Sri Parimala Ranganathar Temple – Thiru Indalur

Presiding deity : Parimala Ranganathar, Suganthavana Nathar In a lying position, face on the east
Goddess mother : Parimala Ranganayaki, Chandrasaba Vimochanavalli
Holy spring : Indu Pushkarani
Place : Thiru Indalur
District : Nagapattinam

Chandra the Moon had the darshan of the Lord in this shrine

History:

Sri Parimala Ranganathar Temple – Thiru IndalurFasting on Ekadasi day is very devotionally followed in many places in India, a tradition followed through centuries both by kings and the common men and women. It is a fasting submitted to Lord Narayana chanting his glory in silence and it is the hope that the reward would be very rich. After the New Moon or Full Moon day, the eleventh day is Ekadasi meaning 11th day.

King Ambarisha was following this Ekadasi fasting very sincerely. He was observing the 100th such fasting and there were elaborate arrangements for the Pujas in this connection.

While people on earth were happy about the King’s observation of the fasting, which gave them a peaceful and happy life, the subjects of the celestial world were annoyed that king Ambarisha may be awarded even the rulership of their world too for his sincere fasting. The power of the fasting is such even now, if devotionally undertaken as per prescribed rules.

To protect themselves from the threat of losing their position and command and respect,. the Devas, the subjects of the celestial world approached Sage Durvasa to prevent the fasting of the King. As per rules, after complete fasting on the Ekadasi Day, the devotee should eat on the next day called Dwadasi (12th day) before a fixed time. The fasting would be considered complete only if this is done on the Dwadasi day. Failing would result in the loss of effects of the fasting.

Sri Parimala Ranganathar Temple – Thiru IndalurWhen the king was about to have his food on the Dwadasi day, sage Durvasa called on him. The king did not know the design of the sage. Receiving the sage with all respect due to him, King Ambarisha requested him to dine with him. The sage consented and said that he would be back after a dip in the river and asked him to wait till then. The intention of the sage was that if he returned late, the king could not complete the fasting by eating within the time and that he would lose the profit of the fasting.

Sri Parimala Ranganathar Temple – Thiru IndalurOnly a little time was left to complete the fasting. Durvasa did not return. The king was hesitant to have his food, as he was afraid of the curse of Durvasa known for his hot temperament. The king consulted the pandits how to go ahead with the issue, as he was keen not to lose the fasting effect and also escape the fury of the sage in the meantime. They suggested that the King consumes a spoon of water with Tulsi leaf completing the fast and wait for the sage to dine with him. The sage understood the plan by his powers and flew into passion. The sage, in his fury, created a devil and ordered it to kill the king.

Sri Parimala Ranganathar Temple – Thiru IndalurKing Ambarishan ran to the temple and surrendered at the feet of Parimalaranganatha Perumal for protection from the devil. The Lord drove the devil. Sage Durvasa, conceding his defeat apologized to the Lord. His pride disappeared. After the completion of the 100th fasting the Lord asked the King what he wanted.

The King sought the blessing of the Perumal for all the devotees calling on him and makes them ever happy. He asked nothing for him.

Reputation:

Belonging to the 108 Divyadesa temples, this is one with a five-tier tower measuring 350 feet long and 230 feet wide. The Chandra Pushkarani spring is in front of the temple. Planet Moon had a dip in the spring and got relieved of his curse. Chandra the moon worships the face of the Lord; Sun the feet and the naval Brahma. Cauvery worships the head; Ganga, King Ambarisha and Yama the lord of death worship the feet of the Lord here. Cauvery is considered more holy in this place than Ganga.

Festivals:

The Lord comes in procession on the Tamil New Year day, almost falling on April 14 of each year. During the month of Adi (July-August) Adi Pooram is celebrated for 10 days. In Avani month (August-September) a five day celebration is observed for Lord Kannan. Navarathri in Purattasi (September-October), Thula Brahmmotsavam in Ipasi (October-November), 20 days Vaikunda Ekadasi in Margazhi (December-January) Sankranti or Pongal in Thai (January-February), Brahmmotsavam in Panguni (March-April) are the important festivals in the temple. The daily Puja time is 6.30 a.m. to 11.30 a.m. and 5.00 p.m. to 8.30 p.m.

Thiru Indalur is 2 kilometers from Mayiladuthurai. Temple contact No. 04364 – 223 330. Nearest railway station is Mayiladuthurai and airport Chennai.