Vendanpatti Sri Nei Nandeeswarar Temple, Pudukottai

Address

Vendanpatti Sri Nei Nandeeswarar Temple, Vendanpatti, Pudukottai District, Tamil Nadu Phone: +91 95858 50663.

Deity

Chockalingeswarar Amman: Meenakshi

Introduction

• Location: Sri Nei Nandeeswarar Temple is situated in Vendanpatti town, Pudukkottai district, Tamil Nadu.
• Deities: The Moolavar deity is Chockalingeswarar, with Goddess Meenakshi Amman as the Thayar. Nandeeswarar is particularly significant, worshipped with ghee Abhishekam, leading to the name “Nei Nandeeswarar.”
• Age: The temple is believed to be around 1,000 years old, showcasing significant historical and cultural importance.

Puranic Significance

• Nandhi: The temple features a unique Nandhi named Thambi Nandhi, considered the brother of the famous Nandhi in Thanjavur. While Thanjavur Nandhi is known for its size, the Vendanpatti Nandhi is renowned for its miraculous ability to keep flies and ants away during the Ghee Abhishekam performed on Pradosha days.
• Ghee Abhishekam: The solid ghee placed on Nandhi melts and flows down, and this ghee is preserved in a well where no insects dare to approach, symbolizing the sanctity and power of Nandhi.
• Historical Context: It is believed that the temple may have been constructed by the Pandya kings, with participation from the Cholas. There is a tradition that two Nandhis were brought from Kodumbalur, with the larger one placed in Thanjavur and the smaller one installed at Vendanpatti.

Beliefs

• Worship Practices: Maidens seeking marriage blessings pray to Mother Meenakshi, while devotees seek prosperity and fulfillment of their ambitions by worshipping Lord Nandeeswara.
• Offerings: Devotees offer turmeric and kumkum to Meenakshi and place coin tilaks on Nandhi’s forehead, often adorning him with currency garlands.

Special Features

• Miraculous Nandhi: The Vendanpatti Nandhi is celebrated for its ability to repel insects during the ghee abhishekam, emphasizing its divine connection.
• Community Practices: Local traditions dictate that families with cows prepare ghee for Nandhi before selling or consuming their milk, reflecting the temple’s deep-rooted influence on community life.

Festivals

• Major Festivals:
  • Mahasivarathri: Celebrated in February-March.
  • Arudra Darshan: Held in December-January.
  • Aipasi Annabishekam: Celebrated in October-November.
• Monthly Celebration: Pradosham, observed on the 13th day after the New Moon or Full Moon, is the most important celebration, especially when it coincides with Saturdays, drawing larger crowds.
• Maattu Pongal Festival: On the day after Pongal (January 14), a special festival is dedicated to Nandeeswarar, featuring a ghee bath for Nandhi and decoration with 21 types of garlands, followed by Deeparadhanas (lamp worship).

Century/Period/Age

1000 Years old

Managed By

Hindu Religious & Charitable Endowments Department (HRCE)

Nearest Bus Station

Vendanpatti

Nearest Railway Station

Pudukottai Station

Nearest Airport

Trichy

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