Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, 49th Divya Desam

If you are planning to see Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, an ancient Divya Desam temple of Kanchipuram, check out this travel blog. During my two days tour of Kanchipuram I visited Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple, the divine abode of God Vishnu, in Vaishnava tradition. It holds a revered place; numbered 49 of the 108 Divya Desam temples of India and one of 15 Divya Desam temples of Kanchipuram in Tamil Nadu.

Read on to know the legends, stories, and important information about Nila Thingal Thundathan Perumal Temple.

Nila Thingal Thundam Perumal Temple is located inside Ekambarnathar Temple, a rare temple combination of Vishnu temple inside Shiva temple. (Other two are: Govindaraja Perumal Temple and Thirukalvanur) The temple’s name itself evokes intrigue and curiosity. Nila Thunda Perumal translates to crescent moon Vishnu.

The presiding deity, God Vishnu, in all His resplendent glory, is adorned with the sacred crescent moon atop His divine crown. The temple is blessed with the divine presence of Mother Mahalakshmi, whose ethereal essence graces the temple despite the absence of a dedicated shrine.

Stories of Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple

How Perumal graced the place?

Parvati meditates under Mango tree

In Sthala Purana it is mentioned that Parvati, consort of God Shiva, sat immersed in deep meditation beneath the shade of a magnificent mango tree. Little did she know that her unwavering focus would soon be put to the test by none other than God Shiva himself!

Shiva, the mischievous deity with a penchant for divine challenges, devised a plan to assess the strength of Parvati’s meditation. He conjured flames and set the very tree she sought solace under ablaze. The intense heat crackled, threatening to disrupt Parvati’s peaceful state.

Sensing the imminent danger, Parvati’s prayers soared to the celestial heights, seeking aid from Vaamanar, the compassionate and all-knowing deity. Moved by her earnest pleas, Vaamanar appeared before her, adorned with four divine arms. In one hand, he held the sacred conch, known as Sangu, while in the other; he wielded the formidable discus called Chakra.

With a graceful gesture, Vaamanar reached out and gently plucked the radiant Chandra, the resplendent Moon, from the crown of God Shiva. Bathed in its cool, soothing rays, he directed its ethereal light towards the raging flames. As the celestial luminescence intermingled with the inferno, a miraculous transformation occurred.

The once-fiery blaze subsided, gradually giving way to tranquillity. Vaamanar, with his divine touch, not only quelled the flames but also coaxed life back into the weary mango tree. Its shrivelled branches revived and flourished, teeming with vibrant green foliage once more.

Moved by this benevolent act, the people began to refer to Sri Narayanan as “Nila thingal Thundathan,” signifying his role in safeguarding and preserving the sanctity of Parvati’s meditation. Parvati’s heart brimmed with gratitude for Vaamanar’s timely assistance. She continued her meditation with a renewed sense of purpose and serenity. Little did she know that God Shiva, ever the test-giver, had another trial in store for her!

Mango Tree in Ekambarnathar temple

Parvati makes Shiva Lingam with sand

Shiva, driven by his insatiable curiosity and desire to push the boundaries of Parvati’s spiritual prowess, summoned Ganga, the mighty river, to disrupt her tapas. Rushing with great force, Ganga surged towards Parvati, ready to unleash her power and obliterate the sacred practice.

Undeterred by Ganga’s approach, Parvati, recognizing their shared connection as sisters, called out to the river, pleading for understanding and mercy. She implored Ganga to recognize the bond they shared and to reconsider her destructive path.

In a moment of divine inspiration, Parvati grasped the surrounding sand in her hands, molding it into a sacred symbol of God Shiva, a Shiva Lingam. With unwavering devotion, she embraced the sand-made deity, drawing it close to her heart. Subsequently, Ganga did not disturb her penance. (Some sites mention that God Vishnu took his Viswaroopa Posture to stop the flood.)

As Parvati protectively embraced the Shiva Lingam, an ethereal fusion transpired. The boundaries between Shiva and Parvati blurred, and their individual forms melded together, becoming an inseparable entity. The profound union of their beings exemplified the essence of this sacred place, immortalized in the Sthala Puranas of the temple.

This ancient legend, woven within the fabric of time, resonates as a testament to the unyielding bond between Shiva and Parvati. It exemplifies the power of devotion and the transformative nature of divine love.

Divya Desam 49

Unique feature of the Nilathingal Thundam Perumal shrine

This is the only Vishnu temple where prayers and rituals are done by Shaivite pujaris.

A divine sight within the sacred confines of the shrine is the presence of Mother Mahalakshmi. The divine goddess of abundance and prosperity is seated in the lotus that springs forth from God Vishnu’s naval chord.

