Nathan Kovil Temple

Introduction

Nathan Kovil is a Divyadesam, the sacred abode of Lord Vishnu that has been praised by the Azhwar saints in their hymns. Also known as Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram, this Kovil, that is, the temple is located in the village of Nathan Kovil, close to the Kumbakonam town, in Tamil Nadu. Nandi, the bull mount of Lord Shiva, is said to have got his curse removed by worshipping Vishnu in this shrine, and hence this place has come to be known as Nandipuram. And true to this story, even the water bodies carry the name of Nandi here. The main deity is Lord Jagannathan, also called Nathanathan, and Goddess is Shenbagavalli. While king Sibi is said to have prayed in this temple, Saint Thirumangai Azhwar has sung eleven hymns about this Lord and temple. This temple is administered by the Vanamamalai Mutt.

Temple Legends

According to the legend associated with the temple, Nandi, the bull, who is the sacred mount of Lord Shiva, once, did not respect the Dwarapalakas, the guards of Lord Vishnu. As a result, they cursed Nandi to suffer from the oppressive heat. Unable to bear the terrible heat, Nandi pleaded with Shiva for a remedy, who advised him to do penance towards Vishnu in the Shenbakaranyam forest, near the present-day Kumbakonam. This was also the place where Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu, was doing penance to find a place in the chest of the Lord. In due course, Vishnu got pleased with Nandi’s devotion, removed his curse, and blessed him.

Goddess Lakshmi is also said to have performed austerities here for long, earned the grace of the Lord, and succeeded in her aim of gaining a place in the very chest of Lord Vishnu. As she performed penance at the Shenbakaranyam forest, she came to be known as Shenbagavalli, in this temple.

The History and Architecture of Nathan Kovil

Nathan Kovil was a historical place and had once remained the capital of the mighty Chola dynasty. The temple has received generous contributions, not only from the Cholas but also from the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings. This Nandipura Vinnagaram temple has a three-tier Rajagopuram, the main tower, Nandi Vimanam, the tower above the sanctum, and the water bodies, Nandi Theertham and Nandi Pushkarani. The presiding deity Jagannatha Perumal can be worshipped in the main shrine, while there is a separate shrine for his consort Shenbagavalli Thayar. Nandi, who usually remains part of the Shiva temples, is present in the sanctum. The temple complex consisting of shrines and water bodies is enclosed within the compound walls.

Temple Festivals

Pavitrotsavam is celebrated with devotion and enthusiasm when special poojas are performed in the temple, and the festive deities are taken in procession. Vaikunta Ekadasi observed during Margazhi (December-January) remains one among the many other festivals celebrated here.

Benefits of worshipping the Lord in Nathan Kovil

Vishnu is the supreme God of protection, and it is believed that he will definitely come to the rescue of his devotees in times of distress. People pray to the Lord and the Goddess in this temple for successful marriages, the reunion of estranged couples, progeny blessing, solving of litigations in their favor, and getting cured of neurological problems.