A temple praised by Appar, Sundarar and Thiru Gnana Sambandhar as one by the Sea Shore
12 temples have survived the test of time here in Nagapattinam, the most prominent among them being the Kaaya Rohana Swamy temple. It is probably the only temple where the four major streets around the temple are named after the Ambal, Neela Devi.
Pundareeka Rishi was keen to have ‘Shiva Logam’ darshan and in his quest towards achieving this undertook penance at Kasi and Kanchipuram. He then undertook penance at Kumbakonam. From there, he was directed to Nagapattinam.
Saptha ‘Vidangal’ Kshetram
This is one of the Saptha Vidangal Kshetrams. Musukuntha Chozha (http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2015/12/thiruvarur-thyagaraja-temple.html) was handed 7 Lingams by Indra. He installed one of those here in Thiru Nagai. As the one here was the most beautiful, it came to be referred to as ‘Sundara Vidanga’.
The Saptha Vidangal temples include Vedaranyam, Thiru Kuvalai, Thiru Nallar, Thiru Voimur, Thiru Kaaravasal and the most prominent among them, Tiruvarur.
True Devotion to the Lord
One of the 63 Nayanmars, Athi Bhakta Nayanar attained mukthi here. To this day, when a descendent of his clan attains mukthi, he is brought to the entrance of temple and the Lord’s garland is placed on the body as a mark of respect.
Over a period of time, much to his surprise, he received just one fish a day and as was his devotion presented that single catch back to the sea. He and his family lived in hunger given the lack of catchings.
Delighted at his devotion, the Lord provided darshan, seated on the Rishabha Vahana. This episode is enacted every year on Aani Ahilyam.
Praised by three Saint Poets
The Saint Poets have praised the temple as one being by the Sea Shore and the Lord as 'Kaa-Rohanar'.
Sundarar was presented with gold and pearls here at this place in recognition of his great contribution.
7 town Procession
A devotee in Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) was destined to live just for 16 years due to a disease from birth. Invoking the blessings of the Lord Kaaya Rohanar through sincere prayers, he was blessed to remain 16 forever. When Yama came on the appointed day to pick him up, he understood the blessings of the Lord and dropped him back at Thiru Nagai.
Dasaratha’s connection to this temple
When Saturn struck Ayodhya, King Dasaratha was directed by his Kula Deivam, the Sun God, to install a Bala ‘Sani’ Idol at Thiru Nagai to liberate himself from the Sani Dosham. In memory of this episode, all the Navagraha idols at this temple are seen facing the Lord.
Panchaakshi Peedam
This is also one of the 5 Aakshi Peedam place of Ambal, the others being Kasi, Kanchi, Madurai and Thiruvarur. There is a separate flag post for the Ambal at this temple. When the Lord sent Nandhi to offer protection to Ambal, a saddened vehicle turned one eye in the direction of the Lord to show his devotion to the Lord. Hence, one of Nandi is seen turned towards the Lord.
There are several inscriptions dating back to the Chozha period.
Festivals
23 day Brahmotsvam in Vaikasi
10 day festival in Aadi
How to reach
Auto from the Nagapattinam railway station will cost Rs. 50. One can also walk to the temple through the Big Bazaar street ( 15 minutes from the station).
When here also visit Thiru Nagai Soundararaja Perumal Divya Desam
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2007/08/108-divya-desam-thiru-nagai.html
and Thiru Kannangudi Divya Desam
http://prtraveller.blogspot.in/2008/06/thiru-kannangudi.html