Overview
Sri Naganathaswamy Temple in Thirunageswaram, on the outskirts of Kumbakonam, is the Rahu Navagraha Sthalam, dedicated to Shiva as Naganathar with consort Parvati as Piraisoodi Amman. The temple is distinctive among Rahu shrines for depicting the deity with a human face rather than the serpent face more typically seen elsewhere.
History
The temple is believed to have been built by the Chola king Aditya Chola I in the 10th century CE, with later rulers making further additions, including four gateway towers (gopurams). The presiding deity is honoured in the 7th-century Tevaram, the canonical devotional work of the Tamil Nayanmar saints, giving the site Paadal Petra Sthalam status.
Spiritual Significance
A widely cited devotional phenomenon at this temple is that milk poured over the image of Rahu during abhishekam (ritual bathing) reportedly turns blue, an occurrence regarded by devotees as a distinctive miracle specific to this site and a significant draw for pilgrims from considerable distances. The temple's ten-day Brahmotsavam, held during the Tamil month of Karthigai (November-December), is its most significant annual festival.
Scriptures & Texts
Editorial note: Scripture references below are based on widely cited scholarly and traditional sources. Specific verse citations should be independently verified before publication.
Thirunageswaram's Paadal Petra Sthalam status is documented in the Tevaram. Specific verse-level citation, and independent verification of the milk-abhishekam phenomenon, require expert review before publication.
Prayers at Sri Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram (Navagraha: Rahu Sthalam)
ॐ जय शिव ओंकारा, स्वामी जय शिव ओंकारा
जय गणेश गिरिजा सुवन, मंगल मूल सुजान। कहत अयोध्यादास तुम, देहु अभय वरदान॥
जटाटवीगलज्जलप्रवाहपावितस्थले गलेऽवलम्ब्य लम्बितां भुजंगतुंगमालिकाम्।
नमामीशमीशान निर्वाणरूपं विभुं व्यापकं ब्रह्मवेदस्वरूपम्।
ब्रह्ममुरारिसुरार्चितलिङ्गं निर्मलभासितशोभितलिङ्गम्।
नागेन्द्रहाराय त्रिलोचनाय भस्माङ्गरागाय महेश्वराय।
Pilgrimage Information
When to visit: November to February offers the most comfortable weather; the Brahmotsavam during Karthigai (November-December) is the temple's largest annual festival.
Getting there: Thirunageswaram is on the outskirts of Kumbakonam, itself well connected by road and rail.
Family Suitability
Well suited to families of all ages, given the easy access.
Accommodation
Kumbakonam offers a wide range of pilgrim accommodation.
Local Services
Full local services are available via nearby Kumbakonam.
Do’s & Don’ts
Do
- Observe the milk abhishekam ritual if the timing allows, a distinctive devotional feature of this temple.
- Dress modestly, as at any active Hindu temple.
Don’t
- Don't overlook the temple's primary Shiva (Naganathar) identity when focusing on its Rahu Navagraha significance.
Nearby Sacred Locations
- Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple
The Shani (Saturn) Navagraha Sthalam, part of the same circuit.
- Keezhaperumpallam Ketu Temple
The Ketu Navagraha Sthalam, part of the same circuit.
- Navagraha Sthalams of Tamil Nadu (overview)
This platform's overview of the full nine-temple Navagraha circuit.
Preservation
Specific current conservation programme details were not found in the sources consulted for this page.
Giving Back
Support the temple through its own official HR&CE-administered donation channels.
Sources
Last reviewed: 2026-07-11. Scaffolding content: This page was seeded with well-known public information for development purposes and is pending full editorial review before publication.