The Kailasanathar Temple also known as the Chandran Temple is located in Thingalur, in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Thingalur is 33 kilometres from Kumbakonam on the road between Kumbakonam and Thiruvaiyaru. Soma, the moon is the deity in charge of the temple. However, Kailasanathar, or Shiva, is the temple’s most prominent idol.

The temple is viewed as one of the nine Navagraha temples in Tamil Nadu. Appothi Adigal, an ardent follower of the saint Thirunavukkarasar, was born in Thingalur; however, the temple has no materials related to the saint.

Story Behind Kailasanathar Temple Thingalur

A merchant by the name of Appoodi Adigal is believed to have been a nayanar and a follower of Shiva in the village of Thingalur. Appoodi Adigal had great respect for Thirunavukkarasar. He owned a number of businesses in the village that were given the name Thirunavukkarasar. Appar (Thirunavukkarasar) was shocked to discover so many companies bearing his name when he first arrived in Thingalur. In anticipation of finally meeting his idol, Apoodi Adigal hosted a lavish feast. As the holy person was being assisted, the child he sent to pick plantain leaves was chomped to death by a poisonous snake.

It is said that Appar, moved by Appoodi Adigal’s devotion, miraculously brought the boy back to life. Moonlight falls directly on the image of the presiding deity during the Tamil months of Panguni (March-April) and Purattasi (September-October).

Another legend says that Chandra, the god of the moon, married 28 daughters of Dakkan. He only gave preference to the last one, which enraged the others. Dakkan cursed Moon to lose all of his powers after they all complained to him about it. At this location, Chandra is said to have received all of his powers back after worshipping Kailasanathar.

History of Kailasanathar Temple

The Kailasanathar temple in Thingalur, constructed by Rajasimma Pallavan in the seventh century, is thought to be 1500 years old. The village of Thingalur gets its name from the word “Thingal,” which means “Moon.” It is the second Navagraha and has a big influence on how people think. It has a connection to Chandra. According to legend, when Chandra was born, the sage Atri’s eyes were filled with divine light.

Architecture of Kailasanathar Temple

The original complex is believed to have been built by Cholas, while the present masonry structure was built during the Nayak during the 16th century.

The temple is located in the village of Thingalur, 33 kilometres from Kumbakonam on the Kumbakonam – Thiruvayyar road and 18 km away from Thanjavur. The temple has a recently built three-tiered rajagopuram surrounded by single prakaram, closed precincts of the temple. The place is revered by the verses of Appar, but since there is no mention of the deity, it is not classified as Padal petra stalam.

The image of Chandra is located in the first precinct and houses the image made of black granite and usually clad with white cloth. The temple tank is named Chandrapushkarani. The gopuram and the central shrine faces East, while the main entrance faces South. There are other shrines for Ambal, Subramanya, Gajalakshmi and Bhairavar. In modern times, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments Department of the Government of Tamil Nadu.

Facts about Kailasanathar Temple

• Chandra Dosham is responsible for a number of difficulties, including the worry over the mother’s abundance and health issues like mental impairment, skin and nerve problems, jaundice, and liquid retention. It is believed that worshipping at the Chandra Navagrahasthalam, Kumbakonam Chandiranaar Temple in Tamilnadu will eliminate issues brought on by Chandra Dosham.
• Worshipping Lord Shiva and Lord Chandra in the Kumbakonam Chandiranaar Temple will alleviate mental health issues like anxiety and depression because Chandra controls our minds.
• Lord Chandra blesses his devotees who pray here with wealth, health, mother’s well-being, wife’s happiness, prosperity, success, progress in educational studies, marriage, and offspring.
• As per Hindu beliefs and customs, the navagrahas have good and bad effects on an individual’s life, depending on the planetary position in the birth chart.
• Thingalur is a place that is closely associated with the life and times of a Shiva devotee of rarest of the nature named Appudhi Adigal
• Mondays are regarded as the special days for Chandran. Raw rice pudding mixed with jaggery, white flowers and white clothing are the main offerings of this temple.

Famous Festivals In Kailasanathar Temple

• Amavasai (new moon day), Kiruthigai, pournami (full moon day)
•  Sathurthi. Mahashivratri
• Margazhi Thiruvadirai, Panguni Uthiram and Thirukartigai are the major festivals celebrated in the temple

How to Reach Kailasanathar Temple

By Air: The nearest airport is Trichy Airport, 58km from Thanjavur.

By Rail: Kumbakonam Railway Station is 34 km from Temple, and Tanjore Railway Station is 22 km

By Road: The village is well connected with regular bus services from various parts of Tamilnadu. The roads are well-maintained and one can easily drive to Thingalur.

Landmark: Kailasanathar (Chandran) Temple is located near Moonkil Amarnthaval Sapthamaatha Temple

Address: Thingaloor, Tamil Nadu 612204

Also Read – Vaitheeswaran Koil