Tirunaagai – Neelamegha Perumal temple
Divya Desam 19 of 108 | Region: Chozhanadu
Tirunaagai, known today as Nagapattinam, is a revered Divya Desam located right in the heart of this coastal temple town. This holy site is celebrated for offering a triple darshan of Lord Vishnu — in standing, sitting, and reclining postures — all within the same complex, making it an extraordinary pilgrimage destination for devotees of the Vaishnavite tradition.
Divine Highlights:
- Moolavar: Neelamegha Perumal – in standing posture
- Thayar: Soundaryavalli
- Other Deities:
- Govindaraja Perumal – in sitting posture
- Ranganatha Perumal – in reclining posture
- Ashtabhuja Narasimhar – with 8 arms, blessing Prahlada and slaying Hiranyakashipu
- Theertham: Sarapushkarini
- Vimanam: Soundarya Vimanam
- Sthala Vriksham: Mango tree
Sacred Legends:
The spiritual foundation of Tirunaagai lies in a tale from the Brahmanda Purana, involving a princess cursed with a third breast. The prophecy foretold that the curse would be lifted upon meeting her destined groom. The miracle unfolded at this temple when she saw Nagaraja offering prayers — her curse vanished instantly, and she realized her divine union was destined with Neelamegha Perumal. Pleased by their devotion, the Lord appeared in three divine forms — standing, sitting, and reclining — to bless the couple.
This temple is also closely tied to the story of Dhruva, the boy-devotee who attained a special darshan of the Lord here. Additionally, the Ashtabhuja Narasimhar shrine is a rare and powerful sight, with the Lord’s eight hands simultaneously protecting Prahlada and annihilating Hiranyakashipu, a divine emblem of justice and courage.
Azhwar Mangalaasaasanam:
Praised by Tirumangai Azhwar in the Naalayira Divya Prabandham:
- Pasurams: 1758–1767
Festivals:
- Panguni Brahmotsavam – Grand annual festival
- Vaikunta Ekadasi – Celebrated with special rituals and fervor
- Aadi Pooram – Honoring the divine consort, Soundaryavalli Thayar
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