Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Tirunageswaram – Religious Significance

Naganathaswamy Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Tirunageswaram – Religious Significance

Navagraha Temples:

The temple is one of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state - it houses the image of Rahu (North Node). The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes. The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers.

As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practices of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple. As per contemporary Saivite belief, the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled based on remedial measures. As per local legends, Shiva, the overlord of the nine planetary deities, allowed them to freely grant wishes based on devotion of the devotees.

Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu are;

1. Suryanar Kovil, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Suryan / Sun) 

2. Kailasanathar Temple, Thingalur, Thanjavur (Chandran / Moon) 

3. Vaidyanatha Swamy Temple, Vaitheeswaran Koil, Nagapattinam (Chevvai / Mars) 

4. Swetharanyeswarar Temple, Thiruvenkadu, Nagapattinam (Budhan / Mercury) 

5. Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi, Thiruvarur (Guru / Jupiter) 

6. Agniswarar Temple, Kanjanur, Thanjavur (Sukran / Venus)

7. Tirunallar Saniswaran Temple (Dharbaranyeswarar Temple), Karaikal, Puducherry (Sani / Saturn) 

8. NaganathaswamyTemple, Tirunageswaram, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Rahu / North Node) 

9. Naganathaswamy Temple, Keezhperumpallam, Nagapattinam (Kethu / South Node)

Pancha Krosha Sthalams:

The Pancha Krosha Sthalams are the temples where Lord Shiva is present in his full glory. Worshiping these places in a single day brings auspiciousness and the blessings of the Pitrus, One Krosha is 1.3 miles (approx.) and the Pancha (Five) Krosha Temples are situated within 6.5 miles (Five Kroshas). Pancha Krosha Sthalams around Kumbakonam are;

·        Mahalingeswarar Temple at Thiruvidaimarudur

·        Airavateshwarar Temple at Darasuram

·        Naganathar Temple at Tirunageswaram

·        Swaminathaswamy Temple at Swamimalai

·        Sundareswarar Temple at Koranattu Karuppur

Paadal Petra Sthalam:

The Temple is revered in the 7^th century Tamil Saiva canonical work, the Thevaram, written by Tamil saint poets known as the Nayanmars and classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam. This is the 146^th Paadal Petra Shiva sthalam and 29^th sthalam on the south side ofriver Cauvery. This is one of the 44 Paadal Petra Sthalams where the “Moovar” (the three saints - Saint Thirugnanasambanthar, Saint Tirunavukkarasar (Appar) and Saint Sundaramurthy (Sundarar) had rendered their Pathigams.

Thirupugazh Sthalam:

Saint Arunagirinathar had praised Lord Murugan of this temple in his revered Thirupugazh Hymns.

Offering prayers at Temples to get relief from Sarpa Dosha:

As per Hindu belief, people troubled by Sarpa Dosha or Malefic effects Rahu – Kethu seek a relief by offering prayers in a single day to Kudanthai or Kumbakonam Nageswarar in the morning, Thirunageshwaram Naganathar at the noon, Thirupampuram Paampuranathar in the evening and Nagore Nageswarar at night.

Unique Occurrence of milk turning blue colour:

The ablution of the image of Rahu during Rahu Kaalam with milk turning to blue colour in this temple is considered to be a miracle and attracts devotees from distant places.