Shenbakaranyeswarar temple, TiruNageswaram
Location: TiruNageswaram
Deity known as: Shenbakaranyeswarar, Naganathar
Female Deity: Girikujambal
Pathikam: Tirunavukarasar - 3, Sambandar - 2, Sundarar - 1
Gallery - Tirunageswaram
How to Reach
This shiva temple is situated about 6 km from Kumbakonam, along the Kumbakonam–Nannilam road. Bus services are available from Kumbakonam to reach Tirunageswaram.
A Divya Desam dedicated is situated at Tiruvinnagar (Uppiliyappan Kovil), about 2 km from Tirunageswaram.
Temple Address
Tirunageswaram
Kumbakonam
Thanjai district
PIN - 612204
Temple Hours
Morning: 6:00 - 12:00 PM
Evening: 4:00 - 8:00 PM
Near by temples
| 1 | Tiru-Kudamooku (Kumbakonam) - 10 kms | |
| 2 | Tiru-Vidai-Maruthur - 6 kms | |
| 3 | Tiru-Neela-Kudi - 7 kms | |
| 4 | Tiru-Vaikal - 12 kms | |
| 5 | Tiru-Nallam - 16 kms |
Temple Significance
The temple at Tirunageswaram, situated on the southern bank of the river Cauvery, is renowned as a Navagraha temple dedicated to Rahu. The presiding deity, worshipped here by the serpent king Nagaraja, is known as Naganathaswamy, and hence the temple is called Nageshwaram.
It is considered highly auspicious to visit three temples in a single day – Tirukudanthai Keezhkottam in the morning, Nageshwaram at noon, and Tirupaamburam in the evening.
Rahu Temple
Mangala Rahu
Rahu, revered as a great devotee of Shiva, holds prominence in many temples. However, at the Naganathaswamy Temple, he manifests in an especially auspicious form as Mangala Rahu, seated with his two consorts, Nagavalli and Nagakanni, in a separate sannidhi located at the southwest corner of the second prakaram.
Unique Form and Miracle
Unlike the usual depiction of Rahu with a human head and serpent's body, here he appears in full human form. Blue being his auspicious color, his attire is blue, and during Paal Abhishekam (milk anointment), devotees witness a fascinating miracle – as milk poured over his head flows down his body, it turns bluish in hue.
The Serpent Skin
On February 16, 1986, a serpent measuring five and a half feet is said to have shed its skin and placed it around Lord Rahu as a garland, revealing the deity's divine glory. The sacred serpent skin has since been preserved in a glass case and displayed for devotees.
Remedial Worship
Worship at this temple is believed to remove Rahu-Ketu doshas (planetary afflictions). Those facing delays in marriage, discord in family life, or astrological challenges such as Putra dosha, Kalathra dosha, Kaala Sarpa dosha, Sarpa dosha, or Mangalya dosha find relief through sincere prayers. Performing Paal Abhishekam, Archana, and Homam for Lord Rahu during Rahu Dasa or Rahu Bhukti periods is said to bring prosperity and blessings.
Legend of Rahu
According to legend, Rahu was born to a royal father and a demon mother. During the churning of the Ocean of Milk, Rahu disguised himself as a Deva and drank the nectar of immortality from Mahavishnu. Realizing the deceit, Vishnu struck him with the Sudarshana Chakra, severing his head from his body. Yet, as he had already tasted the nectar, his head remained immortal. Repentant, Rahu sought forgiveness, and the Lord blessed him with the body of a serpent, transforming him into a shadow planet (Chhaya Graha).
Temple Structure
Shenbaga Forest
In ancient times, this place was surrounded by lush forests of Shenbaga (champak) trees. It is believed that Shiva manifested here in the form of a lingam under the shade of a Shenbaga tree, earning Him the name Shenbakaranyeswarar.
Towers and Enclosures
The temple faces east and features a grand five-tiered Rajagopuram. It also has towers on the other three sides and three prakarams (enclosures), adding to its architectural splendour.
First Enclosure
On entering through the eastern gateway, devotees encounter the sannidhis of Nritta Ganapathi, Nandi Deva, and Vinayaka. To the left lies the Surya Pushkarini (sacred tank), and to the right is the Nootrukal Mandapam (hundred-pillared hall). It is customary to offer prayers first to 'Mazhu Ayudha' Vinayaka, located near the tank, before proceeding further.
Sanctum and Inner Enclosure
The main deity enshrined in the sanctum faces east. The inner prakaram houses sannidhis for the 63 Nayanmars, Lord Nataraja, and the Four Saints (Nalvar).
