Narayanan Perumal Temple is dedicated to Hindu god Vishnu located in Thirunangur, a village on the outskirts of Sirkazhi in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Narayanan and his consort Lakshmi as Pundarikavalli.
Shrine’s History
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
Legends Associated with This Shrine
The legend of all the eleven temples of Thirunangur is closely associated with each other. As per legend, the Hindu god Shiva started dancing in fury at this place after the death of his consort Uma due to the yagna of Daksha. Each time his lock of hair touched the ground, there were eleven other forms of Shiva who appeared. The celestial deities were worried that if the dance continues, it would result in the decimation of entire creations. They prayed to Vishnu for help, who appeared at this place. On seeing Vishnu, Shiva’s anger was reduced and he requested Vishnu to appear in eleven forms like he did. On his request, Vishnu appeared in eleven different forms at Tirunangur. The eleven places where Vishnu appeared are believed to be where the eleven temples in Tirunangur are located. The eleven Rudras, called Ekadas Rudras and king of devas, Indra, are believed to have worshipped Vishnu at this temple.The presiding deity of Badrinath Temple, Badrinath, is believed to have visited the place on the request of Shiva. Ramanuja is believed to have learnt Tirumandiram from Thirukoshtiyur Nambi at this place.
Architectural Relevance of This Shrine
The temple has a five-tiered rajagopuram and all the shrines of the temple are enshrined in a granite wall. The central shrine is built on an elevated structure and is reached by a flight of steps.There is a hall adjacent to the right of the rajagopuram, where the festival image of the fourteen temples in Thirunangur and its surrounds are housed during the Thirumangai Azhwar Utsavam.
Shrine’s Map Location and How to Go There
By Road
An extensive network of roads connects it to Chennai, Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Pondicherry, Thanjavur and all other major cities. Nagapattinam is located at a distance of about 330kms from Chennai by Road.
By Rail
Nagapattinam railway junction connects Thiruvarur in the west, Nagore in the north, Velankanni in the south and Karaikal in the east.There is a daily express train to Chennai via Mayiladuthurai and Ernakulam via Coimbatore and it connects all major cities.
By Air
The nearest Airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport, located 145 km (90 miles) away from the town.
Shrine Timings
8 A.M to 7 P.M
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Thirumangai Azhwar Mangalasasana Utsavam and Garudasevai January or February
Vaikasi Brahmmotsavam May or June
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple
Kayaroganeswarar Temple
Thanthondreeswarar Temple
Neelakandeswarar Temple
Pallavaneswarar Temple