Tirunageshwaram Naganathar Temple

Tirunageshwaram Naganathar Temple is the Navagraha temple for Rahu, the north lunar node. Lord Shiva is worshipped here as Naganathar; Rahu has a separate shrine in the north-eastern corner of the second precinct. The temple is in Thirunageswaram, about 5 km from Kumbakonam. Devotees visit to seek relief from Rahu afflictions in their birth charts — particularly Kala Sarpa Dosha, Naga Dosha, and obstacles to marriage and progeny. The famous Rahu Kalam abhishekam, where the milk turns blue while being poured over Rahu, draws devotees daily. The temple was originally built by Aditya Chola I in the 10th century. Six daily rituals are performed; Sundays and Tuesdays especially see large crowds during the Rahu Kalam window.