Thirunageswaram is one of 127 temples placed on the southern banks of the Cauvery River. It is part of the Panchakrosa Sthalas. The ruling Deity is Arulmigu Giri Gujambika Sametha Naganathaswamy. The Raaghu Sannathi ( Nagaraja Shrine)is on the South-West direction of the second prakara.Raaghu, the Naga (Serpent) King adored the Lord Siva. Hence this place was termed as ‘Thirunageshwaram'. Rahu had acquired a gift from Siva for bestowing grace and wealth to those who worship him with dedication. He took His residence as God with His two consorts. There is another shrine for Amman, where Devi is seen in three forms as Lakshmi(godess of riches), Girigujaambaal (sakthi) and Saraswathi (godess of knowledge). As to the Sthalapuranam, there are two Shrines (Sannidhis) for the Presiding Deity (Moorthi) at this sthala, the colour of milk changes from white to blue during Abhishekam. On 16.2.86, a snake had shed off its outer skin on Rahu Bhagavan, which is maintained and venerated to date. People having Rahu dosha come here during Rahu kalam and do Abishekas. The Jothisha Sastra (Astrololgy) suggests that if Raaghu is in favorable position in one's horoscope. He will grant all prosperity (including Raja Yoga ) to him and that person becomes a Kubera. If he is not in a good position and guilty ( Dhosha ) a person gets terrible consequences and his life would be unpleasant. Therefore one should appease Raaghu (one of the 9 planets) by worshipping Him. One's marriage will be postponed if Rahu is in the 7 th place in a horoscope. If he is in the 5 th place, the Jaathaka (person) will not beget a child. In order to neutralize Kalasthra dhosha, Naga dhosa and Putra dhosha one should worship Raaghu. People affected with Nagadhosa should do oblations.
Rahu is God of the Ascending / North lunar node. Rahu may be represented riding a black lion or as sat on a Sirhhasana (throne) or in a silver chariot drawn by eight horses. He may have two hands, the right hand carrying a woollen blanket and a book, the left hand being displayed vacant. If four hands are displayed, they can carry sword, shield and lance, the fourth one being in Varada-mudra. According to mythology, during the Samudra manthan, the asura Rahu swallowed part of the heavenly nectar. But before the nectar could pass his throat, Mohini (the female form of Vishnu) cut off his head. The head, however, remained eternal and is called Rahu, while the rest of the body became Ketu. It is thought that this everlasting head occasionally swallows the sun or the moon, causing eclipses. Then, the sun or moon passes through the aperture in the neck, ending the eclipse. In Hindu mythology, Lord Rahu is described as the head of a demonic snake that consumes the sun and moon, creating eclipses. Rahu is a mysterious planet and do not have any specific day dedicated to him. He is represented in art as a dragon with no body riding on a chariot driven by eight black horses. When Rahu is afflicted one suffers numerous hardships and impediments in the route of prosperity. The gemstone of Rahu is Gomedh or Honey Colored Hessonite.
Temple: Tirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple near Kumbakonam in Tamilnadu is one of the notable Lord Rahu temples in India.
Mool Mantra: “Om bhram bhreem bhroum sah rahave namah”
Thirunageswaram is located 6 km from Kumbakonam on Karaikal road. Nearest Railway station is at 2 k.m far at Theprumanallur (Thirunageswaram). Oppiliappan kovil is the nearest temple.
