Nathan koil which is also called Nandhipura Vinnakaram is one of the 108 Divya desam in Vaishnavite tradition.

Presiding deity

Moolavar-Nadhanathan, Vinnakara perumal,Yoga Srinivasan, facing west.
Utsavar- Jagannathan.
Thayar- Shenbagavalli
Holy water- Nandhi pushkarini.
Vimanam-Mandhara.

Let us catch a glimpse of the puranic lore of the temple
Genesis of the temple
Mention about the temple is found in Bhavishyathara Puranam. This place was called Nathan koil in Dwapara yuga.

Goddess Lakshmi divine consort of Mahavishnu was lured by the beauty of Mahavishnu s broad chest that she wanted to secure a permanent place there. Thus she left her heavenly abode and arrived at this hallowed spot., Called Shenbagaranyam. and started doing tapas.

Mahavishnu unable to stand the separation of Lakshmi followed her to this sacred place on a Friday during the Tamil month of Aiypasi. They were united in this place where the temple now stands. As desired by mahalaskhmi Mahavishnu accepted her in his chest.

Different names of Gods
Since the goddess performed tapas here this place she is also called Shenbagavalli.
Since the utsavar is called Jagannathan this place is called Nathankoil.
He is called Yoga Srinivasan as he accepted Lakshmi in his chest.

Nandhi and the curse
Lord Shiva s mode of transport Nandhi wanted to have a darshan of Mahavishnu and went straight away to Vaikuntam. Nandhi did not get the permission of the celestials guards -Dwarapalaka. and headed towards the abode of mahavishnu.

The guards stopped him abruptly . Angered by the callous attitude of Nandhi they cursed him to have a burning sensation all over his body.. Nandhi was taken aback by the curse and reported this to his master-Shiva.

Let us read about the reaction of Shiva in the next article.

( To be contd)

Usha Raja