India Tamilnadu At a distance of 10 km from Kumbakonam Sri Naganathaswamy Temple or Rahu Sthalam is an ancient Shiva temple situated at Thirunageswaram in Kumbakonam Town of Tamilnadu.

The presiding deity of the temple is Arulmigu Giri Gujambika Sametha Naganathaswamy. It is believed to have been built by Aditya Chola I in the 9th century AD. The inner mantapa was built by Seikkizhar, and the outer mantapa was built by Govinda Dikshitar (17th century AD) a minister to Acchuthappa nayak.

Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is one of the 9 Navagraha Temples around Kumbakonam and is dedicated to Rahu. The temple has a separate shrine for Rahu. Here Rahu Bhagawan can be seen with his two consorts Nagavalli and Nagakanni together. Sri Naganathaswamy Temple is one where Lord Shiva was worshipped by Rahu and got relieved of a curse. A unique feature of the temple is that Rahu Bhagawan is seen with human face. Usually in other places, Rahu is seen with a serpent face.

Rahu had received a boon from Siva for bestowing grace and prosperity to those who worship him with devotion. He took His abode as God with His two consorts. There is another shrine for Amman, where Devi is seen in three forms as Lakshmi(godess of wealth), Girigujaambaal (sakthi) and Saraswathi (godess of knowledge). As per 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 Bhagawan, which is preserved and worshipped to date. People having Rahu dosha come here during Rahu kalam and perform Abishekas. The Jothisha Sastra (Astrololgy) states that if Raaghu is in good position in one's horoscope. He will bestow 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 worst results and his life will be miserable. Therefore one should satisfy Raaghu (one of the 9 planets) by worshipping Him. One's marriage will be delayed 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 nullify Kalasthra dhosha, Naga dhosa and Putra dhosha one should worship Raaghu. People afflicted with Nagadhosa should perform oblations.

The Thirunageswaram Temple has vast prakarams, towering gopurams, and several mandapas. There are four entry towers with fort like walls which surround the outermost prakaram. The Vinayaka temple, Balipeetam, and Nandeeswarar Mandapam are seen on the eastern gateway. Lord Rahu's idol is placed in the south-west corner. The southern side of the temple has a water head with four mandapas, surrounded by a 100 pillar mandapam in a temple-car style. The mandapam is decorated by artistic pillars in all directions.

It is believed that by doing milk abhishekam here for Rahu during Rahu kalam the delay in getting married, childlessness, troublesome married life, ill-effects of Kalasarpa Dhosha and Sarpa Dhosha are all cured. An important aspect of Rahu Temple at Thirunageswaram is that during milk abhishekam, the milk when poured over the idol turns blue which is clearly visible.

Lord Rahu is thought to be the reason for one's excellent status, position, company, commitment, successful over resistance, to journey international & for mantra energy. It is considered that by doing abishekam of Milk on Rahu Bhagwan during the period of Rahu kalam, the wait in planning a wedding, childlessness, married life problems, bad effects of Sarpa Dhosha, Kalasarpa Dhosha and Kalasthra Dhosha are all treated.