The three-day annual Thirupavithrotsavam for Vijaya Varsuham commenced at Nathan Kovil (Nandipura Vinnagaram) today (July 26, 2013). The Pavithrotsavam at this temple is organised by Kaarimaran Trust.
The following are some of the photographs taken during the Day 1 utsavam…
About the Temple:
Sri Vaikunda Valli samEtha Sri Paramapadhanaatha PeumAlE SaraNam
Built by the Pallava King Nandivarma, the Nathan Kovil in Nandipura Vinnagaram is in the Shenbakaaranya Kshetram, which runs from here up to Mannargudi. This Divya Desam is located about 5km South West of Kumbakonam, in a village not easily accessible by road.
Goddess Lakshmi wanted to reside in the heart of Lord Vishnu. She undertook a penance at this place facing East. It is said that the Lord appeared before her (facing west) and accepted her wishes.
Nandi’s curse
Legend has it that Nandi, the vehicle of Shiva, wanted to meet Lord Vishnu at Vaikuntam and entered without securing the permission of the security guards (Dwarapalakas) of Vishnu. This angered the Dwarapaalakaas who cursed the Nandi.
Nandi looked up to Lord Shiva for solution, who wanted him to undertake penance at the place, which was South of Kumbakonam, North of Mannargudi, West of OppiliAppan (Vinnagar) and East of Srirangam, one where Goddess Lakshmi herself had undertaken penance previously.
Accordingly, Nandi undertook penance here to seek atonement for insulting the Dwarapaalakaas. Pleased with the prayers, Vishnu appeared before him. Nandi requested Lord Vishnu that this place be named after him. Hence, the name Nandipura Vinnagaram. An image of Nandi can be seen on one of the walls of the temple.
Another story goes that Vishnu, who originally faced the east, turned westward to look at the spectacle of King Sibi saving a bird by providing flesh from his thighs.
Quick Facts
Deity : Srinivasan West Facing Sitting Posture
Goddess : Shenbaga Valli Thaayar
Utsavar : Jagannathan
Azhvaar : ThiruMangai Azhvaar – 10 Paasurams( 1438-47)
Temple Timing : 630am- 12noon and 4pm-8pm
The following is a related video about the temple…
Video Courtesy: Sri Vasudevan
This perumal is simply lovely and charming. The locals also take good care of him. Everyone must visit this divya desam.