Thiru Nanipalli (Punjai) is located approximately 5 kilometres from Sembonar Koil, along the Mayiladuthurai to Thirukadaiyur route, and about 13 kilometres from Mayiladuthurai. This temple is one of the 276 Devara Paadal Petra Shiva Sthalams and holds the distinction of being the 43rd Shiva Sthalam on the southern bank of the Cauvery River in Chozha Nadu (Thenkarai).
Timings
The temple is open from 9.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. to 7.00 p.m.
Entry Fee
Free of cost
Origin/History :-
Thiru Nanipalli (Punjai) temple is believed to have been constructed by Chola King Paranthagan-I. The temple houses 18 stone inscriptions, of which 17 belong to various Chola rulers, including Kulothungan, Rajarajan, Rajendran, and Vikraman, while one inscription dates back to the Vijayanagara period, during the reign of Krishna Devarayar.
The name “Nani Palli” is thought to be derived from "Nanni," a person who is believed to have originally built the temple. The term "Palli" means temple in Tamil, further supporting this etymology.
This temple’s long-standing history, along with the inscriptions from both the Chola and Vijayanagara dynasties, highlights its importance and the role it played during various historical periods.
Puranic Significance :-
Lord Shiva in this temple is revered as “Sri Natrunaiappar,” which translates to “the lord who guides us to a better life.”
According to legend, Lord Vinayakar once incurred a curse from Sage Agasthiyar. This happened when Vinayakar, in the form of a crow, toppled Sage Agasthiyar’s Kamandalam (hand bowl). Due to the curse, Vinayakar was unable to return to his original form. Seeking relief, Vinayakar, still in the form of a crow, visited this temple, took a dip in its sacred tank, and worshipped Lord Shiva. When the crow emerged from the holy tank, its colour had turned to gold. As a result, the place came to be known as “Pon Sei” ("Pon" meaning gold and "Sei" meaning changed in Tamil), which was later modified to Punchai.
Another legend associated with this temple involves Saint Thirugnanasambandar. This village is the birthplace of his mother, Bhagavathi Ammaiyar. When the villagers heard that Sambanthar had started singing pathigams in praise of Lord Shiva and had been blessed with golden plates by the lord, they wanted him to visit. Since Sambanthar was a young child at the time and unable to walk long distances, his father, Sri Sivapatha Hrudhaya, carried him on his shoulders. Upon reaching the village, Sambanthar, while seated on his father’s shoulders, sang his pathigam. By the power of his hymn, the barren lands around the village became fertile, much to the villagers' delight. This is another reason the place is called “Ponsei,” which can also mean "golden land," as the lands began yielding abundant food grains. At the end of his pathigam, Sambanthar mentioned that he was sitting on his father’s shoulders while performing the rendition.
Additionally, it is believed that Sage Agasthiyar received Lord Shiva’s wedding darshan (vision) here. A separate shrine in the corridor dedicated to Sri Kalyana Sundareswarar symbolises this divine event.
Do's and Don'ts
Dress Modestly: Wear traditional or modest clothing.
Follow Rituals: Participate reverently in ceremonies.
Remove Footwear: Take off shoes before entering.
Maintain Silence: Keep conversations quiet.
Offer Prayers: Engage in prayer and make offerings.
Respect the Sanctum: Do not touch idols or walls.
Take Photos Respectfully: If allowed, photograph in designated areas.
Observe Cleanliness: Dispose of waste properly.
Seek Guidance: Ask temple staff if unsure about practices.
Avoid Distractions: No mobile phones or electronics during worship.
No Non-Vegetarian Food: Do not bring meat or alcohol.
The best season to visit the Thiru Nanipalli (Punjai) temple is during the cooler months, typically from October to March.
How to reach :-
By Air: Tiruchirappalli International Airport is the closest airport, approximately 90 km away. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or take a bus to Kumbakonam and then proceed to the temple.
By Rail: The nearest major railway station is Kumbakonam, about 25 km away. You can hire a taxi or take a bus from the station to reach Natrunaiappar Temple.
By Road: From Kuthambakkam: Natrunaiappar Temple is approximately 12 km away. You can take a taxi or a local bus to reach the temple.
Nearby Cities and Rivers
Rivers:
Cauvery River: The temple is situated on the southern bank of the Cauvery River, which flows eastward but turns westward near this location, known as Basvamangini.
Nearby Cities:
Mayiladuthurai: Approximately 13 km away from the temple, it's a prominent city in the region.
Sembanar Koil: Located about 5 km from the temple, it serves as a reference point for directions.
