Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple, Nathan Kovil – Religious Significance

Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple, Nathan Kovil – Religious Significance

Divya Desams:

The temple is revered in Nalayira Divya Prabandham, the 7^th – 9^th century Vaishnava canon, by Thirumangai Azhwar in ten hymns. The temple is classified as a Divyadesam, one of the 108 Vishnu temples that are mentioned in the book. This Temple is considered as one of the 40 Divyadesams in Chozha Nadu. It ranks 21 among the 40 DivyaDesams.

Symbol of Unity between Shaivism and Vaishnavism:

The temple is a symbol of unity between the two sects of Hinduism, namely, Vaishnavism and Saivism and Nandhi the sacred bull Shiva and image of Brahma are depicted in the main sanctum.

Vaishnava Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu:

The temple is considered as one of the nine Vaishnava Navagraha temples of Tamil Nadu and is a part of the popular Navagraha pilgrimage in the state. This Temple is associated with the planet Moon (Chandran). The planets are believed to influence the horoscope computed based on time of one's birth and subsequently influence the course of life. Each of the planets are believed to move from a star to another during a predefined period and thus sway over an individual's fortunes.

The Navagrahas, as per Hindu customs, are believed to provide both good and bad effects for any individual and the bad effects are mitigated by prayers. As in other Navagraha temples, the common worship practices of the devotees include offering of cloth, grains, flowers and jewels specific to the planet deity. Lighting a set of lamps is also commonly followed in the temple. As per belief, the energies distributed cyclically by Navagrahas can be channeled based on remedial measures.

Vaishnava Navagraha Temples of Tamil Nadu are;

1. Sarangapani Temple, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Suryan / Sun)

2. Thiru Nandipura Vinnagaram Temple, Nathan Kovil, Thanjavur (Chandran / Moon)

3. Thirunaraiyur Nambi Temple, Nachiyar Koil, Thanjavur (Chevvai / Mars)

4. Valvil Rama Temple, Thirupullabhoothangudi, Thanjavur (Budhan / Mercury)

5. Andalukkum Aiyan Temple, Adhanur, Thanjavur (Guru / Jupiter)

6. Kolavilli Ramar Temple, Tiruvelliyangudi, Thanjavur (Sukran / Venus)

7.  Uppiliappan Temple, Tirunageswaram, Thanjavur (Sani / Saturn)

8. Gajendra Varadha Temple, Thirukkavithalam, Papanasam, Thanjavur (Rahu / North Node) 

9. Jakath Rakshaka Perumal Temple, Thirukkoodaloor, Thanjavur (Kethu / South Node)

10. Saranathan Temple, Thirucherai, Kumbakonam, Thanjavur (Mandhi / Kuligan)

Five Vinnagaram Temples:

This Temple is considered as one of the 5 Vinnagaram temples. The other four Vinnagaram Temples are;

·        Thiruvinnagar Uppiliappan Temple

·        Nangur Thiruarimeya Vinnagaram

·        Nangur Thiru Vaikunda Vinnagaram

·        Kanchipuram Thiru Parameshwara Vinnagaram

Dakshina Jagannatham:

As this temple resembles the Puri Jagannatha temple, it is also known as Dakshina Jagannatham.

Named after Nandi:

All the shrines and water bodies associated with this temple are named after Nandi, the sacred bull of Lord Shiva.