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Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

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Introduction

Nilathingal Thundam Perumal temple is a shrine in Kanchipuram town, in Tamil Nadu, dedicated to Lord Vishnu or Perumal. This shrine actually forms part of the Ekambareswarar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This is the largest temple of Kanchipuram with a 59-meter tower, one of India's tallest towers. The Azhwar saint Thirumangai Azhwar has sung the praise of this Perumal in his hymn, and hence, this temple is counted among the Divyadesams, the sacred abodes of Vishnu. 'Nilathingal Thundam' is a Tamil name, and this Perumal is also known called as Chandrachoodeswara Perumal, in Sanskrit, while his consort is Nilathingal Thunda Nayagi or Ner UruvIlla Valli. Here, Goddess Mahalakshmi is seen on the Lotus emerging from the navel of Lord Vishnu, whereas it is only Brahma who is usually seated there. This remains the unique feature of this shrine. It is believed that here, many mystical powers of the Lord are felt, especially on Full Moon days.

Temple Legends

Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple

As per the legends, once Goddess Parvati was doing penance under a mango tree under the banks of the Vegavathi river here, seeking the grace of Lord Shiva. In order to test her devotion, Shiva is said to have set the tree on fire. Parvati sought the help of her brother Vishnu. And Vishnu took the crescent of the Moon from Shiva's head, reflected the cool rays, checked the fire, and thus cooled down Parvati. Next, Shiva sent the river Ganga to disturb her penance. But Parvati requested Ganga not to spoil her endeavor, as she and Ganga were siblings, after all. And Ganga obliged so that Parvati could make a Shiva Linga out of the sand and complete her penance successfully. This Linga is called Ekambareswarar, the Lord of the Mango Tree. Here it is also said that Vishnu appeared as Vamana with conch and discus, reflected the Moonlight, and brought relief to Parvati.

As per another story, when the Devas and Asuras churned the ocean of milk, Vishnu took the form of a tortoise, that is, Kurma Avatar and helped them, by holding up the mountain that acted as the central pole. But the poison that emanated from the serpent Vasuki, which was used as the rope for churning, turned Kurma's skin from blue to black. Then Shiva is said to have opened his left eye, which was nothing but the Moon, and the cool lunar rays removed Vishnu' [s pain. The Tamil words 'Nila' and 'Thingal' both refer to the Moon, and hence Vishnu came to be called Nilathingal Thunda Perumal.

The Architecture of Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram

The shrine is located in the first circumambulatory passage around the sanctum of Lord Ekambareswarar. Nilathingal Thundam Perumal is in a standing position under the tower Purushasuktha Vimana, facing west. Goddess Mahalakshmi is formless here and is worshipped as part of Vishnu, and hence there is no separate shrine for Nilanthingal Nayagi, his consort.

Temple Festivals

Poornima, the Full Moon days are all festive days here, when devotees gather in the shrine to worship the Perumal. Vaikuntha Ekadasi during Margazhi (December-January) and the Saturdays of the Tamil month Purataasi (September-October) are celebrated with piety and enthusiasm.

Benefits of worshipping Nilathingal Thundam Perumal

Since Goddess Lakshmi is in the position that is normally occupied by Lord Brahma, worshipping her in this shrine, it is believed, can change the destiny of the devotees for the better, in all respects. People can also get relief from heat-related diseases, skin and stomach ailments by praying here, while sibling relationships, too, may improve.

How to reach Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, Kanchipuram
By Air

The nearest airport is Chennai, and the temple about 80 Kilometers from there, can be reached by road.

By Rail

Kanchipuram Railway station is near the temple.

By Road

Kanchipuram town is well connected to Chennai and many other cities by road. Local transports are also available in plenty.

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