Tamil Nadu Temples

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam in Tamil Nadu is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples and is dedicated to Rahu. The Presiding Deity is Lord Naganathaswamy. Shrine is adjacent to Naganathaswamy’s shrine and GiriGujambika with Lakshmi and Saraswathy by her side has a separate temple.

What is the history of Thirunageswaram?

According to the history of Thirunageswaram, the serpents Aadi Seshan, Dakshan and Kaarkotakan worshipped Shiva here. Also, Nala worshipped Shiva here as in Gowtama muni, Paraasarar and Bhageerata also associate with legends that relate this temple. Rahu prayed to Shiva and hence this place got the name Thirunageswaram.

Here Rahu Bhagavan has manifested with both his consorts.

King Sambumali who had incurred the wrath of sage Kaalangiri, attained moksha after bathing in the temple tank and praying to the Lord and Ambal of this temple. Then the devas and asuras churned the Paarkadal to obtain amirtham that would free them from death, keeping them alive for ever.

When the amirtham emerged, Lord Vishnu in the guise of Mohini was distributing the amirtham only to the devas. He was worried that the evil deeds of the asuras will increase multifold if they consumed amirtham. Realising this, one of the asuras with the help of the asura guru Sukrachariyar, took the form of a deva and consumed the nectar. Suryan and Chandran who noticed this, complained to Lord Narayana.

In anger, Lord Narayana hit the asura on the head with the spoon in his hand. The head was cut off and fell on the ground. But because the asura had consumed amirtham, his head and body continued to live. The body of a snake got attached to the head to become Rahu Bhagavan. Rahu prayed to Lord Vishnu (Narayana) and got the position of a Sayagraham. Rahu takes his revenge on Suryan and Chandran, whenever he gets a chance by devouring them. People commonly call this as eclipse.

What is the significance of Thirunageswaram Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thirunageswaram Temple:

• A unique feature of Naganatha Swamy temple is that Rahu Bhagavan has human face. Usually in other places, Rahu Bhagavan has a serpent face. Here Rahu Bhagavan is present with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni. This was originally a forest of Senbaka trees. A Shivalingam was found under one of these trees here and hence He came to be known as Shenbagarane Eswara.

• On entering the Eastern gate way, one can find the Vinayaga temple, Balipeedam, Nandeeswarar Mandapam and Dhwaja Sthambam (Flag post). Also, On the southern side there is the temple tank. Further, On entering the main gopuram, the Deity of Rahu Bhagavan is in the south West corner of the praharam

• Rahu is the source of plenty. Kalathra dosham, puthira dosham, communicable diseases, mental disorders, leprosy, fall in grace are caused by Rahu dosham. Praying to Rahu at this sthala helps to rid a person from these factors and also saves the person from all poisonous life forms. Trips to holy places, Gnanamarkam are his beneficial aspects.

• Also, Lord Pambureswarar in the lingam form blesses in the sanctum sanctorum. The ‘utsavar’ form of Adhisesha is in the worshipping posture in the sanctum sanctorum. There is also a most encompassing the sannadhi, with three sides of the moat covered by the mandapam

What are the timings of Thirunageswaram Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Thirunageswaram Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at the Thirunageswaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thirunageswaram Temple are:

Chithirai Brahmmotsavam: Chithirai Brahmotsavam is the celestial celebration of Devi Meenakshi’s divine marriage with Lord Sundareshwara. Also, Therottam or Car Festival occurs on the 11th day of the festival. Moreover, Kumkumarchana is the offering of personal puja in your name in which there is chanting of different names of Devi Meenakshi along with the offering of Kumkum – vermillion. Women also offer Kumkumarchana for receiving special blessings for fulfilling their wishes.

Thai Poosa star float festival: Float festival occurs on the Full Moon Day of the Tamil month of Thai (come in between mid Jan- mid Feb) every year. On the festive night, devotees decorate the images of goddess Meenakshi as well asLord Sundareswara with ornaments and take them out in a colourful procession to the huge Mariamman Teppakulam. Also, the unique character of the Thai Pusam is the astonishing parade of people bearing kavadis. 

