Navagrahasthalam (Raaghusthalam)-Thirunageshwaram

Thirunaageshwaram is situated 6 km east of Kumbakonam, in Tanjore District,Tamil Nadu. It can also be reached by rail.

Thirunageshwaram is one of the Pancha Krosa Sthalas. The temple is found within three circuits. Kandaraditya chola (950-957 A.D.) is said to have been instrumental for the making of the granite structure of the temple. Govinda Dikshidar has also contributed a mandap adjoining the temple where functions are held.

The Lord is acclaimed as 'Naganatha Swamy' besides His name ' Shenbagarane Eswara' Goddess Parvati is worshipped as 'Girigujambal' or 'Kundramulai Ammai. There are two shrines dedicated to the Lord, the first housing 'Naganatha Swamy' and the second for 'Ardhanaareeshwara'. Same is it with the Goddess as well with 'Pirai Ani Ammai' housed in the same precincts where the temple of 'Naganatha Swamy' is found and 'Girigujambal's' situated a little way in a separate shrine.

It is to be noted that 'Girigujambal' is not a sculpted representation of the divine mother but is in a form of an ant hill. However she appears to have a definite form with the 'golden kavacham' that adorns Her. An added significance is that Girigujambal is accompanied with the idols of Goddesses Lakshmi and Saraswati in her sanctum. Ceremonial bathing of the Goddess is avoided and She is worshipped with the anointing of 'Punugu' or a scented substance.

Twelve sacred water bodies are found in Thirunageshwaram. Of these Suriya Pushkarani is found inside the temple compound and held very sacred. A dip in 'Soola theertham' is said to heal skin diseases.
The three famous Saiva saints Thirugnana Sambanda Swamigal , Thirunavukkarasu Swamigal and Thiru Sundaramoorthy Swamigal have sung the praise of Naganatha Swamy in honey dripping verses. The temple is also said to be Sekkizar swamigal's (the author of 'Periya Puranam') preferred place of worship of Lord Shiva.

Festivals

Brahmahotsavam is celebrated for ten days that concluds in the last Sunday of the Tamil month, 'Karthigai' ( November or December) Raaghu Peyarchi is celebrated with special poojas and Homas during every transition of Raaghu Bhagavan. Apart from this, important festivals owing to Lord Shiva and Parvati and other Hindu sacred days are observed here.

Let us invoke the blessings of the Lord to get rid of the woes of life and to abide in supreme bliss.