Surya Pushkarini
Ancient records mention that twelve sacred tanks once existed within the temple complex. Today, the Surya Pushkarini remains as the chief theertham, revered by devotees.
Hundred-Pillared Hall
To the right of the tank stands the magnificent Nootrukal Mandapam, adorned with intricate sculptures. The hall resembles a stone chariot with artistically carved wheels and beautifully sculpted dancing figures around its base.
Muruga
Saint Arunagirinathar has sung a hymn on Muruga of this temple in his Thiruppugazh. The deity stands facing east with one divine face and four hands, accompanied by His consorts. Nearby is His peacock mount, and within the separate shrine of Goddess Girigujambika, Bala Subramania is also enshrined.
Sekkizhar's Significance
This temple has a separate shrine for Sekkizhar, his brother Palaravayar, and their mother Alagambikai. Out of deep devotion to Thirunageswarar, Sekkizhar, the illustrious author of the Periya Puranam, undertook renovation works in the 12th century CE and constructed a mandapam in the second prakaram.
In his native village, Kundrathur (near Chennai), he also built a temple and named it Thirunageswaram. It is believed that he attained divine enlightenment (Thiruvadi Gnanam) here, making this temple even more spiritually significant.
Female Deities
Pirai-Anival Nuthal Ammai
There two sannidhis for the female deity within this temple. Near the main sanctum, devotees worship Pirai-Anival Nuthal Ammai. The word "Pirai" means the crescent moon, symbolizing her connection with it.
True to her name, on the full moon day (Pournami) of the Tamil month of Karthigai, the moonlight falls directly on the Goddess in the evening. Devotees gather in large numbers to witness this divine sight and receive her blessings.
Giri Kujambal
Another shrine within the temple is dedicated to Giri Kujambal, who appears in a meditative posture. Since the idol is made of stucco, abhishekam (ritual bathing) is not performed; instead, she is anointed with fragrant punugu paste. On either side of Giri Kuchambikai stand Goddess Lakshmi, holding a lotus, and Goddess Saraswati, holding a veena, completing the divine triad.
Special Worship Tradition
It is believed that when Indra was cursed by Gautama rishi, he prayed to Parvati here, anointing her with Punugu (the fragrant excretions of the civet cat). Till date, there is no Abhishekam to the goddess, but she is regularly anointed with Punugu.
Every year, for 45 days in the period from Jan to March, a special festival to the goddess takes place, starting with the Devi being anointed with Punugu on the 15th of January, the first day of the Tamil month of Thai. During these 45 days, it is believed that Indra himself arrives to worship the goddess. Hence, a curtain is placed till the neck of the deity during this period, and only her face is visible for devotees.
The Legend of Sage Bringi
The presence of Goddess Giri Kujambal here is linked to the story of Sage Bringi. The sage, devoted solely to Shiva, refused to worship the Goddess. To test him, Shakti united with Shiva as Ardhanareeswara, taking the left half of His body so that Bringi could not offer worship to Shiva alone.
Unyielding, the sage took the form of a beetle and circled only around the Shiva portion, piercing through the divine form. Enraged, the Goddess withdrew her energy from him, stripping away his flesh and blood, leaving only bones. Yet, even in this frail state, Bringi's devotion to Shiva remained steadfast.
Moved by his devotion, Shiva instructed Parvati to descend to the earthly realm and perform penance, promising to reunite with her later in Madurai. To comfort her, He sent Goddess Lakshmi and Saraswati to accompany her. When Parvati came to the Shenbaga forest (Shenbagavanam), Lakshmi and Saraswati appeared by her side. This divine form of the three goddesses together is what devotees now worship in the shrine of Giri Kujambal at Tirunageswaram.
Historical Worships and Festivals
Historical Worships
- Sage Gautama worshipped here and was reunited with his wife Ahalya.
- King Nala regained his lost wealth through his prayers at this temple.
- The Pandavas recovered their lost kingdom after worshipping here.
- By bathing in the Surya Theertham and worshipping Nageswarar, King Chandravarman was freed from his curse and restored from his canine form.
- Indra was also absolved of his curse by worshipping at this sacred site.
Festivals
- Every year, on Vaikasi Pournami, a festival is held in honour of Sekkizhar's devotion.
- The Brahmotsavam is celebrated grandly for ten days during the Tamil month of Karthigai.
- Pradosham is observed with great devotion and spiritual fervour.
- On every Sunday during Rahu Kalam, a special Paal Abhishekam (milk anointment) is performed for Rahu, an auspicious ritual attracting numerous devotees.
Gallery - Tirunageswaram
