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Sri Neelamega Perumal Temple

Nagapattinam, a historic seaport town, is home to the revered Soundara Raja Perumal. The legendary Thiru Mangai Azhvaar was so captivated by the striking beauty of the tall and graceful Lord Soundara Rajan that he envisioned himself as a lady (Nayaki) to better appreciate the Lord's charm. In nearly every one of the ten Paasurams that Thiru Mangai Azhvaar composed in praise of Soundara Raja Perumal, his admiration for the Lord's beauty is vividly evident.

Timings

7.30 am-12 noon and 5.30 pm-9 pm.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


The Soundara Raja Perumal Temple is believed to have been constructed by the Medieval Cholas in the late 8th century CE, with subsequent contributions from the Thanjavur Nayaks over different periods. The temple features two inscriptions from the Chola era, attesting to its ancient heritage. The temple complex is surrounded by a granite wall and is adorned with a majestic five-tiered rajagopuram (gateway tower). Within the complex, all the associated shrines and sacred water bodies are housed, contributing to the temple's spiritual and architectural significance.


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Sthalapuranam 1 :


 The Soundara Raja Perumal Temple's frame spans across all four Yugas. In the Kretha Yugam, the King of Nagas (Serpent Lord) performed penance at this sacred site. Impressed by his devotion, Lord Vishnu granted him the honour of becoming Adisesha, the serpent on whom the Lord would rest eternally. This significant blessing led to the place being named "Nagar Pattanam."

In the Treta Yuga, it was here that Bhooma Devi, the Earth Goddess, undertook penance. Similarly, in the Dwapara Yugam, the sage Markandeya Rishi performed penance at this very spot, further adding to the temple's spiritual legacy.


  1. Sthalapuranam 2 :


 Another legend tells of Druva, a young prince and the son of King Uthana Patha, who performed intense penance with the desire to rule the entire world. Lord Vishnu, moved by Druva's devotion, appeared before him on the Garuda Vahanam to grant his wish. However, upon beholding the Lord's divine beauty, Druva's heart underwent a profound transformation. Instead of seeking worldly power, Druva requested the Lord to grant him Moksha (liberation) and the eternal blessing of witnessing the Lord's beauty at this temple.

Additionally, it is believed that Naga Raja, the Serpent King, performed Kanniga Dhanam (the ceremonial gifting of a maiden) at this sacred site, further enhancing its spiritual significance.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Dress Modestly: Wear traditional attire. Men in dhoti and shirts, women in sarees or traditional dresses.
  2. Follow Rituals: Observe and participate in temple rituals as guided by priests.
  3. Maintain Silence: Keep noise to a minimum and speak softly.
  4. Remove Footwear: Leave footwear at the designated area outside the temple.
  5. Respect Sacred Spaces: Do not touch or climb on idols or sacred structures.
  6. Make Offerings: Offer flowers, fruits, or prasadam as per temple customs.
  7. Participate Respectfully: Engage in festivals and community events if interested.
  8. Mind Ritual Times: Respect the temple’s ritual timings.
  1. No Photography: Avoid taking photos inside the temple unless permitted.
  2. No Non-Vegetarian Food: Do not bring or consume non-vegetarian food.
  3. Avoid Affection: Refrain from public displays of affection.
  4. No Smoking or Drinking: Smoking and alcohol are prohibited on temple grounds.
  5. No Disruptive Behaviour: Avoid loud conversations and arguments.
  6. Respect Staff: Be courteous to priests and staff, and follow their instructions.
  7. Don’t Touch Sacred Items: Avoid touching idols or sacred items unless instructed.

Dress Code

Men: Traditional Attire: Wear a dhoti and shirt. In some cases, a veshti (traditional cloth wrapped around the waist) is also acceptable.

Women: Traditional Attire: Wear a saree, salwar kameez, or traditional dress.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: Tiruchirapalli International Airport (TRZ) is about 144 km from Nagapattinam. You can take a taxi or bus from the airport to the temple.
  2. By Train: Nagapattinam Railway Station. From the station, you can take a taxi, auto-rickshaw, or local transport to the temple.
  3. By Bus: Nagapattinam is well-connected by state-run and private buses. Buses from major cities like Chennai, Thanjavur, and Karaikal can be boarded to reach Nagapattinam. Local buses or autos can then be used to reach the temple.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near the Temple:

  1. Kaveri River: The Kaveri River is one of the major rivers in Tamil Nadu, flowing close to Nagapattinam. It is revered as a sacred river in South India.
  2. Vettar River: A distributary of the Kaveri River, the Vettar River flows near Nagapattinam, contributing to the region's agricultural richness.
  3. Arasalar River: This river is another distributary of the Kaveri and flows near Nagapattinam, particularly around the town of Karaikal, which is nearby.


Cities Near the Temple:

  1. Karaikal: Located around 20 km from Nagapattinam, Karaikal is part of the Union Territory of Puducherry and is known for its religious and historical significance.
  2. Thanjavur: About 85 km from Nagapattinam, Thanjavur is renowned for its temples, including the famous Brihadeeswarar Temple, and its rich cultural heritage.
  3. Kumbakonam: Approximately 65 km away, Kumbakonam is another city known for its temples and annual Mahamaham festival.