Nainapurna Narayana Perumal, Navakurichi

Address

Nainapurna Narayana Perumal, Navakurichi, Tamil Nadu 636112

Diety

Nainapurna Narayana Perumal Amman: Mahalakshmi

Introduction

Nainapurna Narayana Perumal Navakurichi is an east facing temple situated in a single Prakaram. The entrance is through a small gate on the north side. A single prakaram houses the sanctum sanctorum of the main deity and the shrine of the goddess. A stone Dwajsthambam with carvings of Anjaneya and Garuda are outside. The Prakaram is overgrown with weeds and the temple needs attention. There is a pillared mandapam before the sanctum sanctorum with many nice carvings on them. The Anjaneya shrine was taken up for restoration a secret chamber underneath was discovered. About nine ancient Panchaloha Idols were found here. Nainapurna Narayana Perumal Navakurichi is about 75 kilometers east of Salem off the road going to Kallakurichi. Take a left towards the north at Thalaivasal to reach Nainapurna Narayana Perumal Navakurichi.

Puranic Significance

Nainapurna Narayana Perumal Navakurichi could date back to the 12th century CE based on some Panchaloha idols recovered from an underground chamber here some years back. Nainapurna Narayana Perumal Navakurichi could have been built by kings of the Bana Dynasty who ruled under the Cholas at that time. Contributions to the development of the temple could also have been made by Pandyas and Vijayanagar Kings. The discovered idols were taken by the Government HR&CE department and safeguarded.