நாகநாதசுவாமி கோயில் (திருநாகேஸ்வரம்)Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram

Sthala Mahātmyam

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple at Thirunageswaram, near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district, is the Navagraha sthalam of Rahu, the ascending lunar node. Shiva is worshipped as Naganathar, represented by the lingam, with his consort Parvati as Piraisoodi Amman. A distinctive feature of this temple is that Rahu is enshrined with a human face — unlike most shrines, where he is shown with a serpent's face — and he is depicted here with his two consorts, Nagavalli and Nagakanni. The temple's most renowned marvel occurs during Rahu Kaalam, when milk poured over the image of Rahu in abhishekam is seen to take on a bluish hue, a phenomenon regarded as miraculous that draws pilgrims from distant places. The name Thirunageswaram recalls the serpent deities said to have worshipped Shiva at this spot. Devotees pray here for relief from Rahu dosha and Kala Sarpa dosha. Chief festivals include the Brahmotsavam, Kanda Sashti, Navaratri and Rahu Peyarchi.