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Thiruindalur Temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu

Thiruindalur Temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and Srihari is worshipped here as Parimala Ranganathar. It is one of the 108 Vishnu Temples or Divya Deshams. The temple is believed to be more than 2000 years old and is located at Thiruindalur in Nagapattinam District in Tamil Nadu.

Thiruindalur Temple is located around 4 km from Mayiladuthurai Junction Railway Station.



About Murti of Vishnu at Thiruindalur Temple

The murti of Parimala Ranganathar in the sanctum sanctorum is in reclining form. He faces east. The vimana above the sanctum sanctorum has Veda Chakra design.

Powerful Murti
The belief is that
Chandra worships the face of Lord here;
Surya, Ganga, Yama and King Ambrisha worships the feet
Brahma worships the navel
Cauvery worships the head

Saint Tirumangai Azhwar praised Parimala Ranganathar in his hymns.

The sacred pond in the temple is known as Indu Pushkarini. Chandra, the moon god, got salvation after taking bath in the pond.

Mother Goddess Lakshmi is worshiped here as Parimala Ranganayaki and Vimochana Valli.

Thiruindalur Temple Timing

Morning Darshan and Pooja is from 6:00 AM to 11:30 AM
Evening Darshan and Pooja is from 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM

Thiruindalur Temple and Ekadasi Fasting

Starting ekadasi fasting after taking the blessing of Parimala Ranganathar is considered highly meritorious. Many devotees reach the shrine and take blessings of the Lord before beginning a cycle of Ekadasi fasting.

Story of Thiruindalur Temple

The story of the temple is associated with Sage Durvasa and Ambarisha. Ambarisha was an ardent devotee of Lord Vishnu. He used to observe Ekadasi Vrat and through it, he gained great powers. He was about to complete 100 Ekadasi fasting.

Indra, the king of Devas, was threatened by the devotion of the king. He feared he will be soon replaced by Ambarisha.

To break the Ekadasi fasting of the king, Indra took the help of Durvasa.

Durvasa reached the palace of the king on an Ekadasi fasting day and he was received in full honor.

Durvasa then proceeded for this morning bath and other rituals. But deliberately delayed his return to hamper the Ekadasi fasting of the king.

The king proceeded with his Ekadasi fasting ritual and when Ekadasi tithi was over he offered food to Devas and other saints and kept the portion of Durvasa safely.

Durvasa appeared soon after and declined to accept the food as he thought it was leftover.

In anger, Durvasa summoned a female demon named Kritya to kill Ambarisha.

Ambarisha prayed to Lord Vishnu who appeared and annihilated the demon. Sage Durvasa realized his mistake and sought pardon.

Lord Vishnu then asked Amabarisha what he wanted as a boon. The king asked Vishnu to reside in the place and bless his devotees.

Lord thus resides here and blesses his devotees as Parimala Ranganathar.

Thiruindalur Temple Festivals

The annual temple festival (brahmotsavam) is observed in Panguni and Aippasi month.
Andal Aadi Pooram is another important event in the shrine.
Pongal, Makar Sankranti and Chithirai 1 is of great importance in the temple
Navratri is anther important festival observed here.

Related
Sri Vaithamanidhi Perumal Temple at Tirukolur in Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu – Third Nava Tirupati Temple Associated with Chevvai or Mars