Nachiyar Koil

Nachiyar Kovil
Nachiyar Kovil Location in Tamil Nadu
Coordinates:	10°55′N 79°26′E
Location
Country:	India
State:	Tamil Nadu
District:	Tanjore
Location:	Nachiyar Kovil
Temple Details
Primary Deity:	Srinivas Perumal(Vishnu)
Consort:	Vanchulavalli Nachiyar(Lakshmi)
Festival Deity:	Kal Garudar
Architecture and culture
Architectural styles:	Dravidian architecture

The temple sthalam at Naachiyar Koil, Tirunaraiyur is one of the 108 divya desams of Hindus. The place is very close to the temple town of Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district.

Nachiyar Koil KuthuVilakku (Brass Ornamental Lamps)

Nachiar Koil is situated nearly 10 k.m. away from Kumbakonam and 50 k.m.away from Thanjavur on the roadway of Kumbakonam to Tiruvarur. It belongs to Thiruvidaimarudur Block, Kumbakonam Taluk and Thanjavur District. It has population of nearly 10000 inhabitants. In the 1920s Kammalar's was making the kuthuvilakku patterns and started the production of these lamps, which are a staple traditional production in the state. Naturally, the availability of black soil in the bank of River Cauvery (which forms part as raw materials for the brass lamps), is a factor contributing to the adequate production of the lamps. About 500 families are engaged in the brass lamp production. There are around 2500 artisans existing in the cluster, spread across 10 villages. About 1500 artisans are actively working in approximately 350 micro-enterprises. There around 1000 young artisans and 250 women members working in the cluster.

The Temple

The main deity here is Lord Vishnu in the form of Narayur Nambi and his consort Vanchulavalli thaayaar (Neela Devi Nachiyar).

This temple was built by Ko Chenkannan, the Chola King, at the place where they married, according to the legend. In this temple Nachiyar (thayar) is of prime importance. Devotees will be able to see that Vishnu stays at an arm's length from Thayar.

Lord Vishnu was of the view that in Kali Yugam men would have to listen to women. Hence he decided that he would first serve as an example and listen to the Goddess here. On all occasions, the first rights are reserved for the Nachiyar. Even the food is first served to the Nachiyar and only then to the Naraiyur Nambi.

Being a temple where the Goddess has prominence, one can see the Lord slightly by the side and the Goddess is the one who has the prominent position inside the sanctum. Even from the entrance of the temple, one gets a glimpse of Vanjulavalli Nachiyar.

Naachiyaar Koil in Thiru Naraiyur is one of the few Divya Desams where the Goddess has prominence over the Lord. Some of the other Divya Desams where the Goddess is dominant are Srivilliputhur, Uraiyur and Thiruvellarai. While Srivilliputhur is called Naachiyaar Thiru Maaligai, Thiru Naraiyur is called Naachiyar Koil. There is no separate Sannidhi for the Goddess and she is always seen together with the Lord.

Kal Garudar

Kal Garudar is the vahana for this temple. During street procession (Margazhi and Panguni), a tradition takes place at the Nachiyar Koil. While only 4 people carry a idol of Lord Garuda out of his Sannidhi, as it is taken out of each Layer and prakaram, 8, 16 and then 32 people fulfil that role. Finally, when the Lord is taken outside the temple, 128 people are required to carry the icon. On his way back only 4 people are required to carry him.

Quick Facts

Deity: Thiru Naraiyur Nambi, Srinivasa Perumal Standing Posture facing East
Goddess: VanjulaValli
Azhvaar: Thirumangai Azhvaar
Paasurams: 110 (1078, 1329, 1470, 1478-1577, 1611, 1659, 1852, 2059, 2068, 2673(71) and 2674 (73,133)
Temple hours: 6.30am –12.30pm and 4.30pm-8.30pm
Buses: All buses from Kumbakonam to Tiruvarur stop at Nachiyar Koil
Places to Stay: in Kumbakonam (VPR Lodge, Hotel Green Park, Raya’s)

Gallery

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  The temple Vimanam

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  Kal Garudar(Stone Garuda) procession

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  Kal Garudar(Stone Garuda)

External links

• http://www.hindu.com/fr/2005/04/08/stories/2005040800110300.htm