Adipooram: The day of Aadi Pooram is also the day of Goddess Shakti as devotees believe that the Goddess herself comes to Earth in this auspicious day, to bless her devotees. In the temples, priests adorn Goddess Andal wiith silk saree, glittering jewelleries and garlands. There is also an elaborate feast to the Goddess in which every household in the community contributes. 

Masi Magam:  The festival falls in the Tamil Month of Masi (February – March). In this festival various traditional customs take place like bringing the deities from the neighboring temples around Karaikal. Also, many devotees come to take holy dip in the sea to cleanse all the sins. The most significant deity is Sowriraja Perumal of Thirukannapuram. 

What are the poojas and Rituals of Thirunageswaram ?

The poojas are rituals of Thirunageswaram are:

• Sundays are very auspicious and devotees perform milk abhishekam for Rahu. A noteworthy feature is that the milk turns blue. A dip in Soola Theertha cures one of diseases and gives prosperity.
• Five kala poojas take place everyday. Special Abhisekas also take place between 4.30 to 6 PM (Raaghu Kala) on all Sundays.
• Astrologers suggest that doing Milk abhishekam (especially on Sundays) here for Rahu during Rahu kalam (period of 1 and 1/2 hours occurring every day ) neutralizes the malefic effects of Rahu like marriage obstacles, lack of progeny, troubled marital life, Kalasarpa Dhosham, Kalasthra Dhosha , Sarpa Dhosha. During this milk abhishekam, the milk turns blue. Devotees also make the offering of blue cloth and ulutham paruppu (urad dal) here. Mantharai flower is special to him.

How to reach Thirunageswaram Temple?

Here’s how to reach Thirunageswaram Temple:

• Air: The nearest airport to Naganathaswamy Temple is Tiruchirapalli International Airport.
• Train: Thanjavur railway junction has three rail heads leading to Tiruchirapalli, Kumbakonam and Thiruvarur. 
• Road: Buses Available from Kumbakonam (8kms), 10mins of travel form Kumbakonam, buses also available from Tanjore and major towns such as Trichy, Madurai.

Where to stay in Thirunageswaram?

Some of the places wehre one can stay in Thirunageswaram are:

• Hotel Kanakabhishegam Contact: No. 6, Sannathi Street, Thirukkadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
• Mookambigai Residency Hotel Contact: Thirukadaiyur Main Road, Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
• Hotel Chella Residency Contact: Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311

Where to eat in Thirunageswaram?

Some of the places where one can eat in Thirunageswaram are:

• Krishna Bhavan Veg Hotel Contact: Thirukadaiyur, Tamil Nadu 609311
• Majnu Restaurant Contact: Thirunagari – Mangaimadam Rd, Mangaimadam, Tamil Nadu 609106
• Annapoorani Contact: Tiruvengadu – Poompuhar Rd, Manigramam, Tamil Nadu 609107

What are some temples near Thirunageswaram temple?

Some temples near Thirunageswaram temple are:

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur Peruvudaiyar Kovil also popular as Brihadeeswara Temple and Raja Rajeswara Temple which was achieved by Rajaraja Chola I (985 -1012 AD) in Tamil architecture. Also, his big Hindu temple is for Lord Siva. The main deity of Brihadeeswara Temple is lord Shiva (Lord Brihadeeswara), and has three eyes.

Thirunallar Temple: Sri Darbaraneswarar Temple is the abode of Lord Shani(Lord Saturn). The Temple is also most famous to Lord Shaneeswarar (Saneeswaran in Tamil), one of the 9 Navagrahas(Nine Planets). Various poojas are also offered to Lord Saneeswara(Shani) Bhagawan every day. Moreover, the other deities of the shrine are Swarna Vinayaka, Lord Subramaneswara Swamy and Thyagarajar.

