Sri Soundara Rajan Perumal at Nagai thirukkoil gave bhaktas darsanam in Nachiyar Thirukkolam on the day before Sri Vaikunta Ekadasi (December 23, 2012). The following are some of the related photographs…
Photos: Thanks to Sriraman Battar
Fame across 4 Yugams
The fame of this temple is distinct and dates back across each of the 4 Yugams. In Kretha Yugam, the king of Nagas ( Serpent Lord) undertook penance here. Pleased with this, Lord Vishnu agreed to accept Adisesh as the one on whom he would rest ‘always’. Since the Serpent Lord bagged this big gift from the Lord, this place has come to be called ‘Naagar’ Pattinam.It was here that Bhooma Devi, in Tretha Yugam, and ‘Markandeya’ Rishi, in Dwapara Yugam, undertook penance.
Another story goes that Druva, a young kid (son of King Uthana patha) undertook deep penance wanting to rule the entire world. So pleased was the Lord that he came on the Garuda Vaahanam to grant Druva’s wish. However, on seeing the beautiful Lord, Druva’s mind changed, and dramatically so. Instead of wanting to reign the world, Druva requested the Lord to grant him Moksham and of seeing his beauty all the time at this temple.
It is believed that Naga Raja performed Kanniga Dhanam at this kshetram
All three Postures of the Lord
Lord can be seen in all 3 kolams here – standing, sleeping and sitting posture and is said to have given Darshan in each of these 3 postures to Naga Raja.
Thiru Mangai Azhvaar, in his Paasurams, compares Lord Soundara Rajan to Sarangapani of Kumbakonam, Sathya Moorthy of Thiru Maiyam, Kallarpiran of Sri Vaikuntam and Kall Azhagar of Thiru Maliruncholai, among a few others.
A Unique Narasimha statue
There is a bronze statue of Narasimha where he is seen blessing Prahalad with one hand and destroying Hiranyakashipu with his other hands.
Temple Tower as a Light House
In days gone by, the 7 tiered Gopuram of this Divya Desam had a light atop the tower that served as a ‘light house’ for ships coming into and crossing Nagapattinam.
Worship services are of the highest order at this temple and is done in strict Vaishnavite principles.
Quick Facts
Main Deity : Tall and beautiful Neelamegha Perumal Standing Posture, East Facing
Utsavar : Soundara Rajan
Goddess : Soundara Valli (Separate Sannidhi)
Mangalasaasanam: Thirumangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams (1758-1767)
Pushkarani: Â Sara Pushkarani.
Vimanam: Soundarya Vimaanam.
Festivals : Chitrai Avataara Utsavam, Vaikasi Vasantha UtsavamTemple Timing: 730am-12noon and 530pm-9pm
Bus : This is about 3 kms South of New Bus Stand and opposite the Nagapattinam Railway Station
Auto : Auto will charge Rs. 30 from the Nagai New bus stand
Where to stay: Krishnammal Kalyana Mandapam, VPN Lodge
Priest : Rangaraja Bhattar / R. Sriraman BhattarÂ
Contact : 94422 13741Â
Address : Soundara Raja Perumal Temple Nagapatinam 611 001
Ippasi, Karthigai & Margazhi Pagal pathu utsavam details wanted