Description
We have usually seen the temples of Gods, Goddesses, their incarnations or even saints etc, but a temple that is dedicated to one of the nine planets i.e. the Navgraha Temple is the Thirunageshwaram Rahu Temple. This temple is dedicated to the God Rahu who is one of the divine bodies of the nine planets. Located in the Kumbhakonam in the Tamil Nadu state this temple is also one of the Rahu Sthalams. There are various unique facts that are connected to this temple which makes it an attraction for devotees as well as tourists.
History
This temple is believed to have been built in the 10th century A.D by the Cholas dynasty Kings specifically Aditya Chola. Later on the renovations and additions were made by the consequent rulers. Thus this is a classic example that illustrates brilliant Chola and Dravidian style architecture and designing. This temple has four different gopurams i.e. entrances from four side walls and a beautiful flower garden on the northern side. There is exceptional sculpture and art work on the walls of the temple that portrays the Veda Nayaks, penance of Ambal etc.The presiding deity of the temple is Naganatha Swamy (Lord Shiva) and his consort Girigujambigai (Goddess Parvathi).
Importance/Significance
It is believed that serpent Adisheshan, Dakshan and Karkodakan worshipped Lord Shiva at this place. Also the deity Rahu is said to have the divine capability to turn an enemy into a friend. It is said that many people have a problem known as Rahu Dosham, which can be erased by carrying out Abhishekam at this temple during Rahu kalam. This temple is a place where God Rahu is absolutely active to grant the wishes of the devotees.
Facts/Mythology
A miraculous thing about this temple is that during the Rahukalam, the image of Rahu is cleansed with milk and magically this milk turns blue. This fact attracts devotees from distant places. Also another different thing about the temple is that the idol of the Goddess is decorated like a small girl in the morning, followed by a young lady in the afternoon and like a lady for the evening pooja.Also this temple consists of twelve holy theerthams from which Suriya Pushkarani is inside the temple and is considered extremely divine.
Festivals/Events/Gatherings
Following are the various festivals celebrated in this temple
Brahmotsavan (November/December) extends for 10 days have different programs including a procession in which the Goddess is on a four wheeled magnificently decorated chariot. Also there is a procession of all the other enshrined deities and distribution of holy water as the theertham.
Kandasashti (October/November) Includes a six day festival with processions of the deities and celebration including Lord Murugan 'Velayudham” celebrated in a glorious manner.
Shivarathri (March) A grand abhishekam and prayers to Lord Shiva.
Navratri (September/October) A 10 day festival dedicated especially to Goddess Girikujambal.
Sekkizhar Vaisaki Pooja (June) This is a pooja performed to strengthen the awareness about Shaivism.
Raahu switching to the next Raashi (Zodiac sign) This takes place once in every 18 months when Raahu turn anti clockwise various homam and abhishekam are performed.
5001 
© 2024 ePuja
1151 
