108 Divya-deshams: Thiruthalaichanga Nanmadiyam
BY: SUN STAFF
Thiruthalaichanga Nanmadiyam - Thiruthalaichanga
May 27, 2024 — CANADA (SUN) — A tour of the 108 Divya-desams, the divine abodes of Lord Vishnu and Lakshmi.
The Nanmadiya Perumal Temple, also called Thalachanga Nanmathiyam, is situated in the village of Thalaichangadu, near Akkur in the Mayiladuthurai district of Tamil Nadu. The temple is dedicated to the worship of Lord Visnu as Nanmadiya Perumal with His consort Talaichanga Nachiar ( Laksmi).
It is believed that Vishnu appeared at this place for Chandra, the moon god, who worshipped Vishnu here. Chandra is treated second after Surya, the sun god, among the Navagrahas, the nine planetary deities. He is also considered the brother of Lakshmi, the Lord's consort, as he emerged during the churning of the Ocean of Milk.
Chandra once conducted a rajasuya yajna, which was attended by all the celestial deities. Tara, the wife of Brihaspati (Jupiter) was attracted to Chandra. The moon god took Tara away from Brihaspati, leading to the Tarakamaya War. Brihaspati cursed Chandra to be afflicted by disease. Tara gave birth to Budha (Mercury) for Chandra. To free himself of the curse, Chandra began worshipping Vishnu here at Thiruthalaichanga. Since the presiding deity holds the famous conch, this place came to be known as Talaichankam, cankam meaning conch. Like Shiva, the presiding deity sports a crescent on His head.
Chandra Pushkarani, the temple tank
Constructed in the Dravidian style of architecture, the temple has a single-tiered gopuram. The temple tank is in front of it, called Chandra Pushkarani. The temple has one precinct and two shrines. There is a shrine for Naanmadiya Perumal, facing east. It has a conch that is considered one of its kind.
The temple is located on the southern bank of river Kaveri. The place was very famous during the Chola regime for conch. It was close to their port town Poompuhar. The place finds mention in the Sangam literature, Cilappatikaram, and is glorified in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham.
Thiruthalaichanga Nanmadiyam was patronized by the Chola kings. The temple was in a dilapidated condition but was renovated by Suntara Ramanuja.
Temple gateway
Source: Wikipedia
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