The Thirunageswaram Naganathar Temple, also called Rahu Stalam, is a Hindu temple devoted to the god Shiva. It is situated in the village of Thirunageswaram, which is on the outskirts of the Tamil Nadu town of Kumbakonam. Being one of the temples connected to the nine planet elements, the Navagraha Sthalas, and particularly to Rahu, it is essential to the Hindu school of Saivism. Shiva is revered as Naganathar, and the lingam is his symbol. Piraisoodi Amman is the representation of his consort, Parvati. Thirunageswaram temple has four gopurams or gateway towers. It is thought to have been constructed in the ninth century AD by Aditya Chola I.
Thirunageswaram Temple Location
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Rahu Temple, also called Thirunageswaram Temple, is an old Hindu temple devoted to Lord Shiva that is located in the village of Thirunageswaram, outside of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Located at Thirunageswaram in Kumbakonam Town, Tamil Nadu, Sri Naganathaswamy Temple, also known as Rahu Sthalam, is an ancient Shiva temple that is 5 km away from Kumbakonam Railway Station. This temple is considered to be among the Paadal Petra Sthalams since Nayanars elevated it in the ancient Tamil canonical work Thevaram.
How To Reach
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By Air: Trichy Airport is the closest airport to Thirunageswaram Temple, situated approximately 100 miles away.
By Rail: Thirunageswaram is connected to Kumbakonam, Mayiladuthurai, Thanjavur, and Trichy stations via passenger trains via its own railway station.
By Road: The Thirunageswaram Temple is located 6 kilometres from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Karaikal bus route. From Kumbakonam, there are sufficient transport options to go to the temple in thirty minutes. State buses with the following numbers can take you there: 13, 15, 22, 23, 58, 60.
Places To Visit In And Around The Thirunageswaram Temple
One can also visit these nearby places while visiting Thirunageswaram Temple:
1. Alangudi
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Alangudi is a village in Tamil Nadu’s Thiruvarur district. The distance from Kumbakonam’s major city is about 17 km. It is one of Tamil Nadu’s nine Navagraha sthalas, or locations. The Jupiter-focused Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple in Alangudi (also known as Lord Brihaspati or Guru) is well-known. From Kumbakonam, travellers can take a bus or a taxi to get to the temple. The chief deity of the Sri Abathsahayeswarar Temple, also referred to as Abathsahayeswarar in this sacred site, is Lord Shiva. This place refers to Goddess Parvati as Elavarkuzali or Umai Ammai.
Distance: 18km (from Alangudi)
Transportation: Bus or cab
Weather: Warmer
2. Mahamaham Tank, Kumbakonam
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For South Indians, the Mahamaham Tank, which sits in the town’s centre, is a site of immense religious significance and veneration. Every twelve years, the tank hosts the Mahamaham Festival, which draws millions of pilgrims from all around the nation to immerse themselves in its sacred waters. Jupiter enters the sign of Leo between February and March, which coincides with the Tamil month of Maasin when the celebration is held. The pot of honey that appeared as the cosmic ocean was being stirred is supposed to be the source of the Mahamaham tank.
Distance: 1km (from Kumbakonam station)
Transportation: Walk or trek
3. Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam
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In the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the town of Kumbakonam is home to the historic Sarangapani Temple, which is devoted to Lord Vishnu. The stunning temple is visited by Lord Vishnu devotees from all over the world and is situated on the banks of the River Kaveri. The temple is not only a hallowed site of prayer but also a piece of art in and of itself, with multiple levels of dexterously carved and vibrantly painted legendary sculptures and pictures. It’s an incredible place where hundreds of devotees use their prayers to convey energy.
Distance: 2km (from Kumbakonam)
Transportation: Bus or cab
Timings: 8 AM – 12:30 PM 6 PM – 9 PM
4. Brahma Temple, Kumbakonam
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Brahma Temple is a Hindu temple primarily devoted to Lord Vishnu, also known as Vedanarayanaperumal, and is situated in the Thanjavur district of Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. Vedavalli, the consort of the presiding deity, is the chamber next to which Goddess Lakshmi is enshrined. The shrine to the right of the sanctum sanctorum is occupied by Lord Brahma. Being one of the two temples in the world devoted to Brahma, the temple is commonly referred to as Brahma Temple.
