Naanmadiya Perumal Temple is a Hindu temple situated in the village of Thalaichangadu, near Akkur in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu, India. The presiding deity is the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the “Divya Desams”, the 108 temples of Vishnu revered by the 12 poet saints, or Alwars.
Shrine’s History
When Devas and the demons churned the milk ocean for nectar, Chandra appeared before Sri Mahalakshmi, hence enjoys the status as Her elder brother. He occupies the second place next to Sun in the planetary line. The other story is that he was born to Sage Athiri and his wife Anusuya, according to Puranas. Moon is handsome and is the disciple of Jupiter and well versed in scriptures. He conducted a yajna called Raja Suya which was attended a huge number of Rishis and Dhara wife of Jupiter. When they looked at each other in the event, they began to love each other. Shocked Deva Guru Jupiter reported this to Lord Vishnu and cursed his disciple with leprosy.
Meantime, a son was born to Moon and Dhara named Bhudha, also a planet called Mercury. As advised by Lord Vishnu, Moon returned Dhara to his Guru. Budha hated his father for his misdeed, performed severe penance and became a planet. Moon committed the next mistake. He married the 27 daughters of Daksha promising him that he would treat each one with equal love. But he did not. He was very fond of Rohini alone and ignored others. The aggrieved daughters approached their father-Daksha and narrated their condition.
Angry Daksha cursed that his handsome face will depreciate day by day. Full moon began to face the impact of the curse. Chandra had to suffer a double curse. He surrendered at the feet of Lord Vishnu for relief. Perumal advised Chandra to visit Srirangam, Tiru Indalur and Thalaichanga Naanmadiyam, have a dip in the sacred springs there and perform penance on Him for relief. Chandra meticulously followed Lords advice and got the relief at this place-Thalaichanga Naanmadiyam. Lord granted darshan to Chandra and also wore him as an ornament on His head.
Legends Associated with This Shrine
Lord Vishnu worshipped Lord Shiva to acquire the famous conch, Panchajanyam.There is a famous Sayavaneswarar Temple,dedicated to Lord Shiva in the same village,where Lord Vishnu is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva.
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 away from the town.
Shrine Timings
6AM to 11AM and 5 P.M to 8 P.M
Events Celebrated at This Shrine
Chittirai Utsavam April or May
Navaratri September or October
Vaikunta Ekadasi December or January
Extra Information About this Shrine
Nearby Temple
Kayaroganeswarar Temple
Thanthondreeswarar Temple
Neelakandeswarar Temple
Pallavaneswarar Temple
