Thirunageswaram Naganathar (Raghu Stalam) Temple
Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple also known as Rahu Stalam is a Hindu temple dedicated to the deity Shiva, located in Tirunageswaram, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam, a town in Tamil Nadu, India. It is significant to the Hindu sect of Saivism as one of the temples associated with the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Stalas, and specifically Rahu.
History of Thirunageswaram Naganathar (Raghu Stalam) Temple
Raghu is a great devotee of Lord shiva and it is famous in Kalahasthi and Rameswaram Temples as well. In other temples Raghu appears in the form of human head and snake body. At the second prahara of this temple, Nagaraja is established along with two ‘Naga Kannigal’. After that this temple became famous for Raghu Dosha. That Theertham is called as Shenbagaranyam or Naga Theertham. Govinda Dixithar who worked as a minster under Achuthappa Nayakar built the outside hall in the temple. Long time ago a serpent king Aadhiseshan wanted to worship Lord Shiva. Another Theertha Surya Pushkarani here is believed to be curing all sorts of diseases in human body.
Raghu Bhagavan to get rid of the curse he got it from Susila Rishi worshiped the Shiva at this location. Later he stayed here permanently and dedicated Sannidhi for Raghu has been constructed. As per the stone scripts this temple has been constructed by a renowned Chola king Kandarathitha Chola. Aadhiseshan, Dashahan and Karkodagan are the three different serpent kings who worshipped here hence this temple is named as Thirunageswaram( In tamil ‘Nagam’ means the snake cobra). He found a forest full of Shenbaga trees where he decided to stay and worship the Lord. But in this temple Raghu is appearing in the full form of human body. It is mythological belief that if the devotees worship Raghu here they will attain health, wealth, promotion, good business and luck in their lives. He created a Theertham (Temple tank) there and sat on the banks of that tank for his penance. However only in Thirunageswaram Raghu is along with his wifes Simhi and Chithralekha hence Raghu is called here as Mangala Raghu. Lord Shiva at this place is called as Naga Nathar. As Shiva appeared here for Naga (snake cobra) Raghu visited this temple every day to worship the lord along with his wives. It is very rare to the serpent planet in this form.
Architecture of Thirunageswaram Naganathar (Raghu Stalam) Temple
The temple is another masterpiece which exhibits the Chola style of architecture. It is believed to have been built by Aditya Chola I in the 10th century A.D. Later rulers have modified the temple with their own additions. The temple has a separate shrine for Rahu. The temple is located on the southern bank of the river Kaveri 7 km from Kumbakonam. The temple campus encompasses exclusive shrines for Naganatha Swamy, Pirayani Amman (Parvathi), Giri-Gujambigai and Rahu with his divine spouses. Goddess Girigujambal has a separate shrine inside the temple campus as it is believed that the goddess is in thava kolam.
Thirunageswaram Naganathar (Raghu Stalam) Temple Festivals
- Vaikasi – Sekkizhar Poosa Vizha,Visagapperuvizha, Aanithirumanjanam, Aadipooram, Vinayaga Chathurthi, Navarathri, Kanda Shashti
- Karthigai – the last Sunday festival
- Margazhi – Thiruvadhirai
- Thai – Girigujambal Punugu Kappu Thiruvizha, Sivarathri, Panguni Uthiram
Location: To view the location please click here
Landmark: Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple is located near VSR Thirumana Mahal
Address: Tirunageswaram, Tanjore Dist, Tamil Nadu
Glimpse of Tirunageswaram Naganathar Temple
Temple Opening Hours
Morning Hours: 6:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Evening Hours: 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
For more details please dial 0435-2463354
Bus Route
Naganathar (Raghu Stalam) Temple located between Karaikal – Kumbakonam highway in Thirunageswaram. Frequent bus facility available It is located 6.6 km from Kumbakonam Bus Terminal.
Pooja Timings
| Time | Poojas | |
| Morning | 06:00 A.M | Ushakkala Pooja (Early morning) |
| Morning | 09:00 A.M | Kalasandhi Pooja (Morning time) |
| Mid-Day | 01:00 P.M | Uchikkala Pooja (Noon time) |
| Evening | 05:00 P.M | Sayaratchai Pooja (Evening time) |
| Night | 07:00 P.M | Irandam Kala Pooja (Second time Pooja) |
| Night | 09:00 P.M | Arthajama Pooja (Night time) |
Pooja Cost
| Fee Details | Amount(R.s) |
| Normal Entrance Milk Abishegam | 100.00 |
| Raahu Bahavan Milk Abishegam (Via Post) | 100.00 |
| Kattalai Milk Abishegam (For 12 Months) | 1200.00 |
| Kattalai Archanai (For 12 Months) | 400.00 |
| Special Milk Abishegam (1 Person) | 250.00 |
| Special Milk Abishegam (2 Persons) | 500.00 |
| Annadhanam (Per Day) | 2000.00 |
| Permanant Annadhanam Order | 25000.00 |
| Homam (Raahu Shanthi Pooja) | 2000.00 |
View for more details here
Near By Temples: Chakrapani Temple, Sri Valangaiman Mariamman Temple, Thirunageswaram – Uppiliappan Temple
Near by Restaurants:
Near By Places to Visit: Darasuram, Papanasam, Thirubuvanam
Nearest Airport: Trichy International Airport – 97 km
Nearest Railway station: Kumbakonam – 5.5 km
