Tamil Nadu Temples

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple of Sri Darbaraneswarar in Tamil Nadu is one of the Navagrahas. The main deities of the shrine are Lord Shiva, his consort Goddess Parvati, and Lord Shani Bhagawan. In the Thirunallar Temple, Lord Shiva is Darbaraneswara while Goddess Parvati is popular as Pranamambika or Bogamartha Poon Mulayal (Poonmulalammal).

Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple – Facts

What are the timings of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

Here are the darshan timings of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple:

What are the sevas and poojas at Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

The devotees believe that they can get rid of their curses and spells of bad luck if they pray in this temple. Hence, pilgrims take a dip in the Nala Theertha and offer worship at the temple. The worship here also includes lighting holy lamps with til (gingelly) seeds and oil. After prayers, balls of cooked rice are offered to the Crow, the mount of Saniswara.

Apply Gingelly oil on the head before the bath an leave the clothes there. After dressing up, visit the nearby Kali Theertha Vinayakar shrine and offer prayers and break coconuts.

Devotees can also donate for the poojas to the temple. Also, there are two ways to do poojas. One is the devotees themselves should collect all the materials for the pooja and handover to the concerned temple authorities. One can also send the money directly to temple authorities

What is the significance of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

The significance of the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple is that offering prayers at this temple are believed to reduce the ill effects of Lord Shani and increase the positive effects. Also, for over thousand years Hindus have visited this temple and have found their misfortunes and bad luck to decrease as this is the only temple in the world where Lord Shani lost his power to Lord Shiva.

Saturn is popular as the Celestial Taskmaster and the Grand Teacher. Worshipping of Lord Shani helps people to develop a positive mindset even during the harshest of Shani periods. It will help us benefit from great difficulties, challenges and limitations. While it is true that offering worship here decreases the difficult effects and increases the positive effects of Saturn it does not completely eliminate the hardships we will face due to Shani Bhagawan.

Since the principal Deity Lord Dharbaranyeswara and his consort “Bhogamartha Poon Mulayal” have the power to offer benediction to the devotees, hundreds of people visit this temple daily. The other deities of the shrine are Swarna Vinayaka, Lord Subramaneswara Swamy and Thyagaraja. The image of Lord Saneeswara is there in a graceful standing pose in Niche on the left side of the Lord Dharbaranyeswara.

There is also an additional attraction in the shape of holy tanks which exists here possess healing powers literally and metaphorically. Also, the place was originally a forest of Dharba grass and it is stated that the Shiva Lingam even now has impressions left by the Dharba weeds within which it was situated.

What is the history of Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple?

According to the history of the Thirunallar temple, the famous King Nala and the Queen Damayanthi liked each other and got married. However, Devas wanted to marry the queen Damayanthi. So after this marriage, Devas got angry and jealous of Nala. Devas reached out Saneeswaran and asked him to help them out.

But after seeing the couple, he decided to make devas understand the Nala’s true love for his queen. Saneeswaran gave a lot of troubles to King Nala and finally, the King reached Thirunallaru. The King worshipped the Lord Dharpaneswara at this temple and hence the lord made him free from curses and doshas.

Nala stayed in place for some time and built the temple. After Nala got back his kingdom. The world Thirunallar is derived from two words – “Nala” means King Nala and “Aru” means “to heel” which means Nala’s place.

Another popular legend states that once, one of the wives of Surya Deva, Usha, couldn’t tolerate the heat of the sun. Hence, she converted her shadow as another woman in the name of “Saya Devi” and lived in that name. Saneeswaran was born to Saya Devi and Surya Deva.

Later when Surya Deva came to know this, he got angry with Usha and he didn’t accept Saneeswaran as part of his family. Saneeswaran then went to Kashi (Varanasi), worshipped Lord Viswanath (Shiva) and become part of one of the Navagrahas.

