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Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple

Sri Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple, located in Thirukkurungudi in the Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu, is a renowned Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu. This temple is classified as one of the 108 Divya Desams and holds the 48th position among them.

Timings

06.00 am to 20.00 pm.

Entry Fee

Free of cost

Origin/History :-


 Nindra Narayana Perumal Temple is believed to have been built by the Pandyas, with various inscriptions within the temple providing valuable insights into its history. A notable inscription from 1032 CE refers to the temple as "Paramaswamy," indicating that the deity willingly chose the hillock as his abode. A lake named Vallabha Pereri once existed beside the temple. During the reign of Maravarman Kulasekara Pandyan I (1308–1323 CE), a shrine was erected for the image of Singhaperumal (Narasimha). The western precinct was constructed by the two sons of Tiruvenkata Natha, an official in the Pandyan Empire, around 1220 CE. They also established a mutt (monastic institution) and endowed it for the recitation of the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Puranas.

Under the reign of Maravarman Sundara Pandyan (1216–1238 CE), special poojas were instituted, and in 1227, his minister Gurukulatharaiyan oversaw the construction of the sanctum, Maha Mandapam, and Artha Mandapam. In later periods, a lady named Tirumangai Andal installed metal images of Karmachanai Emperuman and the Devis. Festival idols were taken out in procession on new moon days. The inscriptions documenting these events were recopied after the original rock containing the epigraph was shattered.

In more recent times, two philanthropists, Ramanujadasa and Narayanadasa, arranged for the construction of the Kalyana Mantapa, Garuda Mandapa, and other halls. In 1979, the temple's northern compound wall, measuring 120 feet in length and 30 feet in height, collapsed due to torrential rains. It was repaired with the help of local support.

Today, the temple is maintained and administered by the Hindu Religious and Endowment Board of the Government of Tamil Nadu.


Puranic Significance :-


  1. Sthalapuranam 1 :-


Usha, the granddaughter of Mahabali, had a vivid dream of a handsome youth and resolved that she would marry no one but him. After describing the youth to her friend, they realised that the person in her dream was Aniruddha, the grandson of Krishna. Unable to find another way to express her intentions, Usha, with the help of her friends, kidnapped Aniruddha from Dwaraka. Aniruddha also fell in love with Usha, and they were married according to Gandharva rites.

Usha's father, Vanasuran, upon discovering this, intended to kill Aniruddha. However, a celestial voice warned him that harming Aniruddha would lead to the annihilation of his entire clan. Reluctantly, Vanasuran imprisoned Aniruddha instead. When Krishna learned of this, he waged war against Vanasuran, eventually killing him and rescuing Aniruddha. The couple was then married with proper rites, with Krishna himself attending the wedding.

At the request of the newlyweds, Perumal remained in this place in a standing posture (Nindra Kolam) and thus became known as Nindra Narayana Perumal.


  1. Sthalapuranam 2 :-


Another legend associated with this temple involves a banyan tree that once engaged in a dispute with Adiseshan, the serpent who serves as the divine couch of Lord Vishnu, over who was superior. Brahma judged the contest and declared Adiseshan the winner, reasoning that he was always in the presence of Vishnu. Disheartened by the outcome, the banyan tree undertook a penance to gain favor. In response, Vishnu appeared to the tree and reassured it, instructing the tree to remain on a nearby hillock. Vishnu promised that Mahalakshmi would eventually come to the hillock, and when He returned to reunite with Mahalakshmi, He would bless the tree by staying in that place. The banyan tree remained on the hillock, which came to be known as Thanga-ala-malai, meaning "the hill where the banyan stayed."


  1. Sthalapuranam 3 :-



The temple is mentioned in the Brahmanda Puranam in the story of Pururavas. In his old age, after relinquishing his kingdom to his sons, Pururavas was advised by sages to perform penance at Thiruthangal.

Another legend involves Chandraketu, the son of Lakshmana from the Ramayana, who was transformed into a tiger (puli in Tamil) after inadvertently taking a bath before the scheduled time following his Ekadasi fast. According to one version of the story, Lakshmana worshipped Lord Vishnu at this temple, leading to Chandraketu's restoration. In another version, Devendra Vallabha hunted the tiger after a celestial voice informed him that doing so would release Chandraketu from his curse. Near the temple, there is a hillock called Puli-Parai (Tiger Rock) and a pond named Devendra Kulam, both associated with this legend.

It is also believed that Ranganathar, on his way from Srirangam to marry Andal at Srivilliputhur, spent the night at this temple as it was getting late.


Do's and Don'ts

  1. Pray to your Ishta Devata before your pilgrimage.
  2. Contact the Temple Devasthanam information centre for details on pooja and temple information.
  3. Reserve travel and accommodation in advance.
  4. Bathe and wear clean clothes before entering the temple.
  5. Focus on the deity and maintain concentration while inside.
  6. Maintain silence and recite your Ishta Mantra quietly.
  7. Observe customs and traditions.
  8. Respect religious sentiments.
  9. Deposit offerings only in the hundi.


  1. Avoid visiting the temple for purposes other than worship.
  2. Do not smoke or consume alcohol.
  3. Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the temple premises.
  4. Avoid using mediators for quick darshan.
  5. Do not carry weapons or wear head coverings (helmets, caps, turbans, hats).
  6. Refrain from performing Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  7. Do not linger during Sparsa Darshanam.
  8. Avoid buying prasadams from street vendors.
  9. Do not encourage beggars.
  10. Do not spit or create a nuisance.

Dress Code

Men: Traditional Attire: Preferably wear a dhoti or lungi. Upper Garments: A shirt or kurta is acceptable, but avoid wearing T-shirts or casual shirts.

Women: Traditional Attire: Wear a saree, salwar kameez, or churidar. Modesty: Ensure clothing is modest and covers the shoulders and knees.

How to reach

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  1. By Air: Madurai Airport, which is about 70 km (43 mi) from Thiruthangal. From the airport, you can take a taxi or bus to reach Thiruthangal.
  2. By Train: Sivakasi Railway Station, which is well-connected to major cities in Tamil Nadu. From Sivakasi Railway Station, take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw to Thiruthangal.
  3. By Road: The temple is about 2 km (1.2 mi) from Sivakasi. You can take a local taxi or auto-rickshaw from Sivakasi to Thiruthangal.

Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers :-

  1. Arujan River: The Arujan River is located near Thiruthangal and is used during festivals such as Chitra Pournami, where the festival image is given a holy dip in this river.


Cities :-

  1. Sivakasi: Situated about 2 km (1.2 mi) from Thiruthangal, Sivakasi is a prominent city known for its fireworks and printing industries.
  2. Madurai: Located approximately 70 km (43 mi) from Thiruthangal, Madurai is a major city in Tamil Nadu known for its historical and cultural significance, including the famous Meenakshi Amman Temple.