Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple travel guide

Deity

Shiva as Naganathaswamy; Rahu shrine

Timings

6 am–12:45 pm, 4–8:30 pm

Rahu Kalam puja

Sundays, 4:30–6 pm

Distance from Kumbakonam

About 6 km

Nearest railway station

Kumbakonam

Nearest airport

Tiruchirappalli

Legend and history

According to local tradition, the serpent Dakkan harmed the son of a sage named Suseelar and was cursed in return. After long worship of Shiva at this spot, the curse was lifted, and the place became sacred to the serpent deities. Rahu is also said to have worshipped Shiva here, which is why this became his shrine among the Navagraha temples.

The complex has tall gopurams, large mandapams and temple tanks typical of the Chola and later Nayak periods.

The Rahu shrine

Unlike most images of Rahu, which show a serpent body, here he appears in human form with his two consorts. During the milk abhishekam the milk poured over the idol is said to turn blue as it flows down, and devotees gather to watch. People facing an unfavourable Rahu period in their horoscope offer blue or dark cloth and grains and pray for protection. Shrines to Lakshmi and Saraswathi are also inside the complex.

Festivals

The biggest day is Rahu Peyarchi, when Rahu moves into a new zodiac sign roughly every one and a half years, and the town fills with devotees. Mahashivaratri, Panguni Uthiram, Navaratri and the annual Brahmotsavam are also celebrated, and special pujas are held every Sunday during Rahu Kalam, from 4:30 to 6 pm.

Timings and how to reach

Darshan hours are 6 am–12:45 pm and again 4–8:30 pm. Kumbakonam railway station is the nearest, and autos and town buses cover the short road east. Tiruchirappalli has the nearest airport, around two hours away by car. Traditional dress covering shoulders and knees is expected. Since Kumbakonam is surrounded by the other Navagraha temples, we can arrange a two-day circuit covering all nine along with Thanjavur.

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