Thalaichanga Nanmathiyam, Thalaichangadu

Introduction

Thalaichanga Nanmathiyam or Naanmadiya Perumal Temple is a Vishnu shrine. This is a Divyadesam, a chosen abode of Lord Vishnu that has come under praise in the Azhwar saints' hymns. This is situated in the village of Thalaichangadu in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. The presiding deity is worshipped as Thalaichanga Nanmathiyam or Naanmadiya Perumal, and his consort is Goddess Thalaichanga Nachiar. This place is associated with Chandra, the Moon God, who is said to have got relief from his curse here. Thalaichangadu once remained a commercial hub and a flourishing market for conch shells that had a demand worldwide.

Temple Legends

As per the legend, Chandra struck an immoral relationship with the wife of his Guru, planet Jupiter and was cursed by him to suffer from leprosy. Further, The Moon married all the 27 daughters of Daksha Prajapathi, but was partial towards one of them, Rohini, and ignored others in the process. On receiving their complaint, their father, Daksha cursed Chandra to depreciate slowly. Reeling under these curses, the Moon sought refuge in Lord Vishnu. The Lord took pity on him and directed Chandra to take holy dips in the temple tanks at Srirangam, Thiru Indalur, and Thalaichangadu, and meditate on him with complete devotion and sincerity. Chandra followed the Lord's instructions strictly, and ultimately got relieved of this curses at this place, Thalaichanga Nanmathiyam, and attained greater shine and luster. Vishnu also adorned himself with the Moon in his head, which is usually done only by Lord Shiva. Hence this Lord came to be referred to as Naanmadiya Perumal or Chandra Shaba Harar. It is also said that Vishnu worshiped Shiva here and obtained the great conch Panchajanyam. Naanmadiya Perumal holds this conch, which is called Sangu or Changam, and this is the reason for this place being called Thalaichangam.

The History and Architecture of Thalaichanga Nanmathiyam Temple, Thalaichangadu

The temple is believed to have been constructed during the Chola reign. It stands on the southern bank of river Cauvery and was near Poompuhar, the famous port town of the Chola times. This place was so well-known for its conch, that it finds mention even in the famous Tamil literary work, Silappadikaram. Naanmadiya Perumal is in the standing posture, with the crescent Moon on his head. Chandra Vimanam is the tower above the sanctum. There are shrines for the Goddess and other deities, while the temple tank, Chandra Pushkarini, is outside the complex. The temple is said to have become dilapidated once and was renovated by a devotee Suntara Ramanuja.

Temple Festivals

Brahmotsavam and Vaikunta Ekadasi can be considered the biggest of the many festivals celebrated in this temple.

Benefits of worshipping Naanmadiya Perumal

This is a temple that emphasizes the power of worship and meditation, as Vishnu himself is said to have prayed to Shiva here. The prayers to the Lord would certainly enhance the mind's power and help people realize their goals in life. People can also worship the divine couple and get relieved from the negative effects of planet Moon.