Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple or Nathan Kovil is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu and is located in Nathan Kovil, a village on the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu. The temple, built in the Dravidian style, is mentioned in the Nalayira Divya Prabandham, an early mediaeval Tamil canon of the Alvar saints from the 6th to the 9th centuries CE.

It is one of the 108 Divya Desams devoted to Vishnu, known as Jagannathan, and his spouse Lakshmi, known as Shenbagavalli. Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, is said to have had his curses lifted by worshipping Vishnu here, hence the name Nandipuram. All of the temple’s shrines and bodies of water are named after Nandi.

Story/Legend of the Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple

According to Hindu folklore, Nandi, Shiva’s sacred bull, did not respect the dvarapalakas, Vishnu’s gatekeepers. They cursed Nandi and cursed his body with terrible heat. Nandi told Lord Shiva, who directed him to perform penance at Shenbakaranyam (also known as Nadhivanam), a forest near modern-day Kumbakonam. It is the location where Lakshmi, Vishnu’s consort, was performing penance in order to enter Vishnu’s chest. Vishnu was moved by Nandi’s penance and had his curse lifted.

According to another version, Lakshmi performed penance here in order to gain space in Vishnu’s chest. Vishnu was impressed by her devotion and took Lakshmi into his arms. The narrative is indicated by the picture of Lakshmi in the shape of Shenbagavalli facing west. During the Tamil month of Aipasi, devotees worship Shenbagavalli of the temple, believing that their wishes will be granted. This temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.

What is Divya Desams– A Divya Desam or Vaishnava Divya Desam is one of the 108 Vishnu and Lakshmi temples recorded by the Alvars, the poet-saints of the Sri Vaishnava faith. 105 of the 108 temples are in India, one is in Nepal, and the final two are thought to be in space, in Tirupparkatal and Vaikuntham. They are distributed over the Indian states of Tamil Nadu (84), Kerala (11), Andhra Pradesh (2), Gujarat (1), Uttar Pradesh (4), and Uttarakhand (3). Muktinath, Saligramam is Nepal’s sole Divya Desam. The 12 Alvars respect the Divya Desams in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham, a collection of 4,000 Tamil hymns.

History of Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple

Nathan Kovil was a historical site that was formerly the capital of the powerful Chola empire. Not only the Cholas but also the Vijayanagar and Nayak kings, have made great contributions to the temple.

The temple is thought to have been built in the 9th century AD by the Chola dynasty, one of South India’s most powerful kingdoms. During the rule of the Nayak dynasty in the 16th century, the temple was later repaired and extended.

The architecture of Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple

The rajagopuram is a three-tiered gateway structure of the temple. Since Nandi was rid of his curse here, the temple tank is called Nandi Theertham, the vimana is called Nandi Vimanam, the location is called Nandipuram, and the other water body is called Nandi Pushkarani. The main sanctum houses the presiding god, Srinivasa Perumal, the festival deity, Jagannatha, and representations of Bhoodevi and Sridevi on either side of Srinivasa.

The main shrine contains an image of Nandi, which is usually found in Shiva temples. Shenbagavalli Thayar has a separate shrine. The rectangular walls that surround the temple enclose all of the shrines as well as some of the temple’s seven water bodies. The location was previously the capital of Cholas who made charitable offerings to the temple. Vijayaranga Chokkappa Nayak donated to the temple during the Thanjavur Nayaks’ reign. The Vanamamalai Mutt looks for and administers the temple.

Facts about Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple

• Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple is located in Keezha, Pazhayarai area, commonly known as the old capital of Chola, and is around 9 km from Kumbakonam.
• The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7th–9th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Alvar in eleven hymns.
•  The temple is classified as a Divya Desam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book.
• As everyone knows, Nandi (ox) is Lord Shiva’s Vaghanam (carrier). He is a shining example of true love and dedication to God. He has demonstrated that neither attractive looks nor a pleasant voice are required to reach God. Only pure and straightforward devotion can bring God close to you.
• He was the one who explained Lord Shiva’s magnificence to Lord Vishnu. This Nandi formerly practised Tapas (penance) in order to obtain Lord Vishnu’s grace, and the location is known as “Nandipura Vinnagaram” as a result.
• Nandhan means “Teacher” or “Guide”. As Lord Narayana guides at this place, he is called as “Nadhanadha”.
• The temple is frequented by people seeking timely weddings, reunions of married couples, and children, court verdicts and cures for neural issues.
• The temple is also called Sundara Chola Vinnagaram on account of the contributions made by the Chola king Sundara Chola (957–970 CE).
• As this place is like the Puri Jagannath temple of North Inda, it is called as Dakshina Jaganatham ((i.e.) south Jaganatham).
• Vishnu is the greatest God of protection, and it is thought that he will always come to his devotees’ aid in times of need.
• In this temple, people pray to the Lord and Goddess for successful marriages, the reunion of estranged couples, progeny blessing, the resolution of litigations in their favour, and the curing of neurological diseases.

Famous Festivals In Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple

• Brahmmotsavam is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Diwali – Diwali is one of the most admired and auspicious festivals in the town.
• Chitra Poornima is also a significant occasion for celebration in the temple.
• Vaikuntha Ekadashi – Vaikuntha Ekadashi celebrated during the Tamil month of Margazhi (December–January) is the major festival celebrated in the temple.
• Akshaya Tritiya is another major festival celebrated in the temple when the festival deity is taken in procession in a Garuda mount around the temple.

How To reach Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple

Nathan Kovil or Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple is devoted to the Hindu god Vishnu and is located in Nathan Kovil, a village on the outskirts of Kumbakonam in the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu.

By Air: Trichy International Airport is about 90 kilometres away, from where one can take road transport to reach the temple.

By Railway: Kumbakonam town is well connected by numerous trains. The railway station is just 7 kilometres from the temple.

By Roadways: Devotees can take buses, private taxis, and autos to go to the temple from places like Kumbakonam.

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