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;
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 AMEvening 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.
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
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