- May 24, 2026
Among the Navagraha temples around Chennai, the Arulmigu Nageswarar Temple with Kamakshi Amman at Kundrathur is regarded as a special remedial shrine dedicated to Rahu Bhagavan. This historically significant temple was built by the great poet Sekkizhar, the author of the Periya Puranam. Let us explore the complete history and worship practices of this sacred temple.
| Presiding Deity (Moolavar) | Sri Nageswarar |
|---|---|
| Processional Deity (Utsavar) | Somaskandar |
| Goddess | Sri Kamakshi Amman |
| Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) | Champak Tree |
| Sacred Tank (Theertham) | Surya Pushkarini |
| Agama | Karanagama |
| Special Significance | Chennai Navagraha Temple (Rahu Sthalam) |
| Ancient Name | Vada Nageswaram |
| Location | Kundrathur |
| District | Kanchipuram |
Sekkizhar, the revered author of the Periya Puranam, was born in Kundrathur and served as the Prime Minister in the court of the Chola king Kulothunga II (Anapayan). A devoted follower of Lord Shiva, he regularly visited the famous Thirunageswaram Rahu Temple near Kumbakonam for worship.
As he grew older, he realized that frequent journeys to Kumbakonam would become difficult. Therefore, he decided to establish a temple in his birthplace, Kundrathur, modeled after the Thirunageswaram Temple. Following the same architectural and spiritual concept, he constructed this magnificent shrine and consecrated a Shiva Lingam adorned with a serpent ornament (Naga Abharanam).
Since this temple is located north of the original Thirunageswaram Temple near Kumbakonam, it came to be known as Vada Nageswaram (“Northern Nageswaram”).
Lord Shiva as the Embodiment of Rahu: The serpent ornament surrounding the Shiva Lingam of Sri Nageswarar symbolizes Rahu, one of the Navagrahas. Therefore, sincere worship of Lord Nageswarar is believed to provide relief from Rahu-related doshas (planetary afflictions).
Sacred Milk Abhishekam: Milk Abhishekam is performed to Lord Nageswarar three times daily:
According to temple tradition, devotees suffering from Naga Dosha who participate in this ritual receive relief from their afflictions.
Magnificent Temple Architecture: The temple features a majestic five-tier Rajagopuram. Upon entering, devotees can worship the grand flagstaff (Kodimaram) and Nandi Bhagavan.
Goddess Kamakshi faces south and resides in a separate shrine opposite her lion vehicle (Simha Vahanam). During the Tamil month of Thai, special rosewater (Panneer) Abhishekam is performed for the Goddess on Fridays.
Separate Shrine for Sekkizhar: A dedicated shrine for Sekkizhar is located within the temple precincts. He stands facing west toward Lord Shiva, blessing devotees. A grand 10-day Guru Puja festival is celebrated annually during the Vaikasi month, coinciding with the Poosam star.
Other Shrines: The temple also houses shrines for:
Sunday Rahu Kalam Worship: Devotees facing:
Visit the temple during Rahu Kaal on Sundays (4:30 PM – 6:00 PM) and perform special prayers to seek divine blessings and relief.
Special Offering: Devotees seeking relief from Naga Dosha offer Ulundhu Sadam (Black Gram Rice) as a special Naivedyam to Lord Nageswarar. This offering is prepared exclusively at the temple and is considered highly auspicious.
Major Festivals: The temple celebrates several festivals with great devotion:
The temple is open daily:
Note: A large number of devotees visit on Sunday evenings during Rahu Kalam for special worship.
Kundrathur is located:
The temple is situated approximately 1 km from the Kundrathur Bus Stand and is within easy walking distance. It stands opposite the Balaravayar Tank.
Arulmigu Nageswarar Swamy Temple (Vada Nageswaram)
Tank Street, Near Bazaar Street,
Kundrathur, Chennai – 600069, Tamil Nadu, India.
Contact Number: +914424780436, +919382889430.
