Tiruindaloor Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal temple, Nagapattinam

Address

Tiruindaloor Sri Parimala Ranganatha Perumal temple, Tiruindalur, Nagapattinam district, Tamil Nadu 609001Phone Numbers: +91- 4364-223 330.

Deity

Parimala Ranganathar, Amman: Parimala Ranganayaki

Introduction

• Location: The Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temple is situated in Thiruvilandur, a town in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, along the banks of the Kaveri River.
• Deity: The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu, worshipped here as Parimala Ranganathar in a reclining posture. His consort is Parimala Ranganayaki (also known as Chandrasaapa Vimochanavalli and Pundareekavalli).
• Significance:
  • It is one of the 108 Divya Desams, revered by the 12 poet-saints, or Alwars, in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
  • The temple is part of the Pancharanga Kshetrams, a group of five important temples dedicated to Vishnu.
  • The temple is believed to be of significant antiquity, with contributions from different dynasties such as the Medieval Cholas, Vijayanagar Empire, and Madurai Nayaks.
  • The temple is enclosed by a granite wall and has a five-tiered Rajagopuram (main gateway).

Puranic Significance

• King Ambarisha’s Ekadasi Fasting and Lord Vishnu’s Intervention:
  • The temple is particularly associated with the Ekadasi fasting practice, which involves fasting for a full day and night, observing strict conditions including refraining from drinking even water, while keeping thoughts focused on Lord Vishnu.
  • King Ambarisha was dedicated to performing 100 consecutive Ekadasi fasts. On his 100th fasting, the people of his kingdom celebrated, but the Devas in the celestial realms grew uneasy, fearing that Ambarisha’s devotion might elevate him to their status.
  • The Devas sent Sage Durvasa, known for his short temper, to disrupt Ambarisha’s fasting. The sage planned to cause the king to break his fast by delaying his arrival for the meal.
  • Despite the sage’s evil plan, King Ambarisha consulted his advisors and took a few drops of water to complete the fast. When the sage arrived and learned of this, he became enraged and created a ghost to harm the king.
  • Lord Vishnu, in His divine form, intervened to protect the king, vanquishing the ghost. The sage, realizing the king’s devotion, sought forgiveness, and Lord Vishnu pardoned him.

Beliefs

• Devotees visit this temple to seek blessings for:
  • Success in performing Ekadasi fasts
  • Spiritual purification
  • Devotion and protection from challenges during fasting

Special Features

• Main Shrine:
  • The central shrine enshrines Parimala Ranganathar in a 12 ft (3.7 m) green stone idol, in a reclining posture, facing east.
  • Parimala Ranganayaki, the consort, is also enshrined here.
  • The sanctum houses the images of the river gods Cauvery and Ganga, as well as Santhanagopalakrishnan.
  • The walls of the temple are adorned with sculptures of Brahma, the Hindu god of creation.
• Additional Shrines:
  • The temple also contains shrines for Yoga Narasimhar, Rama, Anjaneya (Hanuman), Surya, and Chandra (the Sun and Moon gods).
  • The temple complex has three prakarams (precincts), each housing various shrines.
  • The Rajagopuram is a five-tiered structure facing the east.
  • Dwajasthamba Mandapam (flagstaff hall) and Garuda Mandapam (Garuda hall) feature sculpted pillars. The Garuda Mandapam has images of the ten avatars of Vishnu.

Festivals

• The Chitrai Festival, celebrated in the Tamil month of Chitrai (April-May), is one of the major festivals observed at this temple.

Century/Period/Age

1000 to 2000 years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Tiruindaloor

Nearest Railway Station

Nagapattinam

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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