Thirunageswaram Temple

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.