Nageswarar Kundrathur

God

Nageswarar, facing east

Goddess

Kamakshiamman, facing south

Other Deities

Arunachaleswara, Anugai Vinayaka, Karpaga Vinayaka, Muruga with consorts, Kasi Vishwanathar, Visalakshi, Lakshmi, Saraswati, Sundarar with Paravai Nachiyar, Saneeswara, Sekkizhar

Nageswarar Kundrathur is one of the Navagraha Temples around Chennai, representing Rahu (one of the nine planets in Hindu mythology, Rahu is the rogue planet). A shiva lingam is seen surrounded by three serpents. The large east facing temple welcomes you with a 5 tier Rajagopuram. The rays of the sun are said to fall on the lord during the Tamil month of Maasi (February – March).

The Navagraha Temples around Chennai are:

1. Kolampakkam – Agastheeswarar (Surya)
2. Somangalam – Somanatheeswarar (Chandran)
3. Poonamallee – Vaitheeswarar (Angaaragan)
4. Kovur – Sundareswarar (Budhan)
5. Porur – Ramanatheswarar (Guru)
6. Mangadu – Velleeswarar (Sukran)
7. Pozhichalur – Agastheeswarar (Sani)
8. Kundrathur – Nageswarar (Rahu)
9. Gerugambakkam – Neelakandeswarar (Kethu)

Holy Water (Theertham) – Suryapushkarini

Sacred Tree (Sthala Vriksham) – Shenbagam (Michelia champaka)

History

Nageswarar Kundrathur was built by Sekkizhar (12th Century CE) on the lines of the Thirunageswaram temple near Kumbakonam which he used to frequent and affected him greatly. Sekkizhar was a minister during the reign of the Chola King Kulothunga II and his greatest contribution was the Periya Puranam detailing the lives of the 63 great saints of Saivism. There are 46 stone inscriptions in the temple including the ones of Kulothunga Chola III (1178-1218 AD), Rajendra Chola III (1246-1271 AD), Sundara Pandiyan (1251-1271 AD) Maravarman Kulasekara Pandiyan I (1268-1311 AD), Harihara Rayar I (1509-1592 AD) and Sriranga Devarayar (1582-1592 AD).

Mythology

The main deity was damaged over time and was immersed in the Suryapushkarini tank for years and a new Lingam installed in the shrine. The lord is said to have appeared in the dream of a devotee and made him revoke this and reinstall the old Lingam. Lord Surya and Adisesha are believed to have prayed here. Goddess Parvati is believed to have prayed here to merge with the lord in his Ardhanari form.

Directions

Nageswarar Kundrathur is about 7 Kilometers northwest of Pallavaram. Take the Pammal road and drive on to reach Nageswarar Kundrathur.

Stay and Food

Snack shops and small eateries are available locally. Stay would be in Chennai.