Thirunarayur Sri Nachiar Kovil Thirunarayur Nambi Temple, Thanjavur

Address

Thirunarayur Sri Nachiar Kovil Thirunarayur Nambi Temple, Nachiarkoil, Thanjavur district-612602, Phone : 0435— 2476411/2476157.

Deity

Naraiyur Nambi Perumal, Amman: Nambiki Nachiyar

Introduction

• Location: Thirunarayur, near Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu
• Deity Worshipped: Vishnu as Srinivasa Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Nachiyar
• Divya Desam: One of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu
• Temple Architecture: Built in the Dravidian style, the temple is enclosed by a granite wall and has a five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower).
• Pooja Tradition: The temple follows the Thenkalai mode of worship.
• Theertham: Manimutha, Sangarshanam, Pradyunam, Shamba theerthams
• Thala Virutcham (Sacred Tree): Vagulam – Magizham
• Agama: Vaikanasam

Puranic Significance:

• According to legend, Sage Medhavi was performing penance at this location and discovered an image of Chakrathazhwar entwined with Yoga Narasimha while bathing in the river. A divine voice directed him to install the image and worship it.
• Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, appeared to the sage as a small girl, requesting his care. As Vishnu searched for her on his vehicle, Garuda, he found Lakshmi in Medhavi’s hermitage. Pleased with Medhavi’s devotion, Vishnu married Lakshmi, and the sage requested Vishnu to stay in the hermitage, which Vishnu accepted.
• Another local legend suggests that King Kochengat Cholan, after being defeated, was advised to seek Vishnu’s blessings, which he did.

Beliefs:

• Devotees pray to Garuda Bhagwan on Thursdays, offering archanas and vastras, for relief from delayed marriages, adverse effects on children, and the negative influence of serpent planets (Rahu and Ketu).

Special Features:

• The temple is attributed to King Kochengat Cholan, who is believed to have built 70 temples dedicated to Shiva, with Thirunaraiyur being the only Vishnu temple he constructed.
• The temple features a five-tiered rajagopuram rising to 75 ft (23 m) in height.
• The entrance through the eastern gateway leads to the Neenila Mutram, a hall with 16 pillars. This hall houses the Dwajasthamba (flagpole) and Balipeeda (place of sacrifice) aligned axially.
• A small shrine dedicated to Garuda is situated in front of the flagpole.
• The shrine of Thirumangai Azhwar is on the northern side of the temple.
• The Goratha Mandapam houses images of Ramanuja, Koorathazhwar, and idols of 11 Azhwars, excluding Andal.

Festivals:

• Brahmmotsavam: December or January
• Garuda Sever: March or April
• Vasanthothsavam (Spring Festival): May or June
• Thirukalyana Utsavam (Divine Marriage Festival): September or October

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thirunarayur

Nearest Railway Station

Kumbakkonam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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