Thalachangadu Sri Naanmadhia Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Thalachangadu Sri Naanmadhia Perumal Temple, Thalaichanga Naanmadhiam, (Thalachangadu)-609 107, Nagapattinam district. Phone: +91- 99947 29773

Deity

Naanmadiya Perumal, Amman: Sengamalavalli

Introduction

• Location: The Naanmadiya Perumal Temple is located in Thalaichangadu, near Akkur in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu, India.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, who is worshipped as the presiding deity.
• Significance:
  • It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet-saints, or Alwars.
  • The temple is mentioned in the Brahmanda Purana.
  • The presiding deity is closely associated with the famous Panchajanyam conch, which Vishnu acquired after worshipping Lord Shiva.
  • Chandra, the Moon God, is believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this temple. The name Talaichankam (meaning “Conch” in Tamil) comes from the association of the conch with the deity.
  • The temple is situated on the southern bank of the Kaveri River, and the Chandra Pushkarini is the sacred water tank.

Puranic Significance

• Chandra’s Worship of Vishnu:
  • Chandra is associated with two important myths in the Puranas. According to one story, Chandra was born to Sage Athiri and Anusuya.
  • In another legend, Chandra is cursed by Lord Vishnu after he caused a rift in the relationships of Daksha’s 27 daughters, favoring Rohini over the others. Daksha’s curse led to Chandra’s gradual fading and eventual suffering.
  • In his despair, Chandra sought relief from Lord Vishnu, who instructed him to visit several sacred places, including Srirangam, Tiru Indalur, and Thalaichangadu. There, he was advised to bathe in the holy tanks and perform penance, which he did to receive Vishnu’s blessing and be cured of his curses.
  • Lord Vishnu granted Chandra darshan and even adorned him as an ornament on His head, signifying his redemption.

Beliefs

• The temple is especially revered by those facing adverse aspects of the Moon in their astrological charts (such as the Chandra Dosh).
• Devotees believe that worshipping Naanmadiya Perumal and Mother in this temple can bring relief from the effects of Moon-related doshas and bring peace and prosperity.

Special Features

• Main Shrine:
  • The temple has a shrine for Naanmadiya Perumal, who is depicted holding the famous conch and facing east.
  • The temple is located on the southern bank of the Kaveri River, a sacred location.
  • The place was historically renowned for its association with the conch and was close to the Chola port town of Poompuhar, making it an important center during the Chola dynasty.
  • The temple was patronized by the Chola kings and finds mention in the Sangam literature, particularly in the epic Silapadikaram.
  • The temple had fallen into a dilapidated state but was later renovated by Suntara Ramanuja.

Festivals

• Vaikunda Ekadasi is one of the major festivals celebrated at the temple, attracting numerous devotees for prayers and rituals.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Thalachangadu

Nearest Railway Station

Mayiladuthurai

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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