Sri Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple, Kanchipuram

Address

Sri Nilthingal Thundam Perumal temple, Periya Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu 631502

Deity

Chandirra Chuda Perumal, Nilathingal Thunda Perumal (Vishnu) Amman: Nilathingal Thunda Nayagi

Introduction

• Nilthingal Thundam Perumal Temple, also known as Chandrasoodeswarar Perumal Temple, is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu, located in Kanchipuram, Tamil Nadu, India.
• The temple is situated within the Ekambareswarar Temple complex, which is the largest temple in Kanchipuram, located in the northern part of the town.
• The temple’s gopuram (gateway tower) stands at 59 meters tall, making it one of the tallest gopurams in India.
• Glorified in the Divya Prabandha, a Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD, it is one of the 108 Divyadesams dedicated to Vishnu, worshiped here as Nilathingal Thunda Perumal, with his consort Lakshmi worshiped as Nilathingal Thunda Nayagi.
• The temple is administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, unlike other Vaishnavite temples, a Saiva priest officiates here as the temple is located within a Shiva temple.
• Theertham (sacred water) associated with the temple is Chandra Pushkarini.

Puranic Significance

• According to legend, Goddess Parvati, the consort of Lord Shiva, was performing penance under the ancient Mango tree near the Vegavathi River. To test her devotion, Shiva sent fire upon her, but Parvati prayed to her brother, Lord Vishnu, for help.
• Vishnu, in response, took the crescent moon from Shiva’s head and reflected the moon’s rays to cool the tree and protect Parvati.
• However, Shiva tested Parvati again by sending the river Ganga to disrupt her penance. Parvati prayed to Ganga, convincing her that they were both sisters and Ganga should not disturb her. Moved by her plea, Ganga did not interfere, and Parvati built a Shiva Linga out of sand to unite with Shiva.
• This event led to Lord Shiva being known as Ekambareswarar, “Lord of the Mango Tree,” and Vishnu as Nilathingal Thundam.

Beliefs

• Devotees suffering from skin and stomach ailments, as well as those experiencing adverse effects of excessive heat in the body or other evil influences, pray to Nilathingal Thundam Perumal for healing.
• The temple is also believed to help with childless couples seeking a boon of offspring. Devotees perform Thailakappur (the application of perfumed oil) and pujas at the temple. Some also engage in the act of poor feeding as a form of charity and devotion.

Special Features

• The Nilthingal Thundam Perumal Temple is the 50th Divya Desam out of the 108 Divya Desams, each of which is associated with a specific Mangalasasana (blessing) from Perumal.
• In this temple, Goddess Lakshmi is seen gracing Perumal as though she is in his navel, a unique aspect that aligns with the divine connection to Brahma. This rare sight is believed to change the fate of devotees.
• The temple represents a significant spiritual convergence, where Vishnu and Lakshmi’s presence in the temple symbolizes the ultimate cosmic union.

Festivals

• The most prominent festival celebrated at Nilthingal Thundam Perumal Temple is the Vaikunta Ekadasi festival, which takes place during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January). This is one of the most important festivals in the Vaishnavite calendar.
• In addition to Vaikunta Ekadasi, six daily rituals and two major yearly festivals are performed at the temple, continuing the temple’s vibrant religious practices and traditions.

Century/Period/Age

1000-2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Railway Station

Kanchipuram

Nearest Airport

Chennai

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