Information courtesy: www.hindudevotionalblog.com
Kailasanathar Temple, the second of the 9 Navagraham Temples in Tamilnadu, dedicated to Lord Chandra (Moon God), the second graha of the Navagrahas. This Chandra Navagraha Stalam is located at Thingaloor which is about 8 km from Tiruvaiyaru near Thanjavur in Tamilnadu. Thingaloor is named after the Tamil word, ‘Thingal’, which means Chandra or Moon. As most of the other Navagraha Temples of Tamilnadu, Kailasanathar Temple is also a Shiva Stalam and the main deities worshipped here are Kailasanathar and Goddess Periyanakiamman.
Legend says it that the Lord Chandra worshipped Lord Shiva here to save him from a curse and gained his blessings. Hence it is believed that those who have any Chandra Dosha in their horoscopes can get relief from suffering by offering prayers and perfoming pujas to Lord Kailasanathar, Goddess Periyanayaki and Chandra Bhagwan. Devotees who worship Lord Chandra are blessed with good health, mother’s welfare, and get rid of the stress and sorrow in daily life.
Temple Architecture
Thingaloor Kailasanathar Temple is about 1500 years old. Built in the 7th century by Pallava King Rajasimha, this ancient Shaivite shrine reflects the early Dravidian architecture. A huge Nandi is seen in the front, facing the temple. The 16-sided Shiva lingam at the main shrine is made out of black granite. A unique feature of Thingaloor Temple is that during the months of Puratasi (September - October) and Panguni (March - April), the rays of the moon fall on the Shiva Lingam. The architectural style and the decorations carved on this temple are added features.
Thingaloor Temple History
This Chandra Sthalam is associated with the life of Tirunavukkarasar, one of the 63 Nayanmars (Saivite saints). Legend says that there lived a merchant, Appoodi Adikal, at Thingaloor, who was a devotee of Tirunavukkarasar. Appoodi Adigal had an opportunity to host the saint, when he visited Thingaloor. At the same time, his son was bitten by a venomous snake. However, the merchant continued to serve the saint without revealing the tragedy. The saint was inspired by his devotion and restored the boy’s life by singing songs in praise of Lord Shiva at this temple. This collection of ten songs came to be known as ‘Thirupathikam’.
Temple Offerings
As Lord Chandran’s color is white, he is offered with raw rice mixed with jaggery, white Arali (a flower), and white clothing. It is believed that this pooja removes obstacles in life. Besides, special pujas are performed on all full moon days.
Temple Timings
The temple is opened from 7:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00PM to 8:00 PM on all days.
How to reach Thingaloor Kailasanathar Temple
Thingaloor Temple is about 36 km from Kumbakonam, on the way to Tiruvaiyaru. It is about 1 km from Thirupayhanam which is on the Kumbakonam - Thiruvayyaru Road. Kumbakonam Railway Station is the nearest railway station. Frequent buses are also available. Sethu Express (Rameswaram to Tambaram) and Tirupati Express (Tiruchirapalli - Tirupati) passes through Kumbakonam Railway Station.
The nearest domestic airport is Tiruchirapalli Airport or Trichy Airport, 90 km east of Kumbakonam. The nearest international airport is Chennai International Airport which is 315 km from Kumbakonam.