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Kailasanathar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples and is at Thingaloor, Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu.The presiding deity is Soma (moon). However, the main idol in the temple is that of “Kailasanathar” or Shiva. The main deities here are Kailasanathar (Lord Shiva) and Periyanayagi (Goddess Parvati).

Further, it is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Siva and got his blessings. Chandran is the Lord of Kadaga Rasi and he faces the South-East direction. Also, Thingaloor Temple has Dravidian architectural style, with a five tiered gopuram over the shrine which has carvings. The sanctum enshrines main deity, the glorious Lingam of Kailasanathan.

What is the history of Thingaloor?

According to history, Rajasimma Pallavan constructed Thingaloor around 7th century. This is built similar to the Dravidian architecture. “Appothiyadigal” one of the Nayanmar out of 63 Nayanmars is from this town Thingalur. Due to the affection towards the Lord Shiva he kept his sons name as “Mootha Thirunavukarasu” and Ilaya Thirunavukarasu.”

He was doing lot of charity work for Shiva devotees in the name of Thirunavukarasu. One day by hearing that Thirunavukarasar has arrived to Thingalur, Appothiyadigal went to meet him. Latest he has asked to Thirunavukarasar to visit his home and have food. Appothiyadigal send his son to cut and bring banana leaves to serve the food for Thirunavukarasar.

There was a snake in the backyard of his home and that bite his son. If he tells that his son is dead, Thirunavukarasar won’t eat the food at his home so he wanted to hide that sad news. When Thirunavukarasar came to know the news he carried the body of Appothiyadigal’s son and worshipped to the god. The son also came back alive is the story of this temple.

Another legend

According to another legend the Devas and asuras were churning the Paarkadal using Mandhira Malai and the snake Vasuki. The asuras held the head portion of the snake and the Devas, the tail portion. When Lord Vishnu was distributing the Amrutham amongst the Devas, at the behest of Shukracharya, one of the asuras in the guise of a deva consumed the nectar.

Suryan and Chandran noticed this and complained to Lord Vishnu.  An angry Vishnu used his chakrayudham (discus) to cut the Asura into two and threw them away. The head joined with a snake’s body to become Rahu Bhagavan. The body portion kept growing because the Asura had consumed Amrutham.  This later joined with the head of a snake and became Kethu Bhagavan.

Now, Rahu and Ketu did not forgive Suryan and Chandran.  Rahu went after Chandran and started consuming him.  It is here that Chandran prayed to Lord Shiva and got his blessings.

Shiva blessed Chandran with the power to grow back to full size in 15 days after being consumed by Rahu.  That is why we have the waxing and waning moon.  Shiva also blessed Chandran by adorning Chandran on his forehead so that anyone who prays Shiva will have to pray Chandran.

What is the significance of the Thingaloor Temple?

Here’s the significance of Thingaloor Temple:

• Thingalur Kailasanathar temple is important for first rice feeding of the infant child known as Anna Prasanam. Kailasanathar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples  in honour ofMoon god.

• Before feeding the child with rice (Annaprasana) the priest shows the child moon and a cow, thus bringing the blessings of Jaladevadha (water God) and Oushadhi Devadha (God of medicines).  Devotees also believe that Jaladevadha would protect the child from cold, fever etc.

• Mental retardation, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, and fluid accumulation are the diseases that occur because of Chandra dosham. By praying to Lord Chandran, one an overcome the above afflictions. He provides his devotees with wealth, mother’s/wife’s happiness, Govt’s help, ownership of vehicle, marriage, offspring’s, prosperity, and foreign travel.

• The special offerings to moon god are Oleander flowers, cloths of white color, and raw rice with jiggery and paddy.

What are the timins ofThingaloor Temple?