What are the festivals celebrated at Thirunallar Saneeswaram Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Thirunallar Temple are:

• Soorasamharam festival: The popular belief is that Lord Muruga killed Soorapadman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam. Then, the next day is Thirukalyanam – the divine marriage of Muruga and Devasena.
• Sanipeyarchi festival: On this day Sri Saneeswara Bhagawan transits from Thulam (Libra) to Vrischika (Scorpio). Also, poojas and rituals take place on the day for Shani Dosha Parihara. The day on which Lord Shani transits is Sanipeyarchi Festival in Thirunallar Temple.
• Thiruvathirai festival: It is considered to worship Lord Shiva, and the devotees go early morning to temples. Unmarried women observe a partial fast on this day to get good husbands and married women take a fast from the preceding day (Makayiram Nakshatra) and on the day of Thiruvathira for the well being of their husband and family.
• Adi Pooram festival: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’, is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. The day begins with the making of huge kolams (rangoli) in front of the home. Dakshinayana Punyakalam, the night of the Devas, begins on the first day of the month Aadi. 

How to reach Thirunallar?

Here’s how to reach Thirunallar:

• Air: The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli which is 168 Km.
• Road: This temple is 5 KM from the Karaikkal bus stand and 22 KM away from Nagapattinam bus stand.
• Rail: The nearest station is Karaikkal. The easiest route is from Chennai to Thirunallar is via Tindivanam, Pondicherry, Chidambaram, Tranquebar, Karaikal.

Where to stay at Thirunallar?

Some of the places where one can stay at Thirunallar are:

• Holiday Farms & Resorts: Main Road, Akkaraivattam, Karaikal
• Kumaran Guest House: 160, Thirunallar Road, Karaikal
• Hotel Arya Bhavan: Thirunallar Road, Karaikal, Pondicherry
• Government Tourist Home: Near Bus Stand, Koilpathu, Karaikal, Tamil Nadu
• Thirunallar Devasthanam Tourist Home: Thirunallar, Karaikal
• Hotel Nandha: 207, Kamaraj Salai, Karaikal
• Hotel City Plaza: Bharathiar Road, Karaikal
• PWD Guest House: Beach Road, Karaikal

Where to eat at Thirunallar?

Some of the places where one can eat at Thirunallar are:

• The Richmond: 12, Labourdonnais Street, Pondicherry
• Sarovar Hotel: 23, Goubert Avenue, Pondicherry
• Subasree Cottage: Near Nalathirtham, Thirunallar Rd
• Food Land: 15/3, Market Street, Karaikal – 609602
• New Husainiya Restaurant: 65/1, Church Street, Karaikal – 609602,

What are some temples near Thirunallar Temple?

Some of the temples near the Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple are:

• Kailasanathar Temple: The Kanchi Kailasanathar temple in Kanchipuram is a famous temple of Lord Shiva. Also. the Shiva Lingam in this temple is 10 feet high. Moreover, King Rajasimha, of the Pallava dynasty, built this Shiva temple in the early 8th century. It is an early structural temple and consists of sandstone.
• Bhadrakali Temple: The place was initially Ambara-harattur meaning victory over Ambaran, which subsequently became Ambagarathur. Goddess Bhadrakali is also the most efficient goddess in endowing blessings to the followers. It is a religious temple for the Hindus.
• Karaikal Ammaiyar Temple: Karaikal Ammaiyar is a small shrine, which is dedicated to Karaikal Ammaiyar, the only woman out of the sixty-three Nayanmars. Further, Malaiperumal Pillai constructed it in 1929. It is also famous for the huge idol of this lady saint. Also popular as Goddess Punithavati, this woman and the episodes of her supernatural powers are famous among natives of the region. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Thirunallar Saneeswaran Temple

Agneeswarar Temple at Kanjanur is one of the nine Navagraha Temples in Tamil Nadu. It is associated with Lord Sukran (Planet Venus), the sixth of Navagraha planets. Lord Agneeswarar in this temple is there in the form of a Lingam, an infinite nature of Lord Shiva, which depicts Shukra.

Also, the Thayaar of Agneeswarar Temple is Goddess Karpagambigai (Goddess Parvati). The other deities of the temple are Lord Karpaga Vinayagar, Lord Dhakshinamoorthy, Lord Natarajar as well as Pullunda Nandhi. Moreover, the special feature of this temple is that Lord shiva blessed the sage Parasara Muni with His divine cosmic dance. Also, according to Shaivites, followers of Lord Shiva, Shukra is within the stomach of Lord Shiva.

