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Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple Rahu

4.7
·6k reviews·Thirunageswaram, India

A revered Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Rahu, famous for its miraculous blue milk abhishekam and potent astrological remedies.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Rahu Kalam times

Witness the iconic milk abhishekam

CrowdHigh
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Temple Gopuram

Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple Rahu

Best Time

Rahu Kalam times

Witness the iconic milk abhishekam

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A revered Navagraha temple dedicated to Lord Rahu, famous for its miraculous blue milk abhishekam and potent astrological remedies.

4.7
(6k reviews)

"Witness the legendary milk turning blue during the Rahu Kala Abhishekam at this powerful temple.Instagram"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Plan for Rahu Kalam

Attend during Rahu Kalam for the unique milk abhishekam. Arrive early to secure tickets and a good viewing spot .

💰 Carry Cash for Offerings

GPay is not always available. Bring cash for pooja tickets, donations, and offerings .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Rahu's Milk Abhishekam

Rahu's Milk Abhishekam

Rahu Shrine

Witness the legendary milk abhishekam where milk poured on the idol turns a striking blue hue .

Instagram
Lord Rahu with Consorts

Lord Rahu with Consorts

Rahu Sannidhi

See Lord Rahu depicted with a human face, accompanied by his consorts, signifying his benevolent form .

Instagram
Naganathaswamy (Shiva) Shrine

Naganathaswamy (Shiva) Shrine

Main Sanctum

Pay respects to the presiding deity, Lord Shiva, in his Lingam form, a powerful spiritual experience.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for Rahu's Blessings

Plan your visit during Rahu Kalam for the iconic milk abhishekam, where milk reportedly turns blue.Instagram Arrive early, especially on Saturdays, as tickets and queues swell quickly for this special ritual. Cash is king here, as GPay isn't always an option.Reddit

Temple Etiquette & Essentials

Mobile phones are not permitted inside the temple, so leave them securely in your vehicle.Reddit You can purchase offerings like flowers, coconuts, and fruits within the premises. Dress modestly out of respect for this sacred site.

Best Times

When
Rahu Kalam times
Why
Witness the iconic milk abhishekam
Crowd
High
When
Saturday mornings
Why
Popular day for Rahu worship
Crowd
High
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful darshan
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Recite this Rahu Mantra 108 times on Saturday.Make sure you are a vegetarian. Then please donate blankets mustard oil and black sesame seed n feed the crow Go to the temple on Saturday #ancientbluemoon
@ancient.bluemoon
10.4K likes • 205.9K views

🎯 Plan for Rahu Kalam

Attend during Rahu Kalam for the unique milk abhishekam. Arrive early to secure tickets and a good viewing spot.Reddit

💰 Carry Cash for Offerings

GPay is not always available. Bring cash for pooja tickets, donations, and offerings.Reddit

Arulmigu Naganathaswamy Rahu Temple Thirunageswaram #kumbakonam_page #kumbakonam😎 #kumbakonam #traditionallook #nammakumbakonam #kumbakonam #kumbakonamphotography #kumbakonamponnu #kum #kumbakonam_views #kumbakonamdiaries #kumbakonam #kumbakonammodelzz #kumbakonam😎 #kumbakonam_page
kumbakonam_page
3.2K likes • 65.3K views
Can milk really turn blue on its own? At Thirunageswaram Naganathar Temple, devotees witness this shocking transformation during Rahu Kala Abhishekam!” 🌟 Why This Temple Is a Must-Visit? ✨ Rahu Dosha Remedies: Struggling with endless delays, financial losses, or career stagnation? Worshipping here is believed to remove Rahu’s malefic effects. ✨ The Blue Milk Miracle: Scientists struggle to explai...
lifeguru_mandirpuja
23.9K likes • 892.5K views

📵 No Mobile Phones Allowed

Leave your phone securely in your vehicle to avoid any issues at the entrance.Reddit

🙏 Dress Modestly

Respect the sanctity of the temple by wearing appropriate, modest attire.

Thirunageswaram – The Lord Rahu's Temple & Its Jyotish Significance Located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple is one of the most revered temples in India for Rahu worship. It is part of the Navagraha temple circuit and uniquely associated with Lord Rahu, who is enshrined here with his consorts, showing his benefic form. In Jyotish (Vedic astrology), Rahu repres...
tvamapp
2 likes • 74 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Plan for Rahu Kalam

Attend during Rahu Kalam for the unique milk abhishekam. Arrive early to secure tickets and a good viewing spot.Reddit

💰 Carry Cash for Offerings

GPay is not always available. Bring cash for pooja tickets, donations, and offerings.Reddit

📵 No Mobile Phones Allowed

Leave your phone securely in your vehicle to avoid any issues at the entrance.Reddit

🙏 Dress Modestly

Respect the sanctity of the temple by wearing appropriate, modest attire.