Here are the timings of Thingaloor Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at Thingaloor Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thingaloor temple are:

• Pournami Festival: A full moon in the Tamil month of Chitra (month of April and May), and an exalted Sun in the sign Aries mark the day of Chitra Poornima. This auspicious day is also for Lord Indra, the God of Devas. Chithra pournami is famous for Meenakshi amman and Kallazhagar also. 
• Mahashivarathri Festival: The festival is celebrated on the new moon day in the month of Maagha according to the Hindu calendar. Devotees also believe that the one who performs sincere worship of Lord Shiva on the auspicious day of Shivratri attains moksha. Married women pray for the well being of their husbands and sons, while unmarried women pray for an ideal husband like Shiva, who is the spouse of Kali Ma, Parvati and Durga.
• Margazhi Tiruvadhirai Festival: Tiruvathirai, or Thiruvathirai festival, in Tamil culture is observed on the day when Lord Shiva performed the Tandava. The festival is also a commemoration of Shiva’s Nakshatra (Birthday Star) Ardra.
• Panguni Uthiram Festival: It falls on the day the moon transits in the asterism of Uttara-phalguni or Uthiram in the twelfth month of the Tamil solar calendar i.e. Panguni (March-April). Devotees of Lord Muruga  even pierce their bodies with needles and spikes as a sign of their devotion to the Lord.

What are the Poojas and Rituals at Thingaloor temple?

Puja at this temple is recommended for those in whose horoscope the position of Moon is weak. Chandra graha also controls the five senses of human life. Moon is the ruler of the mind and all the senses that it controls. Oblations to the Moon God at this temple helps keep all these factors on a balanced note.

How to Reach the Thingaloor Temple?

Here’s how to reach the Thingaloor Temple:

• Air: The nearest domestic airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport, 90 km east of Kumbakonam. T
• Train: The nearest railway station is Ariyalur railway station which is 29 Km from the temple.  
• Road: Thingaloor Temple is about 36 km from Kumbakonam, on the way to Tiruvaiyaru. 

Where to stay near Thingaloor temple?

Some of the places to stay near the temple are:

• Sri Hari Residency Contact: 99, West Raja Street, Near Sri Kumara Kottam Temple, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu
• M.M.Hotels Contact: No. 65/65, Nellukara Street, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502
• Hotel Ramco Residency Contact: SH58, Ennaikaran, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631501
• Sree Sakthi Residency Contact: 71, Nellukara St, Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Where to eat near Thingaloor Temple?

Tamilian’s staple diet is rice and most of their food consists of grains, lentils and vegetables. ‘Sadhams’ (rice dishes) with different flavours are their specialty. Spices give a distinctive taste to dishes. Tamil Nadu Food is very different from the food of other regions like Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka. There are many restaurants near the temple that offers delicious food.

• Cascade Restaurant Salem Contact: Junction Main Road 5/315 Devi Chit Funds Complex
• Tandooriwala Salem Contact: Junction Main Road
• Sri Saravana Bhavan Contact: Omalur Main Road State Bank Colony
• Selvi Mess Contact: Arthanari Nagar Opp New Bus Stand

What are some temples near Thingaloor Temple?

Some of the temples near Thingaloor Temple are:

Brihadeeswarar Temple: Thanjavur Brihadeeswara temple is one of the most ancient temple, in the city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. Also, a long prakaram surrounds the great temple (500 feet/250 feet), and the walls surrounding the prakaram again go back to Raja Raja Cholan’s period. The walls house long pillared corridors, which abound in murals, Shiva Lingams and Nandis.

Naganathaswamy Temple: Thirunageshwaram Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is another temple, 6 kms away from Kumbakonam on the southern banks of Cauvery in Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu. Also, the presiding deity of Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple is Lord Naganathaswamy (Lord Shiva) and his consort Giri Gujambika (Goddess Parvathi) who is enshrined with Goddess Lakshmi and Goddess Saraswati by her side.

Apatsahayesvarar Temple: Apatsahayesvarar Temple, Alangudi is one of the Navagraha (nine planets) temples dedicated to Lord Shiva located in the village of Alangudi in the Valangaiman taluka of Tiruvarur district. Further, the uniqueness of this place is that it has Dakshinabhimukh Avatsak of Lord Shiva.

