Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Tirunageswaram – Inscriptions
Several Inscriptions dating back to the early Chola Period provide insights into the conduct of festivals, the construction and improvements at the temple at different points of time. There was a donation of 48 houses during the rule of Rajendra Chola I. The income from this was used to maintain the lamps at the temple. The temple was referred to as Mahadeva temple of Thiru Nageswaram during the rule of Rajendra Chola I. Temple vessels in Silver were donated as per his orders. In the 11th Century AD, there was a counting done and a classification made of all the jewels and coins belonging to the temple. There was a provision made for bring sacred water from the Cauvery for Anointment of the Lord during festive occasions.
A very interesting piece of inscription is found on the Western wall of the Naganatha Swamy temple. As per this, 100 gold coins were donated to a Kumbabhishekam Committee during Rajendra Chola’s rule. This donation was to be used for the repair of agricultural canal that was ravaged by floods in the Cauvery. Also, a part of this donation was to be used for providing lectures and conducting Upanyasams to spread the message about Shiva Dharma. An inscription on the southern wall refers to a procession of the Pasaya Devar Idol. This is now found on the Northern side of the temple.
An inscription on the same wall refers to donation of a land and Gold Coin by Krishna Raman who also assisted Rajaraja Chola in building a Mandapa at Brihadeeswarar temple in Thanjavur and the installation of the Arthanareeswarar Idol there. One more inscription on the Southern wall dating back to the rule of Rajaraja Chola refers to donation of land as well as gold coins for performing daily rituals at the temple.
