Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram

Also known as: நாகநாதசுவாமி கோயில் (திருநாகேஸ்வரம்) · నాగనాథస్వామి ఆలయం, తిరునాగేశ్వరం · नागनाथस्वामी मंदिर, तिरुनागेश्वरम (राहु)

The Rahu temple among the nine Navagraha temples, near Kumbakonam. A Tevaram Shiva temple.

Deity: Naganathar (Shiva), Giri Gujambigai (Parvati), Rahu
Tradition: Navagraha
Place: Thirunageswaram, Thanjavur
State: Tamil Nadu
Sacred tank / theertham: Sula Theertham (the temple tank)
Era: Believed to have been built by Aditya Chola I in the 10th century. Later additions by the Nayaks, including halls built under the minister Govinda Dikshitar.

Sthala Puranam

Adishesha, the king of serpents, did penance here at a place known as Senbaranya Kshetram. Shiva gave him a boon and became known as Naganathar.

Serpents such as Takshaka and Karkotaka also worshipped Shiva here, which gave the town its name.

Indra, cursed by sage Gautama, worshipped Giri Gujambigai with a scented material called punugu for 45 days and was freed from the curse.

One of the nine Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu, for Rahu, with a separate Rahu shrine.
It is said that milk used in the Rahu abhishekam turns blue. Devotees regard this as a miracle.
Giri Gujambigai is regarded as self-manifested (swayambu), so no abhishekam is done to her image.
A Paadal Petra Sthalam, praised in the Tevaram.

By airTiruchirappalli Airport, about 100 km.

By trainKumbakonam Junction, about 7 km.

By roadOn the Kumbakonam–Karaikal road. Frequent buses from Kumbakonam.

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Location is approximate.

Dress modestly. Leave footwear outside the temple.
Timings, ticket rules and dress codes change. Check the temple's own notice or website before you travel.
Book darshan, rooms and special poojas only at the official counter or website, not through agents.
Rahu kalam (the Rahu period each day) is considered a special time for the Rahu shrine.

Sources

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