🚗 Vehicle Parking Available

There's a parking lot with free footwear and mobile drop facilities.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(6k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple for its powerful spiritual atmosphere and the unique, legendary milk abhishekam ritual where milk turns blue.InstagramReddit The temple is well-maintained and considered a crucial stop for those seeking relief from Rahu Dosha.Reddit However, the strict no-mobile-phone policy and potential for large crowds during peak times are noted drawbacks.

"Great temple of Lord Sri Naganatha Swami. Temple maintained very well. Mobile phones are not allowed inside the temple, better to leave it safely in the vehicle. Flowers, garlands, coconut, fruits are available within the temple premises."

Prabhu R

"Sri Naganatha Swami Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Thirunageshwaram, is a powerful and peaceful stop on the Kumbakonam circuit. The sprawling courtyards, tall gopurams, and the separate Rahu sannidhi give it a distinctly sacred vibe. It’s one of the famed Navagraha temples dedicated to Rahu, and the unique Rahu Kālam milk abhishekam—where devotees witness the milk turn a bluish hue—makes the visit unforgettable.

Good to know: the temple is about 6 km east of Kumbakonam on the Karaikal road. Usual hours are 6:00 am–1:00 pm and 4:00 pm–9:00 pm (Rahu Kālam times remain open; Margazhi month has slightly earlier closures). If you want to attend the Rahu abhishekam, arrive early—tickets are issued at the counter and lines swell near Rahu Kālam.

Secret tip: plan your visit to coincide with a Rahu Kālam slot to see the special milk abhishekam at the Rahu shrine—stand along the side rail for the clearest view without blocking the queue."

Dinesh Babu Pugalenthi

"A unique temple for relief from 'Rahu/Sarppa dosham' at Thirunagewaram, hardly 5 km from Kumbhakonam main bus terminal.
Main rituals/practices:
Do rahu archana(₹ 250) along with
milk abhishekam (₹ 150) at Rahu sannidhi at 11.30am and offer silver naga locket (₹50) at the Hundi with reverence.
Also one can lit specific number of diyas/chiraths in the outside mandapa meant for the same for sarppa dosha etc.
Have darshan of the presiding deity in SHIV LINGA form & Devi PARVATHY sannidhi... and offer flower garlands.
The temple holds the key for those seeking relief from Rahu dosha inflictions (as per horoscope).
It's a unique spiritual experience and adds to one's confidence in facing the challenges of life."

prd tvpm

What People Like

Miraculous milk abhishekam
Powerful spiritual energy
Effective Rahu dosha remedies

What People Dislike

No mobile phones allowed
Crowded during peak times

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The temple is conveniently located about 6 km east of Kumbakonam on the Karaikal road.Reddit You can hire an auto-rickshaw or a taxi from Kumbakonam main bus terminal, which is a short ride away.Reddit Many visitors also include it as part of the Navagraha temple circuit tours.

Yes, there is a parking lot available at the temple premises. It also offers free footwear and mobile drop stations, making it convenient for visitors.Reddit

The nearest major transportation hub is the Kumbakonam bus terminal. From there, you can easily access the temple via local transport.

Yes, local buses frequently ply between Kumbakonam and Thirunageswaram, making it an accessible option for budget travelers.

While the main temple areas are generally accessible, some older sections might have steps. It's advisable to check with temple authorities for specific accessibility information.

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

The temple is typically open from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm to 9:00 pm. However, it remains open during Rahu Kalam times for special rituals.Reddit

Ticket prices for Rahu Pooja can range from ₹100 to ₹500, with specific poojas like the ₹250 Rahu Pooja and ₹150 milk abhishekam being popular options.Reddit It's best to check current pricing at the ticket counter.

It is highly recommended to arrive early, especially on Saturdays or during Rahu Kalam, as tickets are issued at the counter and lines can get very long.Reddit

General darshan is usually free, but special poojas and rituals require tickets. Offerings can be made at the Hundi.

Rahu Kalam is an inauspicious period in Vedic astrology. The temple is particularly known for performing poojas and abhishekam during these times, believing it to be highly effective for mitigating Rahu dosha.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The most unique aspect is that the milk poured on the Rahu idol is said to miraculously turn a bluish hue, symbolizing the mythological presence of poison.InstagramReddit This phenomenon is a major draw for devotees.

The primary deities are Lord Naganathaswamy (Shiva) and Goddess Girigujambigai. However, the temple is most famous for its shrine dedicated to Lord Rahu, who is considered the presiding deity for this Navagraha sthalam.Instagram

No, mobile phones and cameras are generally not allowed inside the main temple complex. You will need to deposit them at the designated drop-off points.Reddit

This temple is considered a powerful remedy for Rahu Dosha, believed to alleviate issues like delays, financial losses, and career stagnation caused by astrological afflictions.InstagramReddit

Yes, besides the milk abhishekam, you can perform Rahu archana, offer a silver Naga locket, and light specific diyas in the outside mandapa for relief from Sarpa Dosha and other afflictions.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are food stalls located outside the temple premises offering local snacks and meals. For a wider variety, you can find restaurants in Kumbakonam town.

