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.