About Naganathaswamy Temple, Thirunageswaram
Naganathaswamy Temple is a Hindu Shiva temple located in Thirunageswaram near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu. Dedicated to Lord Shiva as Naganathaswamy and renowned as the Rahu shrine among the Navagraha temples, it is also a Paadal Petra Sthalam. Built in Dravidian architecture with Chola origins and later Nayak additions, it is famous for the milk abhishekam ritual where milk turns blue, attracting pilgrims seeking relief from Rahu dosha.
Visitors guide
Visitors can expect a large Dravidian-style temple complex with towering gopurams, pillared halls, temple tanks and shrines dedicated to Shiva as Naganathaswamy, Goddess Girigujambikai and Rahu with his consorts. The main sanctum, Rahu shrine with Nagaraja imagery, ornate sculptures and mandapams can be explored. The environment is devotional with regular pujas, abhishekams and chanting, especially during Rahu Kalam when milk abhishekam is performed.
Key highlights
- 01
One of the nine Navagraha temples, revered as the Rahu Sthalam
- 02
Famous milk abhishekam where milk poured over Rahu idol is said to turn bluish
- 03
Paadal Petra Sthalam glorified in Tevaram hymns by Tamil Saivite saints
- 04
Dravidian architecture with four gopurams, pillared halls and sculpted mandapams
- 05