Thirukannankudi Sri Loganatha Perumal Temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Sri Loganatha Perumal Thirukkoil, Thirukkannankudi , Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu– 611104. Phone : 04365 – 245350

Diety

Loganathan perumal, Amman: Loganayaki

Introduction

Loganatha Perumal Temple is dedicated to Vishnu located 2 km away from Sikkal, Tamil Nadu, India on the Tiruvarur-Nagapatnam highway.Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple is glorified in the Divya Prabandha, the early medieval Tamil canon of the Azhwar saints from the 6th–9th centuries AD. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshiped as Loganatha Perumal and his consort Lakshmi as Loganayagi. The temple is believed to have been built by the Medieval Cholas of the late 8th century AD, with later contributions from Vijayanagar kings and Madurai Nayaks. A granite wall surrounds the temple, enclosing all its shrines and its bodies of water. The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram, the temple’s gateway tower.

Puranic Significance

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Tirumazhisai Alwar in one hymn. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. As per Hindu legend, sage Gautama is believed to have worshiped the deity here. As per the temple legend, sage Vasishtha is considered the most devout devotee of Krishna, an avatar of Vishnu. Once the sage was worshiping Krishna with an idol made of butter. Krishna appeared in the form of a child, ate the idol and ran away. Vasishtha was chasing the child, who came running to this place. There were many other sages who were performing penance at this place. Krishna gave them a boon that he would be tied by the devotion of the sages and requested them to help Vashishta with his wishes. The sages requested Krishna to remain in this place and provide appearance to his devotees like he did for them. Vashishta and all the sages were pleased with the view of Krishna.

Special Features

The temple has a five-tier rajagopuram and a vast temple complex. The temple tank is right outside the temple. The prime deity, Loganathar has an imposing image is housed in the sanctum. The sanctum is approached from the gateway tower through a flag staff located axial to the entrance and the sanctum. The sanctum is approached through two pillared halls named Mukha Mandapa and Ardha mandapa. The shrine of Loganayagi and other deities are located around the sanctum in the first and second precinct.

Festivals

On every MasiMagam, all the fishermen of Nagapattinam gather to the Loganatha Perumal Temple. The Lord is said to give his devotees his blessings and protect them from evil. MasiMagam is the special festival celebrated by the fisherfolk.