Thirunageswaram Temple

Thirunageswaram Temple, Kumbakonam Overview

Situated in the village of Thirunageswaram, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Thirunageswaram Temple (also known as Rahu Temple) is an ancient Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva. Revered by the Shiva bhakts, the temple is also associated with the nine planets- Navagraha Sthalam especially Rahu. The temple is enshrines by shivalinga which is worshipped as Naganathar, and Lord Shiva’s consort Goddess Parvathy, who is worshipped as Pirasoodi. Like the other Shiva temples in the area, this one is also revered in the Tamil canonical work Tevaram and is classified as Paadal Petra Sthalam.

Believed to have been built in the Chola Period, the shrine boasts of four elaborate gopurams. Besides the presiding deities, the prominent shrines are of Naganathar, Rahu and Piraisoodi Amman. The temple also has a beautiful flower garden in the third precinct and a tiny water tank called Sula Theertham. As per common belief, a dip in the tank can cleanse one of his sins. The temple follows a six daily rituals routine. The Brahmotsavam or the Prime Festival is the chief festival of the shrine.

Rituals and Festivals at Thirunageswaram Temple

The temple has daily rituals performed six times a day by the temple priest- Ushathkalam at 6:00 AM., Kalasanthi at 9:00 AM., Uchikalam at 1:00 PM, Sayarakshai at 5:00 PM., Irandamkalam at 7:00 PM and Ardha Jamam at 9:00 PM. The rituals involve the worship of both Annamalaiyar and Unnamulai Amman amidst music from nagaswaram and tavil. The puja comprises four steps- abhisheka (sacred bath), alangaram (decoration), neivethanam (food offering) and deepa aradanai (waving of lamps).

The weekly rituals are somavaram and sukravaram, fortnightly rituals called pradosham and monthly rituals called amavasai (new moon day), kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day) and sathurthi.

How To Reach Thirunageswaram Temple

Thirunageswaram Devi Temple is located 5 kms away from the city of Kumbakonam. It can be reached in state buses numbered - 13, 15, 22, 23, 58, 60.

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