Nachiyar Thirukkolam for Nagai Azhagiyar

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)