Distance: 2km (from Kumbakonam)
Transportation: Bus or cab
Timings: 8 AM – 11:30 PM 5:30 PM – 9 PM
5. Ramaswamy Temple, Kumbakonam
Photo: பா.ஜம்புலிங்கம் / Wikimedia Commons
Ramaswamy Temple, a prominent Hindu temple honouring Lord Rama, one of Vishnu’s ten incarnations, is situated in Kumbakonam (Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu). Lord Rama is the temple’s enshrinement. He sits in the sanctum in the coronation pose, spouse Sita Devi at his side, and his brothers Lakshmana, Bharatha, Chatruguna (who is standing), and Hanuman (who is praying) are flanked by their statues. The Nayakkar Prime Minister, Govinda Dikshitar, is thought to have constructed the temple in the sixteenth century. It is connected to the earlier Chakrapani Temple, which was also constructed by the same king, via a commercial corridor.
Distance: 2km (from Kumbakonam)
Transportation: Bus or cab
Timings: 6 AM – 9 PM
Where To Stay
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Some of the hotels that guests can stay at are Oppili Residency, Oyo K.S. Lodge, Sivas Residency, S.R.K. Tourist Homes, Mantra Koodam, Paradise Resort, INDeco Swamimalai, and Chola Dynasty-A Bergamot Hotel near Thirunageswaram Temple. The greatest facilities are offered to them, and the crew offers services that range from excellent to exceptional. By getting in touch with the hotel’s receptionist, you can also hire a local guide.
Where To Eat
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Thirunageswaram is renowned for its mouthwatering South Indian food, which is distinguished by the liberal use of herbs and spices. The following local cuisine near the premises of Thirunageswaram Temple is a must-try:
Dosa: A crispy, thin pancake made with rice and lentils that is eaten with sambar and chutney.
Idli: A rice cake that is steamed and served with sambar and chutney.
Vada: A savoury, deep-fried snack composed of lentils that is typically eaten with sambar and chutney.
Pongal: A spicy rice and lentil dish with ghee, cumin, and pepper flavours.
Best Time To Visit
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For a trip to Thirunageswaram temple in Tamil Nadu, October through March are the ideal months to visit because of the beautiful weather and moderate temperatures. Expect bigger crowds and more expensive accommodation rates as this is also the busiest time of year for tourists. In April and June, the summer months, temperatures can rise as high as 40°C and are hot and muggy. It is not the ideal time of year to visit Thirunageswaram because of the monsoon season, which lasts from July to September and brings with it high rains and sporadic flooding.
Other Factors To Consider
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Thirunageswaram provides tourists with a variety of experiences and activities. The following are a few of Thirunageswaram’s most popular activities:
- Travel To The Thirunageswaram Temple: One of Thirunageswaram’s must-see attractions is this historic temple. It was allegedly constructed during the Chola era and is devoted to Lord Shiva. The detailed carvings, exquisite sculptures, and distinctive architecture are all visible to visitors.
- Attending Brahmotsav Festival: A notable annual event in Thirunageswaram is the Brahmotsavam festival, which you should attend. It spans multiple days and features dance performances, music, processions, and other cultural events.
- Observe The Silk Weaving: Traditional silk weaving is renowned in Thirunageswaram. Guests have the opportunity to observe the craftspeople in action and buy their goods straight from the source.
- Visit The Market: Thirunageswaram is a little town with a lot to offer, so explore the area. In addition to engaging with the amiable inhabitants, visitors can peruse the local markets and sample the cuisine.
- Keep Cash On Hand: Thirunageswaram has ATMs, however many stores and eateries only take cash.
- Follow The Dress Code: When visiting the Thirunageswaram Temple, wear proper clothing. It is mandatory for guests to dress traditionally Indian. Respect the traditions and customs of the area.
The temple is renowned for its elaborate carvings and distinctive construction. Thirunageswaram is well-known for its colourful festivities in addition to its temple. A significant occasion in the town, the yearly Brahmotsavam celebration draws thousands of devotees from throughout the nation. The temple is decked out in lights for the celebration, which also features dancing, music, and processions. Book your trip through TripXL and make memorable memories on the premises of Thirunageswaram Temple, Tamil Nadu.
Cover Photo: Ssriram mt / Wikimedia Commons