Thirunageswaram, near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, is the Navagraha temple for Rahu, set in the Naganathaswamy Shiva temple.
Your darshan is free. You come to pray to Rahu and to ease its effect, above all if you have a Rahu period or a Kala Sarpa dosha in your chart. The temple is famous for the Rahu Kalam pooja, when milk poured over the Rahu deity is seen to take on a blue shade. It is one of the nine planet temples on the Kumbakonam circuit.
Rahu and the milk pooja
Rahu is the shadowy north node, linked to sudden change, and people with a Rahu period or a Kala Sarpa dosha come here for relief. The famous ritual is the Rahu Kalam pooja, done in the day's Rahu Kalam hour, when milk is poured over the Rahu deity and appears to turn a blue shade, which pilgrims wait to see. You can arrange an abhishekam or an archana to Rahu at the temple counter. Agree any priest's fee first, because that is a personal service, not the free darshan.
Free darshan and timings
- Your darshan is free and open to all.
- The temple opens in a morning window and again in the late afternoon and evening, with a midday break, so plan around the closed hours.
- The Rahu Kalam pooja is timed to the Rahu Kalam hour of the day, and Sundays and Tuesdays draw crowds for it, so check the day's time.
[Confirm the exact timings and the Rahu Kalam pooja time on the HR&CE listing and locally. Last checked 14 September 2026.]
How to reach
Thirunageswaram is near Kumbakonam in the Thanjavur region of Tamil Nadu. The nearest airport is Tiruchirappalli, and Kumbakonam has a railway station a short drive away. You reach it by road on the Navagraha circuit, very close to Kumbakonam. Pair it with the other eight planet temples on a one or two day loop.
What to carry
Carry a photo identity and modest dress for the shrine. Carry small cash for a pooja, lamps and any offering, even where counters accept digital payment. If you want to see or join the Rahu Kalam pooja, reach in good time for the day's Rahu Kalam hour. Carry water and a hat for a day of temple visits.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Your biggest mistake would be paying a private site for a "Rahu pooja booking," when your darshan is free and you arrange poojas at the temple counter. Next, do not miss the Rahu Kalam pooja, which is the special draw here, so plan your timing around it. Do not ignore the midday closing. Do not miss the other eight planet temples nearby.
Questions people ask
Is Thirunageswaram darshan free?
Yes, your darshan is free. You pay only for a pooja or lamps at the temple.
Which planet is this?
Rahu, the north node, in the Naganathaswamy Shiva temple at Thirunageswaram.
What is the milk pooja?
The Rahu Kalam pooja, when milk poured over the Rahu deity is seen to take on a blue shade.
Who comes here?
People in a Rahu period or with a Kala Sarpa dosha, seeking relief.
Is there an official booking site?
No. It is a Tamil Nadu government HR&CE temple with free darshan, so arrange any pooja at the counter.