Prasadams are usually available for purchase at the temple counters. You can also offer your own prasadams.

While small eateries are available, for a full-fledged meal, it's best to head back to Kumbakonam, which offers a range of dining options.

As with most temples, consuming food inside the main sanctum is not permitted. However, there are designated areas for offering prayers with food items.

You can expect traditional South Indian vegetarian fare, including rice-based dishes, snacks like vada and bajji, and sweet treats.

📸 📸 Photography

No, photography is strictly prohibited inside the temple premises. Mobile phones and cameras must be deposited at the designated drop-off points before entering.Reddit

The colorful gopuram (tower) and the temple tank (Kulam) offer excellent opportunities for exterior shots. The surrounding architecture also provides a picturesque backdrop.

While you cannot use devices inside, you might be able to capture some moments from the temple entrance or surrounding areas, provided it doesn't disrupt devotees or temple activities.

The ornate carvings on the temple walls, the distinct gopuram, and the sacred pond are notable features. The separate Rahu shrine also has unique architectural elements.

Early morning or late afternoon offers the best natural light for photography, avoiding harsh midday sun and creating a more atmospheric feel.

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Visiting Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple with children can be a unique cultural experience. While mobile phones are not allowed inside,Reddit the visual spectacle of the milk abhishekam turning blue can be fascinating for older kids. Ensure children are dressed modestly and are comfortable with temple etiquette. The temple premises offer space for them to move around, and there are facilities like a well-maintained toilet and a separate section for lighting lamps.Reddit

🙏 Devotees Seeking Astrological Relief

For those specifically seeking remedies for Rahu Dosha or Sarpa Dosha, this temple is a must-visit. The Rahu Kala Abhishekam is the primary ritual recommended, believed to be highly potent during these specific astrological periods.Reddit Consider participating in the Rahu archana or offering a silver Naga locket for enhanced blessings. Planning your visit during Rahu Kalam is key to experiencing the temple's core spiritual offerings.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts (Exterior)

While interior photography is forbidden,Reddit the temple's exterior offers ample opportunities. The vibrant gopuram and the serene temple tank (Kulam) are excellent subjects. Capture the intricate carvings and the overall grandeur of the temple architecture. Early morning or late afternoon light will provide the best results for your shots.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Mystique of the Milk Abhishekam

The most captivating ritual at Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple is the Rahu Kala Abhishekam. During this special ceremony, milk is poured over the idol of Lord Rahu, and devotees witness a truly astonishing transformation: the milk reportedly turns a distinct bluish hue.InstagramReddit This phenomenon is deeply rooted in mythology, believed to represent the poison that Rahu consumed. Many visitors come specifically to witness this unique event, which is performed during the Rahu Kalam period.

To experience this, it's crucial to plan your visit accordingly. Arriving early is essential, especially on Saturdays, as tickets for the pooja are sold at the counter and the queues can become quite long. The temple authorities manage the flow of devotees, and standing along the side rails can offer a clearer view without obstructing the main queue.Reddit Remember to carry cash, as digital payment options might not be readily available.Reddit

Navagraha Significance and Rahu Dosha Remedies

Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple is a significant part of the Navagraha temple circuit, dedicated to the nine celestial bodies that influence human destiny in Vedic astrology. This particular temple is revered as the Rahu Sthalam, meaning it is the primary abode for Lord Rahu.Instagram It is widely believed that worshipping here can help mitigate the malefic effects of Rahu in one's horoscope, commonly known as Rahu Dosha.

Devotees flock to this temple seeking relief from various life challenges attributed to Rahu's influence, such as persistent delays, financial setbacks, career stagnation, and relationship issues.InstagramReddit The temple offers specific rituals and poojas, including archana with milk and the offering of silver Naga lockets, which are believed to be particularly effective in appeasing Lord Rahu and bringing about positive changes in life.Reddit The unique depiction of Rahu with a human face, rather than a serpent's, is also seen as a sign of his benevolent aspect when worshipped here.Reddit

Temple Architecture and Deities

The Thirunageswaram Naganathaswamy Temple boasts traditional South Indian temple architecture, characterized by its towering gopuram (ornate gateway tower) and spacious courtyards. The temple complex houses several shrines, with the main deities being Lord Naganathaswamy (a form of Lord Shiva) and Goddess Girigujambigai (Parvati).Reddit The presiding deity of the temple, however, is Lord Rahu, who is enshrined in a separate sanctum, uniquely depicted with his consorts.Instagram

Another notable feature is the temple tank (Kulam), which is used for ceremonial baths. The temple's design and layout are intended to create a serene and spiritual atmosphere for devotees. While photography is prohibited inside the main temple areas,Reddit the exterior architecture, including the gopuram and the tank, offers picturesque views, especially during the golden hours of early morning or late afternoon.

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