Kundrathur Sri Nageswarar Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Chennai

Address

Kundrathur Sri Nageswarar Temple (Rahu Sthalam), Vadanageswaram, Kundrathur, Chennai – 600 069 Phone: +91 44 2478 0436 Mobile: +91 93828 89430

Diety

Sri Nageswarar Amman: Kamakshi Amman

Introduction

The Nageswarar Temple in Kundrathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, is a sacred temple dedicated to Lord Shiva, known as Nageswarar, and Goddess Kamakshi Amman. It is associated with the Navagraha (nine planetary deities) Rahu and is considered a Rahu Sthalam among the 9 Navagraha Temples of Chennai (Thondai Mandalam).

Puranic Significance

The Nageswarar Temple is believed to be approximately 1,000 years old and is closely associated with the celebrated Saivite poet Sekkizhar, who lived in the 12th century CE during the reign of Kulothunga Chola II.
Sekkizhar is renowned for being the author of “Periya Puranam,” a Tamil literary work that narrates the lives and greatness of the 63 Nayanmars (devotees of Lord Shiva) in great detail.
The temple has a historical connection to Sekkizhar as he visited Tirunageswaram near Kumbakonam, and to have daily darshan (view) of the deity, he constructed a similar temple in his hometown of Kundrathur. Sekkizhar installed the deity with Nagabaranam (snake as an ornament) around the Shiva Lingam and named the Lord as Sri Nageswarar. Hence, this temple is often referred to as Vada Thirunageswaram.
The temple is currently maintained by the trustees of Senguntha Mudaliyar, who were appointed by Sekkizhar Peruman.

Rahu Worship:

The Nagabaranam (serpent ornament) around the Shiva Lingam is considered to represent Rahu, one of the Navagrahas. Pujas (rituals) and pariharams (remedial worship) for Rahu are conducted at this temple, especially during Rahu Kethu Peyarchi (the transit of Rahu and Kethu) and Rahu Kalam (inauspicious time associated with Rahu) from 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm on Sundays.

Deities in the Temple:

In addition to Nageswarar, the temple has a sanctum for Kamakshi Amman, who stands with a lion as her vahana (vehicle).
The temple also houses Utsava idols of Sekkizhar, Somaskanda, Nataraja, Surya, and various other deities.
There is a separate shrine for Navagrahas (nine planetary deities) in the outer praharam (circumambulatory path).

Sacred Trees and Theertham:

The holy tree (Sthala Viruksham) of this temple is the Shenbaga Maram.
The temple features a large and beautiful Surya Pushkarani (temple tank), which is located outside the temple on the southeast side.
The temple is known for its inscriptions, with about 45 inscriptions dating back to the Chola period. These inscriptions provide historical information about the temple and various donations.

Beliefs

Those afflicted with serpent planet adverse aspects and those facing problems due Ragu planet transition pray for relief. Devotees, realizing their wishes, perform special abishek and pujas to Lord.

Special Features

Architectural Features:

The east-facing temple has a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main tower) and comprises two prakarams (circumambulatory paths).
The temple is also considered one of the Navakailasams in Tamil Nadu, which are nine sacred temples dedicated to Lord Shiva.
The shrine is dedicated to Nageswarar, and the sanctum enshrines a large Swayambu Shiva Lingam.

Festivals

The temple celebrates a 10-day Brahmotsavam festival with Chitra Poornima (full moon day) in April-May.
On the eighth day of the festival, the four Tamil poet-saints known as the Nalvar, along with Sekkizhar, go in procession around the Lord.
The wedding festival of Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi is celebrated on Chitra Poornima, with the Lord taking part in a procession on a snake vahana.
Guru Puja, a celebration lasting 10 days in Vaikasi (May-June) with Poosa star day, includes a procession of Sekkizhar’s deity, where the saint worships Lord Shiva.