Chennai, August 1, 2013: Sri Jagannatha Perumal temple at Nadhan Koil, near Patteeswaram and Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district is one among the 108 divyadesams (Tirupatis) sacred for Vaishnavites. Among the Chola Nadu Tirupatis, which are 40 in number, Nadhan Koil is the 21st. “Mannilidhupol Nagarilliayena Vanavargaltham Malargal Thoovi Nanniyuraikindra Nagar Nanthipura Vinnagaram Nannumaname,” says Thiumangai Azhwar in his Mangalasasanam.

Located amidst lush green paddy fields and coconut groves, three km from Patteeswaram, the temple at Nadhan Koil has a rajagopuram with colourful sculptures of Dasavatharam, a vimanam on the sanctum sanctorum and a separate niche for Thayar.

The temple, which is under the management of the Vanamamalai Math, has both outer and inner prakarams.

The moolavar is Lord Srinivasa, utsavar – Jagannatha and Thayar – Shenbagavalli. Legend has it that Nandhi got relieved of his curse by worshipping Jagannatha Perumal here. Hence the place is called Nandhipuram, the Lord Nandhinathan, vimanam – Nandhi vimanam and theertham – Nandhi pushkarani. Nandhiyamperuman statue is seen in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple. Lord Jagannatha, flanked by Bhoodevi and Sridevi on either side, is seen in a sitting posture (veetrirundha thirukolam) with His hand that looks as if He is inviting devotees. There is a separate temple for Shenbagavalli Thayar.

Special utsavam

Pavitrotsavam is performed at this temple by Karimaran Kalai Kappagam of Triplicane, Chennai, every year. This year the utsavam took place on July 26, 27 and 28. The Lord was taken out in a procession on the occasion and various pujas and homams were performed in connection with the utsavam.

According to Krishnan of Vanamamalai Math, Kalai Kappagam has been conducting pavitrotsavam at 20 divyadesams every year. They are Thirumandankudi, Kabisthalam, Nadhan Koil, Thirukolur, Varagunamangai, Thirupulinkudi, Senganur, Thirupullani, Thirumeiyyam, Irattai Thirupathi (Aravindalochanar), Sri Vaikuntam, Thenthiruperai, Irattai Thirupathi (Devar Piran), Azhwar Thirunagiri, Thalachakadu, Thirukannankudi, Sri Mushnam, Thiruvanchikalam (birth place of Kulasekarazhwar ), Paramesvara Vinnagaram and Pettai (Mudaliyandan avathara sthalam).

Nadhan Koil is where Kaliyan Vanamamalai Ramanuja Jeer, the 20th Jeer of Vanamamalai Math, attained samadhi. His Brindavanam has also been erected near the temple. The idol of Lord Lakshmi Narasimhar, worshipped by Vanamamalai Jeers, is also installed in a temple nearby and pujas are performed every day.

Nadhan Koil can be reached from Kumbakonam via Korukkai, from Patteswaram. It is three km away and can be reached via Kumbakonam-Thippirajapuram. Vanamamalai Math authorities have proposed to construct a new temple car at a cost of Rs. 60 lakhs. It has also been planned to renovate the dwajasthambam at a cost of Rs. 8 lakhs. The consecration of the temple is slated to take place in 2018.

Contributions are solicited for the same. Donations in the form of demand draft, drawn in favour of Punjab National Bank, may be sent to The Secretary, Sri Jagannatha Perumal Kainkarya Sabha, Nadhan Koil, Pampapadaiyur post, Kumbakonam 612 703. Bank account number: 0285000100107523 and IFSC no: Punb 0028500.

Source: The Hindu, August 1, 2013