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The ancient temple of Dakshinamurthy temple is present in a tiny village of Alangudi in Thiruvarur district of Tamil Nadu. It is also popular as the Arulmigu Abathsagayeswarar temple. Here Lord Shiva is the main deity.  There is a separate sanctum for the special deity Sri Dakshinamurthi.

Lord Guru or Lord Dakshinamurthy is one of the “Navagrahas” and refers to the planet Jupiter. The Balipeeta for Nandi has a covering of copper plates. Also, devotees believe that ‘Amudogar’, devotee of Lord Shiva, constructed this temple. He was also the minister of the King Masukuntha Chakravarti. Further, in the inner corridor of the temple the shrines of Lord Ganesh, Murugan, Lakshmi, Sapthalingas, Kasi Viswanathar, Visalakshi and Sage Agasthya are present.

What is the history of Alangudi?

As per history of Alangudi, Devas and Asuras tried to churn the Cosmic Ocean to obtain Amrita. It was the nectar of immortal life. By the suggestion of Vishnu, the gods (devas) and demons (Asuras) churn the primeval ocean in order to obtain Amrita which will guarantee them immortality.

To churn the ocean they used the Serpent King, Vasuki, for their churning-string. For a churning pole they use Mount Mandara placed on the back of a Great Tortoise. It was the Kurma Avatar of Vishnu. As the gods and demons churned the sea, a terrible poison issued out of the sea which enveloped the universe.

The devas and asuras approach Shiva who took the poison into his throat and swallowed it. As Lord Shiva saved the world from the poison the Lord here is popular as ‘Abath Sagayeswarar’. This place also famous as Alangudi ( poison means Alam in tamil).

When the devas were churning the paarkadal for nectar, poisonous fumes from the snake Vasuki disturbed them and hence, they prayed to Lord Siva for deliverance. Lord Siva consumed the deadly poison (Ala Visham), thus giving rise to the name Alangudi

Devotees visit here to worship the planet Guru (Jupiter). Every year during the planet Jupiter’s movement from one house to another house is very auspicious and lakhs of devotees arrive to worship the Guru Bhagavan.

What is the significance of the Alangudi Temple?

Here’s the significance of Alangudi Temple:

• Devotees believe that worshipping Lord Jupiter in this temple will cure the Guru dosha. Also, all the skin diseases will cure after taking a bath in the holy tank of this temple. Here, Lord Ganesha even removes the devotee’s mental worries.

• Further, Guru gives luck,richness,health in one’s life. But if it is in a wrong position means they will get heart problems,education problems etc. To overcome these problems devotees going to Alangudi and do things to satisfy Lord Guru.

What are the timings of Alangudi Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Alangudi Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at the Alangudi Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at the Alangudi Temple are:

• Skanda Sashti: Skanda Sashti festival is dedicated to Hindu God Muruga (Karikeya or Subrahmanya). Kanda Sashti occurs in the Tamil Month Aippasi. Son of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine incarnation of Skanda was to primarily annihilate the demons that had created anarchy on earth and restore Dharma. He was also the commander of the army of the Devas. Also, the fasting of Skanda Shasti begins on the Pradma Thithi after Deepavali in Tamil Nadu. 
• Aadi Puram: The story of Goddess Andal is famous throughout Tamil Nadu. She is also famous for her steadfast devotion for Sri Ranganatha (Lord Vishnu).There is a popular belief that Goddess Andal is an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Aadi Puram is of great significance in Lord Vishnu Temples in Tamil Nadu. Equally important is the day in Shakti Temples.
• Arudra Darisanam: Arudra Darshan is a Tamil festival and this day is dedicated to Lord Shiva. Arudra Nakshatram, which is also famous as Thiruvaathirai Nakshatram, during Maargazhi Masam is considered highly auspicious. Most of the temples around the world with Lord Nataraja and Shiva as deity perform the Arudhra Darshan.
• Kartikai Deepam: Karthigai Deepam comes on the tamil month Karthigai on Pournami day(Full moon day). Throughout the month, devotees light lamps in the front of the house in the evening. Special rituals also take place for Lord Muruga on this day.
• Thai Poosam: Thaipusam is an important festival dedicated to Lord Muruga or Kartikeya. Many devotees  also bear milk, water, fruits and floral tributes on pails hung from a yoke and carry them on their shoulders to various Murugan temples, far and near. Moreover, a wooden or bamboo structure- ‘Kavadi’ has a covering of cloth and decoration of feathers of peacock -vehicle of Lord Murugan.