According to ancient texts and revered scriptures, this lotus is said to belong to none other than God Brahma, the revered Creator of the universe. Its emergence from Lord Vishnu’s naval chord, and the subsequent grace of Mother Mahalakshmi, embodies a union of cosmic forces—symbolizing the harmonious interplay between creation and sustenance, between the divine feminine and the divine masculine.

This spectacle is an uncommon occurrence, holding great significance in the annals of mythological scriptures. The temple is thus a sacred abode, where the divine energies of Mahalakshmi, God Vishnu, and God Brahma converge, blessing all who seek their divine grace.

The golden image of Lakshmi is very small. Thanks to the pujari, who highlighted it for us, we could see the divine image.

How the temple got its name – Nilathingal Thunda Perumal?

According to a tale, Maha Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, assumed the form of a Tortoise, known as Kurma Avatara to support the mighty Meru Mountain. This mount was the churning stick (Mathu in Tamil), during the arduous task of churning the milk ocean (samudra manthana). The serpent Vasuki coiled around the mountain served as the rope for this celestial endeavor.

As the churning continued, Vasuki grew weary, and in its exhaustion spilled venom that accidentally fell upon Tortoise Vishnu submerged in the milk ocean. This venom tainted His originally captivating pale blue complexion, turning it dark.

Numerous attempts to restore His pristine shade proved futile. God Brahma intervened, He advised that the worship of God Shiva would get rid of the taint and restore Vishnu’s divine hue. Acting upon this advice, Perumal, another name for Vishnu, embarked on a penance, seeking the divine presence of Shiva.

Impressed by Perumal’s devotion, God Shiva granted him a darshan (divine audience). The crescent Moon adorning Shiva’s head cast its radiant rays upon Perumal. As a result, Perumal not only regained His original alluring blue radiance but surpassed it in brilliance.

As Perumal got back His skin colour as before through rays of Moon, He is known by the name as Nila Thunda-crescent moon-Perumal.

Thanksgiving Rituals

As a heartfelt expression of gratitude and devotion, the devoted followers of the temple engage in a sacred ritual known as Thailakappur. In this solemn practice, the pujari on behalf of the devotees, apply fragrant and sacred oil on the idol.

In addition to Thailakappur, another act of devotion takes the form of pujas, where intricate rituals and ceremonies are performed with utmost reverence.

Some worshippers partake in the noble act of providing nourishment to the less fortunate. They engage in acts of charity by organizing and participating in community meals, where the poor and needy are lovingly fed.

Nilathingal Thundam Perumal Temple Information

Location: This Divyadesam is situated as a small sannadhi (shrine) inside Ekambareshwarar temple in Big Kanchipuram. The shrine is in the Easanya (north east) corner of the temple, close to main shrine of God Shiva. While the main shrine with Shivlingam inside Ekambarnathar temple is possible, the circumambulation of this Perumal shrine alone is not possible.

Moolavar (main God): Moolavar of this Sthalam is Nilathingal Thundathan. He is also known as Chandirra Chuda Perumal. Moolavar, the main idol of Perumal is in standing position, facing West direction. Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal temple is one of the 60 divyadesam temples with Nindra Thirukkolam (standing position) and one of the 19 divya desam temples where the Perumal idol faces west direction.

Amman (Goddess, consort of main God): Ner Uruvilla Valli. Since God Vishnu (Perumal) came alone to help Parvati there is no separate shrine for Mother Mahalakshmi. However, the divine Mother is ever-present, albeit in a formless manner, revered as “Ner Uru Illa Thai,” the Mother without a form. It is believed that Mother Mahalakshmi has merged with the Lord Himself.

Timings: 6 AM to 1.30 PM and 5 PM to 8 PM.
Holy activities: Six daily rituals.
Festivals: Ekadashi Festival.
Pushkarani: Chandra Pushkarani (temple tank).
Vimanam: Purusha Sukthi Vimanam (Soorya Vimaanam).
Address: Sri Nilathunda Perumal temple, Kancheepuram – 631 502.
No photography allowed.

Parting thoughts

The Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple in Kanchipuram stands as a profound symbol of the transformative power of devotion and the timeless connection between gods. Throughout the centuries, devotees have fervently expressed their unwavering faith, gratitude, and devotion within its sacred walls.

Personally, I consider myself fortunate and filled with gratitude to have had the opportunity to visit this Divya Desam not once, but twice. I hold a deep hope that luck will grace me once more, allowing me to embark on another journey to behold the divine presence of Lord Vishnu in this sacred abode.

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Indrani Ghose is an Indian Travel Writer and Blogger based in Bangalore, India. She has written for numerous publications across the globe – including Lonely Planet, The National UAE, Whetstone Asia, Deccan Herald. You can follow her on her social media handles Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook to see the wonderful destinations, beautiful offbeat places and get instant updates about them.