What is the history of Kanjanur?

According to history of Kanjanur, Sukracharya was the son of Brigu Maharishi.  During a war between devas and asuras, Brigu Maharishi’s wife, was accidentally beheaded by Vishnu’s chakram (discus).  An angry Sukracharya cursed Vishnu.  As a result of the curse, He was born as Sudarsanar to Vasudeva, a Vaishnava Brahmin.  

Sudarsanar was a staunch Shiva devotee and was popular as Haradatta Shivacharyar.  There are stories of the ordeals of Haradatta to prove his devotion for Shiva. Images pertaining to these are there in this temple and also in the Vishnu temple in the village. Haradatta used to spend much of his time meditating before the Dakshinamurthy.

The presiding deity Agneeswarar is the embodiment of Sukran. Sukran was the Guru of asuras. He had got the blessings from Lord Siva after severe penances. In the Vamana Avataram of Lord Vishnu, Vamana sought three footsteps of land from Mahabali, an asura king.

Realising Vamana to be no mere mortal, Sukrachariyar assumed the form of a bee and tried to block the flow of water from the kamandalam. Vamana picking up a pavithram blinds Sukracharya in one eye while trying to unclog the hole in the kamandalam.

Sukracharyar also has the prowess to bring the dead to living by virtue of his knowledge of Amirtha Sanjeevini Mantra. Using this mantra, in the asura war against the devas, he revived the slain asuras. Hence, this helped the asura army swell.

The devas prayed to Lord Siva for help, who swallowed up Sukracharya in a fit of rage. After residing in Lord Siva’s stomach in a siddha state, he emerged from Lord Siva’s stomach.

What is the significance of the Kanjanur Temple?

The significance of the Kanjanur Temple is that Lord Dakshinamurthy (Guru) is always seen with a demon being crushed under his feet. The demon signifies ignorance. It means that Dakshinamurthy leads us from ignorance to the knowledge of self. The image of Haradatta worshipping Dakshinamurthy is a unique feature.

Sukra endows those who pray to him will be blessed with wealth, pleasure, wife, prosperity as well as vehicles. He is alsothe next most beneficial planet after Guru. Moreover, if in a person’s horoscope, Sukra is well placed, then the person will enjoy pleasure, beautiful wife, wealth, house, vehicle, good food, fame, love, affection, marriage, siblings, governmental help, chance to govern the country/state and hold influential status.

What are the timings of Kanjanur Temple Temple?

Here are the timings of Kanjanur Temple:

What are the festivals celebrated at the Kanjanur Temple?

Some of the festivals celebrated at Kanjanur Temple are:

Mahasivaratri: Mahashivratri is celebrated in honour of Lord Shiva or Shankara. Priests wash the Shivalinga every three hours that day with cow’s milk, curd ,honey , cow ghee ,water. Women pray for the well being of their husbands and children, girls keep fast so that they get good and understanding husband.

Aadi Pooram: Aadi Pooram, also called as ‘Aandal Jayanti’ is a prime festival of Tamilians. This festival is for  Goddess Andal, an incarnation of Goddess Lakshmi. Aadi Pooram is a 10-day festival in all Lord Vishnu temples in the state of Tamil Nadu. Of these, the last day (10th day) is ‘Aadi Pooram’ and a grand marriage ceremony of Goddess Andal and Sri Ranganathaswamy takes place.

Arudara Darshan: Arudara Darshan occurs in the Tamil month of Margazhi (December – January). It is essentially a Shaivite festival and hence celebrates the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva in the Nataraja form. Women keep fast for husband’s well being while girls for a good marriage. Also, Ardra darshan is in early morning and devotees decorate the temple with flowers and diyas.

Navaratri: The festival of Navratri is marked by the celebrations of nine days. On each day the worship of one of the nine incarnations of the Goddess Shakti takes place. Chaitra Navratri occurs after Holi and during Chaitra Shukla Paksha. This starts from the first day and ends on the ninth day which is also Ram Navmi. 

What are the poojas and Rituals of Kanjanur?

