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Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple

The Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple is the 58th among the 108 sacred sites of Lord Vishnu, located within the grounds of the Sri Ekambareswarar Temple. The Ekambareswarar Temple is one of the five elemental temples dedicated to Lord Shiva, representing Earth, and is situated in Kanchipuram District, Tamil Nadu. Interestingly, this is the only Divyadesam where the rituals are performed by priests following the Saivite tradition. Known locally as Thiruneduthangadam, this temple is believed to be around 1000 to 2000 years old.

Timings

Sri Nilathingal Thundathan Perumal Temple remains open from 9:30 am to 1:30 am and 4:30 pm to 7:30 pm

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Once, while Parvathi was meditating under a mango tree, Lord Shiva decided to test her devotion. He set fire to the tree. Parvathi called out for help, and Vaamanar responded. Vaamanar, holding a conch and a discus in his four hands, removed the moon from Shiva's head and used its cool rays to extinguish the fire and revive the mango tree.

Later, Shiva sent the river Ganga to disrupt Parvathi's meditation. Despite Parvathi explaining that they were sisters, Ganga continued her course. In response, Parvathi embraced a sand Lingam, and both she and Shiva merged into it, thwarting Ganga's attempts to disrupt the meditation.

Because Vishnu helped Parvathi by removing the moon from Shiva's head, this temple is called "Thiru Nilathingal Thundam," and Vishnu is worshipped as "Nila thingal thundathan," meaning the one who held the moon.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Before visiting the temple, pray to your chosen deity at home.
  2. Contact the temple's information center for details about the temple and any rituals you want to perform.
  3. Book your travel and accommodation near the temple well in advance.
  4. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus your mind on the deity when inside the temple.
  6. Maintain silence and recite your prayers quietly.
  7. Follow the customs and traditions observed in the temple.
  8. Respect the religious sentiments of others.
  9. Deposit any offerings you have in the temple donation box.


  1. Do not visit the temple for purposes other than worshipping.
  2. Refrain from smoking or consuming alcohol on temple grounds.
  3. Avoid eating non-vegetarian food inside the temple premises.
  4. Do not try to skip the queue or use mediators to get special treatment.
  5. Leave any weapons outside the temple.
  6. Do not wear headgear like helmets or caps inside the temple.
  7. Avoid doing full prostrations inside the inner sanctum.
  8. Be brief when touching the deity inside the inner sanctum.
  9. Do not buy offerings from unauthorised vendors outside the temple.
  10. Do not give money to beggars inside the temple.
  11. Refrain from spitting or causing disturbances inside the temple premises.


Dress Code

  1. Men: It's preferable for men to wear traditional attire like dhoti or mundu along with a shirt. If wearing pants, ensure they are full-length and avoid sleeveless shirts or T-shirts with offensive images or slogans.
  2. Women: Women typically wear sarees, salwar kameez, or traditional Indian attire. If wearing a saree, ensure it covers the shoulders and midriff appropriately. Avoid short skirts, sleeveless tops, or revealing clothing.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: The nearest major airport is Chennai International Airport (MAA), located approximately 70 kilometres east of Kanchipuram. From the airport, you can hire a taxi or use other transportation options to reach Kanchipuram.  
  2. By Train: The nearest railway stations are Chengalpattu Junction (CGL) and Arakkonam Junction (AJJ), both of which are well-connected to major cities like Chennai and Bangalore. From these stations, you can take a taxi or bus to Kanchipuram.


Nearby Cities and Rivers

Near the temple flows the Palar River, a significant river in Tamil Nadu that originates in the Nandi Hills of Karnataka and flows through various districts before emptying into the Bay of Bengal. The Palar River has played a vital role in the region's agriculture and economy.