The place where Chandran was liberated from his curse
Thalaichanga Naanmathiyam Divya Desam in Thalaichangadu, once a commercial hub
(it is believed that Conches were special at this place ) now wears almost a deserted look.
Located 12 kms East of Seerkazhi on the Nagapatinam State Highway, this historical temple said to be over a 1000 years old has connections with the Srirangam and Thiru Indhalur temples.
A redeeming feature is the commitment and devotion of Varadarajan Bhattar, who travels 16kms by bus every morning from Mayavaram.
The Story- Chandran liberated from curse
Chandran, who was learning under the tutelage of Guru Brihaspathi, once cast an evil eye on the wife of his Guru, whose curse turned Chandran into a disease prone body.
Another story goes that Dakshan gave his many daughters to Chandran after being impressed with his handsome looks. However, Chandran fell in love only with Rohini and disregarded the others. Dakshan viewed that Chandran had become arrogant as a result of his good looks and cursed Chandran, who lost his ‘personality’.
Chandran turned to Lord Vishnu for liberation from the curse and is said to have undertaken the following steps as directed by the Lord:.
Step 1- Chandran is said to have bathed and done Kainkaryam at Srirangam for 15 years and got liberated from his ‘body disease’.
Step 2- After bathing at Thiru Indhalur and offering prayers to Parimala Rangan, he had his sins reduced. As per his request, this place came to be called Indhunna (a name denoting Chandran) and this region was referred to as Chandran Kshetram.
Finally, he came to Thalaichangadu Kshetram, bathed in the temple tank here and undertook penance. Lord Vishnu, along with Goddess, is said to have appeared before him in the Chandra Vimaanam and liberated him from all his curses. Hence the Lord’s name here is Chandra Saabha Haran.
Chandran requested that the Lord fulfil all the wishes of the devotees who pray sincerely to him at this temple, just as he did. Hence, the Lord here is referred to as Naan Maathiyam Perumal.
Thirumangai Azhvaar’s Praise
Lured by the beauty of the Lord, Thirumangai, sitting in Thirukannapuram (south west of this temple), sings:
‘Kannar Kannapuram Kadigai, Thannar Thamari Soozh
Thalai Changa Vinnal Naan Mathiya
Veriginra Ven Sudaraal Kannara Kandu Kandu
Kali Kinrandu Ingu Endugola’
In the Siriya Thiru Madal, Thirumangai refers to the special sacred water at this temple:
“Mannum Mani Mada Koil, Manaalana Naneer
Thalai Changa Naan Madiyanaai”
To this day, the sacred water (Theertham) tastes special here at this temple.
Andal’s special posture
Andal is seen in a standing posture, next to Lord Narayanan, with her head slightly tilted to the left.
Festivals
Pavitrotsavam in September-October
Navarathri Utsavam was started in 2008 after a gap of several decades.
Quick Facts
Moolavar: Naan Mathiyam Perumal, East Facing Standing Posture
Godddess: ThalaiChanga Naachiyar
Utsavar: Vensutar Perumal( Yoma Jothi Piraan)
Utsava Goddess: Shengamalavalli Thaayar
Azhvaar : Thirumangai Azhvaar (2)
Temple Time : 10am-530pm
Priest : Varadaraja Bhattar@99652 73712
Address: 50/23 Pattamangala Street Mayavaram 609 001
How to reach this temple
12kms from Seerkazhi on Nagapatinam route, 2kms East of Poompuhar Entrance
16kms from Mayavaram via Poompuhar Entrance
20kms from Mayavaram via Aakur Junction
Buses aplenty on the Seerkazhi-Poompuhar-Nagai route
as well as on the Mayavaram-Aakur-Nagai route.
½ Km from Thalachangadu bus stop
