Friday, August 23, 2019

Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Tirunageswaram – Raahu Shrine

Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Tirunageswaram – Raahu Shrine
Raahu Shrine is situated in the second precinct in the north east corner. A unique feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that Lord Rahu is seen with human face. While in other places, Lord Raahu is worshipped with a serpent face. He is gracing the devotees with his two consorts Simhi and Chitralekha. An important event in this temple is the milk abhishekam that is performed for Raahu. Special poojas are performed for Raahu between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. (Rahukalam) on all Sundays. At this time, the milk that is poured on this idol changes its colour to blue as it passes over the body. The colour of the milk again changes back to white when it reaches the ground.  A large number of devotees gather here to worship Raahu during this time.

On 16th February 1986, a snake shed its skin (length 5.5 feet) in the form of a garland on the idol of Lord Raahu. This skin is preserved in a glass box. There is a Tamil proverb which can be loosely translated as follows – No one can bless like Raahu and no one can create obstacles like Kethu. Since this is a Parihara sthalam for Raahu, devotees can worship him here to seek his blessings.

His Adi Devatha is Goddess Durgai and Prathyathi Devatha is the Serpent. 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 Neivedhyam is the Rice mixed with Orid Dhal Powder.

Raghu Bhagawan is the source for Kalathra Dhosham, Puthra Dhosham, Communicable Disease, Mental Disorders, Leprosy, and fall in Grace. Raghu Bhagawan 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.