Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram – Sri Jaganatha Perumal Temple, Kumbakonam
About the Temple & Location:
This place is in the Tanjore district of TamilNadu. From Kumbakonam first we have to reach Korukai by bus and from there the temple is situated at a distance of 1 1/2 miles.
Sthala Puranam:
As all know, Nandi (ox) is the Vahanam (carrier) of Lord Shiva. He is one of an extraordinary example of pure love and devotion to god. He has proved that neither good appearance nor a sweet voice is needed to reach God. Only pure and simple devotion would bring God near you.
He was the one who explained the greatness of Lord Shiva to Lord Vishnu. Once this Nandi performed Tapas (penance) seeking Lord Vishnu blessing and because of this, the place is known as “Nandipura Vinnagaram”.
NAthan means “Teacher” or “Guide”. As Lord Narayana guided this place, he is called as “NAthanAdha”.
The great King Sibhi was a great donor. Once, Lord Indra took the form of a hunter and Lord Agni transformed himself as a pigeon.
The pigeon sought Sibhi’s help and to help the poor bird, he came forward to give his own flesh equal to the pigeon's weight to the hunter. So, he sat in the wert plate of the Balance while the pigeon in the east. So, to see this beautiful scene, Lord Narayana faces west in this temple. Then he blessed eternity to King Sibhi.
It is also said that this temple was constructed by the famous King Nandhi varma.
As this place is like puri Jaganath temple of North India, it is called as Dakshina Jagannadham ((i.e. south Jagannadham).
As Nandhi made penance here, the pushkarani (or) tank of this place is called as Nandi theertha Pushkarani.
There’s a historical note that Lord Vinayaka was seen in the tree “Mandara”.
As the Vimaanam of this place is Mandara Vimaanam, this place indicates a note of unity among all castes.
At a distance of about 1 1/2 miles away from this place in the river side there is a garden named “Nandivanam” and inside it is a very old temple in a dilapidated condition.
Thirunandhipura Vinnagaram - Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple Divya Desam
Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple in Nathan Kovil, a village in the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, is dedicated to the Hindu god Vishnu. It is one of the 108 Divyadesam dedicated to Vishnu, who is worshipped as Sri Jaganathan and his consort Lakshmi as Shenbagavalli.
Legend:
As per Hindu legend, Nandi, the sacred bull of Shiva, did not respect the Dwarapalakas, the gatekeepers of Vishnu. They cursed Nandi that his body would suffer oppressive heat. Nandi informed it to his lord Shiva, who advised him to do penance in Shenbaranyam. It is the place where Lakshmi, the consort of Vishnu was doing penance to get into the chest of Vishnu. Vishnu was impressed by the penance of Nandi and got his curse relieved. Vishnu also took Lakshmi in his chest. Since Nandi performed penance at this place it is known as “Nandipura Vinnagaram”. And Lord Narayana is called “Nadhanadha”.
Another legend has that Emperor Sibi was a righteous ruler well known for his kindheartedness. Lord Yamadharma Rajan and Lord Indra played a trick on Emperor Sibi in order to examine his generosity. A Pigeon was being chased by an eagle came for rescue and solemnly prayed to the Emperor to save its life form eagle. The Emperor was deeply moved at the plight of the pigeon and promised to save. Soon the eagle also arrived at the place with fierce hunger. Now, the Emperor was in a dilemma because he wanted to save the life of pigeons at the same time the eagle should not get starved. Finally, the Emperor agreed to offer flesh from his own body to save the pigeon from its danger and serve the eagle with its need. Further, he seated on a balancing plate with pigeon on the other, to offer his flesh equivalent to the weight of the pigeon. But, any amounts of flesh were not equivalent to the weight of the pigeon; finally Emperor Sibi had to offer his entire body to Eagle. Lord Indra and Lord Yama were pleased at the dedication and commitment of the Emperor Sibi. Lord Sriman Narayana witnessed the splendid incident and was pleased at the graceful deed of Emperor Sibi and blessed him with immortality.
The Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Azhwar in eleven hymns. The temple is a symbol of unity between the two sects of Hinduism, namely, Vaishnavism and Shaivism and Nandhi the sacred bull Shiva and image of Brahma are depicted in the main sanctum. The temple is frequented by people seeking a timely wedding, reunion of married couples, children, court verdicts and cure from neural issues.
Festivals:
Pavithrotsavam is a festival organised in the temple by Karimaran Kalai Kappagam of Triplicane, Chennai, every July. The festive images of the deity are taken out in procession and special poojas are performed during the occasion. Vaikasi,Vaikundha Ekadashi are other festivals celebrated here.
Info on the deity – Specific to the temple deity:
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Jaganathan. He is also known as Nadhanadhan and Vinnagara Perumal. The Moolavar is giving his seva in sitting position facing his thirumugham towards east direction. Prathyaksham for Nandi and King Sibhi. The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Shenbagavalli Thaayar.
This Sri Jagannatha Perumal Temple remains open from 6.30AM to 12.00PM in the morning and 4.00PM to 8.00PM in the evening.
How to reach:
The place is close to Kumbakonam (9 km) situated in the Tanjore district of Tamilnadu state. One can take a bus to Korukkai from Kumbakonam to reach the temple. However, since the frequency is very less, it would be ideal to hire a private vehicle as one can cover the other divyadesams on the same route easily. Autos are also available for travel to these places.
Nearest railhead: Kumbakonam railway station.
Moolavar:
The Moolavar of this sthalam is Sri Jaganathan. He is also known as NAthanAdhan and Vinnagara Perumal. The Moolavar (the presiding deity) is giving his seva in Sitting position facing his thirumugham towards the west direction. Prathyaksham for Nandi and King Sibhi.
Thayaar:
The Thayaar found in this sthalam is Shenbagavalli Thaayar.
Mangalasasanam:
Thirumangaialwar – 10 Pasurams.
Total – 10 Paasurams.
Pushkarani:
Nandhi Theertham.
Vimanam:
Mandara Vimaanam.
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