There are three major navagraha parihara sthalams for Rahu and ketu in the Kumbakonam region at Nageshwarar koil, Thirunageshwarm for Rahu and Keezh Perumpallam for ketu. This is the only temple where both Rahu and Ketu are together manifest in a single idol and it is very famous for relief from Naga dosham too. Snakes are very frequently seen inside the temple and locals say there is no fear of snakebites here as they are all devoid of venom. The visitors here are plenty and as the priest was jokingly remarking the temple is more famous in Karnataka and Andhra . There are the ubiquitous touts milling around who will guide you through for a fee.
How to reach:
The temple is situated about 30 kms from Kumbakonam towards Karaikal. It is also about 7 kms from Peralam and Koothanur about 3 kms interior from the main road.It can also be reached from Mayavaram towards Tiruvarur at Kollumangudi take a right and in 5 kms you can reach the temple The small village kids are so adept that when you stop the car they automatically point to the temple route even without your asking directions!!!
Legends and Stories:
Once when Vinayaka was performing pooja to Shiva the serpent on Shiva's neck became bloated with ego as he thought he was superior to Vinayaka.Shiva sensed this and cursed all snakes including Adiseshan and Vasuki to loose their venom. To atone for this mistake and to regain their lost powers Anandhan, Vasuki, Dakshan, Karkodagan, Sanga balan, Kuligan, padman, Maha padman the main eight Naga’s and the Naga King Aadhiseshan.came here to do penance.Rahu and Ketu are both snakes one with a body of snake and one with the head of the snake.
As per Shiva’s order all the main Naga Kings worshipped first at “Kumbakonam Nageshwarar”, “Thirunageswaram Naganathar”, “Thirupampuram Pampura Nathar” and then “Nagore Naga Nathar” on Shiva Rathri day and got rid of their curses.
The lord here has been sung about by various Nayanmars like Thirugnanasambandar,Thirunavukkarasarand Sundarar
This is a parihara sthalam for all naga doshas,kala doshas, sarpa doshas and Rahu ketu afflictions of the horoscope which explains the popularity of the temple
The Gopuram entrance leads us to the main sannidhi of Seshapureeshwarar the magnificent Shivalingam graces the sanctum in all serenity,
The praharam outside is small with a sannidhi for Vandar poonkuzhali Amman( Bhramarambika) who graces in the standing posture
Vanni tree is the sthala vruksham with a Vannieshwarar shrine in front
The most important Rahu Ketu sannidhi is found next
Things to buy are easily available in the next shop and all around we find multiple agents/pujaris helping devotees perform pariharams
Durga Sannidhi entrance
Info about the temple and its greatness
The Small Nandi in front of the Shivan sannidhi
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