The poojas and rituals of Kanjanur are:

• There are six worships for the Lord in Kanjanur. Lord Shukra’s worship usually takes place with white lotus, white cloth, diamond, ‘mochai’ powder and athi to ward off evil effects owing to the malefic planetary effects.

• By praying to Lord Sukra one can solve these problems. Arts, sculpture, love, vehicles are the beneficial aspects of Sukra.

• The temple offers Six worship services daily. Fridays are auspicious to pray Lord Sukra. Sukran, the next most beneficial planet after Guru (Brihaspati), bestows his devotees with wealth and prosperity. If in a person’s horoscope, Sukra is in a good position, then the person enjoys better life and wealth.

• Kanjanur is the temple for performing “Kalathira Dosha Pariharam” for Lord Sukiran. Lord Shiva as Agneeswarar is the presiding deity while his consort is Goddess Karpagambal. Lord Agni one of the “AshtadhikBalakars”  worshipped Lord Shiva here and hence the name Agneeswarar

How to reach Kanjanur?

Here’s how to reach Kanjanur:

• Air: Nearest airport to Agneeswarar Temple in Thanjavur airport, which is 46 Km away from the temple.
• Rail: Nearest railway station to Agneeswarar Temple is Mayiladuthurai railway station which is 18 Km away.
• Road: There are direct local bus services to Agneeswarar Temple from Mayavaram, Aduthurai, Thiruvidaimarudhur and Kumbakonam.

Where to stay in Kanjanur?

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

• Mantra Veppathur Resort Contact: 536/537A,No.1, Bagavathapuram Main Road Extension, | Srii Sailapathipuram Village, Veppathur,, Kumbakonam 612103, India
• Sivamurugan Hotels Contact: 60 Feet Main Road | Near New Bus Stand, Kumbakonam 612001, India
• Sara Regency Contact: 45/1 Chennai Road, Kumbakonam 612002, India
• Quality Inn VIHA Contact: #2, New Railway Road | Kumbakonam, Tanjore Dist, Kumbakonam 612001, India
• Hotel Metro Contact: 19/11 Sarangapani Sannithi Street, Kumbakonam 612001, India

Where to eat in Kanjanur?

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

• Dosa Plaza Kumbakonam Contact: 332 Nageshwaran North Street | Kurinchi Metro Bazz
• Habibi Restaurant Contact: 29/921 Sarangapani East Street, Kumbakonam
• Raya’s Restaurant Contact: 18,19 Head Post Office Rd, Kumbakonam 612001
• Venkataramana Contact: near Municipal office, Kumbakonam, India
• Sri Mangalambiga Vilas Contact: Adi Kumbeswarar Temple Complex, Kumbakonam

What are some temples near the Kanjanur Temple?

Some of the temples near the Kanjanur Temple are:

Suryanar Koil: Suryanar Temple is one of the Navagraha temples, which houses the Sun God (Surya god). further, to offer worship at Sooriyanar Temple, one has to reach the Rajagopuram (Main Entrance) and more towards North where Pushkarani of temple is present. One can also take bath in the tank or sprinkle holy water in the head as purification. 

Sri Sarabeswarar Temple: Sri Kambaheswarar Temple (or) Sarabeswarar Temple has located at Thirubuvanam village of Kumbakonam taluk, Thanjavur district. The main God of this temple is Lord Shiva as  Kambaheswarar as well as Goddess Parvathi. The Chola King Kulothunga Chola had built this temple for his victory of North Indian battle. 

Sri Mahalinga Swami Temple: Mahalinga swamy temple has located at Thiruvidaimaruthur, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur district.The holy tree Marutham had found in this region like forest. Therefore, this place has known as Maruthur. This Temple was at the middle of the Maruthur so it was popular as Thiruvidaimaruthur. Appar, Sundarar and Thirugnana Sambandhar visited this temple. They sang many songs about Mahalinga Swamy.

Kalyanasundara Swamy Temple: It is believed that unmarried boy or girl will enter into wedlock if they propitiate the presiding deity Kalyanasundarar and his divine consort- Kokilambal. Parvathi Devi performed Tapas in this sthalam to marry Shiva Perumaan and finally married in this sthalam.

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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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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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