, a saint, a composer of Carnatic music and an Advaita philosopher. The Dwarapalakas (door keepers) of Naganathar Swamy Temple are made out of Chunam clay (lime plaster). The entrances of the temple are adorned with excellent arts depicting Veda Nayakas. And the temple contains Bali Peetam, Nandikeswara hall and the holy flag post.

The presiding deity Naganathar Swamy of this temple is admired in Tevaram, the 7th century Tamil Saiva canon. Tirunageswaram is one of the 274 Paadal Petra Sthalams of lord Shiva. It is one of the Panchakrosha Sthalams. The presiding Deity is Arulmigu Giri Gujambika Sametha Naganathaswamy. Thirugnana Sambandar, Thiru Navukkarasar, Thiru Sundaramoorthy Nayanar, and Arunagiri Swamigal have praised the glory of the Lord. The Thirunagechurappuranam which was written by Singaravelu Pillai contains sufficient information about the temple.

The Chola King Kanadarathitya (950 AD-957 AD) changed it into a granite edifice. The inner Mantapa was built by Sekkizhar, as it was a favorite place to him. The wonderful halls of Naganathar Swamy temple are built by Govinda Dikshitar, the minister of three successive Nayaks of Thanjavur. Govinda Dikshitar (17th century A.D.) a minister to Achuthappa Nayak constructed the outer Mantapam. Sambumali, a King built the beautiful Surya Pushkarani beautifully. The roof and other renovation work were done by Arimalazham Annamalai Chettiar.

Gnaniyar Swamigal, the great Saiva scholar, who was the pontiff at the Mutt at Thiruppapuliyur, was born here. Suryan, Vinayagar, Goutamar, Nalan, Parasarar, Pandavas, Vasishta, Indra, Brahma, Bageerathan, Chandrasenan, Adiseshan, Kakkan Karkodagan, Sounagar and Nargunan are few who have prayed and benefited at this temple. King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple.

Thirunageshwaram Naganatha Swamy Temple, one of the dedicated temples for the Navagrahas to get relieved from Raghu Bhagwan Dhosha Parikaram and all the Sarpa Dhoshams is located around 7 Kms from Kumbakonam near Oppiliappan Temple. The village name itself is called as Thirunageshwaram, where Raghu Bhagwan blesses with his two consorts Simhi and Chitralekha in a separate shrine in outer prakaram. His Adi Devatha is Goddess Durgai and Prathyathi Devatha is the Serpant.

His Colour is Black, Vahana is Blue Lion and the Grain associated with him is Orid Dhal, The Flower is Mandharai, fabric is Black Coloured Cloth, Gem is Komedhagam and Naivedhyam is the Rice mixed with Orid Dhal Powder. The Speciality of this temple is that the colour of the milk gets changed into bluish when the abhishegam is being done for Raghu Bhagwan. 

Raghu Bhagwan is the source for Kalathra Dhosham, Puthra Dhosham, Communicable Disease, Mental Disorders, Leprosy, and fall in Grace. Presiding Deity is Naganatha Swamy. He is also worshipped as Nageswarar, Shenbagaranyeswarar, as this place is once with full of flowers Shenbagam. Goddess is being worshipped as Pirainuthal Ammai, Kundramamulai Amman, and Girukujambal. Pirainuthal Ammai is on left side of Naganatha Swamy shrine. Sthala Vriksham is Shenbaga Tree.

Temple theertham is Surya Pushkarani. In the Main Sanctum the presiding deity Lord Naganatha Swamy is blessing the devotees whereas inside the second tower in a separate sanctum Raghu Bhagwan blesses along with his two consorts. Mazhu Porutha Vinayagar is blessing in Northern side of the tower. Shrine for Girikumbikai is in northern side of the temple. The divine Mother is of an aspect which is manifested as the power of desire, power of creation and the power of wisdom.

Raghu Bhagwan is associated with the world of material manifestation and worldly desire, as well as random, uncontrolled growth without wisdom or understanding. He is considered to be the expert among the planets when it comes to scheming and plotting. It is the master of manipulation.

On 16.2.86, a snake had shed off its outer skin on Rahu Bhagavan, which is preserved and worshipped to date.

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples around Kumbakonam (Thirunageshwaram) and is dedicated to Rahu. People having Ragu dosha come here during Rahu kalam and perform Abishekams. The Jothisha Sastra (Astrology) states that if Raghu is in good position in one's horoscope He will bestow all prosperity (including Raja Yoga) to him and that person becomes a Kubera.
If he is not in a good position and guilty (Dhosha) a person gets worst results and his life will be miserable. Therefore one should satisfy Raghu (one of the 9 planets) by worshipping him. One's marriage will be delayed if Raghu is in the 7^th place in a horoscope. If he is in the 5^th place, the Jaathaka (person) will not beget a child. In order to nullify Kalathra dhosha, Naga dhosa and Putra dhosha one should worship Raaghu. People afflicted with Nagadhosa should perform oblations.