What are the Poojas and Rituals of Alangudi?

The poojas and rituals of Alangudi are:

• The worshipper lights 24 lamps with ghee and circumambulates the Guru Bhagavan temple 24 times.
• Also, Kaala santhi takes place within 240 minutes or 4 hours of sunrise.
• Saayaratchai pooja starts  3/3-4 Nazhigai  90 minutes before sunset and end at sunset time of that day.
• Then, Arththa Yaama pooja takes place d after the Irandaam kaala pooja but 3/3-4 90 minutes before the closing of the temple. Finally, this pooja will come to an end with the closure of the temple for that day.

How to reach Alangudi?

Here’s how to reach Alangudi:

• Air: The nearest airport is Thanjavur, 28 Km from the temple.
• Train: Needamangalam Railway Station, on the Thanjavur – Thiruvarur rail route, is the nearest railhead. It is 7 km from Alangudi. 
• Bus: Alangudi is 40 km from Tiruvarur on the Mannarkudi route and it can be reached from Kumbakonam.

What are some places to stay in  Alangudi?

Some of the places where one can stay in Alangudi are:

• Sivamurugan Hotels Contact: 60 Feet Main Road, | Near New Bus Stand, Kumbakonam 612 001, India
• Sara Regency  Contact: 45/1 Chennai Road, Kumbakonam 612002, India
• Quality Inn VIHA  Contact: New Railway Road, Kumbakonam, Tanjore, Tamil Nadu 612001
• Hotel Green Park Contact: No. 10, Lakshmi Vilas Street, Kumbakonam, South India – 612001
• Hotel Vinayaga  Contact: 132C, Kamaraj Road, Kumbakonam- 612 001, Tamilnadu, India</li>

Where to eat in Alangudi?

Some places where one can eat in Alangudi are:

• Venkatramanaa Hotel Contact: No 40, TSR Big Street, Kumbakonam HO, Kumbakonam – 612001, Near Gandhi Park
• Sri Balaji Bhavan Contact: Sasthra College Road, Kumbakonam HO, Kumbakonam – 612001
• Hotel Shanmuga Bhavan Contact: 16, Kumbeswarar South Street, Kumbakonam HO, Kumbakonam – 612001
• Gowri Shankar Hotel Contact: No 47, John Selvaraj Nagar, Kumbakonam HO, Kumbakonam – 612001
• Rayas Garden Restaurant Contact: No 18 Rayas Hotel, Head Post Office Road, Kumbakonam HO, Kumbakonam – 612001

What are some temples near the Alangudi temple?

Some of the temples near Alangudi Temple are:

Sri Perungaraiyadi Meenda Ayyanar: Sri Perungaraiyadi Meenda Ayyanar Temple is one of the famous temples in Pudukkottai District, Tamil Nadu. Moreover, the temple’s history dates back to 18th century. The temple is in the bank of Villuni River. As per the researchers, there used to be a big Elephant idol facing opposite to the Horse idol in this Temple

Vasisteshwaran Temple: The temple dates from the 12th century AD and was built by the Cholas. Also, Maharshi Vasishta worshipped Jupiter as Raja Guru in this temple; hence the place has Guru importance. The Goddess here is also popular as Sugantha Kunthalambigai as a girl by name Sugantha Kunthala brought husband back to life after worshipping Ulaganayaki. 

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