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Sri Parimala Ranganathan Perumal

The Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temple, or the Tiruindalor temple, is located in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams in the country, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. The Temple was built with contributions from the Cholas, the Vijayanagris and the Nayaks, along the Cauvery river.

Timings

6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and from 5.00 p.m. and 8.30 p.m.

Entry Fee

No Entry Fee

  1. The Parimala Ranganathar Perumal Temple, or the Tiruindalor temple, is located in Tamil Nadu, India. It is one of the 108 Divyadesams in the country, dedicated to Lord Vishnu. 
  2. The Temple was built with contributions from the Cholas, the Vijayanagris and the Nayaks, along the Cauvery river. 
  3. Lord Narayana gave darshan as Vennchudar perumal in the standing posture to the Moon god in Thalachangadu. 
  4. But here at this place he is in Veera Sayanam posture.
  5. There he was full of light being as Vyomajyothi piran. 
  6. But here he is full of fragrance (Parimalam) and hence he is called as Parimala Rangan. 
  7. He has 4 hands here.
  8. River Cauvery is under his feet here. 
  9. As he promised river Cauvery to increase her status, he made her as his bed at Srirangam, took her as his mother at Thirucherai and here at Thiru Indhaloor, he has taken river Cauvery above his head. Thus gave her the status of river Ganges which is on the head of Lord Shiva.
  10. As the perumal of this place, converted the position of river Cauvery and Lord Chandra into a pious state, Thirumangaialwar calls him as a Brahmin.
  11. The vedas were created to instruct rules for human beings to lead a happy life. 
  12. The Surya and Chandra revolve around the world to give prosperity (like wheels ie Chakra). 
  13. Hence the vimana of this place is called as Veda Chakra Vimaanam.
  14. Sri Rangam is known as Aadhi Arangam (first) while Thirukudanthai is Madhiya Arangam (Middle) and Thiru Indhaloor is known as Andiya Arangam (Last).


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 1:


  1. According to Hindu belief, the location is where the moon deity, Chandra, was released from his curse. 
  2. The name Tiruindaloor comes from the mythology Hindu, which means moon. Chandra worshipped Vishnu, who appeared to him to delight him.
  3. Another tradition is that the Alvar saint Thirumangai Alvar visited the temple while the doors were closed. 
  4. He was singing in favour of Parimala Ranganathar, but the door remained closed. When the doors were opened, he felt agitated by the continual singing and begged Parimala Ranganathar to keep the temple for himself.  
  5. This temple is considered one of the 108 Divya Desams.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 2:


  1. According to legend, King Ambarishan was due to complete his 100th Ekadasi-Dwadasi fasting. 
  2. The Ekadwasi fasting involves fasting and thinking only of the glory of the lord for 12 days, till the Dwadasi. 
  3. The people of his kingdom were immensely happy that their ruler would be completing a century of this great deed. All preparations were made for a grand celebration in the empire.
  4. But, the gods were unhappy as if the King managed to complete his 100th fast, he would be elevated to the status of a God and the Gods did not want to lose their importance in front of the humans. 
  5. So, they approached Sage Durvasa for help, known for his cunning temperament. 
  6. The Sage promised to help them, and went to King Ambarishan’s palace to visit him.
  7. The King was about to consume his food and complete the fast, when Durvasa entered. Glad to have the Sage visit him, the King requested Durvasa to dine with him. Durvasa cunningly told the king that he would eat after a bath in the river. 
  8. The King waited for Durvasa, but the time to complete the fast was nearing. 
  9. The King then consulted his chief pandit who advised him to have a few drops of water and complete the fast as Durvasa was determined to come late and foil the fast.
  10. Knowing the King’s plan with his powers, Durvasa conjured up a ghost and sent the ghost after the king. 
  11. The King ran, praying to the Lord to protect him. 
  12. The lord appeared, seeing whom the Ghost immediately backed away. 
  13. Seeing the lord, Durvasa realised his folly and apologised to the Lord and to the King. 
  14. The Lord then asked the King for a boon as he had completed 100 fasts. 
  15. The King asked that the lord stay at his palace forever and bless the people of his empire. Pleased with his devotion, the Lord decided to stay at the palace.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 3:


  1. The story goes that Lord Parimala Rangan shut the door on ThiruMangai Azhwar, who had come for his darshan, reasoning that he was late. Upset at this, ThiruMangai Azhwar gets into an argument with Lord Parimala Ranganathar.
  2. When a friend keeps a thing that we want and does not want to share with us, we typically say ‘ keep it to yourself’ in jest. 
  3. Similarly, here, with the Lord not allowing Thirumangai Azhwar an entry into the temple, the Azhvaar asked Parimala Rangan to keep all his beauty to himself and to enjoy it on his own.
  4. ThiruMangai Azhwar goes on to argue that the world will talk about the Lord in bad light as he shut the door on the Azhwar. 
  5. The Lord ignores this comment of the Azhvaar saying that he need not worry about it and that he will take care of any ill feelings.
  6. Despite repeated attempts to impress the Lord to allow him an entry, Parimala Rangan maintains his silence.
  7.  A dejected and frustratedThiru Mangai Azhvaar decided that he would leave the place as the Lord was stubborn at not allowing Darshan to the Azhwar.
  8. Thiru Mangai Azhvaar in his Pasuram(1331) says ‘Vaasi Valleer Indhalureer Vazhnthey Pomneerey….’ to mean that ‘ I am leaving, you yourself live here and enjoy life’.
  9. Sensing that ThiruMangai Azhwar may leave the place without praising him enough, Lord Parimala Rangan tries to prolong the argument and asks him to sing praise of him. 
  10. Thiru Mangai Azhvaar replies saying “How can I shower praise on you when you do not allow me to see you”. 
  11. Lord Parimala Ranga says “ You who have sung praises of other Lords, sitting in your place, do sing praise of me too so I can listen to your sweet songs.” 
  12. ThiruMangai Azhwar finally falls for it and composes 10 Paasurams.


PURANIC SIGNIFICANCE 4:



  1. As per the legend, Chandra fell in love with Devas Guru Pirakaspathi’s wife Dhara, even though he knew the act was adharma, punishment of pushing him to Naraka loka, etc,. 
  2. They spent nights together. Pragaspathi complained to Brahma. Brahma scolded him and relieved Dhara from Chandran and handed over to Pragaspathi. 
  3. In the meantime, She had become pregnant and gave birth to a child, called Budhan. Pragaspathi cursed Chandra to diminish his powers and get shayaroga. 
  4. Chandra begged for pardon from Pragaspathi. Pragaspathi gave the solution for the curse, he had to go to bhoolok where Vishnu graces in a temple Sugantha vana on the banks of river kaveri. 
  5. Chandra worshipped Vishnu and Vishnu blessed him to get back his powers.
  6. Another story goes that Dakshan was so taken in by Chandran’s handsome features that he decided to make him the suitor for his 27 daughters. However, Chandran was interested only in one of the daughters, Rohini and mockingly ignored the others.
  7. Dakshan found that the handsome looks had made Chandran too arrogant and cursed him to immediately lose his youth and his strong luring features.
  8. This is also another story where Chandra got relief by doing penance in this place.

Do's and Don'ts

  1. Do pray your Ishta Devata before pilgrimage to the Temple.
  2. Do contact Temple Devasthanam information centre for enquiry, temple information and for Pooja details etc.
  3. Do reserve your travel and accommodation at Temple well in advance.
  4. Take a bath and wear clean clothes before you enter the temple.
  5. Do concentrate on God and Goddess inside the temple.
  6. Do observe ancient customs and traditions while in the Temple.
  7. Do respect religious sentiments at Temple.
  8. Do deposit your offerings in the hundi only.


  1. Do not come to Temple for any purpose other than worshipping God and Goddess.
  2. Do not smoke at Temple.
  3. Do not consume alcoholic drinks at Temple.
  4. Do not eat non-vegetarian food in the Kshetram.
  5. Do not carry any weapon inside the temple.
  6. Do not wear any head guards like helmets, caps, turbans and hats inside the temple premises.
  7. Do not perform Sastanga Pranama inside the Sanctum Sanctorum.
  8. Do not take much time while performing Sparsa Darshanam to God in Garbhagriha.
  9. Do not buy spurious prasadams from street vendors.
  10. Do not encourage beggars at Temple.
  11. Do not spit or create nuisance in the premises of the temple.


Dress Code

  1. For men the dress code is Shirt & Trouser, Dhoti or Pyjamas with upper cloth.
  2. For women the preferred dress code is saree or half-saree with blouse or churidar with pyjama and upper cloth.
  3. These rules are applicable for foreigners also. Shorts, mini-skirts, middies, sleeveless tops, low-waist jeans and short-length T-shirts are not allowed.
  4. Pilgrims/visitors will not be allowed inside the temple if dress code is not followed.


How to reach

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By Air: 

The nearest airport is Tiruchirapalli, about 135 kilometres from the temple.


By Railway: 

The Mayiladuthurai railway station is nearby, and well-connected by trains with many parts of the state and the country.


By Roadways: 

  1. Government and private buses, cars, taxis, and autos, are available for travelling to the temple from far and wide.
  2. Drive south on NH32 from Chennai, passing through towns like Villupuram and Kumbakonam.
  3. Follow signs to Mayiladuthurai.
  4. From Mayiladuthurai, head towards Thiruindalur, which is a short distance away.



Nearby Cities and Rivers

Rivers Near the Temple:


Cauvery River:



The Cauvery River, one of the most sacred rivers in South India, flows near the temple. Thiruindalur is located close to the banks of the Cauvery. The river is central to the religious life of the region, and many devotees take a holy dip in the Cauvery before visiting the temple.


Arasalar River:



The Arasalar River, a tributary of the Cauvery, also flows close to Thiruindalur. This river passes through the town of Mayiladuthurai before joining the Bay of Bengal. It is another important waterbody near the temple.


Cities and Towns Near the Temple:


Mayiladuthurai:

Distance: Approximately 2 km

Description: Mayiladuthurai is the nearest major town to Thiruindalur. It is a significant religious and cultural centre in TamilNadu, known for its numerous temples, including the Mayuranathar Temple. The town serves as a hub for pilgrims visiting various temples in the region.


Nagapattinam:

Distance: Approximately 40 km

Description: Nagapattinam is the district headquarters and a coastal town. It is known for its religious diversity, including Hindu temples, churches, and mosques. The town has a rich history and is an important port city.


Kumbakonam:

Distance: Approximately 30 km

Description: Kumbakonam, known as the "Temple Town," is famous for its numerous temples, including the famous Mahamaham tank. It is one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in Tamil Nadu and is well connected by road and rail.


Thirukkadaiyur:

Distance: Approximately 22 km

Description: Thirukkadaiyur is another important pilgrimage site nearby, famous for the Amritaghateswarar-Abirami Temple, where rituals for longevity and marriage are performed.


Sirkazhi:

Distance: Approximately 20 km

Description: Sirkazhi is a historic town known for the Sattainathar Temple, where Lord Shiva is worshipped in three different forms. It is also closely associated with the revered Tamil saint Thirugnana Sambandar.